Atlanta-based recording facility Patchwerk Recording Studios, founded by former Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Bob Whitfield, hosts sessions from top artists in hip-hop, gospel, R&B and beyond.
At the helm of a large team of talented engineers and technical staff is current co-owner/chief engineer and GRAMMY-winning Mike Wilson, who turns to components from Audio-Technica.
Wilson and the rest of the team have employed a variety of A-T microphones on recent sessions, including ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones. A recent acquisition – and among the studio’s prized possessions – is the Audio-Technica AT5040 Studio Vocal Microphone.
Wilson states, “Audio-Technica has stepped up the microphone game once again with the AT5040. It has become my new go-to mic for all vocal recordings.”
“At Patchwerk we have a wealth of top-level mics to choose from, but the 5040 has jumped to the top of the pack with its sonic warmth and rich tone. The mic has a remarkable gain that allows me to get a full signal without cranking the preamp and increasing noise. And as far as the noise floor of the mic itself, it is almost non-existent. I also really love the fact that the 5040 has no external power supply to deal with. Even the body and grill color complement each other and give the mic a cool vibe in the booth. From low, male bass to the highest soprano – this mic covers the bases.”
The team has already put the AT5040 to good use on projects for such artists as rappers Waka Flocka Flame, Fetty Wap and Yung Ralph, R&B’s Regina Belle, gospel artist Y’anna Crawley, The X Factor USA winner Melanie Amaro, and many others.
“I also used it on a local group A Theory Of Now for vocals and flute. We did this entire album, and it was the first to receive the sonically superior seal – meeting all the criteria we have established to encourage artists to achieve the best recordings possible. This album was also a step outside many of the urban projects we do, as it was a live band album, and everything went very well, thanks in big part to the 5040.”
Wilson also values the relationships he has built with Audio-Technica customer service.
“It has been the utmost pleasure working with Gary Boss [marketing director] at A-T. I have appreciated all his help in demo-ing products, A-T knowledge and the quick response for any needs we may have.”
Boss notes, “Mike, Kenny [Daniels, mastering engineer] and all the staff at Patchwerk have been a pleasure to deal with. Having recently rediscovered A-T’s legacy AT4050, Kenny originally contacted us to just say thanks for making great mics. They have since become ambassadors for our studio headphones and our revolutionary AT5040 mic. They were early adopters of the AT5040, and that really speaks to how progressive and forward thinking they are in an industry that sometimes gets stuck in the past.”
Wilson sums up his experience with the AT5040: “The 5040 mic is an incredible piece that far surpasses any large diaphragm condenser near its price range. The mic is very pure, and any tonal coloration (which can really be dependent on the particular artist) only enhances the sound. It has become the go-to mic for me and many of the other engineers here at Patchwerk.”
