Which mic to sell: AT4040 or AKG C3000B?

[jyork13]

I'm going to part with one of these and can't make up my mind which one. I'm using both as mono room mics. I can't say I can tell much difference between the two.

Which one would you keep?

[Brian Brock]

if you can't tell the difference, keep the c3000b because it has a much better shockmount than the Audio Technica mics. I routinely use that shockmount with the AT mics in fact.

Personally I think the c3000b makes everything sound like an electric bread knife.

That can be useful, though.

I haven't heard the AT4040, but if it sounds fairly neutral, as is my impression, I would consider that eventually you might want a higher quality fairly neutral mic, but will never find a higher quality electric bread-sounding knife mic.

So I suggest you keep the c3000b and when you find that it doesn't sound so great on some source, think about an AT4050, a 414, a gefell, something like that maybe - or a tube mic of some sort...

btb

[bgrotto]

I'd lose the C3000, and start using the 4040 on a different source. I've had good luck placing them on the resonant head of a kick drum. I've also used them with good results on bass cabinets.

If you like what it does in the room, try it in the classic Front-Of-Kit location.

Also, try it on horns.

[Mertmo]

Dude, I have a bunch of mics, 414's and a U87... and I can't wait to own a 4040. My buddy has one and I can't stop borrowing it, it sounds so good on guitar and bass cab, and even vocals. It recently made it on a whole batch of critical vocal tracks instead of the 87...

Do NOT get rid of that mic.

[jyork13]

Originally Posted by Brian Brock

if you can't tell the difference, keep the c3000b because it has a much better shockmount than the Audio Technica mics. I routinely use that shockmount with the AT mics in fact.

Personally I think the c3000b makes everything sound like an electric bread knife.

That can be useful, though.

I haven't heard the AT4040, but if it sounds fairly neutral, as is my impression, I would consider that eventually you might want a higher quality fairly neutral mic, but will never find a higher quality electric bread-sounding knife mic.

So I suggest you keep the c3000b and when you find that it doesn't sound so great on some source, think about an AT4050, a 414, a gefell, something like that maybe - or a tube mic of some sort...

btb

I agree on the shock mount. It does seem to be built better.

[jyork13]

Originally Posted by bgrotto

I'd lose the C3000, and start using the 4040 on a different source. I've had good luck placing them on the resonant head of a kick drum. I've also used them with good results on bass cabinets.

If you like what it does in the room, try it in the classic Front-Of-Kit location.

Also, try it on horns.

I haven't tried it on front of kick. I'll give that a shot before deciding.

[psycho_monkey]

Personally - I've never liked the c3000, even as a budget mic.

AT4040 is much nicer overall.

I'd do a quick test run on a variety of sources. Voice/acoustic/piano/ mono OH on kit. Then make a decision - since it doesn't matter much for your room mic, keep the one that's most versatile.

[Beyersound]

Originally Posted by psycho_monkey

Personally - I've never liked the c3000, even as a budget mic.

AT4040 is much nicer overall.

I'd do a quick test run on a variety of sources. Voice/acoustic/piano/ mono OH on kit. Then make a decision - since it doesn't matter much for your room mic, keep the one that's most versatile.

+1+1+1

[river]

I lost my C3000 last year (ebay). Don't miss it a bit. I don't own a 4040, but several other AT mics and I'm consistantly pleased with all of them.

[phillysoulman]

Originally Posted by jyork13

I'm going to part with one of these and can't make up my mind which one. I'm using both as mono room mics. I can't say I can tell much difference between the two.

Which one would you keep?

Keep the 4040,please

[jyork13]

Originally Posted by psycho_monkey

Personally - I've never liked the c3000, even as a budget mic.

AT4040 is much nicer overall.

I'd do a quick test run on a variety of sources. Voice/acoustic/piano/ mono OH on kit. Then make a decision - since it doesn't matter much for your room mic, keep the one that's most versatile.

That's a good idea. I'm going to run down and do a couple of A/Bs. I'll probably end up sending the C3000B to Ebay!

I'll post the A/B just for grins.

[GordZilla]

Absolutely... keep the AT4040

Lose the C3000B

[jyork13]

Well, here's the comparison on acoustic guitar:

http://yorkstudios.net/MicTest/AKGC3000B.mp3
http://yorkstudios.net/MicTest/AT4040.mp3

The C3000B is definitely thinner while the 4040 was fuller/richer sounding.

So, if I sell, it will be the C3000B. thumbsup

While I was at it, I compared several other mics. You can hear the rest here:
Mic Comparisons on Acoustic Guitar

[akjl4]

The 3000 seems more articulate but on the other hand the 4040 seems warmer and more soothing. Both seem nice and useful.

[jyork13]

Well, after my own tests. I've decided to keep them both and sell my U87 instead.

Not that it's a bad mic, it's just that I can get comparable results for a lot less money and I can use the extra money.

[cyjanopan]

what monitors do you use?

[jyork13]

Originally Posted by cyjanopan

what monitors do you use?

NS-10's and PMC TB2SA