Audio Technica AT4040 or Blue Bluebird???

  • Thread starter Thread starter Maverick87
  • Start date Start date
M

Maverick87

New member
Im putting together a home studio and already picked out everything that Im getting. For mics Im gonna start my future collection with a Shure SM 58 and Beta 58, but I know eventually Im going to want some condensors as well. So, I was wondering if you had to pick between the AT4040 or Bluebird, which would you pick?

I record rap/hip hop music, and just vocals for now, no instrument micing necessary yet. They are about the same price and I noticed that the AT4040 has the high pass filter switch, and I told myself I want that feature when I decide to get a condensor. I didnt see anything that said the Bluebird has the bass cut/high pass filter switch. Ive heard great reviews about the Bluebird though, but I guess I can say the same for the AT4040. What do you guys think?

I prefer a clear, crisp vocal, and need the mic that will be more effective at catching more frequencies of the vocals and less of background noise(yes i know condensors do this a lot more than dynamics). Which do you guys feel is the better sounding mic in general? Pros and cons of both?

It will be ran though a FocusRite Scarlett 2i2 USB Interface/Preamp, and into a Dell Inspiron 15R Laptop i3 processor n 6gb RAM. The bedroom studio will have some ProSoundFoam.
 
Hi, I am in the same position as you, looking for a good mic for vocals. I am relatively new to recording, so I am no authority, but today I tested both the At 4040 and the Bluebird in a side by side comparison. They both sounded good to my ears, but I tended to prefer the At 4040. The Bluebird tended to have a little more punch in the mid-range at close proximity, which I would characterize as ''bite''. It sounded nice, but for my voice and what I want to do I preferred the At 4040, which was crisp, but somewhat ''tamer'' and more 'natural' in the mids. I don't do rap, so I can't help you there, but I would recommend going to your local music shop and trying them side by side like I did. It sure helped seal the deal for me on the AT 4040. I think it is highly personal to the voice and style of music.
 
As we all know... this is a very personal choice, BUT if you're gonna ask. I'd go with the AT.
 
I Have a Rode NT1A that is absolutely adored. bias when i recommend it. But +1 on the AT4040 compare with your own ears before you buy though, just to be sure.
 
Rode NT1A is harsh and brittle. I never respect any opinion that comes from someone that likes that mic. Sorry but I hate that mic. I like both AT4040 and Bluebird but why worry about getting several mics when you can get one mic that does everything well. The Shure SM7b never sounds bad. Spend a year with that mic and you probably will only want one more mic for a different choice color wise.

If you buy any other mic after a year with it you will still crave 10 more mics. SM7b takes care of 90% of situations.
 
just a mic i love, harsh and brittle are sometime colours i go for except i call them full and high.

in agreeance on the SM7b, the SM7b is good for screaming into, flat and clear at high levels. I love it for growls and gutterals. unless your doing a radio ad with a deep voiced talent selling mattresses.
 
Morning.. how yu feel about the C 414 B? the discontinued version..
 
The at4040 no doubt. I'm brand loyal to Audio Technica, but I always know what to expect from them. It produces a nice, clean sound! I actually wrote an article highlighing this mic (I'll sometimes highlight software and hardware in my posts). Check it out if you have any questions about the 4040... I use it and love it, but that's just me.. Studio Recording- "The Mic" Pt.1
 
Mikko said:
just a mic i love, harsh and brittle are sometime colours i go for except i call them full and high.
Click to expand...

You have got to be kidding. The NT-1A is not full. It's thin and brittle, very sillibant. Something that is NEVER looked for in a mic. The NT-2A is actually in a different league. Actually very sweet and detailed. If you think that the NT-1A is full or you think that brittle translates into "high" you don't know enough about high end mics. There is only one mic that is under $1,000 that sounds like a boutique mic. The SM7b.

---------- Post added at 05:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:18 PM ----------
ThaFaktory said:
Morning.. how yu feel about the C 414 B? the discontinued version..
Click to expand...

The C414 models all sound the same pretty much. They are what I describe as raw sounding. Very in your face. But they can also sound very harsh and thin when you use them with the wrong preamp. The C414 is great with a thick preamp. Tubes are great here. I've actually heard it sound very good with the Eureka. Although I'm not a huge fan of that preamp but it is decent for the money.


I am Morning_Star by the way. I started a new account for my new project name.


As for the OP, I would say that the Bluebird is a little warmer sounding. Summertime hit sounding. The AT is more clean, a little darker, and great for that Ryan Leslie R&B sound.
 
Last edited:
F4ALLOUT5HELTER said:
I am Morning_Star by the way. I started a new account for my new project name.
Click to expand...

Dude, this is pretty clearly against the forum rules. One of the accounts has to go, take your pick.

You are not allowed to have more than one identity, username, or account on Future Producers, even using different email addresses. "Extra" accounts and/or the original account, may be banned or deleted without notice.
Click to expand...
 
krushing said:
Dude, this is pretty clearly against the forum rules. One of the accounts has to go, take your pick.
Click to expand...

I'm deleting the previous account. I just haven't got to it. I haven't logged in since the new one was created.
 
I've always like Audio Technica mics. The ones I have experience with have been their cheaper ones, but it seems like they are always high quality for what you pay.

No experience at all with Blue Bird...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top