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 cant decide between these two, my voice has alot of low mids but the high mids are scooped but then i have alot of sibilance, which one would be best for me?
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 💯
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, 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.
Does that mean you hated it and wouldn't get another or you loved it and wouldn't buy another mic? Just asking cos if someone hates it I wanna know, I'm thinking of getting it lol
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.
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.
i have $310 to spend on a mic, and after seeing this video. Its the kind of thing where you wouldnt notice a difference between the two unless you hear the NT1 RIGHT after the at4040 and will clearly notice that the NT1 has more rounded deeper, prime, smooth sounds than the at4040. The at4040 definetly has that smooth sound trait that im looking for, but when i heard the NT1 right after, it had a smooth sound trait, ALONG WITH a rounded prime trait, and a deep sound trait. Which is two traits more than i heard with the at4040. So in this case, i have made up my mind. Im going to get the NT1.
You hit the description spot on, I have owned so many 4040s and I’ve always had to fight with it to get my vocals to sound super good, I always chose my Samson c01u over my at4040s because it was rounder and smoother mids, I just grabbed an nt1 and I am amazed how good it sounds with squashing vocals with compression, sounds a lot like a u87ai when vocals are squashed
Both mics are amazing. the AT4040 is more natural wheres the NT1 is more alive. I will always give my vote to the NT1. Happy days. I put the NT1 to my wish list.
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.
Its easy, record low, so your loudest sounds peak at half the bar to have enough headroom, then just put compression on it to even it out and a limiter to pull the voice as close to 0dB as possible. So you'll have the best quality.
a beautiful mic eh? I've been using it a week and I love it, I was thinking all microphones had some really bad audible noise, was using a cheap mic before now it's just amazing the difference.
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! :)
I gotta say. After scrutinizing the audio, looking away and trying to guess when you switched mics... I really can't hear any notable difference. I'm amazed at how similar these mics are!
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...
Uhg, sorry so long to reply! In case you still care to know, so far very pleased with the NT1. Exactly the improvement over the NT1-A that I wanted. NT1-A would still be a great choice for instruments but my needs are primarily narration and the NT1 is great so far.
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!
What’s the point in buying a DAC for the 990s you may as well just use them on their own the difference will be negligible when you have bad headphones to begin with
For VO, differences are SO subtle, especially through UA-cam, 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.
X S, Thank you so much for your detailed comment! I am new to voice over so I don't have a trained ear to detect differences. You have helped me so much. Thank you!!!!
The first time I heard an American speak French (je ne sais quoi) with a perfect accent .. except this .. I love listen to this guy .. thanks .. I own an AT4040 and I own many microphones.. it’s a special one very pleasant on almost everything.. great deal nice looking great performance.. it’s my best microphone..
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.
Hi @TimothyMcKean I have a AT4040 and I was thinking of upgrading, and I was between the TLM103 or the AT4047sv.., a little incline to the 4047 cAUSE i WOULD SAVE SOME $$$ But I want to be my last mic purchase, so that's why I was torn between this 2 mics. I do Voiceovers, but I also do Podcast and probably will also start Radio.., in your experience with the 4047.., how does it stands with the 103? (I find the 103 quite sibilant, but I was thinking of a de-esser for it) but I have heard the 4047 has a smooth low end, and that it fits perfect for baritone voices, and that it is bright, but not harsh and that deesser is not needed basically. But I can't find any review of the 4047 and where I live are not available, so I don't have a chance to test it out.
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..
I agree with Mike, what he describes is exactly what I am hearing through my quality studio headphone set & noise-cancelling Bose set. The Rode offers a warmer, slightly more muted pleasing sound we expect to hear from a modern condenser mic (many brands all seem to be going back to that ribbon mic EQ lately!), whereas the AT4040 at first glance sounds a bit thinner, perhaps even weaker. HOWEVER. When you listen carefully, the Rode clearly is doing something weird with sibilants. Though they are not as present in the overall EQ mix, in my tests I found that the S sounds are a tiny bit more piercing and narrow in focus, leading them to sound sharper overall. The AT4040 by comparison, though a clearer mic overall, does not have a harsh sibilant sound; clarity does not equal harshness. Treble is more present in the 4040, but this is not a bad thing; S-sounds are crisp but not piercing, full-bodied (considering their relative frequency) and clean. Overall, I suspect the 4040 is easier to EQ, as one simply can remove or enhance the existing frequency pattern of the mic, whereas the Rode facilitates some dickering with the high frequencies to balance the sound.
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.
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
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.
The RODE is the much better mic to buy in Australia. It actually costs significantly less than the Audio-Technica here. Thanks for making this video, mate. They both sound wonderful. Steve.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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 :)
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!
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...
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
Mike it's because the AT4040 sounds "dry" and although the NT1 is warm and miles better than the horrible NT1A it still sounds a bit "wet" compared to the 4040. I have a pair of NT1's I got second hand for room mics on drums but I have to say the dry sound of the 4040 is a bit better.
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.
I love the 4040. It sounds super natural. I've had that model of NT-1 and ended up swapping the capsule on it because of the high-frequency response. The 4040 is much more balanced and natural. I hear better low-mids too.
@@Harahsarper8008 Yes, the newer NT-1. It's a good microphone, don't get me wrong, but I never really found it very musical. The very high frequency range on that mic borders on harsh to my ears, so I put an RK-47 capsule in it.
When you talk through the AT4040 there is a stillness a calm, smooth yet solid. I think the AT series is underrated. With the NT1 your voice is bouncing around a bit.
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.
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
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.
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.
Listening to this with my Sennheiser 600s I could tell the different right away. Where the difference is I'm not 100%, but seems like 4040 has a lot more 1k-2k and/or just a lot less low end than the Rode. Rode has some kind of 100hz boost, or maybe it's just not rolled off like the 4040 might be? NT1 sounds a lot more night-time radio with the warm low end. 4040 sounds crisper.
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.
its just 2 different mics, as far as i can hear they are just 2 mics of the same quality. just build mildly different. no one will tell the difference unless you test them to an incredibly precise measurement, but for the money, just go with 30 bugs less, the difference is not worth 30.
I still prefer the Classic 4033 from AT, but I put the 4040's in all radio station booths at my last gig before going solo. Great mic all around! Built like a ROCK!
To me your voice sound sliiiiightly deeper on the AT4040, which might be why that S sound you don't like is less hearable. But without trying real hard to hear a difference and seeing which mic I'm hearing at the moment, I wouldn't have been able to tell their sounds apart. Even though I'm really (quite annoyingly for others) picky, and have a very good ear.
Switch to the year 2024 and there's now 240 dollars difference between those 2 mic(at least where I'm from) as the Rode's gotten cheaper while the AT rose quite a bit in price.
Not much in it like you say, but I preferred the At4040. Which doesn't surprise me, as I chose its cheaper sibling the AT2035 over the NT1 last year. Had them both in my studio and as much as I wanted to prefer the NT1 it just didn't flatter my voice as much as the AT2035, which I think is one of the best value mics out there.
I’ve bought over 15 at4040s in my time, I keep selling them then buying another and then realizing WHY I sold it, the low end of the mic causes a shrill sibilance in the highs and it’s annoying to fix, it’s not a smooth mic when you need to use eq, I recently bought an nt1 and the high mids are buttery smooth…. Absolutely surprised because I’ve tried all of the warm audio mics ONLY the wa14 I liked and i still didn’t like it that much, bought the tlm 103 and returned it right away because of how harsh it was, the rode nt1 is a nice juicy sounding mic specially when you squash it with compression , the sibilance isn’t even THAT bad, and can be easily tamed with a deesser around the 10k range , try that with the 4040… there’s harshness through 2k to the end… if you want that juicy u87ai sound you’ll get it with the nt1 when squashing the signal with compression
Another great comparison. However, in my opinion listening (with headphones on) I think that the "s" sound of your voice is my prominent with the AT4040 than the NT1. I've been listening to your narration of an audio book (still listening as I listen while at the gym) that I noticed on that recording that your "s" sound is prevalent (although not annoying). I'm curious, the dbx 296s that you reviewed, if you use that or if that was a "loaner"? Anyway, always enjoy your videos as they are very well done, especially for the average guy vs having to have millions invested to have a "scientific" environment. 👍🏻👍🏻
That's weird. I had the NT1 but sold it and got the K2. I find the K2 has a lot of sibilance so I was comparing. Listening to this I think the 4040 sounds warmer whereas the NT1 sounds harsh.
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.
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?
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.
Get me a job ....i do back ground music...
Very cool! Congrats in making your goals happen! Kudos, Respect and admiration 2u!
Just got a 2035 to get into the game man. How'd you run across the opportunities to submit your work? Hope all is well my guy.
Congratulations!
I cant decide between these two, my voice has alot of low mids but the high mids are scooped but then i have alot of sibilance, which one would be best for me?
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 💯
man, Zach Galifianakis really loves microphones.
😂 I was just about to comment the same thing.
Zach Galifianakis and Mark Hamill's love child.
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.
Five years on, and, unlike many other tech reviews, this is still relevant as well as entertaining. Great work Mike! 👍Marcus
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.
I bought a 4040 around 15 years ago. Since then I never even thought about buying another one.
Does that mean you hated it and wouldn't get another or you loved it and wouldn't buy another mic? Just asking cos if someone hates it I wanna know, I'm thinking of getting it lol
@@orangemaniabrother2232 lamao
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.
Yeah, right now in Canada, there's about $130 price difference.
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.
Which do you prefer?
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.
Comment type 1: They sound the exact same.
Comment type 2: They sound totally different!
Comment type 3: OmG ZaCk gAlIfIaNaKiS iS tHaT yOUuuu? LmAOooo
Best reply award
i have $310 to spend on a mic, and after seeing this video. Its the kind of thing where you wouldnt notice a difference between the two unless you hear the NT1 RIGHT after the at4040 and will clearly notice that the NT1 has more rounded deeper, prime, smooth sounds than the at4040. The at4040 definetly has that smooth sound trait that im looking for, but when i heard the NT1 right after, it had a smooth sound trait, ALONG WITH a rounded prime trait, and a deep sound trait. Which is two traits more than i heard with the at4040. So in this case, i have made up my mind. Im going to get the NT1.
Yus
You hit the description spot on, I have owned so many 4040s and I’ve always had to fight with it to get my vocals to sound super good, I always chose my Samson c01u over my at4040s because it was rounder and smoother mids, I just grabbed an nt1 and I am amazed how good it sounds with squashing vocals with compression, sounds a lot like a u87ai when vocals are squashed
Both mics are amazing. the AT4040 is more natural wheres the NT1 is more alive. I will always give my vote to the NT1. Happy days. I put the NT1 to my wish list.
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.
+XY -- So which one did you get, and how do you like it now?
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! ;)
Its easy, record low, so your loudest sounds peak at half the bar to have enough headroom, then just put compression on it to even it out and a limiter to pull the voice as close to 0dB as possible. So you'll have the best quality.
ylrae What should I set the limiter at and compression?
Love my AT4040...been using it for years and it is great!
a beautiful mic eh? I've been using it a week and I love it, I was thinking all microphones had some really bad audible noise, was using a cheap mic before now it's just amazing the difference.
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! :)
I gotta say. After scrutinizing the audio, looking away and trying to guess when you switched mics... I really can't hear any notable difference. I'm amazed at how similar these mics are!
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...
badmiddens how are you liking the NT1?
Uhg, sorry so long to reply! In case you still care to know, so far very pleased with the NT1. Exactly the improvement over the NT1-A that I wanted. NT1-A would still be a great choice for instruments but my needs are primarily narration and the NT1 is great so far.
Thanks for the experience review Mr. Badmiddens.
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!
N1 is a good mic if you want a true and flat response
What’s the point in buying a DAC for the 990s you may as well just use them on their own the difference will be negligible when you have bad headphones to begin with
For VO, differences are SO subtle, especially through UA-cam, 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.
X S, Thank you so much for your detailed comment! I am new to voice over so I don't have a trained ear to detect differences. You have helped me so much. Thank you!!!!
THANK YOU!
No doubt you have mastered ears.
The first time I heard an American speak French (je ne sais quoi) with a perfect accent ..
except this .. I love listen to this guy .. thanks .. I own an AT4040 and I own many microphones.. it’s a special one very pleasant on almost everything.. great deal nice looking great performance.. it’s my best microphone..
Since the AT4040 is way more expensive over here in DE/CH/AT than the whole NT1 kit, it's an easy decision.
Same in the UK, I can buy the NT1 boxed kit for about 2/3 the price of the AT4040 standalone.
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.
+Timothy McKean the 4047 is nice. I've gotten to use one in another studio. Good stuff.
Hi @TimothyMcKean I have a AT4040 and I was thinking of upgrading, and I was between the TLM103 or the AT4047sv.., a little incline to the 4047 cAUSE i WOULD SAVE SOME $$$ But I want to be my last mic purchase, so that's why I was torn between this 2 mics. I do Voiceovers, but I also do Podcast and probably will also start Radio.., in your experience with the 4047.., how does it stands with the 103? (I find the 103 quite sibilant, but I was thinking of a de-esser for it) but I have heard the 4047 has a smooth low end, and that it fits perfect for baritone voices, and that it is bright, but not harsh and that deesser is not needed basically. But I can't find any review of the 4047 and where I live are not available, so I don't have a chance to test it out.
@@BoothJunkie 4047 или 103 ?
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..
I agree with Mike, what he describes is exactly what I am hearing through my quality studio headphone set & noise-cancelling Bose set. The Rode offers a warmer, slightly more muted pleasing sound we expect to hear from a modern condenser mic (many brands all seem to be going back to that ribbon mic EQ lately!), whereas the AT4040 at first glance sounds a bit thinner, perhaps even weaker.
HOWEVER. When you listen carefully, the Rode clearly is doing something weird with sibilants. Though they are not as present in the overall EQ mix, in my tests I found that the S sounds are a tiny bit more piercing and narrow in focus, leading them to sound sharper overall. The AT4040 by comparison, though a clearer mic overall, does not have a harsh sibilant sound; clarity does not equal harshness. Treble is more present in the 4040, but this is not a bad thing; S-sounds are crisp but not piercing, full-bodied (considering their relative frequency) and clean. Overall, I suspect the 4040 is easier to EQ, as one simply can remove or enhance the existing frequency pattern of the mic, whereas the Rode facilitates some dickering with the high frequencies to balance the sound.
yea i was noticing something wierd in the rode high mids / low highs, you said it exactly.
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 don't always comb my hair, but when I do, I use a super cardioid condenser microphone.
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
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!
AT4040 sounds flatter in a good way. Super transparent mic.
Didn't know Mark Hamill had such vast knowledge of microphones
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.
11:37 - I was just thinking exactly that, when he came out and said it.
The RODE is the much better mic to buy in Australia. It actually costs significantly less than the Audio-Technica here. Thanks for making this video, mate. They both sound wonderful. Steve.
They're cheaper because RODE *is* an Australian company. :)
Yes I agree, plus all other microphones have are from overseas and are marked up..
I love your reviews. They are very informing and easy to understand. Keep it up!
Audio Technica AT4040 the best Voice
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.
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!
your voice must be naturally smooth, mics just try to get the accurate picture, right? give yourself and maybe your parents some credit my friend ;p
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.
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
Nice review. I turned the screen off and from audio alone, I couldn't tell a difference. Both sound very good.
Thanks for the comparison. I wanted to buy Rode NT1, but after your demo, I realized that I like AT4040 more. It sounds warmer.
Great videos.I look forward to your no BS shoot out on the Rode NTG-3 V Sennheiser MKH-416
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.
I liked this comparison, you’re always very thorough with your comparisons
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.
That's cool. I was thinking of getting the Audio technica at4040 later when I get my new audio interface. Great video
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 :)
So glad I came across your channel, I watched Podcastage's review on this and it gave me a headache.
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!
I love how you did the comparison so much, nice one lol
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...
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
Woo, that S sound test result is very useful because I did notice I have that S sound, lol.
Mike it's because the AT4040 sounds "dry" and although the NT1 is warm and miles better than the horrible NT1A it still sounds a bit "wet" compared to the 4040. I have a pair of NT1's I got second hand for room mics on drums but I have to say the dry sound of the 4040 is a bit better.
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.
I love the 4040. It sounds super natural. I've had that model of NT-1 and ended up swapping the capsule on it because of the high-frequency response. The 4040 is much more balanced and natural. I hear better low-mids too.
Are you talking about the NT1A? Because the NT1 is widely regarded as balanced/flat in regards to response. I'm not sure what you're hearing.
@@Harahsarper8008 Yes, the newer NT-1. It's a good microphone, don't get me wrong, but I never really found it very musical. The very high frequency range on that mic borders on harsh to my ears, so I put an RK-47 capsule in it.
Thanks man, really appreciate a quality video like this. Subscribed
When you talk through the AT4040 there is a stillness a calm, smooth yet solid. I think the AT series is underrated. With the NT1 your voice is bouncing around a bit.
The SE2200a II (c) would be another good one for this comparison.
HI bed head! I use an NT1 in my booth. I look forward to these shootouts.
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.
Late merry Christmas Mike! Great video as always!
+CatInTheFestiveHat thank you!
This comparison was EXTREMELY helpful!
Your videos are so good that I turn off my adblock. Thank you for being so helpful.
Awesome video! Yes you do sound more pleasant on that at4040.
The best comparison video on ytb ever 👏👌🙌thanks😊🙏
U gained a new subscriber
Great video.. about to go from a 2020 to a 4040 for my album... thanks bro
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
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.
The 2035 and 3035 are alike...4040 is much nicer...lusten here ➡ua-cam.com/video/1qk56RnNbf8/v-deo.html
I trust you bro. Thank you. Love from Nagaland.
To my ears, the AT-4040 seems a bit brighter. Just slightly. Just a slight bump in the highs and high-mids. Not harsh on the sibilants but brighter.
To my ears it's a bit harsh on the high / thus will lead to silibance.
great comparison thank you so much! this is an amazing video
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.
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.
Listening to this with my Sennheiser 600s I could tell the different right away. Where the difference is I'm not 100%, but seems like 4040 has a lot more 1k-2k and/or just a lot less low end than the Rode. Rode has some kind of 100hz boost, or maybe it's just not rolled off like the 4040 might be?
NT1 sounds a lot more night-time radio with the warm low end. 4040 sounds crisper.
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.
Yeah the NT1 has been dubbed the poor mans Neumann for a long time.
I have the AT450. Love it!
Same just got the AT4050 lol
its just 2 different mics, as far as i can hear they are just 2 mics of the same quality. just build mildly different. no one will tell the difference unless you test them to an incredibly precise measurement,
but for the money, just go with 30 bugs less, the difference is not worth 30.
Im listening through studio monitors in a treated room 4040 fits his voice perfectly
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.
Really cool video Phil Miller from the last man on earth!
I still prefer the Classic 4033 from AT, but I put the 4040's in all radio station booths at my last gig before going solo. Great mic all around! Built like a ROCK!
+Ben Blankenship yes. It does seem super durable for sure!
To me your voice sound sliiiiightly deeper on the AT4040, which might be why that S sound you don't like is less hearable. But without trying real hard to hear a difference and seeing which mic I'm hearing at the moment, I wouldn't have been able to tell their sounds apart. Even though I'm really (quite annoyingly for others) picky, and have a very good ear.
Switch to the year 2024 and there's now 240 dollars difference between those 2 mic(at least where I'm from) as the Rode's gotten cheaper while the AT rose quite a bit in price.
Not much in it like you say, but I preferred the At4040. Which doesn't surprise me, as I chose its cheaper sibling the AT2035 over the NT1 last year. Had them both in my studio and as much as I wanted to prefer the NT1 it just didn't flatter my voice as much as the AT2035, which I think is one of the best value mics out there.
MarkGFL 2035 most definitely. Especially at it’s price. Anyone with a 2020 could even find a 2035 as an upgrade.
@@NazoVidere That's true.
that tiny difference can cost you a job or can land you a job
W.A.B mobile entertainment 30 bucks my dude
This guy looks like the guy in the hangover movie.
I am new to voice over and just discovered your channel. It's very informative. Thanks Mike!
holy moly.. the at-4040 is 600 $ in switzerland.. .. but the NT1 is only 230 :D and since they are like simular.. i might buy the NT1.. thnx buddy !
I’ve bought over 15 at4040s in my time, I keep selling them then buying another and then realizing WHY I sold it, the low end of the mic causes a shrill sibilance in the highs and it’s annoying to fix, it’s not a smooth mic when you need to use eq, I recently bought an nt1 and the high mids are buttery smooth…. Absolutely surprised because I’ve tried all of the warm audio mics ONLY the wa14 I liked and i still didn’t like it that much, bought the tlm 103 and returned it right away because of how harsh it was, the rode nt1 is a nice juicy sounding mic specially when you squash it with compression , the sibilance isn’t even THAT bad, and can be easily tamed with a deesser around the 10k range , try that with the 4040… there’s harshness through 2k to the end… if you want that juicy u87ai sound you’ll get it with the nt1 when squashing the signal with compression
Definitely prefer the sound of the At4040.
Rode nt1 has a gold Touchstone in the middle Center for singing and the other is for voice over
Another great comparison. However, in my opinion listening (with headphones on) I think that the "s" sound of your voice is my prominent with the AT4040 than the NT1. I've been listening to your narration of an audio book (still listening as I listen while at the gym) that I noticed on that recording that your "s" sound is prevalent (although not annoying).
I'm curious, the dbx 296s that you reviewed, if you use that or if that was a "loaner"?
Anyway, always enjoy your videos as they are very well done, especially for the average guy vs having to have millions invested to have a "scientific" environment.
👍🏻👍🏻
NOWitsOKto Do you mean Dbx 286s, no I don’t think he uses any processing on the microphone test.
I couldnt tell the difference... they both sound pretty gd and get the job well done.
Seems to me the At 4040 is slightly more harsh to the ear vs the NT1 To me hands down NT1 Wins.... thats just me..
That's weird. I had the NT1 but sold it and got the K2. I find the K2 has a lot of sibilance so I was comparing. Listening to this I think the 4040 sounds warmer whereas the NT1 sounds harsh.
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.
"Five years later..." Sponge Bob Narrator
Mike... I think that your whiskers do something to the tone of your sound booth!!! 🧔🏽
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 !
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?