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James... « Not just for vocals »
Published on 08/19/11 at 16:45This is one of AKG's best large condenser mics. The price definitely reflects that also. You usually only find these in higher end studios but they pop up sometimes when big bands are on tour. In general the application is meant for studio vocals but in my opinion it can do a lot more.
OVERALL OPINION
I feel like the easiest way to review this mic is to go through all its applications one by one.
Vocals - Obviously this is where the 4050 really shines. It's a very warm mic and when coupled with a solid preamp it can make pretty much anyone sound good. I would agree with this. I've had one in my studio for a couple of years now. For tenor male vocals it is probably one of my favorite mics. There are other more expensive mics that will sometimes beat it out for different singers, but this one at least gives them a run for their money. Honestly there is not much difference between this mic and the $3000 ones. Especially if you don't have a really good preamp. For the money it's a solid vocal mic for any studio.
Acoustic gtr - Okay, to be fair I usually pair it with some kind of pencil condenser, but I have tried it by itself and it's pretty amazing. If you use a lot of Jumbo guitars it might not work too well because of how warm the mic is. I have a Taylor GS with a lot of bass and this mic makes it sound much to boomy. For smaller acoustics it's one of my favorite mics though.
Guitar cabs - I don't use it like people might imagine. I will close mic the cab with some kind of dynamic and then stick this one a few feet back for ambient stuff. The warmth really gives my tracks the extra fullness they need.
I have never used this thing live. It gets used in my studio probably once a week at least. Usually for vocals and certain acoustic guitars. It works well as a room mic too.
OVERALL OPINION
I feel like the easiest way to review this mic is to go through all its applications one by one.
Vocals - Obviously this is where the 4050 really shines. It's a very warm mic and when coupled with a solid preamp it can make pretty much anyone sound good. I would agree with this. I've had one in my studio for a couple of years now. For tenor male vocals it is probably one of my favorite mics. There are other more expensive mics that will sometimes beat it out for different singers, but this one at least gives them a run for their money. Honestly there is not much difference between this mic and the $3000 ones. Especially if you don't have a really good preamp. For the money it's a solid vocal mic for any studio.
Acoustic gtr - Okay, to be fair I usually pair it with some kind of pencil condenser, but I have tried it by itself and it's pretty amazing. If you use a lot of Jumbo guitars it might not work too well because of how warm the mic is. I have a Taylor GS with a lot of bass and this mic makes it sound much to boomy. For smaller acoustics it's one of my favorite mics though.
Guitar cabs - I don't use it like people might imagine. I will close mic the cab with some kind of dynamic and then stick this one a few feet back for ambient stuff. The warmth really gives my tracks the extra fullness they need.
I have never used this thing live. It gets used in my studio probably once a week at least. Usually for vocals and certain acoustic guitars. It works well as a room mic too.