I've used this mic on a bunch of sessions lately, and y'know, it's one of those mics that seems to sound good on anything. I've put it on everything except drums, and the sound always seems full, warm and present. I think the frequency response only extends to like 15 Khz which might account for the pleasant roundness this mic seems to impart. We've actually picked this mic over my AT 4050 on several occasions, and I'm sure the AT costs at least twice what the 409 goes for. If you're wondering what it looks like, it's the mic the guy from Matchbox 20 is using in that damn Santana video, although he's "singing" into the back of the mic, ha ha [Or you can see them sing into the proper side in the Pink Floyd at Pompeii video].

Tape Op is a bi-monthly magazine devoted to the art of record making.

Or Learn More