John Harris does, frequently. But here, just for a change, he reviews two microphones from Audio Technica: the ATM41a and the ATMB3.

The two new microphones under review are intended for completely different applications; the ATM41a, is designed primarily for vocal use and the ATM63 is an all-rounder, particularly recommended by the manufacturer for drums. Both are unidirectional but have slightly differing frequency responses, the ATM41a featuring a boost at around 3-5kHz as is commonly found on vocal mics.

In construction both mics looked very robust. The ATM41a in particular is a weighty little number that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Shure SM58 due to its spherical windshield and the internal blast filters that prevent popping. In contrast the ATM63 has a smaller windscreen and comes supplied with a foam pop-shield. Both microphones are finished in black paint baked onto a nickel plated housing, and each comes complete with its own plastic carrying case and stand mountable clip.

ATM41a

The usable response of the ATM41a is specified as being from 50Hz to 16kHz. The emphasised frequency band lies between 2kHz and 10kHz, and the boost of up to 5dB gives presence and adds clarity, especially when you're recording a vocal mumbler! There's also a substantial lower mid boost between 100Hz and 300Hz which increases with proximity to the microphone by as much as 12dB between 150Hz and 200Hz. Could this be why DJs talk so close to the mic; to improve their macho image!

The bass is rolled off below 50Hz to prevent 'boominess' and while this is most desirable for a vocal mic, it suggests that it would be comparatively unsuccessful as a bass guitar or bass drum mic which you may want to bear in mind if you're looking for a multi-purpose model. Being a cardioid mic, the ATM41a's tight pick-up pattern will also reduce the risk of feedback during gigs. The output is balanced low impedance and connection to the microphone handle is via an XLR connector.

ATM63

The shape of the windshield is not the only difference between this mic and its sister ATM41a. In terms of frequency response it is essentially flat from 50Hz to 17kHz because this microphone features a special multi-point mounted floating mic element backed by a multi-layer windscreen. With no presence peak the ATM63 is not going to win any prizes for vocal clarity; it's chiefly intended for the noisier elements of the band such as drums and guitars.

"In the studio I was impressed with the quality of the ATM41a; its sound was pleasantly transparent when used on vocals..."

Like the ATM41a, the ATM63 features a proximity effect between 100Hz and 300Hz but it's not so extreme, resulting in about 10dB boost at 200Hz. The bass response also drops off quite sharply from 100Hz, making it unsuitable for bass drums if you favour the low, punchy sound, but with its surprisingly high HF response it should be able to handle cymbals and smaller drums more than adequately.

The mic is low impedance (250Ω) which will match most pro and semi-pro recording equipment. Connecting it, or any other low impedance mic to a component with a high impedance input will result in insufficient gain, so a line matching transformer will be necessary. Audio Technica have their own optional model, the AT8201 that may be used in this event.

On trial

In the studio I was instantly impressed by the quality of the ATM41a; its sound was pleasantly transparent when used on vocals and it worked really well with female 'breathy' singing, especially when used close up with a degree of compression to achieve that 'in the room' intimacy.

Moving onto a test with drums, the ATM41a lived up to it's frequency response graph spec (including the slight boost at 180Hz) by giving a plummier bottom end to toms and snare. The ATM63 also performed admirably but gave a harder sound, possibly more suitable for rock, particularly on the snare. On cymbals both the mics reproduced the HF end well but the ATM41a again sounded warmer and this overall sound difference was true for guitar and bass sounds, Although I shouldn't really compare them I did prefer the sound quality of the ATM41a, but that's only to be expected as it's the more expensive of the two.

I have it on good authority from the chief sound engineer of a touring band who use these mics that they have performed very well for live work. In his opinion, the ATM41a as a lead vocal mic was at least the equal of the good old SM58 in terms of sound but unfortunately it turned out not to be as robust as the Shure when faced with the rigours of live use and problems were experienced on a couple of occasions. This may have been just an unlucky mic or it could be that these HM bands expect too much from them but in any event, there should be no problem in studio only use. Another interesting fact that emerged from its live use was that the ATM63, contrary to what its spec would indicate, worked really well as a backing vocal mic, which proved its versatility.

"On cymbals both the mics reproduced the HF end well but the ATM41a again sounded warmer and this overall sound difference was true for guitar and bass sounds."

Conclusions

As far as the ATM41a is concerned, the upper frequency limit of 16kHz is pretty respectable for a dynamic mic in this price range and audibly it stands up strongly when compared to its longer established lookalike. As you might expect, it doesn't compare so favourably with a good condenser mic when it comes to vocal sounds requiring a lot of presence or for cymbals. It handles guitars and drums well but the tailored bottom end makes it unsuitable for bass guitars and bass drums.

The ATM63 functions well as a drum and guitar mic, and the manufacturers also recommend it for piano. It is indeed a good all-rounder, especially for mid range instruments, and both mics are well finished and well engineered.

These microphones are sensibly priced, but bear in mind that they have a lot of competition, some of it very good. Nevertheless, Audio Technics have established themselves in this country as serious manufacturers of microphones and so you should definitely put their products on your short list.

The ATM41a costs £135.00 and the ATM63, £119. Both prices include VAT.

Further details are available from: John Hornby Skewes, (Contact Details).