Audio-Technica AT4033A

Audio-Technica AT4033A Microphone Overview

The Audio-Technica AT4033A is a large diaphragm condenser microphone, the brand's mid-range. A priori, it offers a proximity effect similar to the best dynamic microphones and micro-USB models on the market.

I quickly compared it to the performance of a Blue Yeti and a Rode NT USB at high frequencies and low frequencies.

And as a result, I see that the consideration of sound waves is similar. Indeed, the electrical signal retransmitted from the acoustic guitar to the headphones evokes close frequency curves .

This wireless microphone features a large diaphragm circuit, protected by solid, shock-resistant capsules.

Moreover, I particularly appreciate its design covered in gold powder which justifies its classification in the best condenser condenser microphones .

I used it as a USB lavalier microphone for a recording studio and as an external live microphone. I subsequently noticed that the sound quality is practically the same under a phantom power source.

Similarly to the previous version Audio-Technica AT2035, the dynamic description of the Audio-Technica AT4033A displays an excellent vocal mic with sounds similar to the best dynamic mic models.

I even find that its performance is closer to the best cardioid .

Additionally, being designed with a cardioid polarization pattern, it considers bandwidth the same under preamp. This is nothing less than excellent studio equipment for recording vocals and capturing sounds.

Your hand mic can both amplify dynamics and fuel dynamics . It therefore meets all needs in terms of home studio recordings and as a moving coil sound reproduction microphone.

Audio-Technica AT4033A, the improved version of the AT4033

Audio-Technica microphones have been famous since the dawn of time, just like Neumann, Yeti, Rode, Sennheiser and AKG microphones . And in 1991, the brand released a brand new model of wireless condenser lavalier microphone: the AT4033.

As soon as it was released, the AT4033 condenser microphone received positive reviews from singers, gamers and podcast enthusiasts as a studio microphone. This craze for the stereo microphone among voice-over artists is justified by its quality/price ratio.

Indeed, in the 90s, the best microphones were only accessible at high prices. So, to be able to make a studio recording at the time, you absolutely had to save as much as possible.

The appearance of the Audio-Technica AT4033A boom microphone has brought a big change to the daily lives of beginners in the professional studio.

Over the years, the brand has added several modifications to its original version of directional microphone. And thus the Audio-Technica AT4033A condenser microphone was born.

Equipped with an amplifier, recorder and sound pressure converter , it offers better voice recording at a higher level.

This acoustic and analog update makes the directional mic sound much better than the original version.

But what about the real differences between these types of Audio-Technica singing mics ? Well, compared to the original version, the AT4033A has an improved suspension system.

In principle, this stereo amp system significantly reduces vibration and handling noise. Ultimately, you get cleaner bass or treble sounds, and with minimal magnetic field interference.

Focus on the manufacturing of the AT4033A lavalier microphone

Are you mainly interested in a type of microphone or a type of microphone for its manufacturing quality? Don't worry, I didn't forget to analyze the design of the microphone of the AT4033A radio .

At first glance, I noticed that it looks a lot like the classic condenser microphones on the market . I'm telling you this above all by referring to its matte black appearance and the shockproof aspect of its capsules.

This choice of color probably comes from the fact that the brand wants to offer a versatile stand microphone to its customers. For my part, I can only congratulate them for this wise choice.

Indeed, the sober color of the Audio-Technica AT4033A makes it more practical in any sound wave environment . It can capture, mix and condense different types of sound sources discreetly.

And in a sense that this kind of style remains widely appreciated, it meets the criteria for excellent recording equipment.

Buying an Audio-Technica AT4033A microphone means taking advantage of an essential microphone for recording sounds in the studio. In addition to its sober design, it has a capsule protected by a solid two-layer grid.

acoustic pressure defects .

These electrostatic defects are often observed with high pressure levels and somewhat unusual sound environments.

By the way, also discover our test and opinion on the Neumann TLM67 microphone . This guide offers you the advantages of using this microphone, its design look, its frequency response, its user segment, the Summary of characteristic points, the accessories supplied with the purchase of the microphone, a final evaluation, and our review of this microphone.

The physical characteristics of the Audio-Technica AT4033A

When looking at Audio-Technica microphones , I always notice a high-quality audio interface . Basically, the brand is content with a minimalist rectangular design, but does not hesitate to add a few touches of originality.

In principle, I am far from the saucer style of Blue. However, I appreciate its slightly rounded edges to improve the speaker's output level and its base shrinks.

The recording equipment has the brand's badge at its center, a point it shares with all AT microphones.

Your phantom powered studio microphone has a 2-mic SPL diaphragm inside it. A priori, this static element accentuates its performance in capturing sound sources from different angles.

Moreover, the magnetic connector has undergone a long manufacturing process in the factory to offer you better sound . This ensures that the recording of voice and fragile sound vibrations is free of background noise.

Also, when opening the pack, I notice the presence of an AT8449A suspension next to an adapter and a USB cable.

This insulating magnet suspension acts as an attenuator switch to limit low and high percussion levels.

A microphone with a transformerless circuit

For monitoring, a good dynamic microphone , USB microphone or condenser microphone is especially without a transformer. Indeed, the presence of a gooseneck transformer affects the recording quality in cardio mode of the pro microphone.

Without this element attached to the electric current and the circuit of the instrument for sound recording, I obtain better sensitivity.

A priori, most Audio-Technica microphones are equipped with transformerless circuitry. The AT4033A directional studio microphone is no exception to this rule.

So, by opening its case, you will see more closely what a circuit is without a background noise converter. Moreover, to be clear, I took care to connect the microphone to a mixing desk with an external 48 Volt power supply.

The mic level returns me a frequency response without distortion of low and high frequencies. And by activating the pop filter, I have practically the same results.

Like the Audio-Technica AT4040 microphone , the Audio-Technica AT4033A accepts all kinds of sound and acoustic sources , even the strongest pressures. Once placed on the microphone stand, you can test its real abilities to reproduce the sound of your acoustic instruments.

For my part, I put aside its -10 dB attenuator pad connection and I connected the power supply to a phantom source .

Unsurprisingly, I obtain a cardioid pattern response curve with few defects. This is notably due to the quality of its capsule capable of withstanding high impedance acoustic pressures of up to 145 dB.

In short, the level of distortion generally does not exceed 1%. With or without a sound card, your recording studio microphone can produce warm, flattering sounds.

In short, it brings together the advantages of a dynamic microphone and an omnidirectional microphone while retaining a condenser circuit .

Audio-Technica AT4033A: what about the sound quality?

I agree with voice-over artists : a condenser microphone is judged by its sound quality. But then, what kind of sounds can we expect from the Audio-Technica AT4033A?

Testing it, I would describe its recording quality as warm and smooth at the same time. Although I notice some slightly biting notes for static sound sources between 3 kHz and 6 kHz.

As for the rest, between 6 kHz and 20 kHz, the vocal rendering seems impeccable. The Audio-Technica AT4033A condenser microphone sounds just as good with guitar amps as it does other acoustic instruments.

This is why I continue to recommend it for versatile use: home studio, indoor voice recording, etc.

On the other hand, given that it only has a polar pattern with cardioid directivity , it is not suitable as a room microphone. In this case, it is better to turn to a more versatile microphone, an omnidirectional, cardio and figure-8 microphone.

The technical characteristics of the Audio-Technica AT4033A

• Type: condenser microphone
• Capsule: static to electret
• Polar mode: cardioid
• Frequency response: 30 Hz – 20 kHz
• Microphone sensitivity: -32 dB
• Max sound pressure SPL: 145 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 77 dB
• Phantom power: 48 Volts
• Output level: XLRM connector with 3 integrated pins
• Low cut filter: 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave

Our opinion on the Audio-Technica AT4033A microphone

In short, the Audio-Technica AT4033A condenser microphone is an excellent studio microphone for making different types of recordings. With a cardioid polar pattern, it easily picks up waves in front of the microphone input, but is not suitable as a room microphone.

Audio-Technica AT4033A Demo

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