AT3060, AT4033, AT4050...what to do, what to do

vs.Gotham · 25th February 2007, 09:29 PM

So I'm looking to get my first semi-decent condenser and I've narrowed it down to an AT mic - these three in particular. Here's the facts:

- I'm looking for something mainly for vocals (usually male, mid range), sometimes acoustic guitar, and once in a while maybe for an electric guitar. Versatility is good, but vocals are the focus.

- The AT3060 is great price wise, but I'm worried about a few things. That the sound might be too colored, and that because it's a tube that I'll end up having to do maintenance on it often (especially since I'll be looking for a used one).

- The AT4050 is, from what I've read, amazing for the price. Still, the price is steep for my budget. Quite steep.

- I haven't heard as much about the AT4033, but it seems like it might be a middle ground. I'm debating if the 4050 is a large enough improvement over it that I might as well just save up for it.

My other considerations were an Apex 460 and the Studio Projects C1.

I don't have a place where I can properly compare all these mics, so any advice on this would be really appreciated.

Sounds Great · 25th February 2007, 10:07 PM

You should add the 4047sv to the list of possibles. It doesn't have selectable patterns like the 4050, but I like it better for vocals and electric guitar cab. Should be good for acoustic as well.

vs.Gotham · 25th February 2007, 10:13 PM

Thank you, I'll put that down - I don't need the multipattern option for much right now. Can you quantify why you like it better for vocals?

I also saw the AT4040 is very affordable, but haven't found much info on it.

Ironklad Audio · 25th February 2007, 10:37 PM

the 4040 might be pretty well up your alley...from what i understand, it was made to be the replacement for the 4033, but the strong demand of the 4033 kept it in production - the 4040 is a true LDC, while the 4033 is MDC

i have a 4033 myself, and it's a very airy/sweet/bright/whatever you want to call it sort of mic - great for acoustic guitars, female vox, and anything else you need some good top-end for. i hear the 4040, w/ its larger diaghrapm, is better suited for getting some beefy midrange, and is commonly described as a "workhorse" type of mic

Sounds Great · 25th February 2007, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vs.Gotham

Thank you, I'll put that down - I don't need the multipattern option for much right now. Can you quantify why you like it better for vocals?

It has more character, stronger mid range. I really like this microphone.

Gilliland · 25th February 2007, 10:50 PM

The 4050 is the real workhorse in AT's lineup. It's usable on just about everything. The 4047 is designed for vocals, but it is not intended to be a neutral mic. It is colored by design, and sort of a one trick pony. I haven't heard the 3060, so I can't comment on that. And I don't like the 4033 at all. It has a bright "tizzyness" that sounds nasty on everything (to my ear anyway).

If you're buying a mic that you want to be able to use on many different sources, the 4050 is the one you want. But by all means listen - to ANY microphone - before you buy it.

Used 4050s turn up pretty frequently. AT's been selling it for almost 20 years, so there are quite a few out there.

NathanC · 25th February 2007, 10:52 PM

I love the 4047 on vocals (especially male) and el gtr cab, and I like the 4033 on ac gtr.

So out of those two, my vote goes to the 4047.

vs.Gotham · 25th February 2007, 11:09 PM

The 4047 is sounding better and better but I'n struggling with the price. The 4040 is looking very good though, unless someone warns me completely against it.

DeeDrive · 25th February 2007, 11:36 PM

I have my 4050 on omni pretty much all the time, I love it for getting up close to the mic for vocals and acoustic guitars.

Don't think you don't need an omni sound until you've tried it, I couldn't live without it personally.

The 4050 works on everything, you'll never sell this mic if you buy it, and for $300-$400 used on ebay, it's a steal.

jdjustice · 26th February 2007, 12:22 AM

i love the 4050 on acoustic guitars but not so much on vocals.

i will put in another vote for the 4047.

this is my favourite AT mic for vocals and IMO it sounds like a mic twice the price.
FWIW i think it's definitely worth investing the extra money in the 4047 over the 4040.

cheers
~j.d.

vs.Gotham · 26th February 2007, 12:27 AM

The 4050 on Omni would be something you'd only use on a treated room right? I've got a little corner that's okay for vox but the room is far from a properly treated one (I'm planning on moving soon so I haven't invested in that).

Thanks for all the help so far. I'm still hoping someone convinces me that a 4040 is the way to go but it looks like I've got some saving to do!

monkeyxx · 26th February 2007, 12:38 AM

for starters, try listening to the sound clips of all these mics on Audio Technica's website, if you haven't. I think it will show you a little bit of the differences between the mics soundwise, on some standard sources

I just got a 4033 and think it sounds great on acoustic guitar, which is what I bought it for specifically... I haven't tried singing into it yet myself, but I recorded a friend and he in a blind test chose the AT3035 over the 4033, and I agreed it sounded best. the 3035 is my standard vocal mic for my own voice (been using it for 3 years), and I think it sounds nice, you might like it too? I got one for $150 new, and lately I've seen them even cheaper. I haven't tried the other 40 series mics though so I can't comment (though I'd like to... good call on going with audio technica... they sure are doing something right)

gsharp · 26th February 2007, 12:38 AM

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms//e...cca/index.html

chrisp2u · 26th February 2007, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeeDrive

$300-$400 used on ebay, it's a steal.

I actually just picked one up new for $412 shipped off of ebay

---
c

DeeDrive · 26th February 2007, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vs.Gotham

The 4050 on Omni would be something you'd only use on a treated room right? I've got a little corner that's okay for vox but the room is far from a properly treated one (I'm planning on moving soon so I haven't invested in that).

Thanks for all the help so far. I'm still hoping someone convinces me that a 4040 is the way to go but it looks like I've got some saving to do!

It's true an omni mic picks up a lot more room sound, but if you get close enough to the diaphragm, it's not much of an issue. I've got 14 panels of OC 703 hung in my room, so it sounds decent enough, but I've used it in untreated rooms with great success as well.

You won't be dissapointed with any of these AT mics. I actually really dig the AT2020, sounds a lot like the 4050 on cardioid, and it's $99!

mrmicguy · 26th February 2007, 07:46 AM

There are some technical differences between all these AT mics you're discussing - and they are all good mics.

4033 is a classic - really the first good LDC to break price barriers. It uses a fixed charged back plate. (often called a back electret condensor).

4040 is an externally biased condensor. It has a different sound to the 4033 - probably a bit smoother.

4047 is a different sound again - it has a "warm FET sound" (ie. it's high frequencies roll off a bit sooner - I guess they're trying to get something similar in sound to the U47FET)

4050 is a very useful microphone - a real all rounder. Multipattern gives you so many more options - like with fig 8 you have the start of a M-S stereo setup. which can be just amazing on accoustic guitar - or piano etc.

Don't worry about getting the 3060 - definitly move up into the 40 series.

Is the 4050 worth it? IMHO - a definite YES!
Remember though, vocals are such a personal thing - what sounds good for one singer may not sound good for another. If its for your singing - you need to try try try till you find one you like. If its for other too - then you'll a few different ones on hand to choose from. (sorry to state the obvious.)

uvc1977 · 26th February 2007, 09:18 AM

I own a pair of AT4050's great mic's, sound fantastic on a wide range of sources and are excellent value. Its def worth saving extra $$$ to get one

trident fan · 26th February 2007, 10:39 AM

4050 is very cool. it rocks on acoustic and vocals, as long as they r not too honky

Third Story · 26th February 2007, 06:32 PM

i love my 4050 on vox and acoustic! 4033 is pretty nice too but on acoustic guitar i like the 4050 better!

river · 27th February 2007, 01:14 AM

I own 3035's, 3060, 4050, even the lowly 2020's. I'll 2nd monkeyxx's opinion. The 3035 is an astounding mic for the money (as low as $135). I use it for vocals (both genders), acoustic and electric guitar, upright bass, horns, grand piano, etc etc.........the 3060 is really nice mic, a little bright and no pad, so not correct for every application. They're new enough that finding a used one might be a challenge. The 4050 is very versatile because of the multi pattern aspect, but I can count on one hand the number of times I use omni or figure 8 in a year. It's a little hyped in the upper mids. The 3035 is a really true sounding mic, has an extremely flat response curve, nice low end without being boomy and a well balanced upper end. They should cost alot more. My 2cents.

vs.Gotham · 28th February 2007, 07:11 AM

Can't tell you how much I appreciate everyone's input. I'm still a bit undecided, though I might be getting a 3035 just to hold me off till I can afford a 4050 (which might be a bit), since it sounds like I'll get some use out of it even after I get the 4050.

I talked to a few engineers at the studio I'm interning at and they told me to also check out the Rode NT1, so I might see if the local shop has one of those to try out too.

Thanks again!

dkelley · 2nd April 2007, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmicguy

There are some technical differences between all these AT mics you're discussing - and they are all good mics.

4033 is a classic - really the first good LDC to break price barriers. It uses a fixed charged back plate. (often called a back electret condensor).

4040 is an externally biased condensor. It has a different sound to the 4033 - probably a bit smoother.

4047 is a different sound again - it has a "warm FET sound" (ie. it's high frequencies roll off a bit sooner - I guess they're trying to get something similar in sound to the U47FET)

4050 is a very useful microphone - a real all rounder. Multipattern gives you so many more options - like with fig 8 you have the start of a M-S stereo setup. which can be just amazing on accoustic guitar - or piano etc.

Don't worry about getting the 3060 - definitly move up into the 40 series.

call me crazy (seriously, I don't mind), but from my professional experience I would rank the mics from the entire AT 20, 30 and 40 series side address condensor lines in the following order, from my favorites to my most hated:

4060
4050
4047
3060
2020
4040
3035
4033

I've used all of those, although admittedly some with less frequency, but those are my choices. This is irrelevant of price, it's purely based on sound quality and how often I use them in all studio records I've done over the past couple of years. Some of those mics are sort of newish, so maybe it's not entirely fair...

Interesting to see that I put the 2020 in the middle, not bad for a $100 small diaphram electret mic. Hadn't really thought about it before this. And also, those mics are not all being used on voice. 2020, acoustic guitar exclusively (but it gets used a LOT for that). 4060 and 3060 for vocals (4060 is very good, 3060 is different, not suited to as many voices, but still good).

I for one strongly disagree with anyone who tells me that the 20 series is inferior to the 30 or 40 series, or that the 30 series is inferior to the 40 series. I know, the 40 series has more expensive parts, but the result is in the mix right? there are 20 and 30 series mics that are simply more useful than the 4033 etc and still completely professional to use.

My two cents worth. I only own a 2020 and 4047 personally, I don't "love" the 4050 or 4060, and the 4040 leaves me cold, but it's very useful as a classical instrument mic (for my uses anyway).

Don

liquidorange · 2nd April 2007, 08:33 PM

the 4047 has color .dont wanna say warm though.it doesnt work on every vocal. the 4040 works well with more things and more rounded . i had 2 4033-s and never really loved them. the 4050 is very versitile but just didnt have a flavor so it went. i got my 4040-s for under 200$ on ebay.

bighud · 24th September 2007, 09:27 PM

I have used all the mics listed thus far with the exception of the 4047. I really enjoy the 4033, especially for the money. Good tones. Stay away from 30 series if you can. The 4050 is the best mic and very all-around. If I had to get one mic to do everything I would go with the 4050 or the 4033, depending on budget. The 4033 and the 4040 are very similar in quality but I get more compliments on sounds when I used the 4033.

Dream Send · 24th September 2007, 11:28 PM

Vocals = +1 for the 4047
Workhouse Mic = +1 for the 4040

Good Luck!

vs.Gotham · 24th September 2007, 11:37 PM

I should probably mention that since this thread was first posted (which was quite some time ago) I went on to acquire an at4050 and am quite happy with it. It's just as advertised - good on vocals, great on acoustic guitar, and very versatile. I actually used it along with an SM57 on a guitar cab (the 4050 about a foot and a half away) and got a fantastic sound blending the two, and I also used it to get a really great snare sound on a friend's album I worked on (used from about a foot away pointed at the center). So, very happy and thanks for all the advice.

I would still like a 4033 for some warmer vocals, but I'm happy with my 4050 for now.

johnwayne · 25th September 2007, 04:14 AM

Get another one and use them as overheads. I think they really excel in this application. Especially if you like it as a snare mic.

putney41 · 25th September 2007, 04:25 AM

I too just purchased my first 'big purchase' mic. After listening to the 4040, 4047, 4050, & 4060 I personally preferred the the 4047 over all of them for my style, voice, and application. I personally thought the 4050 was a close second as it is more versatile (desert island mic). If you have the opportunity to try them out the right mic will reveal itself. If not, there are sound clips online and links to them through some of these forums. Just remember when investing in gear: $200 more invested now will save you $300 or $400 dollars later after selling off old gear for upgrades. Plus you get what you want and will keep it alot longer. Just my 'slutty' recommendation:) Peace.

dp

hgen · 25th September 2007, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vs.Gotham

So I'm looking to get my first semi-decent condenser and I've narrowed it down to an AT mic - these three in particular. Here's the facts:

- I'm looking for something mainly for vocals (usually male, mid range), sometimes acoustic guitar, and once in a while maybe for an electric guitar. Versatility is good, but vocals are the focus.

- The AT3060 is great price wise, but I'm worried about a few things. That the sound might be too colored, and that because it's a tube that I'll end up having to do maintenance on it often (especially since I'll be looking for a used one).

- The AT4050 is, from what I've read, amazing for the price. Still, the price is steep for my budget. Quite steep.

- I haven't heard as much about the AT4033, but it seems like it might be a middle ground. I'm debating if the 4050 is a large enough improvement over it that I might as well just save up for it.

My other considerations were an Apex 460 and the Studio Projects C1.

I don't have a place where I can properly compare all these mics, so any advice on this would be really appreciated.

Of the cheaper AT 40 range, the AT4047 is by far the best and has heaps of wow factor!

ZFire · 26th September 2007, 01:40 AM

Big plus if you can try the mics in your own studio on your own voice, but otherwise the AT website has audio samples of all their 40-series mics that will tell you a lot. Its part of what convinced me to go for the 4060, since it seemed to have a Hi-Fi sound that the others couldn't quite match.

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25th February 2007, 09:29 PM	#1
vs.Gotham Gear nut Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 85	AT3060, AT4033, AT4050...what to do, what to do So I'm looking to get my first semi-decent condenser and I've narrowed it down to an AT mic - these three in particular. Here's the facts: - I'm looking for something mainly for vocals (usually male, mid range), sometimes acoustic guitar, and once in a while maybe for an electric guitar. Versatility is good, but vocals are the focus. - The AT3060 is great price wise, but I'm worried about a few things. That the sound might be too colored, and that because it's a tube that I'll end up having to do maintenance on it often (especially since I'll be looking for a used one). - The AT4050 is, from what I've read, amazing for the price. Still, the price is steep for my budget. Quite steep. - I haven't heard as much about the AT4033, but it seems like it might be a middle ground. I'm debating if the 4050 is a large enough improvement over it that I might as well just save up for it. My other considerations were an Apex 460 and the Studio Projects C1. I don't have a place where I can properly compare all these mics, so any advice on this would be really appreciated.

25th February 2007, 10:07 PM	#2
Sounds Great Gear Guru Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Twin Cities, USA Posts: 10,810	You should add the 4047sv to the list of possibles. It doesn't have selectable patterns like the 4050, but I like it better for vocals and electric guitar cab. Should be good for acoustic as well. __________________ You awake with a start To just the beating of your heart. Just one man beneath the sky, Just two ears, just two eyes.

25th February 2007, 11:36 PM	#9
DeeDrive Lives for gear Join Date: May 2005 Location: Hillsboro, OR Posts: 894	I have my 4050 on omni pretty much all the time, I love it for getting up close to the mic for vocals and acoustic guitars. Don't think you don't need an omni sound until you've tried it, I couldn't live without it personally. The 4050 works on everything, you'll never sell this mic if you buy it, and for $300-$400 used on ebay, it's a steal. __________________ There are only 10 types of people in the world: Those who understand binary, and those who don't. Jonaspark Mobile Recording: http://www.jonaspark.com http://www.myspace.com/mattdistad http://www.myspace.com/froghollowdaycamp

26th February 2007, 12:22 AM	#10
jdjustice Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: North Carolina Posts: 2,261	4047 i love the 4050 on acoustic guitars but not so much on vocals. i will put in another vote for the 4047. this is my favourite AT mic for vocals and IMO it sounds like a mic twice the price. FWIW i think it's definitely worth investing the extra money in the 4047 over the 4040. cheers ~j.d. __________________ jdjustice.net

25th February 2007, 10:13 PM	#3
vs.Gotham Gear nut Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 85	Thank you, I'll put that down - I don't need the multipattern option for much right now. Can you quantify why you like it better for vocals? I also saw the AT4040 is very affordable, but haven't found much info on it.

25th February 2007, 10:37 PM	#4
Ironklad Audio Lives for gear Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 502	the 4040 might be pretty well up your alley...from what i understand, it was made to be the replacement for the 4033, but the strong demand of the 4033 kept it in production - the 4040 is a true LDC, while the 4033 is MDC i have a 4033 myself, and it's a very airy/sweet/bright/whatever you want to call it sort of mic - great for acoustic guitars, female vox, and anything else you need some good top-end for. i hear the 4040, w/ its larger diaghrapm, is better suited for getting some beefy midrange, and is commonly described as a "workhorse" type of mic

25th February 2007, 10:50 PM	#6
Gilliland Gear maniac Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 274	The 4050 is the real workhorse in AT's lineup. It's usable on just about everything. The 4047 is designed for vocals, but it is not intended to be a neutral mic. It is colored by design, and sort of a one trick pony. I haven't heard the 3060, so I can't comment on that. And I don't like the 4033 at all. It has a bright "tizzyness" that sounds nasty on everything (to my ear anyway). If you're buying a mic that you want to be able to use on many different sources, the 4050 is the one you want. But by all means listen - to ANY microphone - before you buy it. Used 4050s turn up pretty frequently. AT's been selling it for almost 20 years, so there are quite a few out there.

25th February 2007, 10:52 PM	#7
NathanC Gear maniac Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Amsterdam, Europe Posts: 169	I love the 4047 on vocals (especially male) and el gtr cab, and I like the 4033 on ac gtr. So out of those two, my vote goes to the 4047.

25th February 2007, 11:09 PM	#8
vs.Gotham Gear nut Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 85	The 4047 is sounding better and better but I'n struggling with the price. The 4040 is looking very good though, unless someone warns me completely against it.

26th February 2007, 12:27 AM	#11
vs.Gotham Gear nut Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 85	The 4050 on Omni would be something you'd only use on a treated room right? I've got a little corner that's okay for vox but the room is far from a properly treated one (I'm planning on moving soon so I haven't invested in that). Thanks for all the help so far. I'm still hoping someone convinces me that a 4040 is the way to go but it looks like I've got some saving to do!

26th February 2007, 12:38 AM	#12
monkeyxx Gear maniac Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 188	for starters, try listening to the sound clips of all these mics on Audio Technica's website, if you haven't. I think it will show you a little bit of the differences between the mics soundwise, on some standard sources I just got a 4033 and think it sounds great on acoustic guitar, which is what I bought it for specifically... I haven't tried singing into it yet myself, but I recorded a friend and he in a blind test chose the AT3035 over the 4033, and I agreed it sounded best. the 3035 is my standard vocal mic for my own voice (been using it for 3 years), and I think it sounds nice, you might like it too? I got one for $150 new, and lately I've seen them even cheaper. I haven't tried the other 40 series mics though so I can't comment (though I'd like to... good call on going with audio technica... they sure are doing something right)

26th February 2007, 12:38 AM	#13
gsharp Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 556	http://www.audio-technica.com/cms//e...cca/index.html

26th February 2007, 07:46 AM	#16
mrmicguy Gear Head Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 56	There are some technical differences between all these AT mics you're discussing - and they are all good mics. 4033 is a classic - really the first good LDC to break price barriers. It uses a fixed charged back plate. (often called a back electret condensor). 4040 is an externally biased condensor. It has a different sound to the 4033 - probably a bit smoother. 4047 is a different sound again - it has a "warm FET sound" (ie. it's high frequencies roll off a bit sooner - I guess they're trying to get something similar in sound to the U47FET) 4050 is a very useful microphone - a real all rounder. Multipattern gives you so many more options - like with fig 8 you have the start of a M-S stereo setup. which can be just amazing on accoustic guitar - or piano etc. Don't worry about getting the 3060 - definitly move up into the 40 series. Is the 4050 worth it? IMHO - a definite YES! Remember though, vocals are such a personal thing - what sounds good for one singer may not sound good for another. If its for your singing - you need to try try try till you find one you like. If its for other too - then you'll a few different ones on hand to choose from. (sorry to state the obvious.)

26th February 2007, 09:18 AM	#17
uvc1977 Gear maniac Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 179	I own a pair of AT4050's great mic's, sound fantastic on a wide range of sources and are excellent value. Its def worth saving extra $$$ to get one

26th February 2007, 10:39 AM	#18
trident fan Gear addict Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 320	4050 is very cool. it rocks on acoustic and vocals, as long as they r not too honky

26th February 2007, 06:32 PM	#19
Third Story Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 153	i love my 4050 on vox and acoustic! 4033 is pretty nice too but on acoustic guitar i like the 4050 better!

27th February 2007, 01:14 AM	#20
river Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 651	I own 3035's, 3060, 4050, even the lowly 2020's. I'll 2nd monkeyxx's opinion. The 3035 is an astounding mic for the money (as low as $135). I use it for vocals (both genders), acoustic and electric guitar, upright bass, horns, grand piano, etc etc.........the 3060 is really nice mic, a little bright and no pad, so not correct for every application. They're new enough that finding a used one might be a challenge. The 4050 is very versatile because of the multi pattern aspect, but I can count on one hand the number of times I use omni or figure 8 in a year. It's a little hyped in the upper mids. The 3035 is a really true sounding mic, has an extremely flat response curve, nice low end without being boomy and a well balanced upper end. They should cost alot more. My 2cents.

28th February 2007, 07:11 AM	#21
vs.Gotham Gear nut Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 85	Can't tell you how much I appreciate everyone's input. I'm still a bit undecided, though I might be getting a 3035 just to hold me off till I can afford a 4050 (which might be a bit), since it sounds like I'll get some use out of it even after I get the 4050. I talked to a few engineers at the studio I'm interning at and they told me to also check out the Rode NT1, so I might see if the local shop has one of those to try out too. Thanks again!

2nd April 2007, 08:33 PM	#23
liquidorange Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: new jersey Posts: 246	the 4047 has color .dont wanna say warm though.it doesnt work on every vocal. the 4040 works well with more things and more rounded . i had 2 4033-s and never really loved them. the 4050 is very versitile but just didnt have a flavor so it went. i got my 4040-s for under 200$ on ebay.

24th September 2007, 09:27 PM	#24
bighud Gear interested Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 13	I have used all the mics listed thus far with the exception of the 4047. I really enjoy the 4033, especially for the money. Good tones. Stay away from 30 series if you can. The 4050 is the best mic and very all-around. If I had to get one mic to do everything I would go with the 4050 or the 4033, depending on budget. The 4033 and the 4040 are very similar in quality but I get more compliments on sounds when I used the 4033.

24th September 2007, 11:28 PM	#25
Dream Send Gear Head Join Date: May 2007 Location: North Ogden, UT Posts: 44	Vocals = +1 for the 4047 Workhouse Mic = +1 for the 4040 Good Luck! __________________ I once heard someone sing like that...they rolled him over, he was dead. http://www.myspace.com/studiodreamsend http://www.musicvillageusa.com/phpbb2/index.php

24th September 2007, 11:37 PM	#26
vs.Gotham Gear nut Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 85	I should probably mention that since this thread was first posted (which was quite some time ago) I went on to acquire an at4050 and am quite happy with it. It's just as advertised - good on vocals, great on acoustic guitar, and very versatile. I actually used it along with an SM57 on a guitar cab (the 4050 about a foot and a half away) and got a fantastic sound blending the two, and I also used it to get a really great snare sound on a friend's album I worked on (used from about a foot away pointed at the center). So, very happy and thanks for all the advice. I would still like a 4033 for some warmer vocals, but I'm happy with my 4050 for now. __________________ "I'm on a budget."

25th September 2007, 04:14 AM	#27
johnwayne Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Athens, Ga Posts: 540	Get another one and use them as overheads. I think they really excel in this application. Especially if you like it as a snare mic. __________________ www.learningguitarnow.com

25th September 2007, 04:25 AM	#28
putney41 Gear Head Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Spokane Posts: 69	I too just purchased my first 'big purchase' mic. After listening to the 4040, 4047, 4050, & 4060 I personally preferred the the 4047 over all of them for my style, voice, and application. I personally thought the 4050 was a close second as it is more versatile (desert island mic). If you have the opportunity to try them out the right mic will reveal itself. If not, there are sound clips online and links to them through some of these forums. Just remember when investing in gear: $200 more invested now will save you $300 or $400 dollars later after selling off old gear for upgrades. Plus you get what you want and will keep it alot longer. Just my 'slutty' recommendation:) Peace. dp

26th September 2007, 01:40 AM	#30
ZFire Gear Head Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 34	Big plus if you can try the mics in your own studio on your own voice, but otherwise the AT website has audio samples of all their 40-series mics that will tell you a lot. Its part of what convinced me to go for the 4060, since it seemed to have a Hi-Fi sound that the others couldn't quite match.