Audio-Technica - AT4033a

I still have mine :) we've been together 20+ years and she still makes the cut!

I'm an acoustic guitarist and fully agree. The 4033 through an API 512 clone into the LA2A is a place I need to spend a little more time this year lol

It all depends on which $100 mic you are comparing to which $500 mic. Personally, I like the at4040 very much. That said, I use mine for recording instruments. I prefer the sound of the at4033 for vocals. It just gives them something a little extra.

I've picked the Audio Technica AT4033 and the Oktava MC012 over MUCH more expensive mics in blind tests.

SM57, AT4033 and a Nohype LRM-2b

Like u/BarneyBarnac said, the 2020 is a workhorse. If you wanna spend a few bucks more, the 4033 is amazing. We're talking maybe $400 with roll cage or thereabout? I remember once doing an album project with a band and set up three LDC's to audition before getting down to work. A Neumann FET47, an AKG C12VR, and an AudioTechnica 4033. The Technica won out. Now that's not to say it's ALWAYS the best mic for every situation, but it's a rock lobster. Pairs really well with male voice. And tube preamps.

Audio Technica AT4040 or 4033. I don’t know if they “sound expensive” but I’ve had them win shootouts against mics many times their price.

These mics crush on acoustic guitars. On acoustics specifically, I’ve had both of them beat every other mic I own including $1500+ Neumanns, a $700+ Earthworks, a $900+ Peluso, and a few other cheaper mics.

AT 4033 is a "medium diaphragm condenser" you can find used for around $200. Amazing on acoustic sources and for one-mic singer/songwriter demos. If I had to start over with one mic in your budget, that's the one I'd look for.

at4033a is a major leap up though. is 250 cheap? that's what I got mine used for

it just sounds a bit better in the upper mids. 2020s are ok but I feel like that I put into my 4033a is a lot closer to what I hear recorded. hard to describe

Yes! I first started with an At 4033 CL, heavily slepted on microphone.

The one mic I regret selling, 4033 heavily underrated

Audio technica 4033 into a good pre will do