Audio Technica AT4040

[gaotu]

This mic is reliable in all sorts of situations. I've tried it on acoustic guitar, electric guitar, male and female vocals, and mono drum overhead. It wasn't the best for electric guitar, but I found it to be nice on acoustic and good on both types of vocalists. On acoustic it was sort of "not in your face" sounding, but nonetheless appropriate. It's definitely a good room mic. It really sounded pretty good as a mono overhead. I also have an AT4033 - the step up in the series for $100 more dollars. Compared to that, it is a slight bit darker and less "open" on the top but not really much different sounding. This mic goes for $300 new and comes with a nice shockmount and dust cover. You can get it for around $200-225 on ebay consistently.

[cgarges]

I'll second the coolness of the 4040. I got my hands on one not too long ago and loved it. All the stuff I like about a 4050 in cardioid was there in the 4040, with a slightly more natural-sounding top end. Kudos to AT! I need to pick up a couple of these.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[stevebozz]

Just picked one up myself and couldn't be happier. +++