The Audio-Technica AT2035 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone. This budget-friendly offering displays all of the hallmarks of a great multi-purpose condenser, including detailed frequency response and low self-noise. Its competitive pricing makes it one of the top choices for home studios and hobbyists.
Audio-Technica AT2035 Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica has a well-known lineup of inexpensive microphones, including the very popular AT2020. Considered one of the best value microphones available, A-T is no stranger to quality and affordability.
The AT2035 is a step above the 2020, with additional features and better overall performance. The Audio-Technica 2035 is a fixed cardioid large-diaphragm condenser mic. This side-address mic looks similar to the recognizable AT2020, with an all-metal satin black enclosure. It looks and feels impressive despite its incredibly low price point.
The AT2035 is a sizable improvement on the AT2020, with lower self-noise and a tolerance for high SPLs. It also comes with a custom shock-mount and a padded pouch — indispensable accessories. The overall value is excellent, brining stiff competition to other mics in the price range.
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Features and Specs
| Element | Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 | 136 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 82 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa |
| Phantom Power Requirements | 11-52V DC, 3.8 mA typical |
| Switches | Flat, roll-off; 10 dB pad (nominal) |
| Weight | 403 g (14.2 oz) |
| Dimensions | 170.0 mm (6.69″) long, 52.0 mm (2.05″) maximum body diameter |
| Output Connector | Integral 3-pin XLRM-type |
| Accessories Included | AT8458 shock mount for 5/8″-27 threaded stands; 5/8″-27 to 3/8″-16 threaded adapter; soft protective pouch |
| Audio-Technica Case Style | R5 |
Home recording necessitates high-quality sound at a friendly price — that’s just the nature of the world we live in. Most of us can’t afford $3000+ condensers, which is where Audio-Technica mics step up. The AT2035 is made to be an inexpensive alternative to some of the best mics on the market, and it’s a great choice for engineers building out their home studio collection.
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The AT2035 gives users more control than the AT2020 by offering two switches: a high-pass filter at 80 Hz and a 10 dB pad. The latter is potentially less useful, as this mic can already handle a massive 148 dB SPL before distorting. That’s well above ear-damaging levels, so the pad is a little unnecessary.
Audio-Technica AT2035 Review: Sound Quality
This microphone produces a pretty natural sound sometimes described as rich and ‘vintage’ — a synonym for ‘expensive’ in the audio world!
We like to judge microphones on the high- and low-end performance first, as those tend to be the most striking features right away. With the AT2035, the high-end is understandably crisp, which is almost always the case with inexpensive condenser microphones. Sometimes mics in this price bracket are overly bright and harsh, but the AT2035 handles it smoothly. There’s a slight boost around 12 kHz, but the overall frequency response is relatively flat.
On the other end of the spectrum, the lows are natural and full. It appears that the overall goal of the Audio-Technica AT2035 was to produce an inexpensive, unobtrusive multi-purpose condenser microphone. Unobtrusive in the sense that it doesn’t impart any particular character on the sound, but rather reproduces it accurately. It’s a gently flattering microphone, but not one you’d reach for because it does its own ‘thing.’
Conclusion
This Audio-Technica AT2035 review is aimed at anyone looking for one of the best value microphones they can get their hands on. The AT2035 absolutely delivers — at just $149, it beats a lot of the competition out there.
If you’re looking for a versatile, neutral sounding large-diaphragm condenser, this is easily one of the better choices available.
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