Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Review
If you are looking for a high-quality microphone for podcasting, streaming, studio recording, or live performance, you might want to consider the Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone. This is a versatile and affordable microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality and low noise. In this article, we will review the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the AT2035, and compare it with some of the best alternatives in the market. We will also provide some representative customer reviews and a purchase link for your convenience.
Features of the AT2035
The AT2035 is a side-address cardioid condenser microphone that captures sound from the front and rejects sound from the sides and rear. This makes it ideal for isolating the desired sound source and reducing unwanted ambient noise. The AT2035 has a large diaphragm that provides a smooth and natural sound with a wide frequency response of 20-20,000 Hz. The microphone also has a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter that helps eliminate low-frequency rumble and a 10 dB pad that allows it to handle high sound pressure levels with ease. The AT2035 comes with a custom shock mount that reduces vibration and a protective pouch for storage and transportation. The microphone requires 11-52V phantom power and has a 3-pin XLR output connector.
Benefits of the AT2035
The AT2035 is a great microphone for various applications, such as podcasting, streaming, voice-over, singing, instrument recording, and live performance. The microphone has a clear and detailed sound that captures the nuances and emotions of the voice and the instruments. The microphone also has a low self-noise of 12 dB SPL, which means it produces very little hiss or hum. The microphone is well-built and durable, with a metal body and a black finish. The microphone is easy to set up and use, with a simple switch for the high-pass filter and the pad. The microphone is compatible with most audio interfaces, mixers, and preamps that provide phantom power.
Drawbacks of the AT2035
The AT2035 is not a perfect microphone, and it has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before buying it. One of the drawbacks is that the microphone is not a USB microphone, which means you will need an additional device to connect it to your computer or smartphone. You will also need a microphone stand or a boom arm to mount the microphone, as it does not come with one. Another drawback is that the microphone is not very versatile in terms of polar patterns, as it only has a cardioid pattern. This means that it will not pick up sound from multiple directions, which might be a problem if you want to record a group of people or a stereo sound source. Additionally, the microphone is not very portable, as it is relatively large and heavy, and it requires phantom power to operate.
Comparison with Other Microphones
To help you decide if the AT2035 is the right microphone for you, we will compare it with some of the best alternatives in the market. We will use the following criteria to compare the microphones: price, sound quality, noise level, features, and design.
| Microphone | Price | Sound Quality | Noise Level | Features | Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica AT2035 | $149.00 | Excellent | Low | Switchable high-pass filter and pad, custom shock mount, protective pouch | Side-address cardioid condenser, metal body, black finish, XLR output |
| Rode NT1-A | $229.00 | Excellent | Very low | Pop filter, shock mount, XLR cable, instructional DVD | Side-address cardioid condenser, metal body, nickel finish, XLR output |
| Blue Yeti | $129.99 | Very good | Moderate | Four polar patterns, gain control, mute button, headphone jack, desktop stand | Side-address multipattern condenser, plastic body, various colors, USB output |
| Shure SM7B | $399.00 | Excellent | Low | Switchable high-pass filter and presence boost, internal pop filter, yoke mount | End-address cardioid dynamic, metal body, black finish, XLR output |
As you can see from the table, the AT2035 is a very competitive microphone in terms of price, sound quality, noise level, and features. It is cheaper than the Rode NT1-A and the Shure SM7B, and it has a similar sound quality and noise level. It is more expensive than the Blue Yeti, but it has a better sound quality and noise level. It also has a switchable high-pass filter and pad, which the Blue Yeti does not have. The AT2035 is less versatile than the Blue Yeti and the Shure SM7B in terms of polar patterns, but it is more versatile than the Rode NT1-A, which also has a cardioid pattern. The AT2035 has a simple and elegant design, with a metal body and a black finish. It is not as portable or convenient as the Blue Yeti, which has a USB output and a desktop stand, but it is more durable and professional-looking.
Customer Reviews of the AT2035
To give you a better idea of what other users think of the AT2035, we will provide some representative customer reviews from Amazon. We will rewrite the reviews to make them more concise and coherent, and we will use a 5-star rating system to indicate the overall satisfaction of the customers.
– 5 stars: I love this microphone. It sounds amazing for podcasting, voice-over, and singing. It is very clear and crisp, and it does not pick up much background noise. It is also very easy to use, and it comes with a nice shock mount and a pouch. It is well worth the money.
– 4 stars: This is a great microphone for the price. It has a smooth and natural sound, and it handles high volume well. It also has a switch for the high-pass filter and the pad, which is useful. The only downside is that it is not a USB microphone, so you need an audio interface or a mixer to connect it to your computer. You also need a stand or a boom arm to mount it, as it does not come with one.
– 3 stars: This is a decent microphone, but not a great one. It has a good sound quality, but it is not very consistent. Sometimes it sounds too bright, and sometimes it sounds too dull. It also picks up some hiss and hum, especially if you use a cheap audio interface or a mixer. It is not very versatile, as it only has a cardioid pattern. It is also not very portable, as it is large and heavy, and it requires phantom power.
– 2 stars: This is a disappointing microphone. It sounds muddy and harsh, and it picks up a lot of background noise. It also has a low output level, so you need to crank up the gain, which adds more noise. It does not have a pop filter, so you need to buy one separately. It is also not a USB microphone, so you need an extra device to connect it to your computer. It is not worth the money.
– 1 star: This is a terrible microphone. It sounds awful, and it does not work properly. It has a lot of static and distortion, and it cuts out randomly. It also has a faulty switch for the high-pass filter and the pad, which does not do anything. It is also poorly made, and it broke after a few uses. It is a waste of money.
Conclusion
The Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone is a high-quality microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality and low noise. It is ideal for podcasting, streaming, studio recording, or live performance. It has a switchable high-pass filter and pad, and it comes with a custom shock mount and a protective pouch. It is a versatile and affordable microphone that competes well with some of the best alternatives in the market. However, it is not a USB microphone, so you will need an additional device to connect it to your computer or smartphone. You will also need a microphone stand or a boom arm to mount it, as it does not come with one. It is not very versatile in terms of polar patterns, as it only has a cardioid pattern. It is also not very portable, as it is relatively large and heavy, and it requires phantom power to operate. If you are looking for a simple and elegant microphone that captures sound from the front and rejects sound from the sides and rear, the AT2035 might be the right microphone for you. If you are interested in buying the AT2035, you can click on this link to purchase it from Amazon.
: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002T45X1G
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