The AT2035 sits in the middle of the AT range. For guitarists recording on a budget, the combination of these two mics will deliver outstanding results. Placed slightly off-axis, the natural detail captured by the AT complemented the broader dynamic response of our Shure SM57 to create a rich, rounded tone full of harmonics. Kick drums, often better serviced with a dynamic mic, produced a nice thump when we used the AT2035, and it was equally adept with loud guitar cabinets, especially when used in conjunction with a dynamic mic. We were impressed by the AT2035’s tolerance of louder volume levels too. So, while the AT2035 does require phantom power, it has a broader tolerance than an externally polarized condenser, adding to its versatility and reducing the need for higher spec equipment to operate it. In days gone by, electret mics were seen as the cheap mic relation of ‘true’ condensers however that doesn’t hold water nowadays. This is a cost-effective choice made by Audio-Technica, and mirrors the same tech used in smartphones and other electronic devices which aren’t geared towards providing the sufficient voltage to polarize the mic’s capsule. The AT2035 features a back electret design, meaning there’s a permanent charge held within the mic itself.

Audio technica audio interface