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Could anyone provide a bit of an overview of the different large diaphram AT mics? I am interested in the $200 - $500 mics that they have to offer.

3035, 4040, 4033...

Given that I cannot make much sense of the specs, I thought someone might be able to share there thoughts on what the differences/applications are for them.

Thanks in advance.

Jim

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Update:

OK, I got some info off line:

30 series (anything 30xx) is home studio
40 series (anything 40xx) higher end

AT4033 Cardioid
AT4040 LD cardioid
AT4050 LD cardioid multi-pattern
AT4060 LD cardioid tube

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Comments

lorenzo gerace Mon, 06/23/2003 - 23:37

Hi

I have a pair of 3035: love them, flat, uncolored, detailed and crisp; for the money the best pair of mics i got so far; I use them on many tracking sessions: from acoustic guitars to strings to vocals and stereo overheads for ensemble recordings (as an ORTF pair); they particulary impressed me in this last task: I used them to record a piano/double bass duo in a theater, with a Focusrite Octopre and straight to a Sony DAT: I couldn't belive the results, at 7 m from the duo they sounded so close, detailed and present that I didn't have to manipulate or edit the recording afterward and the players were impressed too.

AT mics are a killer deal for the bucks.

L.G.

anonymous Sun, 06/29/2003 - 12:58

I have a pair of 4050's that I like quite a bit. No plans to sell them that is for sure. I tend to think of them as a better sounding than the AKG414.

I have been wondering about the 4047 and its sonic characteristic. If anyone uses this mic frequently let me know what you think of it and what you like to use it on.

Thanks,

jason

sheet Sun, 06/29/2003 - 15:41

I have 4050's, 60's, 40's, 41's, 47's.

The 4040's are a scaled down, altered version of the 4047. They have a unique sound. All nickel mics are bright on the top, and these are single membrane nickel, where the 47's are dual membrane nickel.

If you have the money, buy the 4050's. If you have money for the 4060, then great. The 4050 is a stark reality mic in my opinion. You will not be disappointed.

Another great mic, though not multipattern is the Audix lollipop mic. Call Gene Houck at Audix and tell him Brent sent ya.

anonymous Mon, 06/30/2003 - 08:04

I still question whether the 4040 and the 4047 are nickel diaphragm mics. The brass backplate may be nickel plated, but that has little to do with sound and will definitely not make the mics bright (other than optically). The diaphragms are very probably mylar, but that doesn't prevent them from being bright.

anonymous Tue, 07/08/2003 - 19:25

I have an AT-3035, I find it's good for all applications. I find it especially good for guitar amps, when I first got the mic i put it up against a TLM-103 and a Rode NT-2 at about 4' away from my guitar cabinet. After some examination I found my mic to have a richer fuller sound. The 3035 is also excellent for vocals!! Excellent mic all round I think and the price is decent $300 CDN.

Extreme

anonymous Tue, 07/08/2003 - 21:31

Looking back at the original question reminds me that it could be worth pointing out that not all of the mics listed as "large diaphragm" are, in fact, large diaphragms. The 4033, for instance.

It is understandable when someone builds a large housing around a small or medium sized diaphragm, that things can get confusing! Of course, I wouldn't accuse mic manufacturers of purposely trying to "fool" anyone, would I?

Anyway, I made the same mistake some time back. I always assumed that the SM7 was a large diaphragm dynamic, much like the 421 or the RE20. In fact, it is the exact same capsule as in the SM57 - placed in a larger housing.

However, in practice it may not matter much. Both the 4033 and the SM7 sound "bigger" than they really are, so perhaps no harm done. But it's nice to know what's really under the hood before you buy the car.

Alécio Costa Thu, 07/10/2003 - 20:48

Hey sheet, I am a big fan of the 4050´s a syou saw above.

I have been thinking of buying a 4040. I always thought they were superior to the 4047´s.

So, please, exemplify some features and applications where you preferred it and also, where the 4047 excelled the 4050.

:p A few months ago someone pointed that for vocals the 4040´s were fatter than the 4050´s.
thanks

KurtFoster Thu, 07/10/2003 - 21:29

Originally posted by sheet:
I have 4050's, 60's, 40's, 41's, 47's.

The 4040's are a scaled down, altered version of the 4047. They have a unique sound. All nickel mics are bright on the top, and these are single membrane nickel, where the 47's are dual membrane nickel.

If you have the money, buy the 4050's. If you have money for the 4060, then great. The 4050 is a stark reality mic in my opinion. You will not be disappointed.

Another great mic, though not multipattern is the Audix lollipop mic. Call Gene Houck at Audix and tell him Brent sent ya.

I nominate Brent (sheet) the most helpful on the site. ... and he knows his stuff. I think he's going to be our new mod /forum leader in the live sound forum (which I hope will soon be re opened under Brents guidance). Perhaps if we ask Brent real nice he will join me in writing some reviews for RO!

BTW, I just recived a D6 kick drum mic to review from Audix and they promised as soon as I finish with it they will swap me for the lolipop mic! I was at the factory today. Took lots of pics and I will post them soon.. Kurt