Audio Technica AT2035 Condenser Microphone: A Quick Look

There are many types of microphones to look into when you’re trying to find the perfect one to make your recordings sound better. It may be overwhelming to choose one, but the best thing to do is check out the offerings of the most popular brands in the business first, to see what’s available. The Audio Technica AT2035 is consistently one of the best selling and highest rated microphones, and musicians and podcasters alike sing its praises.

audio technica 2035

Features Of The Audio Technica AT2035

  • Rugged design. The design of this one is rugged, so you don’t have to worry about being too gentle with it. As long as you handle it normally and don’t move it around too much, it will work just fine. Some parts are metal, and others are plastic, which offers plenty of structural support. Since it is made well, you should be able to get a lot of use out of it. 
  • Has a large diaphragm. This one has a large diaphragm, so it’s able to give you less noise than other models. At the same time it can also provide recordings that sound more natural. In other words, it won’t sound like you are out on a city street; it will sound more like you are in a studio, which is what you are looking for. 
  • Includes extras. Arguably the best feature of this microphone is that it comes with extra accessories. There is a shock mount built in that can help block out noise and movement. It also comes with a pop filter, which is something that will not only help your product last longer, but it will allow you to sound better when you’re talking over the microphone. It knocks out certain noises that you naturally make when you talk that don’t necessarily go over well when you hear it in playback. There is also an XLR cable provided, so you can connect the item to a mixer or another type of device that you may want to use with it. In essence, this is all you need to keep your product running and looking good for a long time. The only other thing you might need is a stand, depending on how much room you have and where you want to set it up. 
  • Great model for the price. You may be surprised how good you can sound when you use this, mainly because it can correct a lot of common problems that most mics overlook and it does it for a fraction of the price of some other types. Since it picks up in a cardioid pattern, it will hear everything you are saying, to give you a richer experience. 

Here’s a similar product from Amazon:

Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone, Ideal for Project/Home Studio Applications,Black
  • The price/performance standard in side address studio condenser microphone technology
  • Ideal for project/home studio applications; The noise level is 20 dB SPL
  • High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility
  • Custom engineered low mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response
  • Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source. Output connector: integral 3 pin XLRM type

Pros

  • Is cardioid shaped
  • Professional grade
  • Delivers clear sound
  • Great for a beginner or a pro

Cons 

  • Must buy a cord to plug it directly into a computer

Who Should Use It

It’s not hard to see why anyone could use this microphone, since it is powerful and can make you sound like you really know what you’re doing. However, it’s better for beginners to purchase this setup, since you have to buy little else to go along with it. Of course you’ll need the stand and the mixer or other audio input device, but besides that, you are getting a valuable package. You won’t have to shop around for filters or shock mounts, which will save you time, and you also already have a cord, which is never a bad thing. If you have better versions of these extras, you can always keep the ones that come with this product around as backups, in case of emergencies. 

If you’re trying to design your first recording studio, even if it’s in a small room in your house, this item would fit right in there. It is easy to set up and use, and you won’t really have to go out immediately and purchase another type of microphone, even as you become more experienced with the whole process. You can use this one for a long time, which can give you the opportunity to shop around if you want to trade up. It isn’t the type of thing that you will outgrow technology wise for some time, since it’s able to provide natural and rich sounds, whether it is from talking, or something else. 

There are a couple of things to note however. One is that this microphone may be hard to set up the first time if you have never set one up before. This is because there’s not really an indication of which way it should face. It’s entirely up to you how it faces and what direction you will be using it, so this isn’t really a big deal. Furthermore, this microphone isn’t complete because you will still need something to plug it into. This is normally something like an audio interface. There are lots of types to choose from, so look into what type you’ll need, depending on what you specialize in. You can get something basic or something complex, as there are models that fall into most budgets. These are very minor flaws to the product, which don’t take away from its overall effectiveness and quality. You do need to be aware of them though, so you don’t feel like you have been sold something that won’t help you out very much.

Here’s a similar product from Amazon:

Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone, Ideal for Project/Home Studio Applications,Black
  • The price/performance standard in side address studio condenser microphone technology
  • Ideal for project/home studio applications; The noise level is 20 dB SPL
  • High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility
  • Custom engineered low mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response
  • Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source. Output connector: integral 3 pin XLRM type

Conclusion

This microphone is great for people of all different levels, although it will definitely come in handy for those who are just starting out. It comes with so many things you already need, and you just have to get the rest of the stand to use it. You’ll also need a mixer or some other type of input device, but that’s something you likely have on your list anyway. The installation is easy and you won’t have a hard time using it either. Besides that, it isn’t an item that you will easily outgrow, as it can come in handy as you get into more sophisticated stuff.