Portable Mic for when I go around AT4047 vs AT4050 vs Rode NT2a

[MikeTSH]

Basically it's a shootout between

AT4047 vs AT4050 vs Rode NT2a

Which should I go for, considering I need this mainly for lead vocal work, and I'm buying a low end one for when I travel around and wanna record with a good but cheap quality mic.

[close/far]

The AT mics you listed are fabulous workhorses. I would suggest the 4050 over the 4047 simply for the extra polar patterns. Omni is fun and can be just what you need for a vocal (or whatever).

[MikeTSH]

The audio samples on the website seem to have the 4047 sounding "fluffy" and too wooly up against the 4050 which sounded bright and airy which I think really fits the pop rock style I'm going for. So it's now more of a case of 4050 vs NT2-a

[JoeyM]

I have an NT2a and while I like it very much, I'll leave my comfort zone to say you might like the AT4050 better.

I don't know how to describe it, but you know in Windows that old screensaver with the magnifying glass that goes across the screen? The NT2a is like that sonically. There's a magnified part of the audio spectrum that isn't right for everything.

For my 2 cents worth I'll suggest the AT4050.

OR, another strategy that's served me well is to buy (within your means) whatever you can't otherwise borrow.

Lastly I bet you'll find treasure for pennies on December 26th! maybe get both

[rjacobsen]

I've never heard the NT2 but I've used the 4050 for over 12 years. It's an absolute workhorse, sounds good on about any source. I bought a used one about 2 years ago so I would have a stereo pair. I think they are a great value mic!
rjacobsen

[MikeTSH]

Will be ordering the 4050 I guess. I asked a guy down the road who records a lot and he said to be honest, in a blind test, the difference between any mic will be so damn small that very few people will be able to tell the exact name of the mic and/or band name - so it's all up to your ears, not anyone else's. And the 4050 sounds amazing on vocals.

[NorseHorse]

4050 = workhorse

Like the 414, but a bit more affordable on the used market.

[GordZilla]

Kel HM-7U

Worth looking into... and only $299. Plus you can return them within 30 days for a full refund if it isn't your cup of tea

[r25558]

Thought I'd bump this for more opinions...I'm debating the same mics today, hoping to place an order before the day's out....

While I like the sound of the 4050, it's out of my budget....Hoping to spend around $350, as this is my first mic to ever purchase...I'm just getting started...

[close/far]

Get the 4050 - you won't be sorry. There's one on Ebay right now with a B.I.N. of $375, another for $400, and another for $435.

YOU CAN DO IT! The mic is worth it.