at4047 vs. sm7b for vocals

[heisleyamor]

I have an SM7b that i use for vocals and a room mic for drums and sometimes guitar...but i'm just wondering if the at4047 would be better for vocals...right now, i'm mainly writing indie/experimental/soft sounding vocals...would an at4047 be better than my sm7b? I use a Firepod...I also use 2 samson c02s on acoustic guitars...let me know what u think

[LewisWu]

the only way you'll which one you like more is to try them both...

[heisleyamor]

well i have no way of trying an at4047...i just want to hear people's opinions on it for vocals/guitar/room mic vs. an sm7b

[hopeless_opus]

I wouldn't say it's "better" than the SM7, but I do really like the AT4047 on both vocals and guitar, as well as Kick drums and OH's.

I have and use both and they are really good mics. The answer to your question is that it's going to depend on your personal taste. One thing to consider is that the SM7 will improve quite a bit matched with a higher quality preamp.

[heisleyamor]

yaaa...My price range is probably around 400 dollars right now though...When I upgrade pre-amps I'm thinkin about getting the SSL Alpha Channel for around 1,000

[mark714]

Both are very solid microphones and you should own both if possible. In relative terms it is a very affordable way to add quality to your collection. I can't imagine you will regret having a 4047 around, especially for the money. It can be a good vocal mic on the right singer/material. When paired with that SM7 it can sound really great on electric guitars and drums. It's a no-nonsense steady performer on lots of sources. Go for it.

[DeathMonkey]

I don't have an SM7b, but I do have an AT4047 which I love on softer vocals. I record a girl with a pretty breathy, soft voice and the AT4047 loves her. Not a ton of low end, and pretty smooth, IMHO. Not a ton of sparkle, but a good sweet, clear midrange without being dark. If you like darker, check out the Cascade Framboni. I've only used it once on male vocals, but it did well on a John Mayer-style male singer. Very detailed and intimate for the money.

[Classic]

It'd be worth getting. It'll sound great on both vocals and instruments.

[6dyslexicelephnt]

I don't have a 4047 but I love my AT4033 for close, breathy vocals. $200 bucks, and you could buy an ART MPA GOLD too for around $450. I use it for dark splashy mono OH and classical acoustic too. I say try the 4033 and if you don't like it, sell it for the 4047

good luck

[Shaolin]

I've got a 4047, an sm7b and a presonus.

These are just different mics, not even intended to sound similar so which one is better just 'depends'. But I can imagine you being as disappointed as me with the sm7b on vocals through the presonus as it just doesn't have the gain. You need around 65 db for it to work well. The 4047 would be technically better if for no other reason than the firepod is getting a hotter signal.

Whichever mic you end up with, you will find that the firepod is your weak link. The mics are great for the money.

[slick0]

It really does depend on the singer.. I tried a few mics out for recording a band with two singers this weekend... One guy sounded best on the SM7B (with presence boost and roll off both on) and the other sounded best on the AT4047. (if anyone cares, I also tried the joly modded mk319 and blue woodpecker, but both didn't quite work for the vocalists)

I would say it's worth it to have both

[heisleyamor]

yeah my firepod is definately my weakest link. I'm going to upgrade to a SSL Alpha Channel sometime...but don't have the 1200 dollars yet.