Review of the Audio Technica AT 4033 Mic

[@matthewmcclure3181]

His recommendation is sound on both the AT 4033 and encouraging investment in a decent pre-amp. I've owned the AT 4033 for about 15 years. Over the years I've added vocal mics including the Neumann TLM 103, AEA R84 and AKG C414, but the AT 4033 is still used frequently. If you are performing your own background vocals and you'd like to establish a bit of tonal variation from the lead vocal, utilizing a different mic is a good starting point. If you are tracking an instrument (especially acoustic guitar), incorporating both a small and large diaphragm condenser mic is an effective approach. The takeaway is the AT 4033 won't necessarily become an obsolete piece of gear if you choose to upgrade mics at some point in the future. AT 4033 pros include: (1) suitable for a wide range of sources, (2) durable/reliable, (3) transparent, (4) high-pass filter (nice feature to save you time in the mixing/clean-up stage), (5) more than acceptable tonal characteristics, and (6) most importantly cost-value proposition. AT 4033 cons include: (1) you certainly won't need to make apologies for this mic but please don't expect it to provide the frequency pallet, clarity, low noise threshold, or vibe of a $700-$1200 mic, (2) transparent... yep I listed that above as a pro (which it is), but this is not the mic for you if you are looking for a mic with the potential to help infuse color/warmth. Final thought. I won't go so far as to say there isn't another mic at the $400 price point that can match the overall value proposition of the AT 4033. However, if there is worthy rival, I don't know what mic that would be. It's become counter-intuitive to think of a 30-year-old product as anything other than dated during an age when the typical shelf-life for electronics is 3 years. In many cases that logic is probably warranted but it couldn't be further from the truth as it relates to microphones and analog sound equipment. Then again, it takes a noteworthy product to remain economically viable for company to produce and promote instead of a flashy new option. A 30-year and counting run in a highly competitive product category, and with no signs of slowing down, is a better testament to the quality of this mic than any review.

[@jennakuebler6204]

In your opinion (if you've had experience), how does this compare to the Aston Origin? The AT4033 and Aston Origin have been my top two I'm looking at. I'm not a professional with mics or sound editing, but I want something that will sound nice with guitar and vocals. Orla Gartland uses the AO and that's where my search began.

[@matthewmcclure3181]

​@@jennakuebler6204 Sorry for the delayed response, I saw your comment last night but I wanted to relay your question to a producer I collaborate with from time to time. I have seen the Aston in use, gotten my hands on it, and heard the raw tracks prior to mixing but I haven't personally used it, so I can't give a subjective sonics comparison to the AT 4033. Nevertheless, I do have a few thoughts on it that I'll share and then I'll close with a few comments from my friend who has hands-on experience with both mics. Here are my thoughts comparing the build and technical specs. They are both fairly rugged but the grill on the Aston really stuck out to me as incredibly solid. I also really liked that it screwed directly into the boom with no need for a shock mount. If you are working it tight spaces, this might offer a bit more flexibility for positioning the mic. Sometimes I find angling a shock mounted mic (balancing the weight, keeping the bands in place, etc) can be a pain. As for the stated db and frequency specs that matter, there is very little difference between the two mics. Another less obvious feature is the built in pop filter for controlling splosives. That's a nice a feature, and I'm sure many people consider it a benefit. On the other-hand, this can have an impact on the sonic characteristics of a mic. I experienced this with a Neumann TLM 102 that also has a built in pop filter. Once I removed the internal pop filter, the mic really opened up, and if I'm honest there are now times I prefer the TLM 102 over the TLM 103. If you plan to use the mic for live applications then I wouldn't do it but it's definitely the way to go in a recording environment (assuming you use an external pop filter). The Aston also has an internal 10db pad and a HP filter, which are nice features (especially for live). The AT 4033 doesn't have these features but it isn't a big deal in a studio environment. Most of my friend's comments (with one exception) can be summoned up as the two mics are fairly interchangeable. He also shared some of the comments I mentioned above. The exception is that he slightly prefers the Aston for female vocals as he perceives the higher frequencies to be a bit smoother. He also mentioned the Aston is perfectly fine for recording acoustic guitar but he prefers other mics in his locker for this task. I would say the same thing about the AT 4033 - perfectly fine for recording acoustic guitar but I also have other mics that I prefer... but in both of our cases the mics we are using are significantly more expensive. In conclusion, I don't think you could go wrong with either mic. I definitely stand behind the long term reliability and sonic quality of the AT 4033, as many others have over the past 30 years. The Aston has only been around for 4 years but from what I've seen it looks like has a good chance of becoming an equally valued mic (if it hasn't already). Since I haven't had a chance to really put the Aston through the paces, I'm slightly hesitant to give you a recommendation but I sort of will anyway. First, a few mics to consider if you haven't yet researched them (Lauten Audio LA-220, Rode NT1-A, Warm Audio WA-47jr). Second, these 3 mics along with the AT and Aston are probably best-in-class for the $200-$400 price range, but if your budget can flex up to the $600-$800 range then I have some recommendations that would trump all 5 of them. Finally, my soft recommendation - the Aston might be best for you as a female vocalist (unless you have a really deep voice) and the addition features (built in pop filter, 10 db pad, HP filter, direct mounting) provided for $100 less than the AT 4033 can't be ignored.

[@jennakuebler6204]

@@matthewmcclure3181 Wow, thanks so much for taking the time to do that and respond like this! It really means a lot, as someone who is a bit of a perfectionist and doesn't wanna drop a few hundred on something I'm so new to. I've definitely been leaning towards the Aston, but wanted to make sure it wasn't just coz of the aesthetic or because it seems very "in" right now among this generation of artists. I've been watching Orla Gartland's at-home videos on KZbin and she uses an Aston for each one. I was instantly hooked on its quality there and then couldn't believe how cheap it was when I looked it up. I came across the Audio Technica in a comparison video against the AO. It was virtually the only comparison I could find online so I was getting frustrated. While I plan on reaching out to a studio for recording tracks for Spotify etc, for now I'm really just looking for a mic that can get me fairly high-quality demos that I can put on SoundCloud, KZbin, or send to my producer friends for advice on song structure, each without having to book time in a studio. I also know myself very well and "not having a good mic" is definitely one of the main reasons I've been stagnant this year with regards to making music. So thank you again! :) You don't know how much this helped. I can stop all my researching and just pick one finally! All the best! -Jenna

[@matthewmcclure3181]

@@jennakuebler6204 Glad to hear it helped confirm your preference. A lot of people have helped steer me in the right direction over the years, so happy to pitch in when I can.

[@markstettler6619]

Very nice video, thank you for making it. I appreciate you discussing the applications and giving a few pointers on how to use it effectively. I've had one of these for a very long time (AT4033SE), but haven't used it much because I haven't done much studio work. Now that I'm going to do more, I was considering buying a "newer" condenser mic, but your video convinced me it is still very relevant. The fact that you have used it in your studio for many years is a very strong testament. Thanks again!

[@NoteSpireMusicTV]

Thanks, Mark! Keep in touch 👍

[@hoochhooch2181]

Thanks, excellent review! Btw, I agree with you on the AT4033. I like this better than my high dollar Neumann. I can’t find a second 4033 for my studio, they have 4033 “ A” and other suffixes. Is the “A “ different? Kind regards, Hooch

[@andrewbromhead5947]

i think the 4033a has transformerless capacitors making them more quiet

[@SLAVECO3]

Thanks for the review!

[@faautobahna9416]

Thanks. Very helpful video also because it gives some general guidelines too. Considering my first mic. You should make more videos. Why so few ..

[@mysoliloquy7704]

Thanks for the review. I'm considering this microphone, so appreciate your feedback.

[@NoteSpireMusicTV]

You're welcome! Glad to help. Please let us know which mic you choose, and how it's working for you. Blessings!

[@petebeech4527]

Well I'm going to be trying out the AT 4033 on our new single. So I'll let you know my thoughts after :)

[@jamesfild]

the at4040 is good to sing? for hip hip raps etc, do you recommend it?

[@NoteSpireMusicTV]

Glad you watched! If you have any other questions about this mic, or any other gear we use, just ask! I think you'd be very happy with this one.

[@shatsbird]

Hi. Just wondering what settings you would use on this mic for recording classical guitar i.e on the low cut and pad. I have an AT 4033a. Cheers, and thanks

[@prodigal4210]

yessss mi to it sounds gooood

[@paulotonedef]

According to Alan Parsons, in Behind The Glass, he uses this for vocals... Apparently. (I bet he doesn't really)

[@seanbierman1212]

Yeah, he recommended it

[@shatsbird]

Also, alm ost forgot: would recording stereo (two of these mics) offer a better result; or is stereo recording really necessary? Thanks

[@NoteSpireMusicTV]

Hi Mark, and thanks for writing! i would definitely try the low cut switch on the mic for the classical guitar to see it improves the overall sound. Depending on your playing style, it may help. if it doesn't seem to make any difference, leave the switch in the normal position. How close you place the mic to the soundhole will also make a difference. Trust your ears. As for stereo, I don't think I would spend the xtra cash if you don't have a second mic. A little delay can give you a nice stereo effect if you copy the track, pan the two to taste, and delay the second track just a tick or two. I've gotten nice results with acoustic guitar using that method. If you want more info on that just let me know. Good luck!

[@shatsbird]

Thanks for your time and kindness! Great tip on the stereo aspect. I'll give that a shot. Cheers

[@avofficial2980]

Please what is the best at4033 or behringer c3 for vocal?

[@NoteSpireMusicTV]

I have not used the C3, but if you are on a budget, I would go with the c3. It is also a multi pattern microphone, which is a good thing if you need that feature.however, for good quality vocal recording I would stick with the 4033. again, I am basing that on over 20 years of using the 4033 and it has always served me very well. Sound quality is very good.

[@avofficial2980]

@@NoteSpireMusicTV Thank you, sir ... I will stay on your channel ... I asked you because you are a professional in music..I wish you every success

[@jamesfild]

the at4040 is good to sing? for hip hip raps etc, do you recommend it?

[@NoteSpireMusicTV]

I have not used the 4040, but I believe it would be just as good as the 4030 that we use. So I do recommend it for singing, yes. If you have any other questions, just let us know! Thanks!

[@GavinAtkin]

I've got a couple and have struggled with them. They seem to have a very wide pickup pattern that doesn't work so well in a normal house - though it's surely fine in a studio.

[@gcechristsband]

it is a good way, thanks for share inspirational information, love and greetings from Faisal Masih -pk

[@paulgibbsmusic6234]

Thanks, and blessings!

[@BopKitBill]

Diaphragm Size: 0.45" (11.5mm) is considered a small diaphragm mic.

[@NoteSpireMusicTV]

Thanks for correcting us on that.

[@codepinn]

what cables i need for it ?

[@NoteSpireMusicTV]

This mic used a standard xlr cable.

[@birdsonthehoodeatingpopcor415]

Please demonstrate how the mic sounds by talking and telling and explaining about the mic while using that mic. Also, the noise floor or hum seens to speak poorly for this mic.

[@shadowclonejutsu8500]

What’s up with the dislikes😭

[@melbournaut]

For an audio review the audio quality of this video is lacking. I hope this wasn't recorded with the AT

[@serbianrock5512]

Audio-technica at4033 vs at4040?

[@KennyLauderdale]

lol... go listen at store... Honestly it's not gonna matter... Choose one and record... I promise it does NOT matter...

[@JESSYmp4]

Nul.

[@endyz6088]

you cant make a mic review and not use the mic for the review

[@herrunsinn774]

A minute and a half into the video and it's still blah blah blah, not getting to the point... It took that long to even mention what you were going to review... You've just lost me.

[@NoteSpireMusicTV]

Thanks for your candid reply. We will take that into consideration for future content.

[@kb9788]

Herr- Quit you whining