This is a review of the audio technica AT4040(´◔౪◔)◞
The sound of audio technica is not habitual, but that makes it habitual.
It’s not too unique, but it’s excellent.
This is a great color in a way(`･ω･´)
How is the sound quality of the AT4040 popular in Computer Music?
I’ve also created a sound source to compare with other microphones!
The difference between AT2020 and AT4040
First, let’s take a quick look at the differences between AT2020 and AT4040.
audio technica ( オーディオテクニカ ) / AT2020 サウンドハウス
The AT2020 is a great entry-level condenser mic for under $100.
It has more than enough quality sound for a first time user!
On the other hand,the AT4040 is another step up in the lineup.
It’s priced around $300 and is a mic I’d like to try when I start getting serious about computer music.
I’ll be comparing tones later, but I think this one is even clearer.
The main difference between the two is the microphone capsule.
-Image of microphone capsule. This is not of the actual device.-
AT2020 uses a back electret (image of the type on the right)
The AT4040 uses a large diaphragm (image of the type on the left) for the microphone capsule.
Most of the popular mid- to high-end models use large diaphragms.
The electret microphone capsule costs less.
However, don’t worry, it doesn’t mean that the performance will be extremely poor.
On the contrary, if you hear the sound of the AT2020 and think, “Electret condenser mics are good too! “,That’s right.
I think so(´◔౪◔)◞
Open the box!
Now for the review!
Box.
A picture of the side of the box.
Is this what the inside of the microphone looks like? Cool!
Box, open!
First, I opened the bag in the back.
A bag to hold the microphone?
Open the white box.
The microphone holder was included.
At first glance, it looks like plastic, but it’s metal. It’s quite solid.
As I thought with the AT2020, the microphone holder is excellent !
This kind of thing makes it much more reliable.
Thank you, A-Tech!
It also comes with a conversion screw for mounting on a microphone stand.
Finally, I came face to face with the main unit.
Open.
There it is! The matte black shines!
AT4040, hey!
Uha, cool!!
The diaphragm is the so-called large one.
This logo is also good!
It satisfies the desire to own….
Backside.
The low cut switch and,
PAD switch.
Pressing this switch allows you to record at high volume.
Like the AT2020, it is unidirectional only.
It only picks up sound from the front.
This is ideal for voice-over recording, narration recording, and close RECs of acoustic guitar.
If the mic is set to off, it can also pick up enough sound for live streaming etc.
This is what the size looks like alongside the SM58.
It’s not as big as I thought it would be.
With this size, it looks like it can be carried and set up with a lot of flexibility.
So, I went ahead and checked the recording as soon as I could.
These are the four I’ll be listening to and comparing!
From left to right: Neumann U87ai, AT4040, AT2020, and AKG C414XLS.
While checking the difference in texture between the AT4040 and AT2020,I also hope to be able to compare it with Neumann and AKG.
I know some professional musicians who prefer the AT4040!
I’m sure the sound is more than the price! I have high expectations(´◔౪◔)◞
Try to record it
Okay, I’ll record it!
For the audio interface, I used the Prism Sound Titan.
The microphone pre is,
I used the warm audio wa73-EQ. It’s a Neve copy product as it looks (´◔౪◔)◞
The DAW is Logic X.
I recorded two tracks of acoustic guitar and lightly panned them left and right.
The rhythm track is a loop that comes with Logic X.
No plug-ins are plugged into the track. No EQ, no comps.
The volume is only adjusted with faders.
Please excuse the slight variation in volume…
Let’s listen and compare!
audio technica AT4040
audio technica AT2020
Neumann U87ai
AKG C414XLS
impressions
So this is what audio technica sound is all about…!
I think I finally understood it with certainty.
It’s cool. It has a hot cool sound.
As I expected, the AT2020 and AT4040 had the same sound direction.
However,The AT4040 has a much larger soundstage than the AT2020.
The AT4040 has a much larger soundstage than the AT2020.
It’s amazing that the AT4040 is so well-balanced just as it was recorded.
Even with my poor performance( ･ὢ･ )
It’s easy to click and see the lines of performance.
It’s a cool sound, but it’s not a “cold sound.
Hmmm, interesting sound. I guess this is the secret of its popularity(´◔౪◔)◞
On the contrary, the Neumman U87ai feels very hot, nothing to do with cool!
It has a lot of warmth and the mids come out nice. It’s a classic.
I think I might want to EQ the stroke a bit.
The AKG C414 XLS is very flat.
I’ve been told that the A-Tech is also flat.
I think the AKG C414 XLS has a flatter sound.
It’s more natural than flat.
It’s a very natural sounding microphone!
AKG ( アーカーゲー ) / C414 XLII サウンドハウス
If you want to go more sparkly, C414 XLII seems to be a good choice.
I’d like to try this one someday, too.
Is $300 too much for the AT4040?
The AT4040 can be gotten for about $300.
Is this expensive or cheap?
Personally, I think it’s very cheap !
No, I know $300 is a lot of money, but…
What kind of sound can you get for $300? That’s what I meant(`･ω･´)
audio technica ( オーディオテクニカ ) / AT2020 サウンドハウス
The AT2020 is about $100, and is also the most expensive entry-level microphone.
I think the AT4040 is even better value.
It should be your main mic for computer music for a very long time.
One day, if you want to be more particular about live recording, you can get a higher-end microphone!
However, there are probably only a few people who will become such a enthusiasts.
I am one of them…(`･ω･´)
If you want to enjoy it at a reasonable price before you get into “mania”, the AT4040 is your best bet!
AT4040 is recommended for
The AT4040 is about $200 more expensive than the AT2020, but it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to get serious about computer music.
As I mentioned, it sounds so good that I can’t believe I got it for $300.
It is ideal for home Vo recordings and close recordings of live instruments.
On the other hand, if you are using it mainly for live streaming, it may be a bit over-spec.
Of course it had to sound good!
summary
This was a review article on the audio technica AT4040.
It’s a very good microphone with a modern sound.
I’m not sure why I didn’t try it before…
I’m sure I’ll be reaching for the higher-end 4050…
By the way, the pop guard is not included.
If you want to use it for Vo recording, you’ll need to get one separately!
Thank you for reading to the end!
