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I was equally successful
recording flute. Because the flute has the least wind resistance of all
wind instruments, flautists frequently move a good deal while playing.
This movement can make the process of recording even-sounding takes a
serious challenge. In this case, the microphone was positioned roughly
10 to 12 inches in front of the embouchure (the hole in the flute’s
headpiece) and at a slight upward angle. The AT4047/SV captured the performance
with remarkable detail and a sense of vibrancy that sounded very “live.”
Of equal importance, the ambience that the mic captured was astounding.
The flute’s “breathiness” was there, as was the natural
sound of the performer capturing her breath between phrases—all of
which was coupled with a sense of the small chamber hall where the recording
took place.
My evaluation package contained two AT4047/SV mics. So, I couldn’t
resist trying them on a drum set. With its ability to handle relatively
high SPLs, the AT4047/SV is a terrific choice for drum overheads. I found
the mics captured a very full, detailed sense of cymbals, snare, toms
and kick without drawing one’s attention to any specific instrument.
Next up was electric guitar. For this recording, the AT4047/SV’s
10dB pad enabled me to capture the amp’s output with more manageable
signal level. With the mic positioned on-axis approximately 15 inches
in front the cabinet’s center, the AT4047/SV did an awesome job.
The recorded sound had plenty of depth and detail, sounded very big and
had all the character of the original performance.
Audio-Technica’s AT4047/SV is the first transformer-coupled microphone
in its 40 Series product line. With a capsule based on the company’s
popular 4060 tube mic and electronics similar to the 4054 and 4055 performance
microphones, the AT4047/SV provides the best of both worlds—the accuracy
of a refined element with proven, dependable design.
The AT4047/SV comes with one of the best shock-mounts I’ve seen and
has a first-rate fit and finish. My only gripe is that I would have preferred
more than just a single polar pattern. What makes Audio-Technica’s
new AT4047/SV so attractive is its ability to function well in many applications.
It’s an outstanding mic for vocal and instrumental recording—exhibiting
a warm, full sound with plenty of depth and detail. Further, the microphone
handles surprisingly high SPLs with ease and is awesome for ambience recording
when used as a pair. Considering the AT4047/SV has a suggested retail
price of $695, acquiring a pair is not so farfetched. I’d be thrilled
to have three or four.
Audio-Technica U.S. Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, OH 44224; 330/686-2600;
www.audio-technica.com.
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Roger Maycock is Mix's technical consultant.
Reprinted with permission from Mix Magazine, July, 2000
© 2000, Intertec Publishing, A Primedia Company All Rights Reserved
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