Sweet Vintage Character 
by Steve from SLC UT, August 2008
Music Background:  Engineer, Producer, Pro Musician

I got this mic a couple months ago and I have been blown away by the quality of the sound. Its got a darker, thicker sound to it than most condensers, which is perfect for a more coloured vintage sound. Vocals sound huge and this is the first mic I've had absolutely no problems with sibilance with! I've recorded acoustic guitar with it, and it sounds great although you'll get a very thick sound as well, so it takes up a lot of room in the mix. I'd definately reccomend it for male vocals seeking a smoother, classier sound.

  a terriffic vocal mic 
by Bud from NYC,N.Y., May 2007
Music Background:  Recording Engineer

The AT4047 is the best deal for vocal and acoustic guitar use. I'ts got a very warm smoothe un-hyped high end treble response unlike other mics like the Neumann TLM103 ( $1000 ) and Rode NTK ($529 )which quite frankly sound brittle. The AT4047 got a frequency response that's perfect for recording most vocals !!! I like it as much as my Neumann U87 -if not more, and at the price it's a steal. It's built with quality throughout. It's manufactured in Japan, unlike a lot of other high end mics from companies like Blue who have alot of their mics (like the Bluebird and Baby Bottle )manufactured in China. For those of you that have actually used a vintage Neumann U47 FET you will find the sound of the AT4047 is quite similar.....

  Unbeatable for the price, and the only choice if you dont have the right room/preamps 
by Funkydrummer from California, April 2007
Music Background:  Drummer, Producer, Composer.

Unbeatable for the price, and the only choice if you don't have the right room/preamps (a studio is only as good as its weakest link). I use it mainly for ambient bass drum, or main jazz bass drum. However it excels on male vocals, acoustic/jazz guitar and sax.

  Among the best for male vocals, cellos, and other complex bass 
by Eric Bragg from Ft. Smith, AR, January 2007
Music Background:  Recording Engineer.

Our favorite microphone for a large percent of male vocals. The mic produces a full, round bass, with a lot of detail in the upper end. The characteristic curve drops slightly in the middle, providing a slightly accentuated high end. When used on cello, all the complex upper frequencies are easily heard, but silky smooth. Even used this mic on kick drum with very decent results. Do not recommend this mic for most female singers, though - especially those with sharp sibilance, which may be difficult to control with this mic. For instruments with little or no bass output, this mic may produce an over-active high end.... that is, in our opinion.

  Smooth 
by Joe from NJ, October 2006
Music Background:  home recordist

This microphone is interesting, because it has a very different vibe going when compared to other Audio Technica products. Where other mics such as the 4050 and 4060 are very clean and detailed, the 4047 veers away from that and moves into a more "vintagey" colored sound.

The mic offers a low cut and a pad switch, both of which come in handy on every session. I have used this mic with great success on male vocals, guitar cabinets, and outside kick drum. I have found this mic to work great on smoothing out sibilant singers. "Smooth" is actually a great word to describe this mic. If you need clinical, look elsewhere, but if you are in need of a smooth-sounding, vintage inspired, colored mic, this is your best bet.

Student at SAE, Nashville 
by Kc James from Nashville, TN, December 2005

I did a 'blind test' on a Rode NT2 and the 4047 on a small guitar amp at my school. The main difference I heard was the 4047 had a slightly thicker low-end to it. On male vocals, the voice is very present, but without harshness... smoothe and thick, too. Threre is a negligible amount of off-axis coloration, so these sound great even when you really back off from the sound source. Bottom line: a great mic worth the price.

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