Audio Technica AT4050 Condenser Microphone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been using this microphone for years. I have two of them, actually. I didn't buy them as a matched pair, so one is a bit brighter sounding than the other. That can be an advantage, as I use the darker mic for overly bright sound sources, and vice-versa. I've used these mics with good results in my project studio, on vocals, guitars, and hand percussion, and actually earned a major film festival award for music I created in that studio. I think the mics sound particularly good on female voices (as a number of reviewers have noted). The figure-of-eight pattern offers the flattest response curve, and I almost always use that for vocals. (The cardioid and omni pattern give more treble/upper mids boost--useful for some applications, but a little harsh on my voice.)
Bottom line: This is a well-made, versatile microphone that will do pretty much anything you ask of it.

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The Audio Technica AT4050 multi-pattern condenser microphone is like getting three completely different microphones for the price of one! Meet the studio condenser that captures every nuance. With three switchable polar patterns, the large-diaphragm Audio-Technica AT4050 exhibits a remarkable combination of qualities: high-SPL capability with transparent and airy uppers/mids complemented by rich low-end qualities. Its dual large diaphragms are gold-vaporized and aged for consistent, outstanding performance. A precision-machined, nickel-plated brass acoustic element baffle provides rock-solid element stability and exceptional sensitivity. Ideal for studio use and live sound productions with vocals, piano, strings, drum overheads, guitar amps, and more. Audio Technica AT4050 Features Transparent uppers/mids balanced by rich low-end qualities combine with advanced acoustic engineering for extensive performance capabilities and highest quality Dual-diaphragm capsule design maintains precise polar pattern definition across the full frequency range of the microphone The 2-micron-thick, vapor-deposited gold diaphragms undergo a five-step aging process so that the optimum characteristics achieved remain constant over years of use Three switchable polar patterns: omni, cardioid, figure-of-eight Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients State-of-the-art surface-mount electronics ensure compliance with A-T's stringent consistency and reliability standards Switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad Custom shock mount provides superior isolation AmericanMusical.com is an authorized dealer of Audio-Technica products.

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Shure SM27-LC Cardioid Side-Address Condenser Microphone, includes Zipper Pouch and Stand Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this mic to record/amp my sax and other wood winds when I am on stage and in the studio. I liked this mic because it is built tougher than others which were meant for only studio work. I like a mic that can come with me on stage and still give me great sound. This mic has excellent noise rejection and allows me to move around as I play and still get good coverage. As a horn player it is hard get positioned around a mic this one lets you just stand naturally and it will pick you up. It is not super sensitive so when I recorded my flute, it sounds good, but it is pretty quite. Probably not great for a vocal condenser, but makes a great amp or instrument mic.

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Cardioid Side-Address Condenser Microphone, includes zipper pouch and stand adapter. The SM27 is a rugged and versatile large-diaphragm, side-address cardioid microphone, with low self-noise and extended frequency response that picks up vocal and instrument nuances with clarity. Durable Shure construction features three separate mesh layers that reduce wind and breath noise. Equally comfortable on stage or in the studio.
Uniform cardioid pattern for superior off axis rejection
Superior transient response from a low-mass large Mylar® diaphragm
Flat, neutral frequency response for natural reproduction on stage or in the studio
3-position switchable low-frequency filter helps reduce unwanted background noise or counteract proximity effect for consistent, extended low-end
Durable metal construction.
Three separate mesh layers reduces wind and breath noise.
15dB pad for performance consistency across a wider range of high SPL sources

Cartridge TypeExternally Biased Condenser

Frequency Response20 to 20,000 Hz



Directional Polar PatternCardioid

Output ImpedanceEIA Rated at 150 ohms (140 ohms actual)

Attenuation Switch0 or 15 dB attenuation

Low Frequency response switchFlat-6 db/octave below 115 Hz-18 dB/octave below 80 Hz

Phantom Power48 Vdc +/- 4 Vdc (IEC­268­15/DIN 45 596), positive pins 2 and 3

Current Drain5.4 mA typical at 48 Vdc

Common Mode Rejection>50 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

PolarityPositive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on output pin 2 relative to pin 3

Dimensions and Weight53.0 mm (2.08 in.) maximum body diameter156.2 mm (6.15 in.) long;642 grams (22.6 oz.)

Sensitivity (typical, at 1000 Hz; 1Pa = 94 dB SPL)-37 dBV/Pa

Self­noise (typical, equivalent SPL; A­weighted, IEC 651)9.5 dB

Maximum SPL (1000 Hz at 1% THD)2500 ohm load (Attenuator on): 138 (153) dB1000 ohm load (Attenuator off): 133 (148) dB

Output Clipping Level*2500 ohm load: 7 dBV1000 ohm load: 1 dBV

Dynamic Range2500 ohm load: 128 dB1000 ohm load: 123 dB

Signal to Noise ratio**84.5 dB

*20 Hz to 20 kHz; THD < 1%. THD of the microphone preamplifier when applied input signal is equivalent to the cartridge output at specified SPL.**S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise A-weighted.

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Rode NTK Tube Condenser Microphone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Great mic - excellent sound. I have been a pro voiceover artist for over 30 years and have dealt with a variety of studio mics. In building my own studio I really wanted a front end that had a clear and smooth full-range sound. The R0de NTK was recommended to me by another "big voice" artist, and completely lives up to the recommendation. Everyone I have talked to says it's about the best value out there. If you have cash to blow, you can get a "noyyyyyymannnnn" (raise eyebrows here), or you can enjoy the sound of this mic and take the extra $3200 and spend it on more gear. The hard plastic padded case for the mic and power supply are a nice touch. Don't forget to buy a shock mount for it!
Enjoy -

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The RODE NTK sets the standard for value in professional microphones. This is a tube mic designed exclusively for recording professionals who want what only the best can offer. The heart of the NTK is the Australian designed and manufactured HF-2 capsule. The electronic circuitry complementing this very sensitive transducer includes a hand-selected twin-triode 6922 valve and audiophile grade components and lay-out. The result is an ultra-wide dynamic range, very low noise, and stunning tube warmth. The NTK's rich valve sound is ideal for vocals, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, guitar amps and pianos. It includes a power supply, 30 foot cable, stand adapter and case. RODE NTK Features Large 1 inch capsule with gold plated diaphragm Class A valve circuitry Ultra low noise Wide dynamic range Hand-selected and graded 6922 twin-triode valve Dedicated Power Supply High strength heat-treated steel mesh head Durable satin nickel finish Internal capsule shock mounting High level of RF rejection When professional performance counts use only a Rode NTK tube microphone. AmericanMusical.com is an authorized dealer of Rode products.

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M-Audio Solaris Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Happy with product, only took about a week. It actually came with a shock mount which that wasn't list to come with it. Thanks

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The Solaris is a large-capsule condenser microphone that sounds as good as it looks. Beneath the stylish exterior lies the best-sounding solid-state electronics available at any price. Vintage design principles merge with incredibly tight manufacturing standards to yield no more than +/-1dB of deviation across the entire 20Hz-20kHz frequency range. The industry-thinnest evaporated gold diaphragm also delivers incredible sensitivity. Multi-pattern architecture provides flexibility that makes it ideal for just about any miking situation--included capturing vocals, guitar, piano, drums and live events. It's like having three mics in one.

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Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For recording my voice (baritone), it does a great job. For extra warmth that means close-miking, which in turn means not popping your p's, etc. If you hold it close to your mouth but don't directly face it end-on, that's easily done (or get a pop filter). [...].
The microphone electronics are extremely quiet - the audio is sampled at 18 bits.
It comes with a warranty which is easily extended to 10 years for free.
The real-time headphone monitoring is a great idea and works well.
It's a bit heavy (part of being built like a tank), and you need to think a little about how you're going to mount it, since some cheap desktop stands can barely manage it.
Some things to keep in mind are:
1) It likes close-miking (at least for male voices)
2) It is USB-only
3) It is a on the bit large and heavy side.
If those don't bother you, and the price is in your range, then you will probably like it a lot.

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The Rode Podcaster is the easiest way to record high quality vocals or audio on your computer and upload them to the world.Seamless integration was the idea, and it was obtained by creating a studio dynamic microphone with unparalleled A/D converters, so that the microphone can be plugged into any computer with no in/out boxes, no expensive computer pre-amps, just a USB cable.The Podcaster offers an end-address configuration, the clarity of RØDE's tailored-for-voice frequency response, an ON L.E.D, a direct headphone amp, and of course very low self noise.The Podcaster opens up possibilities for anyone who records audio from podcasters, journalists and students to business people adding audio files to websites and multimedia presentations.

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Apogee ONE USB Interface with Microphone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm a new MacPro owner and bought the Apogee One so that I could plug in my guitar and use Garageband. I did a bunch of research on the different interfaces and picked the "One" because of the reviews and the price. I'm certainly not disappointed.This thing works way better than I expected. It is sleek, low profile, simple to hook up and sounds great. I was kind of worried that I read USB connections had more issues with latency than Firewire. That is certainly not the case here. I can detect ZERO latency. I plugged my Bose computer speakers into the One's headphone jack and my guitar sounds great. And it works great with the Mac and Garageband.
Anyway, I could ramble on but need to get back to practice.Excellent product. Thank you Apogee!

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ONE is powered by a USB connection to your Mac and offers 24 bit audio at sample rates of 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz for pristine sound quality. With a footprint slightly larger than an iPhone, ONE's compact size is travel friendly, allowing you to record and perform professionally any place your music takes you.There's a Mic Inside:Tuned Aperture Microphone TechnologyUnlike any interface in its class, ONE features an internal reference condenser microphone that has been fine-tuned by professional recording engineers to create Apogee's Tuned Aperture Microphone technology. ONE with its tuned aperture microphone and fitted with the optional custom mic mount is the ultimate portable recording solution for quickly capturing musical ideas, recording high quality demos, rehearsals, podcasts, lectures, interviews, voice-overs and more.Choose your Mic: World-Class Mic Pre inputFor those who prefer the sound of their favorite microphone, ONE features a worldclass microphone preamp with phantom power and a gain range of +10 to 65 dB. Based on the award winning mic preamps in Apogee's Ensemble and Duet, ONE's preamp is digitally controlled by the encoder knob. Level can also be set from within Apogee's Maestro, or your Mac's Sound and Audio MIDI Setup control panels.Guitar, Bass and Keyboards: Instrument InputsPlug-in and play is made easy with ONE's instrument input. Perfect for guitar, bass, and keyboard, ONE's instrument input has extremely low noise and a transparent signal path making it the ideal solution for recording or performing live with your Mac.Headphones or Speakers: Studio Quality Stereo OutputHear your recordings in their truest form and rediscover your iTunes library with ONE's studio quality stereo output. Controlled by the encoder knob, the output of ONE is supplied by the 1/8" jack on the front allowing connection to either headphones or powered speakers.ONE Touch Control: The multifunction encoder knobAll...

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