Audio Technica at4040 vs Rode Nt1- Complete Guide

The AT4040 side-address condenser recorder has an advanced large diaphragm that has been precisely tensioned to give smooth, natural sound qualities. The AT4040 mixes design, techniques, and artistry that provide a wide dynamic range, low noise, and high SPL capacity for maximum versatility. This ultra-consistent mic may be utilized with certainty in a wide range of studio and live mixing situations, even when subjected to the restrictive conditions of digital recording equipment.

The NT1 is a very quiet microphone, with self-noise measured at only 4.5dBA on the NT1. Its body is made of 6061 aluminum, which has been nickel plated for corrosion resistance after machining. To complete the coating process, it is subjected to innovative electrostatic application processes developed by RDE, resulting in an incredibly hard-wearing surface that is scratch resistant and stains. For maximum application adaptability, it incorporates a detachable pop shield that can be adjusted in two directions, as well as a telescoping arm.

This article contains detailed features on audio Technica at4040 and rode nt1. You will also find the differences and similarities between these two microphones. Besides the differences and similarities, you will find a quick comparison table and answers to some frequently asked questions for a better understanding.

A quick comparison table between Audio Technica at4040 and rode nt1

Comparison table Audio Technica at4040 Rode nt1
Frequency range 20Hz-20kHz 20Hz to 20kHz
Impedance 100ohms 100Ω
Weight 360g 440g
Sensitivity -32Dbv/Pa -29.0dB
Output XLR XLR
Maximum SPL 145dBSPL 132dBSPL
Address type Side Side

Audio Technica at4040 vs rode nt1

1. Features of audio Technica at4040audio technica at4040 vs rode nt1

  • Construction

The AT4040 has a design that is similar to the other models in the 40-series. There is a wide wire-mesh screen both in front of and behind the capsule on the body, which is finished in a black nickel-plated brass finish. This feature accounts for about 60 per cent of the entire height of the mic body. The housing’s exceptionally enormous size, combined with its symmetrical design, helps to reduce undesirable internal reflections.

The AT logo can be found on the front side of the microphone. At the same time, a set of plastic slide controls can be found towards the back of the body’s base, virtually flush with the top of the chassis. A first-order, high-pass filter with an 80Hz cutoff frequency is activated; on the right, a 10dB pre-attenuator is activated.

The output XLR cable is housed within a ‘stalk’ that droops from the bottom of the mic, and the serial number of the microphone is concealed within the XLR socket of the microphone.

  • Warranty

It comes with a 5-year warranty from Audio-Technica, so it’ll be in the microphone locker for quite some time to come.

  • Specifications

Detailed technical information about the 4040 can be found on the company’s website. These include a basic frequency-response plot and a polar response chart, which is a little pointless. They demonstrate that the mic’s frequency response between 20Hz and 4 kHz is exceptionally flat. Further above 4 kHz, there are a couple of notable peaks in the response that occur around the frequencies of around 6.5 and 11 kHz, with peak amplitudes of about 5dB.

It appears that the high end drops off abruptly above around 16 kHz; however, according to Audio Technica, there is a range of 20Hz to 20 kHz in the total frequency response. This is demonstrated by the published polar response plot exhibiting a very modest, conventional cardioid response, but only at a single frequency of 1 kHz.

Pros
  • Has a condenser capsule with a tilt toward the outside.
  • Excellent response in the short-range.
  • The sound is warm and detailed.
  • It is equipped with a high-quality shock mount.
Cons
  • There are a few slight high-frequency response irregularities that need to be addressed.

2. Features of Rode NT1Features of Rode NT1

  1. This instrument has a somewhat flat frequency response, with slight rounding cuts at 20 to 30Hz and 16 k to 20 kHz. It is also quite versatile.
  2.  As a whole, the Rode NT1 has a rich tone without possessing a boom bass end, and the high end is exceptionally bright without being “shrill” or anything like that.
  3. In addition to the shock mount, the NT1 includes the best pop filter I’ve ever seen, which has two layers instead of one and is far better at dispersing plosives than regular pop filters. The NT1 is available in black or silver.
  4. Because it must be fastened directly to the shock mount, this pop filter can be used only with Rode NT1, which is the only model that offers this feature.
  5. The Rode NT1 is capable of operating on both 24volts and 48-volt Phantom Power sources.
Pros
  •  Included is the best Pop filter ever.
  • It is a high-quality shock mount.
  • It is of a high-Quality Build.
Cons
  • Other mics can be a little more sibilant than this one.
  • This model does not have a PAD or Low-Cut Switch.

Differences between audio Technica at4040 and rode nt1

  1.     The audio Technica at4040 weights 12.7oz while rode nt1 has that of 13.93oz
  2.     The signal to noise ratio of AT4040 is 82.0dB while that of rode nt1 is 90.0dB

 Similarities between audio Technica at4040 and rode nt1

  1.     They both have a cardioid direction type
  2.     Their connectivity technology is wired
  3.     Both the microphones have a frequency range of 20Hz-20kHz

You might be interested to read also our another comprehensive article of:

Audio Technica At2020 Vs. Rode Nt1a

Audio Technica At2020 Vs. Shure Sm57

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Why is the Rode NT1 so popular?

Answer; Because of its flat response, cardioid recording pattern, excellent sensitivity, and minimal self-noise, it’s suitable for a quiet environment.

Conclusion

The NT1 comes equipped with SM6, a strong suspension shock mount that isolates the microphone from external factors that could produce undesired rumbling and vibrations in the audio signal. For maximum application adaptability, it incorporates a detachable pop shield that can be adjusted in two directions, as well as a telescoping arm.

In conclusion, whichever microphone you choose, you can be confident that it will be of the most incredible quality available. It may be found in a variety of recording studios worldwide, each one a work of art in its own right. In terms of value for money, the AT-4040 is an excellent professional-quality microphone that perfectly complements any studio setup.

More about Audio Technica at4040 vs Rode Nt1, You should watch this video below, enjoy!

Leave a Comment