Hello.

I have the opportunity to purchase a slighly used bluebird condenser or an AT4003 condenser for $400 and I would like to know the popular opinion of this board on the matter.

I will be recording drums, guitar (if the amp/guitar make a difference I can list it), bass (" "), and vocals.

I have access to one sm-57 and one sm-58 for the time being and I know very little about recording, but am looking to get a start with a decent condenser mike.

Any opinion or advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

thanks.

4033 hands down.

-e

i just re read that and noticed you are talking about an audio technica 4003. i have never heard of this mic. i think dpa makes a 4003. did you mean AT4033?

Yes I meant the 4033.

Got a little lazy with the 3's.

I have three 4033's and use them just about every day. Very very useful, utilitarian condenser mic.... money well spent as they are very affordable.

Don't have any experience with Blue mics, but I have a pair of 4033's and they're brilliant.

the BLUE would do better with acoustic instruments and percussion, though you'll need a good cable because they're finicky with phantom power. the AT4033 would do better with amps...

I really appreciate the responses.

There is an AT-4033 on craigslist for $250, so I will start there...

thanks again,


ryan

4033. Not only are they great, but as you've already found, they are quite common used - for $400 if you look hard enough you should be able to get a pair. Or close to it.

A 4033 for $400 used is a rip-off.