Audio-technica At2035 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone Review
Our Verdict
For recording vocals, guitars and even drums on a budget, the Audio-Technica AT2035 is still, to this twenty-four hours, one of the easiest mics to recommend. It delivers versatility, solid construction and great sounds at a price anyone can afford.
Pros
- Superb value
- Easy to use
- Suitable for vocals and instruments
- Tolerant of loud sources
- Includes stupor mount
Cons
- Competition is fiercer than ever at this price subclass
- Single polar pattern reduces versatility somewhat
What is information technology?
It seems recently the entry-level bracket of the big diaphragm condenser microphone market has exploded. Admittedly, this is perchance down to the growth of streaming and podcasting , hence why most new models offer USB connectivity, either alongside or instead of the traditional XLR connection. But is there however a place for XLR-just condenser mics like the Sound-Technica AT2035, geared towards the home studio marketplace?
You lot bet at that place is. Non everybody wants to sacrifice a valuable USB slot to a microphone, plus if it'due south purely for music or audio production, the chances are you'll exist using an audio interface anyway making the USB functionality moot. Which brings us to our Audio-Technica AT2035 review.
The AT2035 has been around for a while now, yet retains a respected position thanks to its simplicity, decent audio quality and robust design. Its basic cardioid polar pattern and minimal features may, on paper, get in expect limited just in practice it's a highly versatile little mic. Often, for smaller home setups, there's only really telescopic for one mic in a collection and then versatility scores highly amidst a lot of users.
In this article nosotros'll become deeper into some of the AT2035's features and potential uses, and explain why for many dwelling studio owners this could become 1 of the most used mics in your collection. Whether you're doing vocals, acoustic instruments, drums or a fleck of everything, the AT2035 has yous covered. As we said in the intro though, contest is fierce around the £/$150 mark, and so does the AT2035 however cut it? Allow'due south take a look.
- Elevate your vocalization with the best vocal mics
- Explore the all-time podcasting microphones for all budgets
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Functioning and verdict
The Audio-Technica AT2035 has been designed purely for domicile and project studios, rather than existence pitched as a plug and play 'do everything' mic for streamers, podcasters and videographers who don't desire the hassle of needing extra equipment. While there'southward nothing stopping them from using it - and it would perform admirably - the lack of certain features similar USB connectivity and a limited polar pattern might mean in that location are better options out in that location. If, on the other mitt, your studio comprises a decent audio interface, mixer, or hybrid system then there are few better options at this price point.
What you're getting is a side-accost, large diaphragm condenser mic with a cardioid polar pattern which volition encounter the needs of a broad multifariousness of unlike applications in the studio. For oral communication tasks, the cardioid pickup does a tremendous job at rejecting ambient noise from exterior its remit, making it ideal for vocals and the spoken discussion where the switchable loftier pass filter allows you to remove - or at to the lowest degree reduce - unwanted rumbling or other noises. On the other hand, the 10 dB pad means it tin can handle the kinds of dissonance y'all'd normally turn to a dynamic mic for simply, crucially, information technology retains the actress detail and nuance you'd wait from a condenser.
The AT2035 features a back electret design, pregnant there'due south a permanent charge held within the mic itself. This is a cost-effective choice made by Audio-Technica, and mirrors the aforementioned tech used in smartphones and other electronic devices which aren't geared towards providing the sufficient voltage to polarize the mic's capsule. In days gone by, electret mics were seen as the cheap mic relation of 'true' condensers however that doesn't hold water present. So, while the AT2035 does require phantom power, it has a broader tolerance than an externally polarized condenser, adding to its versatility and reducing the need for higher spec equipment to operate it.
We were impressed past the AT2035'due south tolerance of louder volume levels likewise. Kick drums, frequently meliorate serviced with a dynamic mic, produced a nice thump when nosotros used the AT2035, and information technology was equally practiced with loud guitar cabinets, especially when used in conjunction with a dynamic mic. Placed slightly off-axis, the natural detail captured by the AT complemented the broader dynamic response of our Shure SM57 to create a rich, rounded tone total of harmonics. For guitarists recording on a budget, the combination of these two mics will deliver outstanding results.
The AT2035 sits in the middle of the AT range. Below information technology sits the AT2020, which isn't every bit deft at capturing louder sounds, while the AT2050 adds in extra polar patterns which increase its versatility somewhat. The AT2035 is as well available as part of a bundle (called the Audio-Technica AT2035PK) comprising the mic, an adjustable boom arm and the ATH-M20x studio headphones, so it'due south ideal for basic abode studio setups, and the included shock mount is a nice impact.
In summary; while there are more expensive condenser mics out at that place that will deliver specific tones or colouration, equally an cheap fashion of upgrading your domicile studio or simply adding a condenser to the ranks, the Sound-Technica AT2035 is a solid choice and one we are happy to recommend.
Hands-on demos
Podcastage
Screenbite
Audio Speeds
Specifications
- Type: Condenser
- Frequency response: 20 to twenty,000 Hz
- Polar blueprint: Cardioid
- Phantom ability: 11-52V DC
- Noise: 12 dB SPL
- Switches: High laissez passer filter, 10dB pad
- Connection: 3-pin XLR
- Weight: 403g
- Contact: Sound-Technica
Source: https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/audio-technica-at2035-review
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