Audio Technica AT2040, Best Budget Broadcast Mic? | Mic Review & Test

[@jalind1]

For the benefit of the inquisitive, the shock mount is AT8458a. About $30 or so.

[@Qualizar]

Thanks for providing that. I mentioned it in another comment but I will pin yours for being helpful! I really wish I would have remembered it during recording. 🤔

[@ee1yd]

I could see them bringing out more in this dynamic line

[@bahathir_]

For 'broadcast' sounding podcast, it is good enough. If it has more extended bass region, it will be perfect

[@Qualizar]

I was surprised when I got the documentation and saw the EQ curve. It starts cutting at 100hz and then tapers down REALLY fast after 80. Also, there is a significant BUMP in the curve around 3.5k ~ 4k. Which is probably what I was noticing as 'sibilant'.

[@bahathir_]

@@Qualizar Yes, it's clearly for voice recording. The cut off at 100 Hz to signicantly reduce the 'plosives'. Good for proximity effect. Thank you.

[@jalind1]

@@Qualizar A real-time de-esser applied sparingly might help with too much sibilance whilst leaving the presence bump for crispness. A little fast compression of a few db can take a harsh edge off of hard consonant spikes whilst leaving some crispness in the consonant sustain and vowels. All this is in the typical toolbox of improving live sound. Still, it always helps to start from something as close as you can to the target rather than adjusting it real-time or in post processing. Almost all of my work is live, so I'm accustomed to live adjustments.

[@jalind1]

@@Qualizar I haven't tried one for proximity to see how that affects the rolloff. Being super-cardioid, it will have more proximity effect than one would see in a similar design with cardioid. Using proximity to get back the rolloff may work well to, in combination with the presence boost, create a scooped sound that de-accentuates mids and mud there in some male voices -- voices like mine. I'll have to try one out to hear it. My usual mic distance is one to three finger widths from the corner of the mouth across the mic front axis at an angle of about 45 degrees to that axis -- typical talking across the mic at an angle technique to reduce plosives.

[@bahathir_]

@Nick Taylor Great. Also we still able to boost the low end in post processing.

[@neverwinter683]

Would you recommend getting the AT2040 or the Rode PodMic?

[@Qualizar]

I don't own a PODMIC, but I were to go off of my listening experience from other reviews, the PODMIC sounds flat and hollow compared to the AT2040. I think each have their use case, just depends on the type of sound you are expecting.

[@neverwinter683]

@@Qualizar Thanks!

[@qfapodcastabouthowardstern]

Currently using the at2020 when conditions are optimal and the PRO41 when they're not--I like the form factor of the at2040 but don't think it sounds as good as the at2020.

[@Qualizar]

After listening back to my video a few times, I have decided to remake a new AT2020 video just because of how much the side by side in this comparison changed my perception again.

[@qfapodcastabouthowardstern]

@@Qualizar Mine just arrived yesterday and I love it (albeit with my voice--everybody will have a different experience) in terms of being able to control ambient noise, and although I needed to boost the results by about 30%, there was very little in the way of artifacts or sound degradation. Solid purchase.

[@richardbailey511]

Its nice. I'm still not quite convinced yet, but its pretty nice

[@nightsheart6929]

Your voice sounds excellent on this microphone.

[@ac1320]

I do like the sound it produces, but agreed on the off axis rejection. Not what a hypercardioid pattern should be picking up/ cutting out.

[@Qualizar]

Looking at the graphic of the polar pattern, it is strongest at 1kz and weakest at 5khz. This is probably why my snap bleeds into the audio so easily off axis. This looks like it would be great for a podcast setup (which is ATs main focus here) if you were using a few of them in the same room. But, not as great in an environment where you could have higher band ambient noises intruding.

[@ac1320]

@@Qualizar I've seen only 1 other review so far, and had the same issue with normal speaking at off axis. Podcastage should have a review up tomorrow. Seems to be a great mic for podcasts, totally agree. But man, that rejection.....

[@andrewr4792]

I have the AT BP40. I still like my Blue Yeti.

[@Qualizar]

Interesting choice. What about the YETI comes across as better than the BP40? I have heard good things about it, and would probably like to compare it to this 2040.

[@Mr.camaron8]

I can't seem to find that ATa235a Shock mount you mentioned.

[@Qualizar]

Edwin, Looks like I got the part number wrong in the video! 😕My apologies! The actual part number is AT8458a. If you take a look at the documentation for the microphone (linked below), it is listed on the last page of the papework. www.audio-technica.com/media/wysiwyg/product/pdfs/us/AT2040_UM_142317030_V1_11L_web_210302.pdf

[@Mr.camaron8]

@@Qualizar No worries, thank you for the link

[@Mr.camaron8]

Thank you

[@Qualizar]

You're welcome

[@TheGameHoppers]

I watched one!

[@yuh9157]

Sounds tinny just like every other audio technica mic under 200

[@ee1yd]

Interesting view, i've heard others say the comparison mics to this one sound "tinny" i.e the podemic

[@yuh9157]

@@ee1yd it definitely is less tinny than the podmic, but there are so many other dynamic mics in this price range that have a more full sound with some more added bass, like the sm57, 58, and probably the best sounding dynamic mic in this price range the SE electronics V7. Granted they don't look as nice if you're streaming or doing a video podcast, they still have a great sound compared to a lot of these budget broadcast mics

[@tricogustrico]

Nit impressed with the sound. Unless you are in love with the form factor there are many better mics for the same price.

[@Qualizar]

It's has a tightness in the FQ. I don't dislike, but it really is trying to mimic that 'broadcaster' range.

[@ikaustralia]

@douglasfilm Could you share the alternatives?

[@tricogustrico]

@@ikaustralia I like the AKG D5 and the Shure 565SD.

[@Qualizar]

@@tricogustrico you are out here giving me a new list of mics that I need to acquire to compare this one too, huh? 👀