All user reviews for the Audio-Technica AT4040

Microphone for vocals and acoustic instruments (not bad as the times amps).
Cardioid directivity with pad.

OVERALL OPINION

For how long have you been using it?
Over a year
What is so special that you like best
Its color and value for money: in my opinion the best in this range of microphone. In addition to the Series 40 Audio-Technica are guaranteed for life ....
the least?
nothing
Did you try many other models before getting this one?
Yes. So now my ear is accustomed to a different price range ...
What is your opinion about the value for the price?
Excellent
Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice? ...
Without a doubt!

This is a large diaphragm condenser microphone from Audio-Technica. While not the most pristine name in the business, AT is getting known for their affordable, yet quality gear, and this mic is no exception. It's probably best used in the studio, or at the home studio, I wouldn't really try to use it in a live gig environment, as I'm not sure what you'd use for, and it's too delicate to use on most instruments at a concert hall. The mic has a 10db pad on it and needs phantom power to work.

OVERALL OPINION

I like this microphone, for the price it's really pretty awesome. As another reviewer mentioned, it's much better than most LDC mics in its price range as it doesn't have the harsh sound that those do. I like to use it at home more than in the actual studio, as the place I work has better mics than this. If I was going to use this microphone, I'd have to try it on acoustic guitars and as a room mic more than anything. I also liked it on piano, though I processed that sound quite a bit when I used it, so I don't know if it would have worked for me as well on its own. It can really be used on quite a bit of things, a leslie speaker for instance sounds great with this as long as its not placed too close, obviously. The pad does help quite a bit in extending its application. I don't like it on vocals, though, but that's fine, most mics don't work great on everything, at least not in this price range. It does work nicely on percussion, though.
This is a good choice for a home studio owner, as it's not too pricey and it'll get the job done well.

Here we have a nice large diaphragm condenser mic from Audio Technica. It connects with a standard XLR mic cable. It does require phantom power from your preamp to work. The mic comes in a nice padded box and also comes with an elastic mounted shock absorber. The mic has a 10dB pad switch. I should say that this mic has a really outstanding SPL capacity. You can stick this in front a really blaring guitar amp and this mic will be able to handle it with ease without breaking up. The 10dB only increases that great attribute. Also on this mic is a switchable low pass filter at 80hz, which can help you take care of any rumble.

OVERALL OPINION

I have been using a pair of these for a long time as drum room mics, and ambient mics for various other purposes. I personally find the transient response on these mics to be phenomenal despite the deceivingly low price tag. The sound overall is very rich and and full. You don't get that harsh, cheap sound that you get on many other large diaphragm condensers in this price range. The mic just has a very open sound to it that I feel lends itself very much to ambient recording. If you take a pair of these 20 feet away from your drum set, and then compress that stereo signal and blend it in with your close mics, you will have yourself a great drum sound without having to spend a lot on your ambient mics. They also fare pretty well on close miked vocals, though not as well as the more expensive condensers, since the high frequency response on this mic is not quite as sweet. For the price, you are getting a great condenser that will serve you well. I would get it again, it's a good value.