SDC Omni Comparison: ATM10a vx. AT3032

[Dave Largent]

Just a quick comparo.
I tried these at a dance club with
blasting music.
I paid about $100 for the ATM10a and about
$160 for the 3032. The 3032 did sound
all-around noticeably better. The 10a
sounded a bit muffled in comparison,
with not as much treble pick-up,
although I could pretty much equal
the treble out in post with a gentle
boost. The 3032 had significantly tighter bass,
with the 10a being a bit more boomy.
I was not able to tighten up the
10a bass in post to match.
One thing I noticed is that the 10a has even
a tad more bass resonse than the 3032. You
can not say that the 10a will not capture
a good heavy bass thump.
Overall I'm a bit disappointed in the 10a but
I guess you get what you pay for here.
I guess they're both priced about right
for what they offer.
I must say I am not altogether satisfied with
the 3032, either. I've used it on piano and it
seems to be really flat,
and seems not to have a lot of detail.
Doesn't have an "open" sound.
Again, I suppose it's worth about what you
pay for it.
Anyone know what omni might be a noticeable
next step up?

[Steve House]

AT4049a - discontinued but probably could still locate some in stock

AKG S300B body witk CK92 capsule or C480 body with CK62 capsule?

[Dave Largent]

Not sure about the 4049. I think I heard that the
reason is was discontinued was that the
3032 came out, with the 3032 having
better specs than the 4049 and costing
about half the price.
Of course, specs don't tell the whole
story but I'm wondering if the 4049 would
really be much of a step up.

[Steve House]

Originally Posted by Dave Largent

Not sure about the 4049. I think I heard that the
reason is was discontinued was that the
3032 came out, with the 3032 having
better specs than the 4049 and costing
about half the price.
Of course, specs don't tell the whole
story but I'm wondering if the 4049 would
really be much of a step up.

Don't know about the 4049 myself either - was just thinking of a few small diaphram condensors in the next step up, ~ $500 to ~1kilobuck, that might be worth auditioning. For piano, how about a couple of large diaphram cardioid condensors?

Sounds on Sound and Electronic Musician have had some good articles on micing pianos that you might find on their websites. Shure also has a white paper on instrument mic techniques in their archives that's worth looking at for ideas.