Audio Technica AT2035 Vs AT2020 Comparison

Audio Technica is one of the most notable brands in the market of microphones. Since the company is known to produce high-quality products, a lot of people tend to get confused in choosing between their mic models. For example, Audio Technica AT2020 and Audio Technica AT2035 are two popular mic models that often cause confusion among potential buyers. The two share many similarities, yet they are priced a little bit differently from each other. Audio Technica AT2035 is slightly more expensive than Audio Technica AT2020. So, what does the price increment bring? Which is the model that holds the best bang for the bucks? Let’s find out below!

audio-technica-at2035-vs-at2020

Design and Feature
Both products are designed quite similarly to each other. Both are black, and rather slender. Both are also reasonably rugged and durable. Audio Technica AT2020 and Audio Technica AT2035 are popular for heavy-duty usage, as they can endure the abuse and last. However, after carefully observing the two products, you may then notice that Audio Technica AT2020 doesn’t have the switches that Audio Technica AT2035 has. Indeed, Audio Technica AT2020 is quite a simple and straightforward mic model, while Audio Technica AT2035 is given more additional features. (Have a look: MXL 770 Vs AT2020)

Technical Specs

Audio Technica AT2035Audio Technica AT2020
- ELEMENT Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser- ELEMENT Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
- POLAR PATTERN Cardioid- POLAR PATTERN Cardioid
- FREQUENCY RESPONSE 20-20,000 Hz- FREQUENCY RESPONSE 20-20,000 Hz
- OPEN CIRCUIT SENSITIVITY -33 dB (22.4 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa- OPEN CIRCUIT SENSITIVITY –37 dB (14.1 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
- IMPEDANCE 120 ohms- IMPEDANCE 100 ohms
- MAXIMUM INPUT SOUND LEVEL 148 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.; 158 dB SPL, with 10 dB pad (nominal)- MAXIMUM INPUT SOUND LEVEL 144 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
- NOISE 12 dB SPL- NOISE 20 dB SPL
- DYNAMIC RANGE (typical) 136 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL- DYNAMIC RANGE (typical) 124 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
- SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO 82 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa- SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO 74 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
- PHANTOM POWER REQUIREMENTS 11-52V DC, 3.8 mA typical- PHANTOM POWER REQUIREMENTS 48V DC, 2 mA typical
- WEIGHT 403 g (14.2 oz)- WEIGHT 12.1 oz (345 g)
- DIMENSIONS 170.0 mm (6.69") long, 52.0 mm (2.05") maximum body diameter- DIMENSIONS 6.38" (162.0 mm) long, 2.05" (52.0 mm) maximum body diameter
- OUTPUT CONNECTOR Integral 3-pin XLRM-type- OUTPUT CONNECTOR Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
- ACCESSORIES FURNISHED AT8458 shock mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands; 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter; soft protective pouch- ACCESSORIES FURNISHED Stand mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands; 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter; soft protective pouch
- AUDIO-TECHNICA CASE STYLE R5- AUDIO-TECHNICA CASE STYLE R7

On Audio Technica AT2035, you can find a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and -10 dB pad. The high-pass filter functions to attenuate the lower frequencies under 80 Hz, effectively eliminating low-frequency noises such as mechanical vibrations, wind sounds, and breath sounds. This feature is very handy especially for vocals. The high-pass filter allows vocals to be clearer and crisper. Meanwhile, when activated, the pre-attenuation pad functions to lower the volume level of the input by 10 dB. It is very handy whenever you need to handle extremely loud sounds.

Performance
The audio qualities of Audio Technica AT2020 and Audio Technica AT2035 are actually quite identical. Both mics have the frequency response range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz. Hence, they both are able to deliver lows, mids, and highs very accurately. The wide frequency response range allows Audio Technica AT2020 and Audio Technica AT2035 to properly stage and define every note accurately. Also, as both are condenser mics, they also have a bright audio reproduction. However, Audio Technica AT2035 indeed has a lower self-noise level compared to Audio Technica AT2020. This property is very beneficial especially to audio recording, as the recorded audio can be clearer and crisper. Additionally, Audio Technica AT2035 is also able to handle higher SPL levels than Audio Technica AT2020.

Don’t forget that these mics are cardioid. The polar pattern allows them to focus on the sounds coming from the front while rejecting the sounds from the sides and rear. Such design is suitable for various purposes, from studio recordings to live performances.

Audio Technica AT2035 Vs AT2020

- Large diaphragm for smooth, natural sound and low noise
- High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility
- Custom shock mount provides superior isolation
- Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad
- Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source
- Standard AT2020Condenser microphone and bonus pop filter makes for great digital recording
- Ideal for project/home-studio applications
- 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

Conclusion
Obviously, Audio Technica AT2035 is the more superior product here. The lower self-noise level is great for improving the recording quality, while the high-pass filter and pre-attenuation pad can be very handy features. However, if you are confident that you are not going to use the two features, you can save some money with Audio Technica AT2020.