New Drum Overheads for cheap? at4040?

[A LaMere]

I was thinking about picking up a couple of AT4040's for drum overheads. I really like AT mics for the most part, have an at4033, and a pair of 3035's which I like... but they really don't work too well with cymbals and are kind of "grainy" I guess.

I like the 4033, but I'm wondering if the sound is "too upfront" for ov's...
Will I have better luck with the 4040's or, should I look elsewhere? I haven't heard the 4040's or 4050's to my knowledge.

I really don't have that much money to spend but would like to upgrade my overheards in the next week or so.

Any replies are appreciated.

-Aaron

[audioalchemy]

i commonly use a 4040 as a mono room mic and it sounds great with the rollof engaged, tried them a couple times as overheads and was totally happy with the results.

good choice man.


AudioAlchemy

[RadioMoo]

Not the 4033 - too "woofy" or "wooly" or whatever it is I'm trying to say.

You could try the Marshall "mogami mic"; I can't remember the model number right off, but search "mogami mic" and you'll find it.

[Markus Stock]

I strongly recommend to have a look at those Nady/Thomann Ribbon mics. I bought a pair from Thomann two months ago for Overhead applications and really like them so far!

[DrDeltaM]

I've used AT4041's (the small pencil-mics) for this with succes.

[A LaMere]

Thanks for the responses guys,

I guess the real question in my head is, are the at4040's "grainy" like the 3035 seems to be. I actually like that 3035 grit on a few sources..

Sometimes it is cool to me on vocals, sometimes acoustic guitar...
So I'm keeping at least one 3035 for that purpose...

-Aaron

[Sword in Hand]

I have a 4033 and two 4040s. I tested one 4033 vs. one 4040 as an overhead.

Here's what I think:

The 4040 is very smooth, clean, and picks up the details exceptionally.

The 4033 has a bit more midrange bite (not very good in my oppinion), and sounds grainy and small. I find that the 4033 works well for aggressive percussive vocals and female vocals.

I bought one 4040 and after listening for about 10 mins I decided to buy the second 4040. The 4033 has its place, but 4040 wins, for me, on overheads. The clarity and overall musicality comes through much better.

Keep in mind I upgraded from a pair of c1000s, which I think are terrible (I got them for a great price what can you do), but they got the job done.

The preamps matter a lot, but if you have clean pres and a couple of 4040s you'll be suprised by the sound.

Talk to Nathan Eldred at atlasproaudio.com, he's awesome and has great input.

Hope this helps,

sword in hand

[Brad McGowan]

Try:

MXL 603's
Shiny Box 46
Oktava MC012

If you choose, you can mod/upgrade the electronics of these three mics very easily and for a small amount of money.

Brad

[AdamJay]

On a budget?

go with a pair of AT4041's (SDC version of the AT4040)
i use these in less than desirable rooms, or on stage. Otherwise i'll use omni's or ribbons.
8thstreet.com has the best deal on these...
You get a pair of AT4041's, cables, and a stereo bar for $449
http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp...ry=Microphones

But if you have a fantastic room, omni's are the way to go.
And the best omni's south of a grand are the Avenson STO's ($500 for a pair)
http://www.mercenary.com/sto2microphone.html

[mejon]

if $$$ is an issue, try the MXL 993s. I used them a few times before I got my AKG 451s. They worked well, plus they have a roll off and a pad. I used them with my API 3124+ and they did a swell job for the $$$. Again, they are cheap!

[Alexi]

Originally Posted by Markus Stock

I strongly recommend to have a look at those Nady/Thomann Ribbon mics. I bought a pair from Thomann two months ago for Overhead applications and really like them so far!

i second this statement...the t bone ribbons are very good mics for the money.