| I was once considering getting a second AT4040 so I could use them for overheads. The 4040 kills on just about anything (vocals, acoustic guitar, ambiance).
I borrowed a second 4040 and tried them on my kit... MUCH too harsh. Though there is nice detail, the cymbals almost seemed distorted, no matter how high I put the mics (and obviously with the -10dB switches engaged). The highs were just too harsh.
I then tried an AT4050, which sounded sweet. Similar, but without the harshness.
In any event, these experiments also convinced me that using large diaphragm mics on overheads can sound good, but can be a pain. The phasing problems I got were about twice as much as with small diaphragm mics. Very time consuming, trying to move things around till the phasing problems are gone (or fixing all the phasing problems in Cubase).
The AT4040 is an awesome mic, but not ideal for overheads, imo.
I'd go for the Oktava's. Though my personal favorite is still the Shure SM81...
When recording drums, I use the AT4040 about 2 feet in front of my kick. Gives you that Bonham "boom" (the low-end in the AT4040 is nice and clean, but big, as long at you don't stuff the kick drum with pillows/blankets/curtains/pets).
d. |