Audio Technica AT4040 vs Rode NT1 -- $300 mic shootout 

This video was the deciding factor when I bought my AT4040. Since then, I went full time in voice over and narration. I am now living off of my voice over earnings. It took about a year to get to this point after I got this microphone and got my acoustics right. My voice is perfect with this mic, and the mic is perfect with my voice.

I'm glad to see that you are back, Mike! I hope you have a great 2018! I look forward to more great videos from you!

I love your reviews. They are very informing and easy to understand. Keep it up!

hey mike, you have such a pleasant voice, I could listen to you all day long. I have a AT-2020 and was thinking about the 2035 or 4040, so thanks for the vid.

Five years on, and, unlike many other tech reviews, this is still relevant as well as entertaining. Great work Mike! 👍Marcus

I liked this comparison, you’re always very thorough with your comparisons

Thanks man, really appreciate a quality video like this. Subscribed

Hi mike, had to make this decision long ago, and I went for the AT 4040 as it has roll off (high pass) and pad, never regretted it though. It was my first condenser at that price point I would not go lower. Since that time, I had picked up other dynamics for different purposes, including the Heil Pr-40; EV-RE20; and a Shure SM7B as well as a TLM 102, all which serve their purposes well. Most recent mic is a Lewitt LCT 640 and inbetween those various pencil condensers from sE Electronics, and handheld dynamics from Blue, Telefunken, Audix, and a Rode svmx stereo for camera which works well in xy situations for live audio indoor and out, and also acoustic guitar and overheads. I don't regret any of the mic choices I have ever made and at this time have over thirty mics, not one of which cost more than $1000.00. The best mic is an AEA R84 ribbon. It is great to be living in such a time when great sound is rather affordable and even greater gear is out there, from say companies like Advanced Audio and Warm Audio. It will probably be quite a while before I spend a lot on one mic, not because I don't think they are worth it, I believe they are, I just don't have the cash to spare when such good mics are there for great prices. Its kind of funny, that the first mic I ever used was an SM57 some forty years ago, but have never owned one personally, as I prefer the AKG dynamics and handheld condensers. Thanks for your video, it reinforces my thoughts on these things.

These two were on my short list for my first mic along with many others you have demonstrated, and this video helped me a lot. To me the AT4040 sounds to have more sibilance (unlike you and some others here have said, don't know if it's my ears, or the O2 DAC+amp with DT990 Pro's i use), and the lows on the NT1 seems just a tad more pleasant. Ordered the Røde Al-1 kit as i feel it would suit my voice best in this price range. Thank you so much for great quality content!

man, Zach Galifianakis really loves microphones.

I have a thin voice so I just purchased a NT1 last night. One of the best musical decisions I made in my life. I love it and your advice helped me decide. Thanks 💯

That's cool. I was thinking of getting the Audio technica at4040 later when I get my new audio interface. Great video

great comparison thank you so much! this is an amazing video

Great video Mike! I agree with your assessment. I've found the whole line of AT condensers to have that smoothness, and have heard them stand up to the Neumanns and Lawsons in blind tests several times. When someone asks me for that kind of blanket recommendation, I feel comfortable recommending they choose something in the AT lineup at that the price point they're looking for. Not going to go wrong starting there. I use the 4047 myself.

I've recorded with both of these mics for singing. In my opinion from a mixing standpoint it's much easier to warm up and beef up the AT4040 than it is to clear up or open up the the nt1 while still dealing with the sibilants (es sounds). AT4040 is my go to mic for most situations.

Hi Mike, thanks for all your amazing content, could you add the Rode broadcaster to the list of mics to try out and give your own opinion on ?

I would love to see a video about setting gain and levels before recording. Your sound is the best on youtube so i trust you the most! ;)

Nice review. I turned the screen off and from audio alone, I couldn't tell a difference. Both sound very good.

Great videos.I look forward to your no BS shoot out on the Rode NTG-3 V Sennheiser MKH-416

It´s a good video. I think the NT1 sounds sharp but the AT4040 sounds brigther. I would like to listen sometime the audio of the Rode NT2a, ´cause a lot of people says that It´s a good presence boosted mic for voice over. You could make a comparisson with the CAD e100S, because they´re both in the same price range.

you are absolutely right> I own a NT! and it sounds harsh on the high end while 4040 sounds more smooth. Thanks for the video comparision.

I love how you did the comparison so much, nice one lol

Thanks for your informative videos. I'm especially interested in mics handling female sibilance very well. I like when sibilance becomes smooth. What do you think of Sennheiser MK4, Aston Spirit and Neumann TLM 102 in this regard?

Love my AT4040...been using it for years and it is great!

Great video.. about to go from a 2020 to a 4040 for my album... thanks bro

What headphones do you recommend on a budget? Thanks a lot in advance!

My main problem with the NT1 and NT1A is the mids when you mix them, they end up sounding bad and you have to do more mixing to make the mids sound better but the mic sound itself isn’t bad.

Awesome video! Yes you do sound more pleasant on that at4040.

Thanks for the awesome video Mike! Could you do a AT4040 vs AT2035 compairson at somepoint. Trying to determine if the extra 150 is *really* worth it for podcasting/instrument micing.

Can ,if you have not, do a video on budget interfaces. Don't need to use different ones to show them on camera just am wondering what is best in the budget category and would love a video of you just talking about different budget interface options.

Your videos are so good that I turn off my adblock. Thank you for being so helpful.

They sound the same for me, I tend to think the NT1 has more presence but might be the video, can you listen to the video and tell where the switches happen?

Late merry Christmas Mike! Great video as always!

Having owned and used the NT1 for 4 years, I absolutely love the sound! But I've noticed that it's a pop-heavy microphone. If you have problems with plosives, the NT1 is going to be the bane of your existence. By the same token, you'll learn great and creative microphone technique! Great video Mike! :)

What preamp/interface are you using? And please do answer me even with initials if you dont have time, i'll try to decode them :D

Hey Mike thank u so much for your informative and valuable videos, i have only one confusing question, i own at4040 connected to focusrite 2i2 1gen and my room is well treated, when singing the low and the low mid are so much high to the point its difficult to correct it without loosing so much quality, i tried everything standing 6 8 10" even 1 feet from the mic it still picks the low and the mid low at a very high level, what can i do?

Welcome to 2018 Mike. Got to admire your dedication publishing this on Boxing Day last year. In the interests of transparency the Rode NT1 is in my mic locker and honestly I bought it for the Rycote shock mount and metal pop filter more than the mic, but was pleasantly surprised to find the new Rode is a damn fine mic especially for sub $300 AUD I don't record on it for V/O's, but I could it's an option because it's nice and warm with the rich timbre in our voices. My AT experience is with my 4033a and it's OK, but it doesn't get much use. There's not much difference in this shootout IMHO.

I always another awesome review. If this was my choice I would consider the Rode NT2 if I could stretch the budget as it is much smoother being duel diaphragm for not much extra money.

The SE2200a II (c) would be another good one for this comparison.

I've already ordered an NT1 for recording our cartoons, but the AT4040 already has me intrigued. I was burned a few years ago with a really bad Audio Technica lav mic, which a RODE lav mic replacement blew out of the water.... so I (perhaps incorrectly) assumed the RODE NT1 would be superior.

Would you be able to compare the AT2035 & Rode NT1?

@boothjunkie I am currently using a NADY SCM 800, a 50 dollar condensor mic. I have landed a few voice acting gigs with it, but I feel like it might be time to upgrade. Do you think the NT1 would be a big enough improvement from my current mic to warrant the money?

This comparison was EXTREMELY helpful!

YOUR VOICE IS BEAUTIFUL also I have a high pitched voice would the nt1 be good for that!

I like your booth! Do you have a video on how you make it? Thanks!

That's dialogue editor's work to get rid of those ess, or you can use de-esser plugins.

I love, how similar they sound. Both seem to have a rather smooth, but well defined and realistic feeling sound to them. Like you say, and as far as I can hear it in the short pauses you make, self-noise on both microphones is low enough to be called non-existent for many use cases. I feel, the difference in sound is too low to matter for me. So I guess, if I want to get myself a big diaphragm condenser microphone, I’d probably simply for the cheaper one. Talking about prices: they obviously have changed since this video. But right now - at least where I live (Germany) - the Audio Technica AT4040 at 355 Euros is much more expensive, than the RØDE NT1 at 226 Euros. What’s more: The NT1 is usually sold as a kit, with a Rycote Lyre shockmount and a pop killer, while the AT4040 is usually sold with a regular shock mount only and no pop killer. Tackling it by that, my choice is the RØDE NT1 easily.

11:37 - I was just thinking exactly that, when he came out and said it.

I would love to hear a comparison between the AT4040 and the tz Stellar X2. I know, some migh say that it would be unfair since both mics are not in the same price range. But you did the comparison with the TLM103 and the Stellar X2 was very good for the price. Not as warm and full as the TLM 103 was but, for the price, the Stellar X2 was close enough to be decently workable as a beginner voice over artist. So i wonder if getting the AT4040 could be a better mic for voiceoverworks... if i can affort it.

Funny, I've had an AT4040 for like ten years, and a few years back bought an NT1 and an NT1-A to do a mic shootout. I was using my Apogee Duet interface. I literally couldn't tell a difference! I did a blind test to myself and couldn't tell when the mics switched from one to another. I strongly suspect that the Duet colors mics way too much, and that was causing them to all sound so similar. (Plus they're super similar already as your video proves!) I'm getting a Focusrite interface soon and I'm pretty sure that it will give a more neutral sound to the mics that go through it.

The 4040 to me sounds a tad brighter less low end , I've heard it said that the NT-1 sounds like a condenser version of the SM7B, to my ears it really does, its also half the price more neutral and less boosted, the kit is nice also, in the Uk both the SM7B and the 4040 are £350-400 the NT-1 is £200, and to top it off it seldom gets bad reviews anywhere

Mike, do you think you can to a review of the AKG P420, I have one but I wanted to see what you think of it. Thanks, Tom

I bought a 4040 around 15 years ago. Since then I never even thought about buying another one.

How come all your recordings kind of sound scooped in mids

What about recording metal wind instruments AND wood wind instruments?

Listening on ATH-M50x's. Both are similar. Both sound good. NT-1 handles the lower pitches better, but the AT4040 handles the higher pitches better. I give it slightly in favor to the NT-1 because it sounds smoother and more grounded.

You're so right about the right mic for the right voice. I've started Technical directing a Talk show the main guy sounds great on the SM7B but the female host not so much. I didn't have any time to EQ or play with any effect. I got time next time to try to fix it with EQ if that doesn't work I have to go look for a good mic for her. (I want to stick with dynamic) the room is NOT treated well YET I have $600 in sound blankets and only 3 up at this point in time!

Interested to hear your opinions of the Shure Super 55 if you get the opportunity.

Your video helped me to choose the AT-4040. Thanks! I am really enjoying the mic. You weren't kidding about how sensitive the mic is! I am using it for radio voiceovers for my church's radio show. It makes my voice sound so smooth!

Mike, do you have anything time on the Rode NTK?

Hi, im sorry if it is out topic, i'm a twitch streamer and i tried at2020xlr with the yamaha ag03 but im really new with these things so i dont really know how to get a good sound, i can refund them and pick an usb mic that is really easier to use. Here is my question, which usb mic would you suggest? Thanks for all the video btw, i really like to see these comparison even if i dont understand quite much, but im learning a lot watching you

Which to get for hip hop? Youngboy and juice wrld ,polo g I be singing like with some rapping? Can someone respond ASAP

i notice the NT1 has a bit more bass than the AT4040 even with the high pass filter off and the AT4040 has a little more highs than the NT1, but anyone of these mics will do just fine because you can just do some EQ to get the sound the way you want, so i would just go with the cheaper mic. Great video(s) and you just got a new sub :)

What is your booth made from in this video? thanks!

I am new to voice over and just discovered your channel. It's very informative. Thanks Mike!

So which one is better

Im a high tenor considering both of these. this helped a lot but his very deep voice is not quite the best gauge for me. Good video tho i still think im goin with the AT4040 because it should compliment my treble filled voice a bit more

The best comparison video on ytb ever 👏👌🙌thanks😊🙏 U gained a new subscriber

please review the CAD glx2400 usb microphone, thanks!

If I'm not mistaken, it's the first time you've brought an Audio-Technica mic into your booth. It's a great brand. I hope someday you give us your verdict on the acclaimed AT2020.

I just don't like the boost at 3khz on the Rode NT1, it sounds harsh with my voice.

How are you able to speak into the microphones without having to use pop shields? It appears that you're standing fairly close, are you not, using higher AI gain? I tried what you did here, and even on 20% gain on the Rode speaking obliquely past the screen, it was still popping. I guess that leads me to ask: do you control your plosives more?

Glad you put these videos together. It's so much better than just looking at a frequency response chart. I've owned an AT2035 for quite a few years and find it does a pretty nice job for my voice (at a budget price). But I'm ready to jump to the next level. The esses sounded a little more prevalent on the NT1 for your voice, but I wonder where your esses are? I played with my DAW EQ to boost and see where mine were most harsh and it was around 8K. I'm thinking, a microphone that flattens a bit in that area might be a good match for me. I guess we'll see. I've wanted a Rode mic for years because I was told they were the closest (in an affordable range) to the Neumann U87. Not sure if that is true...don't have multiple K to put into that test. Maybe someday you can "borrow" one of those ;) Keep up the excellent work. I'm learning.

could anyone pick up the difference?

the nt1 is harsh on the high end because it doesn’t cut any frequency, the 4040 is so coloured idk i like to do the EQ in the mix not through the mic...

Is it just me but, sometimes, when you were pointing at a particular mic to explain its features WHILE playing audio from the opposite mic, my brain wasn't sure if it should believe my ears (e.g. the audio currently playing in my headphones) and associate a specific quality or undesirable feature to the mic pointed at in the video. It was a bit confusing for me. It was like saying Mic A is very loud... while we hear the audio of Mic B and B does not sound loud at all in the test. Not sure if my explanation is clear.

Which one is better for voiceover??????

Would love to see a review/comparison for the Rode NT-USB. Thanks!

This is such a hard call. i really wanna see how it sounds

my es's are super sharp in my recordings and kind of doesnt let me boost the high ends i would like or im left using a desser to the point where i feel it kills the character.. :( (vocalist by the way)

Said this before, I want the rode not just because of how good it is, but because of that pop filter (wish I could buy it separately). Wait I thi k it can be bought separately

AT4040's flatter and more Hi-Fi - BUT - it depends a fair bit on the proximity effect to warm up a man's voice - in short, you badly need a pop filter, and you have to be prepared to get close - which can get physically tiring and uncomfortable - but once you know how to work the mic, it does sound very good ( not quite Neumann territory, but definitely nothing to sneeze at for 1/3rd the price ), where as, the NT-1 is more forgiving, because it sounds warmer from further away, so you don't have to work as hard, however, it doesn't have the detail of the AT4040 … which is the trade off.

Pls Run a shootout between these AT 4040 and the t.bone SC1100 it's roughly 120 at Thomann. I like your videos, Thank you !

How is his breath so quiet? Is it post production?

what pre-amps were you using?

The first time I heard an American speaks French (je ne sais quoi) with a perfect accent .. except this .. I loved listen to this guy .. thanks .. I own an AT4040 and I own many other microphones.. it’s a special one very pleasant on almost everything.. great deal nice looking great performance.. add the fact it’s a large diaphragm, which make a big difference in terms of space filling, it’s more airy than fizzy and goodbye to the boxiness effect !! The vocals sit perfectly in the mix before any further processing, little Comp/EQ, add a little convolution reverb (et voilà) .. it turns the mixing voice exercise into a childish thing .. it’s my best microphone..

You should compare the AT4040 to the SM27

They sound very similar. To me the AT4040 has a little more top end and sibilance. I think I prefer the sound of the NT1, although they're both very good microphones. Also the NT1 is made in Australia. I'm not sure where the AT4040 is made. It might be made in Japan.

Ok, quick story. I have been using a Rode NT1A for two years. I knew from the start that it was not quite right for me. Too much of a crispy high end and really irritating at times. I was considering getting the at2035 as a down-grade/upgrade, knowing that I would really rather have the AT4040. Well, this comparison convinced me to give the NT1 a shot... largely because right now, B&H Photo is selling the nt1 kit, bundled with an xlr cable, a pair of Polsen studio headphones, a floor mic stand, and a second gen focusrite scarlett solo. All brand new, no refurbs. Total price, 299.00. Just got the merch, and I can tell you first impression, the NT1 is definitely heavier than the NT1A. Just sold the NT1A and scarlett first gen on Ebay. Soooo happy to see the NT1A go bye bye...

Strangely, you're absolutely right about the persistent sibilance on the NT1, which seems to float atop an otherwise brittle upper-mid range. And although the NT1 rounded-out your bass more, the 4040 had a more detailed and pleasant sounding mid range. My NT1 vs. e100s drew similarly surprising results, that although the CAD was brighter, the NT1 exhibited a faint but piercing sibilance, almost like a headbasket interference. Thank you BoothJunkie

Woo, that S sound test result is very useful because I did notice I have that S sound, lol.

Hey what mic do you recommend for me? I’m deciding between the rode N1T or the blue spark SL blackout edition.

AT4040 coast $299 in Amazon - USA. Yes, There is a small difference in the "presence" in the vocals of the AT4040 that is modified by the 2 switches, it makes a difference. Rode NT-1 cost $269 Amazon - USA. Excellent review, especially when it comes to the possible work in post processing. Thanks for a Great video.

For VO, differences are SO subtle, especially through RU-vid, but I think that people looking to use it for other purposes might end up here, so it's worth sharing my experience with the two in other applications. You're right about the smoother sounding sibilance with the 4040, but you really have to hit that S to make it matter. Overall, I found the bass and mid range in the RØDE to have more detail and clarity while still being warmer. It seems to pick up more depth, like a much higher ticket, classic mic. You'd probably notice it more if you were using it to mic a piano. When mics sound this similar, it's the quality of the manufacturing, price, and accessories that should inform the decision. And, here's what really tips the scale toward the RØDE for me: the Rycote shock mount, the metal pop filter, the cost savings, and the 10 year warrantee. I also think the manufacturing, components, and design are better. It uses Hitachi transistors, a Siliconix rf JFET, German Roederstein metal film resistors and Wima polypropylene film caps. These are top notch components in a budget mic. It's basically a modded mic off the line, and everything down to the way they bond the paint to the metal means it's built to last a career. The AT4040, on the other hand, does not truly quality as a large diaphragm, as the active area of the capsule is only 20.4 mm. It touts a "transistor-free" design, but this is not necessarily a good thing. The high quality transistors and metal resistors in the NT1 are designed to provide excellent internal signal balancing, extremely low noise and long life. Plus, to my ear, it sounds like the AT4040 has some sharp ups and downs in the top end of the frequency response, while the NT1 sounds like a smoother boost. The peaks and dips in the 4040 may be why your sibilance doesn't sound so harsh in it, but that is going to be different for everyone. If someone else's sibilance falls on one of those peaks, it could have the exact opposite effect. I haven't seen the FR chart on the 4040, but my ears are pretty good at picking that stuff out. I'd bet it looks like a really jerky roller coaster between 4 and 15kHz. And, you can't really tell this with your voice unless you really listen closely, but when I've heard things like cymbals or female singers recorded with it, it sounds like it just peters out around 16kHz, while the RØDE has a nice, subtle lift in the presence that stays smooth all the way to the top of the audible range with a nice, open sound in the air region that is entirely lacking in the 4040. So, with all things considered, it's pretty clear to me that the wiser, all-around, long-term investment is the RØDE. And, FYI, your voice sounds much better when you're close to the RØDE than the 4040's proximity effect.

Didn't know Mark Hamill had such vast knowledge of microphones

Hey :) anyone pls help me decide thanks. at4040 vs at4033a

Hey Mike, I just picked up the Nt1/AI1 kit the complete setup. You think thats a good setup for audio recording? what about for gaming and streaming?

The AT-4040 in switzerland costs around 500$ for some reason.

I feel like the NT1 is a little smoother and high pitched and the AT4040 has more bass and is more of a lower pitch.

Are you talking about sibilants?