AudioTechnica mics?

[iode131]

Hi all

This thread may seem a bit strange but heck...

Here's the deal: I run a MI shop in Europe and am considering becoming an AT dealer. Now I need to place a first order.

Could you guys give me some insight about the way you use their mics and what models you think I should definitely get?

Thanks for your help

Iode131

[dale116dot7]

I've got a few AT mics so I'll bite...

Pro37R - I find them very noisy for studio use. Sometimes I use them for tom mics if I'm out of everything else. These are ok mics for acoustic stage PA (bluegrass, typically) on banjo and mandolin.

4033 - sometimes I find these nice on vocals. They are relatively inexpensive but can sound pretty nice on the right vocalist. Also works nicely in a live bluegrass PA gig.

4050 - I find this one too bright for my liking, but I like having a figure-8 mic available. There's some kind of resonance in the top end - maybe around 8 to 10 kHz that makes it feed back in a live bluegrass PA gig.

[prismtheory]

I live in AKron, OH. Which is like 10 min. from their head quarters. The that I work out of has an endorsement type arrangement...and we have often been used as testing grounds for their new mics.

Bottom-line...I LOVE AT mics.

THe 4053 on over heads---amazing.

4060- vocals, acoutic.

also, the ae2500 dual element kick drum mic...

there really isn't anything that sucks or is bad...it's all good.


Hope that helps.

-Christopher

[Sounds Great]

Great line of mics, much bang for the buck! thumbsup

The 40 series are all great. 4050, 4051, and the 4047sv is great. 4060 for a really good reasonably priced tube microphone. ATM25 is great for kick, toms.

[Kris]

4047 - front of bass drum, some vocals, bass cabinets, acoustic bass instruments, sometimes overheads...

another vote for the 4060 - sometimes sounds good on guitar cabs too...

[HudHudson]

I ran an AT dealer for a year and a half and the 4040, 4047/SV and 4050 were very popular models. I don't think we ever sold a 4060 (the tube mic) but I have heard good reviews for the price.

[popmann]

I've yet to find a vocal mic in the $900 range that equals the 4060 for me. I've got a 4033 I dig on guitar cabs and female singers. 4047 is also very cool sounding, but I've only borrowed one...too long since I used 4050s...I remember them being pretty utilitarian in the day.

I like:

4050 - THE best general purpose mic IMHO. Desert island mic for sure.
4051 - and the little brother 4041, still regret selling these.
4060 - limited use, but what I did hear was nice!
ATM25 - TOMS w/o eq!!!! If you mic toms.


People seem to love the 4047 so I would add it as well, but I can't testify.
The 4033 is awful to my ears. Way to bright and harsh on the top end. Owned one for years and tried and tried to use it. Sold it to a smaller studio as a 3035 upgrade and they sold it and kept the 3035........hmm? I didn't like the 3035 either.


Best of luck!


D

[PRobb]

I'd like to put in a good word for the 4041 for drum OH and accoustic guitar. Generally, the 40 series gives tremendous bang for the buck.

[Stormkloud]

Ill second the 4041. For the money its a great mic. Ive use it on OH's and stereo micing acustic guitars with good results.

[Drumsound]

I used to work for two different music stores. And I own a studio.

I can tell you from both points of view that Audio Technica is a wonderful company. From the retail end, there was always stock, the mics all performed well and in the rare cases of problems their customer service is second to none. They’ll fix the mics quickly and get them back ASAP. I don’t remember there ever being a charge. I had an elastic band on the shockmount of one of my 4047s (from the first run) break recently. I called out and they sent elastic and the rubber bands for both of my 4047 is two days.

Sonically I also love the mics. Pro 37R sound great on acoustic guitars, OH, room, and I’ve been told SD (might try today). I love 4050s on the room in any pattern, but especially omni. They’re great on guitar and bas as well. 4047 makes a cool OH, outside BD and OH and sometime works on electric guitar and bass. It’s a great vocal mic as well. I love the ATM 23He SD mic and the ATM 25 can be used anywhere you’d use a 421 or the like.

[iode131]

Wow guys! Thank you all for your input. I'll definitely go for the ones you are into.

Thanks again. Really helps. (GS rules!)

Iode131

[max cooper]

4047sv is my favorite.

[cdog]

4047
ae2500
4060
ATM23HE
shotgun mic (forgot the model #)

Those are all sweet mics, among other good ones they make.

[turk sanchez]

I dig them. Great workhorse mics. We have all of the 40 series at one of the studios I work at (as well as a bunch of thier dynamic mics and others). I have been using them for years and allways enjoy them.


I got a 4040 for my project studio and it works great. I plan on keeping it...even when I get a u195 or something sweeter. The 4040 is great for bright acoustic guitars and certian vocals.

[DrFrankencopter]

I agree with all above. I've had:

4050...versatile with little personality (often a good thing). I chose this mic over the TLM103 way back when it was 1st introduced.
4047...I remember this being a little more forward than a 4050. Kinda like a 4050 but with personality. No multi patterns though.
4060...I still have this one. Smooth, and extended without being harsh. Mega proximity effect on it though, so watch out on some vocalists. I opened mine up and was pretty pleased to see high quality parts in there (Nichicon Muse caps, etc). Circuit is a little odd on this one, but it works...

Cheers,

Kris

[Sounds Great]

Originally Posted by max cooper

4047sv is my favorite.

After downsizing my studio and selling off all of my good microphones
I picked up the 4047. I think it would compete with the best of em'. A very fine microphone that could sell for 3 times as much i.m.o.

[Pohaku]

Great, reliable well built mics. I have:

4033
4050
4051
4053
4049a
4054 (discontinued - but see the AE5400)
ATM-25
AE5100

I'd like to get a 4047.


I get the sense from various boards that the 4040 has now become the entry level all purpose mic of choice - as opposed to the 4033 (which seems to have had that role in the past).

Depending on your clientele, you may want to carry a few more entry level mics as well, such as the 2020 and 3035.

[Tone Laborer]

AT mics are one of the the best bang for the buck mics out there. I got a 4050 that's seen plenty of action in the 9 years I've owned it. And a pair of 4041s. They're a little finicky about placement, but can offer some nice results.

Just heard a friends 2020 used as a live drum OH, it performed very well for $99.

[anahata]

The AT2020 is remarkably good value in its price range. Rather like the SM57, it has few vices - not the best mic for every job, but quite usable for almost anything.

[Cujo]

[QUOTE=Drumsound]I used to work for two different music stores. And I own a studio.


yeah I have a pair of these and have had luck on all of these same things (even snare when taped to a 57 and bussed) Not noisy to me, but I do mostly record loudish rock.


Sonically I also love the mics. Pro 37R sound great on acoustic guitars, OH, room, and I’ve been told SD (might try today).

[sheltersoton]

I bought a pair of 4051's to ease the work on my old akg 451's... now i barely ever use the 451's!! Very honest, great sound i love em'!!

Just bought a pair of 4033 to try too! will use them for room and probably misc stuff (try bass cabs etc)

good luck!

[smarsland]

I have a pair of AT3031's... they're not awful, but my AKG C451B's kick their ass.

s

[turk sanchez]

what do you guys think of the pro 37? i used a pair once for overhead in a so so room with only the 002r pres...I was okay for what it was but I have never hear these on a good source in a good room with good pres...

?

[AlexLakis]

I use my AT4050 for acoustic instruments, vocals, and drum room mic. The multiple polar patterns make it pretty versatile. It definately has character in the upper-mid/highs.

[Watersound]

I love the 4047, it's great on a lot of vocals. I know people trash the 4033, but c'mon man, it rocks on acoustic guitars!!

[Oldone]

I use the 4050 extensively, one of my favorite budget mics, primarily stringed things and vocals.

The 4033 is great for dead or dull stringed instruments, makes them sound sparkley.