Type to search

Audio-Technica AT2035 Microphone Review

Share

Over the years, Audio-Technica has comfortably established itself as a manufacturer of top-quality budget and mid-priced microphones. Its AT2020 is a particularly well-known cardioid condenser mic that’s become a favorite in many home studios around the world thanks to its quality sound and affordable price. Thanks to the popularity of the AT2020, Audio-Technica has rolled out the next step in the evolution of the AT2020 design— the AT2035.

Released alongside the AT2050, which is another successor to the AT2020, the Audio Technica 2035 is a fixed large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone. It’s a side-address mic designed to look similar to the AT2020, with an all-metal case in satin black and two slide switches for the low-cut filter and the pad located at the base of the body.

The AT 2035’s performance and specs are an improvement on the AT2020, with a lower self-noise level than the AT2020 and an impressive tolerance for high sound levels. It ships with a custom shock mount and durable padded pouch. In terms of value for money, it’s an excellent balance between the two and outperforms many of the mics in its price range. Take a deeper look at the features, specs, and best deals in this Audio Technica AT2035 review below.


About the Audio-Technica AT2035 Microphone


Audio-Technica AT2035 Microphone

Polar Pattern

Cardioid

Frequency Response

20-20,000 Hz

Low Frequency Roll-Off

80 Hz, 12 dB/octave

Open Circuit Sensitivity

-33 dB (22.4 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa

Impedance

120 ohms

Maximum Input Sound Level

148 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.;
158 dB SPL, with 10 dB pad (nominal)

Noise

12 dB SPL

Dynamic Range (Typical)

136 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL

As home recording becomes more and more popular, consumers aren’t likely to settle for tinny, over, or under-sensitive microphones. But it also isn’t likely that they’ll shell out for the exorbitant prices of a Neumann or AKG either— which is where the Audio Technica microphones come in. The AT2035 is an inexpensive but high-quality alternative to many of the top mics on the market and is an especially great beginner’s mic for those who are just starting to build their home studios.

A back electret condenser, the AT2035 mic has a cardioid polar pattern and large diaphragm that makes it an excellent choice for users looking to focus on vocals and instruments. Its pad and low-pass filters also make it great for nearly any recording situation. It produces a rich mid-end that flatters nearly every kind of voice, which makes its popularity among vocalists, podcasters, and streamers no surprise.


Audio-Technica AT2035 Microphone Pros


See more product details on Amazon.

Improving on many of the aspects that made the AT2020 so beloved, it’s no wonder that the AT2035 microphone is so highly regarded. It has a clear frequency response that ranges between 20Hz to 20,000Hz and can handle sound levels up to 148dB without the pad. With the pad, it holds up to a staggering 158dB of sound. The AT2035 XLR connector has a low-impedance balanced output, and the mic can be used with phantom power from 11 to 52V.

Sound On Par with the Best

The AT2035 is comparable with several studio-grade condensers, which makes its affordability all the more astonishing. It has a similar SPL, signal-to-noise ratio, sensitivity, and equivalent noise level to the AKG C214, and some of its specs are even better. It produces a natural sound with a tone that leans slightly towards the warm and vintage. It has a crisp and detailed high-end, as well as a rich low-end that’s full of depth, making it a great choice for any sound engineer looking to buy their first large-diaphragm condenser.

Quieter than a Mouse

Perhaps the stat that blows the AT2035’s competition out of the water is its self-noise. The AT2035 has a self-noise level of only 12 dBA— a number that would only usually be found on mics made by the likes of Neumann and is now available with the AT2035 for a fraction of the price. Most professional studios are satisfied with noise levels of 16dBA, which makes the AT2035’s self-noise all the more incredible. In order to make sure you get the absolute best out of this mic, you’ll need to make sure that your preamp is good quality and doesn’t add to the noise.


Pros and Cons of the Audio-Technica AT2035 Microphone

ProsCons
✔ Can eliminate ambient noise and other low sounds
✔ Equipped with a shock mount and protective pouch
✔ Has an 80Hz high-pass filter
✔ Excellent audio quality
✖️ Requires external power
✖️ Single polar pattern

What People Are Saying

The AT2035 is simply one of the best mics in the Audio-Technica lineup, with a sensitivity and frequency range that put it above and beyond other mics in the same price range. It retains the same sound characteristics that made the AT2020 so popular while improving on the technical aspects. The overall result is a mic that’s as well made as it is affordable, and a perfect element for home studios everywhere for recording acoustic instruments like an acoustic guitar and more.

“The Audio-Technica AT2035 is a great mic for the money. It is very sensitive, has a warmer sound than I expected and comes with a shock mount. It may not be quite as good as the higher priced microphones, but it won’t bust the bank. For the price, you can’t go wrong with this one.”


Reviewer – rick From Sweetwater

Where to Buy the Audio-Technica AT2035 Microphone

With the AT2035, Audio-Technica seems to have done the impossible: created one of the best condenser microphones on the market for an incredible price. The low self-noise, incredible maximum input sound levels, and flattering tone all make this mic an absolute steal. There’s simply nothing better, especially for users looking to buy their first large-diaphragm condenser mic. Find the best deals for the Audio-Technica AT2035 Microphone here.


The Best Microphone for YouTube

Audio-Technica AT2035

The Audio-Technica AT2035 is notable for its capability to eliminate ambient background noise and low-frequency sounds. It comes equipped with a shock mount and protective pouch, ensuring optimal protection and stability during recording sessions.

It also features an 80Hz high-pass filter, effectively reducing unwanted low-end rumble and vibrations. In terms of audio quality, the AT2035 delivers excellence, capturing vocals and instruments with exceptional clarity and detail.

Whether you’re recording vocals or instruments in a professional setting, this microphone proves to be a reliable and high-performing choice. With its advanced noise reduction capabilities, included accessories, and outstanding sound reproduction, the Audio-Technica AT2035 is a commendable option for any recording enthusiast or professional seeking excellent audio quality.

Sound Quality
8
Design
10
Features
9
Price
10

Summary

A successor to the AT2020, Audio-Technica's AT2035 is a complete triple threat: incredible specs, a solid design, and a fantastic price. Its warm, balanced tone, high sensitivity, and low self-noise all make it a great choice for home studios. Thanks to its side-address and cardioid polar pattern, it's an especially apt mic for streamers everywhere.

Total Rating

9.3
Ash Burnett

Hailing from Chicago, IL - Ash made his break into journalism at the age of 23 writing music reviews for a local website. Now in his late 30's and after being pulled closer towards the technical side of the music and live gig industry, he founded Shout4Music to write thorough microphone reviews.

  • 1