Audio Technica 4050's or 4047 (Overheads,vocals,electrics,acoustics)

[heybulldog]

I have been a huge fan of 414's. I would love another pair for overheads but at the moment I cannot budget a pair. I need something in the $1000 price range. I need a pair that I can use for overheads, I use overheads to pick up the whole kit. I love the sound of toms and snares and kick in the overs, not just cymbals. I never liked the 414 on voice but on acoustics and electrics and overs it was fantastic. So I want a pair of mics that are like the 414's but better and cheaper :)

I also want something that holds its value somewhat and doesn't fall apart(chinese built, past experiances).

I have come to Audio Technica, nice quality, holds value, good reputation. I have narrowed it down to AT4050's or AT4047's.

The rest of the kit is as follows
snare-57's top and bottom
toms-421's on each
hat-akg 451b
kick-beta52
room- undecided I do have a Shure SM7B that I guess could work in a pinch, not sure though.

So what is left is overheads, and I need them to work well with acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and be my main vocal microphone along with the Shure SM7B.

I can get a pair of 4050's and pair of 4047's under a grand at GC. Which would you prefer? any other suggestions?

[Giganova]

The 4047 has that 'silky' sound as advertised (even though its subtle), but I think a multi-pattern mic such as the 4050 is more versatile.

[mcollinge]

I like the 4047s better. They are pretty dark, for have a great low end and add something nice to toms and snare. 4050s are a lot more transparent, which could be a good thing, but there is something I don't like about the high end.

Another option would be to get another 451. Those mics are great as OHs. I mean, do you really need a high hat mic? If you did that, you could afford to get a 4047 and use it as a room mic (they are awesome on that application).

Cheers,
Mike

[uncle duncan]

Originally Posted by mcollinge

I like the 4047s better. They are pretty dark...

IMO, the 4047 'dark' myth is hard to swallow. Just the other day I had a raspy voiced singer in here, and the 4047 added too much sizzle to the rasp, while the 4050 allowed the natural sound of the voice to come through. I agree there is a crispy thing going on with the high end of the 4050, but the 4047 has the same thing, except that there's more midrange, so the crispy high end is disguised by the extra mids. Plus, the 4047 rolls off the highs up past 6k or whatever, but by then it's too late.
I like the 451 idea, which would allow you to get either the 4050 or 4047 for vocals. I would think for acoustic music the 4050 would be a good choice, and for pop/rock, the 4047 would be more appropriate.