Audio-Technica AT2035 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone

by Audio-Technica

Product Features

• Large Diaphragm for smooth, natural sound and low noise
• High SPL- Handling and a wide dynamic range
• 80 Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad
• Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup from sides and rear

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 9.8 x 2.8 inches ; 1.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B002T45X1G
• Item model number: AT2035
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #816 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #19 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Microphones > Condenser Microphones

Product Description

Designed for critical home projects, professional studio applications and live performance, the AT2035 delivers exceptional detailand low noise. With it's extended low-frequency response, the AT2035 provides rich, full sound reproduction and handles extremely high sound pressure levels with ease.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The 2020 on steroids, January 14, 2011

By 

Timmy M. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Audio-Technica AT2035 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone (Electronics)

After tedious amounts of research, this little guy is now my very first mic for home recording. I wondered what more I'd be getting for the extra $30 compared to the 2020, but now I would seriously recommend it to anybody, from starters in the studio to the professional level.

First of all, just to clarify the mic itself is actually BLACK. the SILVER mic occasionally in the picture is actually the AT3035 (discontinued model).

SOUND: The sound quality is superb. Crisp and more of a flat response (which is what you're looking for if you want the closest sound to what you hear) compared to most other mics. I can honestly say that it has helped me improved my mediocre singing for how true of a sound it gives off, allowing me to adjust the different levels it captures. I tend to use my vocal cords too much for bassier notes, and this does a nice job of letting me hear it (you could also use the low-cut switch to "cut" some of these low frequencies). Connected to my Fast Track Pro w/o any external preamps, I couldn't ask for a better-sounding mic. It is a great improvement over the AT2020 in terms of noise level (low SPL), a much better response to higher frequencies, and overall a wider range and selection with the additional low-cut filter and db pad. With an extra bit of EQing, this microphone will give you just the sound you want.

USES: This is really a great all-around instrument/vocal microphone. Great for recording acoustic guitars, as it really captures the boominess of my Silver Creek dreadnought and also the mellow sounding high chords. It won't sound exceedingly harsh in front of guitar amps either. For vocals, it gives off a very neutral sound, giving off warm mid-range sound to smooth sound on the high end. Basically, all the characteristics and strengths you would expect from a well-built LDC.

MISC: It comes with a nice, sturdy shock mount to match it, normally which would cost you ~$50 more if you were to, say, buy the 2020. Also a includes a protective vinyl bag to keep the dust off.

PRICE: Possibly the best in its range. The only other microphone I would compare it to at this price range (~$100) is the ghetto-looking MXL V67G, which sounds great for those looking for more color & brightness in the higher ends for vocals. However, the AT2035 is still what you'd be looking for if you want all-around clear and flat sound.

CONS: Have yet to find any.

To sum it up, really consider going for the extra features on this bad guy. It is the 2020 without the shortcomings you'd generally find in lower-budget mics (tinny highs, noise level, bass roll-off issues). I'm glad I settled on this, and I can't wait to see what it'll bring me in the future.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Acoustic Guitar and Vocals, October 14, 2011

By 

Frank Jaeger - See all my reviews

This review is from: Audio-Technica AT2035 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone (Electronics)

Flat response, low noise, cardiod pattern, sensitive, versatile, low price. It is most certainly the best Large Diaphragm Condenser (LDC) microphone in the 100 dollar price range and can certainly compete against other microphones in the 300 dollar price range. It requires phantom power so look into a good preamp or mixer that comes with phantom power capable supply. I also highly recommend some flat response studio headphones or monitors.

ON ACOUSTIC GUITAR: I recorded guitar for a while (8 months) to get the best sound from my guitar using this mic. It was certainly hard for the beginner I am, also for the audiophile i consider myself to be. record guitar from a distance of 7-15 inches from the 12 fret up to the 17th. fret your sweet spot on the guitar should be around there. The difficulty is in getting a balanced sound. Mic to close to the guitar and the guitar gets boomy (look up "proximity effect on LDC"; basically LDC mics get unrealistically boomy the closer the mic is to the sound source. The on-board high-pass filter switch comes in handy to make the bass more realistic but it will still need a small cut in the eq. This mic is also a bit bright, but eq and mic placement can take care of this easily, so don't worry about this fact (also some people might have a taste for this flavor of sound). works great as a mono mic. BUT i still highly recommend getting a pair of small diaphragm condenser (SDC) mics or get one SDC mic plus this LDC mic for more versatility as this mic is great for vocals. But the idea is that 2 mics create a stereo field which is really favored on guitars. id give it 4/5 on recording mono acoustic guitar

ON VOCALS: Best mic on vocals in the 100-200 dollar price range but competes with Rode NT1A (price 200) and some other 300 dollar mics. It loses to some by a slight margin and preference plays a large factor. Make sure you have a pop filter too. Really captures an accurate sound and because its slightly bright, the breath really shines through (but not sibilance neccesarily when a pop filter is installed) for that intimate sound. And the proximity effect can help you get a deeper vocal as well.

The construction of the mic is very rugged and looks like it can last a long while. the stock mount included is a nice touch, it is made of plastic, but still better than nothing and it holds the mic in place well enough.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice vocal mic for the money!, July 23, 2011

By 

12milluz - See all my reviews

This review is from: Audio-Technica AT2035 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone (Electronics)

This was my first large-diaphragm condenser purchase. I had used AT products in the past so I had confidence in the quality of this mic. I was not disappointed. This mic is fantastic for vocals and instruments.

I first used it to simply mic my friend's rapping. I don't record a lot of rap, so I just looked for a good vocal mic in general and this was great. It was "light" rapping so not too much yelling or anything and it sounded great on the mic. I did not need the 10dB pad even for rapping.

Next, I used it on acoustic guitar. I aimed it at the 12th fret from about 6-8 inches away and once again, it sounded fantastic. Even on a quiet source, this mic sounded good, with no noise from the electronics. The frequency response is pretty flat for this mic and it was apparent on the guitar.

Lastly, I used this mic for my girlfriend's singing. It handled a female voice well. I continue to use it for this purpose.

I have bought more expensive mics since purchasing this one, but I find myself turning to it when I need an extra mic for general purposes in a pinch when it just needs to sound good. For a starter home studio, I would highly recommend it. I have also used the AT2020 and I find this one sounds smoother and fuller. If you're looking for a nice mic at a good price, you can't go wrong with the AT2035. It'll serve you well for a long time!