Audio Technica AT4033a Review / Test (vs AT2020, AT4040, NT1, U87 Ai)

[@mogwix]

The 4033a is actually a small diaphragm, transformerless electret condenser- the active capsule is only 11.5mm in diameter. This is also an older design, one of the first "lower cost" condensers dating back to the early 90s, which combined with the small diaphragm results in the slightly higher self-noise than modern equivalents. The AT4040 was originally meant to replace this microphone, with a larger diaphragm and lower self-noise, but I've heard that people liked the 4033a so much AT decided to continue production. There is a sharp peak at 6k which contributes to the sibiliance, but overall the microphone has a fairly neutral character. A narrow cut at 6k helps with this. I've had the 4033/cl, which is the same mic with a different shockmount, since the early naughties. Back in those days there weren't many affordable options that weren't significantly higher noise or extremely bright. I use it mostly as an outside kick mic, but it sounds great on guitar cabs and bass cabs. I find it sounds really good on my voice for vocals or speech, the off-axis response is nice. The step up from the 4033a is the 4047/SV, which is a large diaphragm, cardioid only, transformer-balanced true condenser. That microphone is a significant step up in quality. The 4047/MP version is the multi-pattern version. These are the ones I would compare to the KSM32 and KSM44. The pad switch does pop on mine as well, but you really shouldn't be messing with switches on a hot microphone. The channel should always be muted when moving switches, plugging in, or unplugging a microphone, especially ones that require phantom power.

[@hugoh364]

I found the bad self noise and the really great off axis coloration weird for a large diaphragm ... Now I know why ! Thanks :)

[@helmanfrow]

I used the original version of this mic a lot from 1996-1998 and always found it too bright for my taste, even when recoding to 2". I haven't compared the cut sheet for the two versions but this one sounds less harsh than I remember. However this is most likely due to the fact that my hearing has declined just a wee bit in the last 25 years... 😅 In 1998 I ended up buying a pair of AT4050s (also small-diaphragm mics in a big-mic body) and an AT4047 (proper LD mic) which I like very much and continue to use daily.

[@rylandweet7750]

Also remember the at4047 sv does in fact sound different to the at4047 mp because of the dual capsule in it, the mp has the same signature sound as an at4050 since it is also multi pattern , it’s smoother then the single capsule version of the 4047 , I did not like the at4047 sv but the mp is amazing

[@helmanfrow]

@@rylandweet7750 I don't own a 4047MP but I know it has completely different internals than a 4050, not the least of which are a larger capsule and a transformer output. How could it have the same sound signature?

[@rylandweet7750]

@@helmanfrow not the same tone but they are almost identical, but I mean as in the same signature sound as in having the dual capsules , the same smoothness in the highs , compared to the sv vs the 4050 , the sv isn’t nearly as smooth as the 4047mp and at4050

[@jasonfields6514]

The Neat King Bee is amazing imho! This might be the best mic comparison video I've ever watched. Thanks for your hardwork!

[@artysanmobile]

I love the 4033a. It is extremely bright which is usually a deal-breaker for me, but, it is smooth and predictable, easy to EQ out, and the mic has wonderful dynamic behavior and polar pattern. I’ll usually only use it where I might normally add highs broadly, such as a drum overhead, hand percussion, mallets. I consider it a specialty mic due to the enhanced high end.

[@tallmccartneymusic]

Amazing as OH and room for drums. I need a second one asap. Also sounds surprisingly cool on bass paired with my GA r1. Gets a really smooth top end and punchy mid range

[@LordSiah]

Idk if I'm first but I'm glad he's doing this review the 4040 and this is something I was planning to get before I order the lewitt 440 pure

[@augustusallan3619]

I think you sound best on U87, NT1, and KSM32. Thanks for the review!

[@wtulin1970]

For anyone considering the NT1, price is now down to 228. Has been for a while, no idea if it is a permanent reduction.

[@Boojakascha]

I use the AT4047/SV for my channel. It is arguably less syblant & I love it =) Also its capacitor is externally biased, which is rare for AT products =)

[@BasicFilmmaker]

LOL! Yeah, 4K can be a pain. 1080 works for these videos.

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke!

[@Podcastage]

Thank you so much for the support Rainer! You’re a legend.

[@techmed-rainer]

@@Podcastage Bandrew, you are the creative person, you're the true legend.

[@Firas_Patov]

This mic was my first mic may be 23 years ago and still going on and working like a champ horse.. very nice microphone 👍

[@kevingriffin8854]

The u87 is magic. Im now interested in that Shure mic.

[@RainbowCornet]

Would love to see you check out the Austrian Audio OC16. Their mics sound great so it would be interesting to see how they stack up to the AT4033a at the same price point.

[@mnemosftb]

With my eyes closed, not knowing when the transition was coming, I struggled to hear the difference between the 4033 and the U87. Maybe it's more noticeable on high end speakers, pre-youtube's audio compression, but this mic is seriously impressive.

[@Podcastage]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on it. It's pretty interesting to me hearing all these mics back to back and I'm glad you're getting use out of them as well.

[@mnemosftb]

​@@Podcastage My dad bought a 4033 back in the early 2000s and it's probably the microphone that I like the sound of my voice on the most. Never tried a U87 admittedly, but maybe one day! Your channel is my go-to recommendation for anyone buying microphones, so thank you!

[@RusAD-gb9jk]

I've listened on decent headphones, and I do hear the difference between 4033 and u87. But damn that's way less of a difference than I would've expected. No wonder people didn't like the AT4040 as the replacement for AT4033 and pressured Audio-technica to continue selling 4033...

[@Quarterback2008]

The AT 4033 was my first condenser microphone.. That was many years ago so I can attest to it's reliability. I don't know how it differs from the 4033a but the original 4033 was excellent at recording acoustic guitars as well as other acoustic instruments. .

[@kingofbonngo]

I have the AT4033a and the AT4040 and i grab the 4040 most of the time ...

[@fangsoffuego]

Which would you say is the better option for a nasally and sibilant voice

[@kingofbonngo]

@@fangsoffuegothe AT4033 or a AKG C414 XLS

[@fangsoffuego]

@@kingofbonngo i can only dream of ever owning an akg c414, but you'd for sure say 33a over 40 for that kind of voice?

[@kingofbonngo]

@@fangsoffuego come over to my studio and test them, ich have both in my locker.

[@Sam_Saraguy]

My faves were the AT4033a and Rode NT1. The Neumann, of course, also sounded great - with not quite as much chest in your voice as the other two.

[@DapperDanLovesYou]

an amazing video as always, Bandrew! :D I thought the 4033a sounded quite pleasant. Nothing too hyped, just a classic "mid-forward" sorta sound

[@jayhardway23]

Man I have missed your videos (subscriber since you were at 10k subs) because I am not in an industry or hobby that requires me to own a microphone.. I'm turning notifications on, this was entertaining and informational

[@JosephSouthard]

Love your reviews. I wasn't expecting the 4033a to sound as smooth as it did. Now I'm prob going to spend more $$$$ :)

[@mexidraw]

I like this channel because of testing the microphones as it should... keep going up!!

[@ShaneT5S]

As much as I love the AT4040, this microphone sounds a bit more natural with your voice. But every voice is different, so who knows how it'll be with my voice

[@Dracomies]

KSM32 just does circles around this mic on your voice. That KSM32 really sounds good on you. Regarding the 4033 I like the lowend on it. Seems balanced. But I feel the high-end is a bit crispy, and now it's more apparent after seeing the mic tests.

[@JoelK]

Nice - classic mic for bluegrass one mic technique. Glad to see a review on one of my fav mics. I like it for banjo

[@RadicalRumin]

I think this mic would be great or most male and even some deeper voices! Even on your more mid forward voice, I really didn't think it was particularly grating or offensive. A relatively smooth top end for a mic this bright too.

[@GavinAtkin]

Well, that was interesting. I've been trying out an AT4033 recently, and have found the 6.5kHz sibilance bump, but also a definite 'mud patch' bump at 550Hz. The pros I've found are the pickup pattern (tighter than the AT4040, I think) and the off axis coloration (though the AT4040 is also good in this regard, if less tight). I wonder whether Bandrew's AT4040 is ok; I heard a roughness that may be due to some sort of digital artefact or a vocal issue, but I wondered whether it was working correctly. In my comparisons, with my deeper voice with just a touch of nasality and sibilance, my AT4040 has seemed more natural and balanced than the AT4033. Also, my AT4040s both have a pad and an HPF. Surprisingly, perhaps, I'm thinking of keeping the AT4033 for guitar and banjo - though expect to dip the eq a little at 550Hz.

[@fangsoffuego]

I've got a nasally and sibilant voice, would you say it be better for me to get at4040 over the at4033a

[@GavinAtkin]

@@fangsoffuego I think mic choice has to be based on the voice, the nature of the room you're working in (and what you're able to do to improve it) and the effect you're trying to achieve. So it's difficult to give a clear answer. I think you could get good results with either, though as with any mic-voice-roon combination you'll have to work at it. With a treated room or at least good temporary treatment provided by mattresses, duvets on mic stands etc, an eq boost in the lower mids and a well aimed cut around 6.5kHz the AT4040 could work well. The AT4033 seems to me to have slightly better rejection but still needs the same kind of 6.5kHz cut and then another cut at 550Hz (rather than the boost the AT4040 sometimes needs).

[@gthevigilant_1811]

As for 10 dB pad and HPF I think Bandrew meant he didn't have them turned on his AT4040 not that the mic didn't have those switches. It's a mic comparison so he was trying to have an even playing field with no features turned on any of the mics.

[@satospeed]

I adore that Audio-Technica sound. Would love to see you review the AT4047 and AT4050 sometime!

[@acarrasco]

Hi Andrew. You forgot to compare it with the AT 2035 that you mentioned that it was your favvoriet compared to the at2020 and the at2040. Thanks for your reviews!

[@shadowcoyotes]

Thanks Andrew. Can you please have a look at the AT 4050?

[@helmanfrow]

I thought the shock mount performed very well. I didn't hear any rumble when you tapped the desk or stand.

[@azzinny]

With audio technica 20 series, I feel as if something in the mic is slightly buzzing or rattling when the voice the character to trigger the buzzing.

[@searchiemusic]

every time i find a youtube listing for a microphone you've reviewed it so at this point i genuinely just can tell how they make your voice sound lmfao

[@Podcastage]

That's why I do so many. I want to create a library of videos that are very similar. That way when someone is researching mics they are able to locate videos that are comparable and through listening to the sound samples have a better understanding of the mics performance.

[@bigtastyben5119]

I had this mic. I had it for like 6 months before being forced to sell it in 2017 because I had moved out and really needed the money 💀💀💀

[@jer7255]

Hope you get that back bro

[@scouthanamura2380]

just found your channel and i love your format, super helpful.

[@joshuaharrover9580]

For the record, I own about 6 or 7 microphones, and if you can save up $75, the MXL 770 is a solid 8 out of 10 for condensers. Not as good as the 990, but still very good, for the price.

[@old_jota]

I've had the 990 for about ten years. And every time i get tempted to grab a new condenser, i plug that thing in and realize that'll always be an excellent tool for me and i don't need to upgrade.

[@SyntheticSentiment]

I can't remember if I tried the 4040, but i e tried the 4033 and 4047 and felt both had a grainy top end. I like the 3035 much better as an all-around workhorse type LDC (it might be that the top end us just rolled off a bit) and the 2035 is almost as good imo. But the NT1 is still the one to beat for my (baritone) vocals.

[@tommibjork]

The 2035 is 3035 renamed...

[@SyntheticSentiment]

@@tommibjork The 2035 that I had sounded almost as good as my 3035 but not quite. I think the 3035 was made in Japan while the 2035 is made in China.

[@galenyeo46]

The Rode NT-1 and of course Neumann sounded very good. Looking for a mike that handles lower voices well and this appeared on the list...

[@nikolayew]

Could you please review the Austrian Audio oc16 and compare it to oc18 or oc818. I think they both sound good and the oc is not necessarily better just because of the price but they seem to sound quite different and I can not decide which would suit me more overall. Speaking about recording Guitar and Vocals.

[@JaredMarker]

Just realized Bandrew produced a 4K video…this is such an amazing upgrade in video quality! Oh my gosh…I’m thrilled! Please keep doing this! 🤩 I’m joking…don’t make your computer explode. 🤪

[@jadoob]

I'm new to this channel. I love how he uses tons of uptalk on the microphone A/B testing section--I'm assuming to shine a spotlight on the 'phasiness' of cheaper condenser mics--which is much appreciated. 👍👍

[@AidenID101]

Hello! I have a question. If I use Rode NT1 for screaming vocal, is my NT1 gonna get damaged for that kind of vocal ??

[@augustusallan3619]

Could you do an AT4033a vs NT2a since they are about the same price?

[@dumdubbs2427]

The funny thing is that my sibilance on the RODE NT-USB, it PIERCES the eardrums. I had to use a de-esser like crazy. probs -12 db at least. But I got this AT4033 microphone, and it sounds the best on my voice out of all my other sub $300 mics. I guess everyone's sibilant range is different, mine is 5k, so I want to try the NT2, but I'm scared because of its freq response.

[@slimyelow]

Wow the U Haiti Seven has the most similar freq response to the 4033a. It just has more clarity plus patterns and that is it. I used to have both mics and used them for mid side setups. - crazy sound

[@Podcastage]

Didn't know that. Thanks for sharing that information.

[@TMD4000]

Hey how about a test of the AT4050 - threre is almost nothing useful on KZbin I can find o this mic ..... and its a modern classic since the early 90ties

[@Podcastage]

I don't currently own one and it's a bit out of my budget given the current economy, but thank you very much for the recommendation. Perhaps in the future I'll be able to check it out.

[@Rod-Wheeler]

Great Review as always! Thank you!

[@blakprophet9305]

NT1 the best microphone hands down

[@sidethan]

It sounds way better than every mic you compared it to except the ksm32, which is way more expensive and sounds just as good, the neat king bee v2 and the neumann u87 ( no comment on the price of this one). Then, I looked up the price of the neat king bee v2. 150$. Are you fucking kidding me???!! One of the best sounding ones is the cheapest ffs. This industry makes no sense.

[@kennethbailey7105]

Now waiting on the warm audio wa-8000 and CX-12 review 😳

[@step62]

I own this mic for over a years now. Sound great but you have to be careful and make some great recording take otherwise it became sibilant and harsh easily. (Sorry for bad english) Thanks for your video

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

Another amazing Mic video review from Bandrew 👍

[@snoopymel1131]

id14 mkii + at4040? How do you think, good setup?

[@AlexanderSuppermann]

Shure!👍

[@gaigedespain3857]

i traded a peavey amp for this mic and i love it for certain vocals and guitar amps

[@rimhasnaoui9996]

i see in stores at4033 ASM. what does ASM stand for? is it the same mic as at4033a in this video?? and is there an at4033 without the a?? please someone answer im trying to make a decision🙏

[@Podcastage]

It seems like SM at the end of the name means it comes with a shock mount. This is based on the below forum post: www.soundonsound.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=13964&_=1645920000000&qt-forum_new=0

[@mropeel]

I just bought an AT4033a second hand. It appears to sound within expected parameters. However, compared to my other condenser mics (even the AT2035) the handling noise is really bad. Even in a shockmount it picks up foot noise from the floor significantly. If you lightly tap the body of the mic it has a resonant ring at about 100Hz. Whereas all my other mics just respond with a light thud. Did you notice anything like this in your test? Or do you think my mic is faulty?

[@Podcastage]

Check around 4 min in this video

[@mropeel]

Thanks, I watched this video quite a few times but missed that. The mic I bought doesn't sound like that ...

[@tallmccartneymusic]

I bought this probably 2 days before this review came out. I love the thing, but I will say it’s EXTREMELY unforgiving. If you got buzz, rattle, dry mouth, etc you will hear it.

[@mac0285]

Great, thorough video, thanks!

[@bfmwaves558]

small question, what do you do with all these microphones presented to us ?

[@randyab9go188]

Have you looked behind Bandrew in an early video and and this video. What do you think? World's most expansive mic locker!

[@guthreleonard4164]

You should so a versus for the KSM32 and the 4033a. They are both very "soft" sounding mics, so I'd love to hear a closer comparison :)

[@guthreleonard4164]

Also, the "soft" sound makes it one of my favs for spoken voice condensers.

[@SmokeDaJitt]

Another great review!

[@powersliding]

that king bee II though, sounds pretty good for its price on voice over or narration

[@sonnydthomas]

1440p compromise?

[@MrHamit64]

Bandrew do you happen to have 4021s? Or any mic that looks like them? Cause if you do even if you just post a pick could you show what they would look like in ORTF? I'm not a math guy. I'm also blind so I need this to show anyone else to help me set them when and if I do get a pair. I know the angle of the capsles is 110 degrees. But I don't get how they'd look like as they don't seem to have the capsles on the ends like an SM58.

[@mixanyar2742]

i really love to see you reviewing lewitt lct 540 s it's amazing and i wanna know your opinion about it

[@scottmhorn]

Is there a nice shock mount and stand I can buy for my old audio Technica 4033a? I want to keep using it and limit the noise as much as possible. I wonder if I should have two rugs underneath it instead of just the one.

[@Podcastage]

Looking at Sweetwater the shock mount that is compatible with the 4033 is: Audio-Technica AT8449a I'd suggest double checking yourself that it is compatible on their site.

[@GoreMelian]

Do you prefer this over the king bee 2?

[@Alexandra-Rex]

I'd love to have you review the sE Electronics T2.

[@MaKeXiuShi]

What pop-filter do you use? Don't know why, but I can't google it.

[@Realtalkyou08]

There’s some weird stuff going on in high end of this mic. I have it, will be switching real soon. Don’t like it on vocals

[@tricogustrico]

The shure sure sounds good.

[@WanclickZ]

How do you do boost in post? because I always just press "normalize" to make something louder but I don't know how much it is boosted in terms of db. Thank you!

[@bllodwolf2431]

In Audacity you can apply "Amplify" on the effects list, that's a way I know you can boost in post

[@ManosPairis]

The Neumann was the best by far (no surprises there) the 44033a the shure and the rode. Din't like the rest, in comparison to these.

[@Podcastage]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I really appreciate it.

[@Hoopergames]

I just discovered you from an old video Thank you for not saying doobibly doo anymore It's very 2009 shay Carl

[@LizardsGaming]

The 4k video looks great!

[@ItsScapeGoated]

Can anyone tell me what pop filter he was using for the plosives test? If it's homemade then the materials?

[@hugoh364]

I went on his website to see that the pop filter is the hakan P110 :)

[@DanielBergonzoni]

Awesome video!!

[@sadeghbendokht114]

Please rode nt2000

[@keithgendler8727]

Thanks Bandrew.

[@joshuaharrover9580]

I also love the AT-2020 at the $99.

[@thehowards6183]

What makes the at4050 better or worse ?

[@Podcastage]

I have not used the AT4050 so I cannot speak to what makes it better or worse.

[@ryanshook8284]

You’ve got to try the 4050 and the 4047mp out. They’re insane sounding. Would love to see a shootout.

[@syperblog]

*What I like about this microphone is that it can be removed from the camera's field of view and speak calmly and you will be clearly heard*

[@mib5633]

why doesn't it cost 4033 dollars tf

[@sevenhxrecords677]

The rode nt1 is a kill over all these mic😂

[@Podcastage]

The NT1 is a very good microphone.

[@videntemusic2465]

Good video 🔥🔥🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@IExist.Q86]

Hi sir please review zoom h6

[@theJourneynfc]

hahahahah you are awesome please NEVER stop doing videos

[@JimmyRockNRoll]

Please！ AT4050 Review！！

[@Podcastage]

I haven't purchased an AT4050, I don't have one, and haven't ever used one, so it's not currently on the docket of future reviews.

[@JimmyRockNRoll]

​@@Podcastage Thank you for your prompt reply. I have "AT4033a", "AT2035", "AT4040", and "AT4050", but the "AT4050" has the best sound and feels almighty, and I would have been happy if you had a review schedule, but I'm sorry. Please try it if you have the chance.

[@---ml4jd]

Like for the insane effort

[@tohoanguyen2275]

🌻🌻🌻

[@helmanfrow]

Telegram bots putting in their reps today.

[@michele7348]

297 k ❤️❤️❤️

[@ee1yd]

thats a mouthful

[@joesquadcoptervideos2067]

If you don't know what the dooblydoo is, I think you should just go watch booth junkie... Jk jk both channels are perfect 👍