Choosing between the AT2020 and the AT2035 from Audio Technica is hard because both the mics are similar in build, design, performance, and features they have.
However, when you take a closer look, you may see some things that will make the decision much easier – here are the two microphones compared to one another.
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| $99.00 | $149.00 |
AT2020 Overview
The AT2020 is a cardioid condenser microphone for entry level users, but you wouldn’t know it based on the specifications and, more crucially, the audio quality this instrument delivers.
Because of the quality of the audio it generates – a very faithful reflection of the original sound – this microphone is best suited to voice recordings and is recognized as a fantastic equipment for capturing singing.
It also has a black cast metal structure, with two levels of wire mesh shielding the main capsule and aiding in pop reduction – but, as a general rule, one should always try to record with an extra pop filter anyway.
AT2035 Overview
The AT2035, which was released some years after the AT2020 was released and much loved by the world, intends to expand on the success of the AT2020 by providing a similarly great value proposition, superb audio, build quality, and numerous important advancements over the original AT2020 design.
The AT2035 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone with a fixed-cardioid pattern and has a similar style and black cast metal construction as the AT2020.
And, like the AT2020, it has outstanding off-axis rejection of noises from the unit’s back and side angles.
AT2020 VS AT2035
Build And Design
Many businesses flourish despite focusing mainly on design rather than performance. It does not necessarily imply good or bad, but is used to underline the importance of product design.
Moving on, the Audio Technica AT2020’s design is straightforward and beautiful. The glossy black finish provides a luxurious touch to the entire product.
Furthermore, the construction appears to be sturdy, so you can be confident that it will endure a long time.
It also includes a range of handy accessories.
The solo model has a pivoting shock mount that is compatible with the majority of microphone stands. As a result, you may use this microphone with any stand.
Another appealing design feature is that the Audio Technica AT2020 has a pop filter to mask your Ps and Ss.
If you are wondering what a pop filter is, it’s just a barrier that seeks to lessen or get rid of popping noises while also protecting the speaker’s or singer’s mouth from collecting saliva.
This implies that a pop filter not only improves the quality of your voice, but it also extends the life of your microphone by preventing the salts in your saliva from corroding the outside of the mic.
Because of these advantages, a pop filter is advised for microphones, and most top manufacturers include one. Dynamic mics usually come with a pop filter built in, but condenser mics often do not.
This is because a dynamic mic is positioned close to the speaker’s mouth, so it doesn’t need an additional filter.
It is therefore unsurprising that Audio Technica has integrated it in both of their microphone models.
Like other condenser microphones, the AT2020 and AT2035 require phantom power in order to work. This means that you will need an external power source, such as a preamp or audio interface, to supply the microphone with power (also see, ‘Best Audio Interface For Podcast‘).
The AT2020 and AT2035 are both XLR microphones, so you’ll need an XLR cable to connect them to your preamp/audio interface.
In terms of design, the Audio Technica AT2035 is not very different. Because it is a separate microphone, it probably seems sleeker and thinner.
In addition, the cable length in both of these mics is excellent: the Audio Technica AT2020 comes with a handy 20-foot XLR cable.
The power requirements of these two microphones vary somewhat. AT2020 requires 48V DC and 2mA on average, while AT2035 requires 11-52V and 3.8mA on average.
There is also a distinction in the carrying case. The Audio Technica AT2035 features a nicer carrying case than the AT2020, which has a thin bag with no cushioning.
Performance
When comparing AT2020 versus AT2035, the latter is a significant advance over the more basic 2020.
The most noticeable enhancements are extra features—a high-pass filter at 80 Hz with a 12 dB/octave slope and a -10 dB pad for the strongest sound sources—for just $149 (compared to $99). The AT2035, like the 2020, has a fixed cardioid, therefore no extra modifications are required.
The AT2035, like the AT2020, will be beneficial on most instruments that demand a detailed, larger-than-life condenser sound. The AT2035, on the other hand, has a very different frequency range response.
The low-end is clearly rich and flat, with only a slight dip between 50 and 100 Hz that flattens out about 150 Hz.
The midrange is similarly flat until 2 kHz, when the mic starts to show a rolling, wavelike series of boosts.
It has a wonderful airy top end and peaks between 10 and 15 kHz. The AT2035 is intended to sound very natural throughout, with a rich, full bass end and a highly prominent and sparkling high end.
With a sensitivity of -33 dB, the AT2035 is slightly more sensitive than the AT2020. It’s also substantially quieter, with a self-noise level of 12 dB SPL.
Again, none of these specifications are earth-shatteringly fantastic or awful; they are simply conventional figures for mics in this price range.
Sound is clearly key, and the 2035 would almost surely provide a balanced sound, natural reaction. It’s absolutely up to you whether or not you like that sound.
Frequency response is the range of sound that a microphone can capture. The AT2035 has a more extended frequency response than the AT2020. This makes the AT2035 the more versatile mic, allowing it to capture sounds in higher and lower frequencies.
This makes it ideal for recording acoustic instruments like guitars and pianos that require a larger frequency range.
Conclusion
Neither will let you down, and both will provide excellent audio quality for your podcast, especially when combined with the appropriate audio interfaces, boom stand, and mic stand.
Keeping this in mind, despite being around for what feels like an eternity, the AT2020 remains a good choice for an XLR cardioid pattern microphone for things such as podcasts.
It is among the best options when it comes to microphones that you can get for under $100 on the market today, and so represents excellent value for money while providing professional build and sound quality.
If you’re on a tight budget and need to save the extra $50 over the AT2035 for other components of your podcasting setup, you’ll still receive a microphone that does all you need it to.
Furthermore, the AT2035 isn’t going away anytime soon, so the option to upgrade later on is always available.
