The Darkness Binds them... AT4040 vs Shure SM7B (Studio/Booth/Untreated Comparison)

Рет қаралды 14,900

Күн бұрын

Here is a comparison I have been looking forward to for a very long time. These are two of my favorite microphones and now they are going up against each other! The AT4040 and Shure SM7B have very similar tones, now it's up to you to listen carefully and see which one fist you and your content more.
Segments:
00:00 - Intro
02:07 - Build Comparison
06:45 - Techy Talk
09:30 - Frequency Response Curve Comparison
13:19 - Noise Comparison (Studio)
14:00 - Off Axis Rejection (Studio)
15:34 - Booth Comparison
18:26 - Plosive Comparison (Booth)
19:00 - Shure SM7B No windscreen vs AT4040
19:58 - Shure SM7B LCF vs AT4040
21:31 - AT4040 LCF vs Shure SM7B LCF
22:05 - Shure SM7B MB vs AT4040
22:55 - Shure SM7B LCF/MB vs AT4040
23:55 - Untreated Room
24:20 - Noise Tests (Untreated Room)
25:40 - Off Axis Rejection (Untreated Room)
27:15 - Outro
Streams:
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Music:
Royalty Free Music by Senpai Records
Streambeats.com
Rebel Tech Discord: / discord
NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): If you purchase an item using an affiliate link, it provides me a small referral fee. As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Affiliate Links:
Microphones
Audio Technica AT4040: amzn.to/3ncLC9S
Shure SM7B: amzn.to/38WZ7ST
Audio Gear:
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Zoom F6: amzn.to/38Z9WUB
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#AT4040 #ShureSM7B #AT4040vsShureSM7B

Пікірлер: 86

@SnowAngelfish 5 ай бұрын

Outstanding review! I have the sm7b and am very seriously considering the at4040 for large condensor to round out my mic collection. Each type of mic has its own applications and this helped a lot. Thanks!

@RebelTech1990 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for checking out the video!

@vancouverrob 2 жыл бұрын

Very interesting. The 4040 is my VO mic. I've never seen or heard of this comparison before.Thank you!

@RebelTech1990 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome! I only saw a couple of videos on this topic and I’ve been wanting to give my take on it. Eventually I will come back to this and go more in depth on applications for each of them. Thanks for checking out the video!

@JohnnyRawks Жыл бұрын

Hey Rob, are you still using the 4040? I'm interested as I'm looking to buy my first studio vocal mic, for rock vocals mainly. Wondered if you had any advice. Cheers!

@fdra1763 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the in-depth review and thoughts. This helps.

@RebelTech1990 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for checking out the video!

@TheDreadwolfMetal 2 жыл бұрын

Hey buddy! Thank you for this review.

@RebelTech1990 2 жыл бұрын

Your welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for checking it out!

@epi2045 Жыл бұрын

Definitely it depends on the application. I use the SM7B because it’s more consistent in different room environments. It’s “insensitivity” actually does a great job cutting room reverb.

@kurokid2441 2 жыл бұрын

Boomarm with Mic would be my favorite set,hhh. Besides SM7B and NT2-A, I'm now pay my attention to certain small diaphragm mic which is convenient for me to carry and has really good response. There is actually some time that I'm looking forward to try all those mics I adore...

@kurokid2441 2 жыл бұрын

almost forget, great video as always! I'm learning to say things the way as yours.

@mdwayne741 Жыл бұрын

You can't go wrong with either mic....I own the AT4040 and I absolutely love it. Excellent comparison video!!! I'm definitely considering this SM7B as an addition to my studio since it's a dynamic mic.

@RebelTech1990 Жыл бұрын

These mics are meant to be used in tandem. In a studio setting they will give so much variety and great quality. Thanks for checking out the video!

@markwiemels 2 жыл бұрын

The additional camera angle was cool. Good video.

@RebelTech1990 2 жыл бұрын

It is pretty cool to have another angle to work with. It helps with making cuts. I just need to work on getting the colors to match a little better. Thanks for checking out the video!

@itscarlosreally 2 жыл бұрын

13:07 "I like that mid-section, and...I like that low-end a little more." #AfterHoursWithRebelTech

@RebelTech1990 2 жыл бұрын

To quote Vin Diesel, "I'm one of those boys that appreciates a fine body regardless of the make". One of my favorite one liners

@arkbonjangles9984 Жыл бұрын

First off I love how you go about your videos and find them very easy to watch and enjoyable/informative. Quick questions I would love to your your input on if you have time. My current setup is the at4050 and the apogee duet 2. Everything mogami cabled. I used to own the at4040 and also really enjoyed that a lot. I record almost strictly male rap/hip hop vocals. 1. I hear a lot of hype on the shure sm7b especially for rap if I'm not mistaken. It looks like a good preamp is needed for this to perform the best. I think around the guideline of db's? Any help on certain preamps you recommend is appreciated. 2. I've enjoyed the at4050 but not sure if I'm getting the most out of it possibly without a good preamp. I have been researching a good pre-amp especially nice for rap vocals and would be much appreciated if you have any ideas. I don't want to skip out on a good pre and a fantastic mic but ultimately if there's anything in the cheaper side that performs although doesn’t have to be if there’s something that you think pairs well. 3. Another mic Ive been recently extremely (!!) excited about recently is the at4047 for male rap vocals and have read that it can be great on most rap vocals (sometimes hit and miss) and has a cool flavor to it (sounds unique) which sounds very interesting to me. Was just curious if you have knowledge on this mic? I know that was a lot and if you have the time to respond/ or even others, I would love to hear your input…it would mean the world to me. Thanks for all you do!

@RebelTech1990 Жыл бұрын

Ok let's go one point at a time 1) With Preamps you want something that can offer 60+db in gain. Now, the good ones i've seen are Midas and Neutricks. I'm sure there's more. Also consider a mic activator if you want to save some money. Sometimes the cost of a recorder/interface plus a mic activator could be less than a "better" preamp set up. 2) This will expand one the fist one. It seems like you want a good preamp and I can totally get that. I just need to know if you're looking for a interface or do you want to build a rig with a preamp separate to the interface. 3) I don't know much about the 4047, there's not much out there with samples. let me know what kind of set up you are looking for and the budget. I just need to mainly know if you want an all in one interface or do you want to build a rig with the preamps separate

@TyDaTyrant Жыл бұрын

I liked and subscribed! Which one would you recommend for a rapper/Singer with naturally low voice in semi untreated small booth?

@RebelTech1990 Жыл бұрын

Probably go with the SM7B. It’ll be more forgiving in the untreated space. Also could be versatile for other types of content. Thanks for checking out the video, liking and subbing!

@star_pilgrim_music 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this review! What Sennheiser model are you referring to as your favorite mic?

@RebelTech1990 2 жыл бұрын

My favorite mic is the Sennheiser MKH416 shotgun mic. Thanks for checking out the video!

@roykent9591 Жыл бұрын

Hey justin, thank u so much for your valuable videos, i have only one confusing question, i own at4040 connected to focusrite 2i2 1gen, when singing the low and the low mid are so much high to the point its difficult to correct it without loosing so much quality, i tried everything standing 6 8 10" even 1 feet from the mic it still picks the low and the mid low at a very high level, what can i do?

@RebelTech1990 Жыл бұрын

Here are a couple of tweaks you can make 1) Try the HPF switch and if that isn’t enough then give some slight adjustments where you hear it being overwhelming. 2) Use a parametric eq to see where the exact frequencies are that you want to cut. 3) Turning the mic slightly could help. Talking directly into the mic can pick up more low end so twisting it ever so slightly could change the tone Those are some, if I think of more I can send them your way. In the mean time give them a try and see what happens. It’ll take some trial and error. Thanks for checking out the video!

@sung_yun 2 жыл бұрын

Compared AT4040 with Lewitt LCT 440 Pure quite a lot, and I think AT4040 sounds desirably clear, warm/a tad dark, and more natural; so I decided to get a second AT4040 mic. It's an awesome mic.

@RebelTech1990 2 жыл бұрын

It is one of my favorite microphones. I do feel it's very versatile, where it can be used for a good variety of applications. The one that kind of surprised me is it could be a decent broadcast mic. Thanks for checking out the video!

@lucasmccaw8073 2 жыл бұрын

I've had the 4040 a couple times when I was much younger. How do you think it would do in an untreated slightly reverberated room?

@RebelTech1990 2 жыл бұрын

Really depends on how bad the reverberations and reflections are. Condenser mics will pick up more of the room but if it’s not that bad you can get by.

@codenamegrs9278 Жыл бұрын

the 4040 has that low end and that bright sparkle up top. i Think i like that 4040 more for some reason :D

@RebelTech1990 Жыл бұрын

It is a great condenser and if you like the tone then it will last you a long time. Thanks for checking out the video!

@codenamegrs9278 Жыл бұрын

@@RebelTech1990 hehe great video dude 👏🏻👏🏻🔥. i have the AT2035 since like 2015 and i still use it ❤️. Maybe some day i'll get the AT4040😮‍💨

@felipecastro5752 2 жыл бұрын

Hi,Sir. May you recommend At 4040 for podcast? I watched other your fanastic vídeo,my opinião At4040 Very darkness . Lord bless you.

@RebelTech1990 2 жыл бұрын

I actually really like it for voice over and podcast/broadcast. It has such a great tone that could compliment that genre. Thanks for checking out the video!

@ACS402010 Жыл бұрын

I am a VO and these are my two main mics. I use SM7B for long form narrations and usually the 4040 other things.

@RebelTech1990 Жыл бұрын

That’s a good combo. Those can let a very long time. Possibly be “lifetime” mics. Thanks for checking out the video!

@LearnTrainPlay Жыл бұрын

So I'm looking at the AT 4040 or Rode NT 1, what would be your thoughts? My current mic is the AT 2020 and the self noise is a pain, why I am looking at the Rode NT 1 with a 4dba self noise.

@RebelTech1990 Жыл бұрын

Both are great options. I landed in the 4040 because I like the darker tone better. The NT1 is an excellent mic too but more flat and neutral. Which is good for post processing. You wouldn’t be wrong to choose either one, just need to know what tone you like more. I recommend watching the Booth Junkie video comparing the two. Also the new NT1 is out too so something to consider as well. Hope this helps, thanks for checking out the video!

@LearnTrainPlay Жыл бұрын

@@RebelTech1990 Yeah I like Booth junkie. I like the darker tone so went with the NT 1, here's hoping it serves me well.

@Cayreb 2 жыл бұрын

What’s the small clip on pop filter used on the 4040 during the outro? I’d love to deal with something like that far more than the traditional type.

@RebelTech1990 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, sorry it took a while to get back to you. Here's the link to the pop filter: amzn.to/3PtaW73. It is an Affiliate link, just so you know. Not sure if I have to say but I do just in case it matters. Thanks for checking out the video!

@Cayreb 2 жыл бұрын

@@RebelTech1990 Hey I appreciate it! I don't mind the link at all. Been loving your videos lately keep up the great work! I tried the moving blanket studio design you posted, and it considerably improved my pretty poor recording situation.

@RebelTech1990 2 жыл бұрын

Sweet! I’m glad the videos have helped!

@ShaneT5S Жыл бұрын

I completely agree, they’re both very similar but different at the same time. I keep swapping between them because I just can’t settle on which I like more

@RebelTech1990 Жыл бұрын

If I had to choose one I would probably go with the AT4040. It's more versatile, in my opinion, and you can save a lot of money relatively speaking. Thanks for checking out the video!

@ShaneT5S Жыл бұрын

@@RebelTech1990 Definitely, recording some narration for work this week with my AT4040 compared to the SM7B last week, I'm definitely going to be sticking with the 4040. Keep up the good work!

@mahinmiah9404 2 жыл бұрын

At4040 vs LCT 440 pure....which is better in background noise rejections? 😎😎

@RebelTech1990 2 жыл бұрын

Hey sorry it took a while to get back to you. I wanted to make sure I had my information right before I answered. First, from close proximity, the AT4040 has better 180 degree rejection. They both have the same 90 degree rejection. Next with desk sounds and close proximity noise the AT4040 has a slight edge. With distance the LCT 440 rejects room reflections better. I referenced Podcastage's videos on these. I did this for consistency and I don't have the LCT 440. These are also my opinion so everyone can hear it differently. Lastly I would personally go with the 4040 but that's because I like the sound better. Also consider that condenser mics always sound better with any kind of treatment you put up. I will also say these mics are usually used in a controlled environment like a studio or booth. Hope this helps, check out Podcastage videos on these to give it a listen and see how you feel about them. Thanks for checking out the video!

@mahinmiah9404 2 жыл бұрын

@@RebelTech1990 thank you vary much... Love from Bangladesh... 🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩

@RoxyJMusic Жыл бұрын

For an R&B singer, which one would you recommend? 😊

@RebelTech1990 Жыл бұрын

Honestly, both would be a great fit for that genre. It really comes down to the very specific tone you are looking for. I would recommend the AT4040 between these two for R&B. That being said, if the singing became more "aggressive" maybe consider the SM7B with a more robust diaphragm. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any more questions! Thanks for checking out the video!

@RoxyJMusic Жыл бұрын

@@RebelTech1990 I appreciate your response. Thank you so much. My voice is an alto and raspy. I am a newbie to the KZfaq (music) world but planning on recording soon. Right now I have the Aston Spirit and feel like it’s a bit too warm for me but it’s still an excellent microphone. 😊

@RebelTech1990 Жыл бұрын

It’s a solid mic, but I like the darker tone. So maybe the sm7b will work for you. You won’t have to worry about being to tough on it

@Tateisadrummachine Жыл бұрын

what's the consensus on the 4050?

@RebelTech1990 Жыл бұрын

I gave it a listen on some videos I found. Compared to a U87 the AT4050 seemed to have less presence in the high end. Not by much but definitely noticeable. Other than that it sounds pretty good with multiple patterns to choose from. I also have seen people use it on acoustic guitars which makes it versatile. Hope this helps! Thanks for checking out the video!

@ararat177 6 ай бұрын

And what kind of microphone Sennheiser do you have ?

@RebelTech1990 6 ай бұрын

MKH 416

@ararat177 6 ай бұрын

@@RebelTech1990 Thank you.

@felipehenaovideo 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice Comparison, Also for tomorrow Happy Birthday, As I told you before I was just about to buy the AT4040 for Christmas but at the last moment decided for the Shure SM27 for the same price, and Boy what a sound (Check my latest video).

@RebelTech1990 2 жыл бұрын

I’ll check out the video today, thanks for checking this out!

@thesilencer6736 11 ай бұрын

what's your booth's size?

@RebelTech1990 11 ай бұрын

It’s changed over time. It started out 3’x3’ (using feet as my unit of measurement). Then it got bigger but not sure how much. I would say it became roughly 4’x5’. Give it take some inches. Hope this helps, thanks for checking out the video!

@thesilencer6736 11 ай бұрын

@@RebelTech1990 I got an spb booth from vocalboothtogo which is 3 by 3, and I'm also considering at4040

@GavinAtkin 2 жыл бұрын

My pair of AT4040s are close enough to use interchangeably, and they often sound good on vocals, at least to me. My only observation is that they're quite wide in their pickup pattern, and so: - they benefit from a treated room - are not so good as some other condensers for recording singer-guitarists I wonder whether the AT4033 has a tighter pickup? If so, it'll be more use for home recording and folks who sing with their instruments. Does anyone know whether the AT4033 is tighter?

@RebelTech1990 2 жыл бұрын

The 4040, ona polar pattern chart looks a bit inflated but the real world test seemed to be better than it says. Granted it could be the frequencies that are picked up more weren't loud in the examples that I did. From looking at the Polar patterns side by side, the major differences are the 180 degree pick up is more inflated in the 4040. The 4033 has a more "tucked in" look around the 300 and 60 degree angles. Lastly the back angles are more pointed on the 4033. I haven't listened to the 4033 but it seems like it would have better off axis rejection. That being said, I like the FRC on the 4040 better. I feel it's more clean in the mids. Now of course this is just my opinion and I haven't listened to it so it could sound better than the chart looks. Hope this helps, thanks for checking out the video!

@GavinAtkin 2 жыл бұрын

My take, btw, is that there seem to be mics that are best positioned in line with the performer's eye or even forehead and aimed at the mouth. Others are straight-ahead mics that are best straight in front of the mouth or at nose level. These mis need a pop filter for obvioui reasons. My AT4040s are straight ahead mics. Three of my 3U audio mics (Warbler I, Warbler II and Warbler IV) and my CAD M179 are all eye level or forehead mics.

@GavinAtkin 2 жыл бұрын

@@RebelTech1990 Thanks for your thoughts!

@RebelTech1990 2 жыл бұрын

That's a nice collection! What do you record with them?

@GavinAtkin 2 жыл бұрын

@@RebelTech1990 I think it's about my enormous curiousity and the fact that, like many singers, I don't like the sound of my own voice, and so have experimented endlessly using different mics and mic positions. My wife and I play traditional English music and sing old songs, usually one instrument and one voice, or maybe a voice alone. It's very unadorned so be there's no escape - it's either a good, natural sound, or it's not. The experiments are surely not over, but there are lots of results on my KZfaq account.

@ivke_moreplovac1949 2 жыл бұрын

Is it Mid Boost or Presence Boost on SM7B? :)

@RebelTech1990 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent question! To be honest, I’m not sure . If you go by the FRC then it’s just as much a mid boost as it is a highs to presence boost. Thanks for checking out the video!

@rylandweet7750 2 жыл бұрын

The crappy thing about the at4040s is that they all sound significantly different from each other, some are sibilant and thin some are sibilant and big low mids, poor quality control but when you do find one that’s good then it’s REALLY good

@RebelTech1990 2 жыл бұрын

That’s strange to hear. I never had an issue with any Audio Technica items. Even when I ask around to other who have used their stuff they never said anything bad about their quality control. Maybe it was just a quirky thing that happened.