Audio Technica AT2035 Condenser Microphone Review

Audio Technica has branded themselves as one of the top leading and most trust-able company for making microphones and headphones. In this review, we talk about the Audio Technica AT2035 condenser microphone, a model step up above the AT2020, the original invention. Both the microphone looks quite similar in design and the difference in the Audio Technica AT2035 is that it has an addition of a pad and a low cut filter switch.

Featuring the same fixed cardioid pattern as the AT2020, the AT2035 comes bundled with a simple shock mount made of plastic and an elastic suspension. The way the shockmount grips the microphone looks good, although it could be difficult to use the microphone in akward positions such as turning it upside down. (the microphone might just slip off). You’ll need phantom power to use the microphone.

Technicals On The Audio Technica AT2035

With a frequency range that goes from 20HZ to 20kHZ, you should expect to be able to record a wide spectrum of sound with the AT2035. Frequency response of the microphone is quite flat and it was promoted that the microphone is able to record flat neutral sound without any exaggeration on the recorded sound. We found that the microphone sounds brighter when compared to many other condenser microphones at its range, such as the Samson CO1. The bass response is also fair, though we are able to get a better rounder bass sound with other microphones at the range.

We tried the microphone with vocals, acoustic guitar, and also drums. While the microphone sounds decent when doing vocal recording, recording acoustic guitars with the AT2025 has been pleasing with the extra sheen with the brightness of the microphone. There was a little static if you were to touch the microphone with your fingers, so we weren’t sure whether it was built that way or the unit we had was faulty. The problem didn’t bother us though as nobody touches the microphone while recording anyway!

The microphone was able to handle high SPL levels as well when it came to recording drums. While in the affordable price range, it does give a bang for its buck with its sound quality and appealing to many new studio owners and even to the seasoned intermediate.

What We Slightly Hate About It

A great microphone at that budget, it did indeed come with a few flaws. Compared to the RODE NT1-A, there was slightly a higher noise floor with the AT2035. That was probably because we found the AT2035 needed to be cranked a little higher. It wasn’t as sensitive compared to its little brother, the AT2020. A little flaw, but it didn’t stop us from liking the microphone and using it for recording projects.

Do you own the Audio Technica AT2035? Tell us about your experience.