Audio-Technica - AT2035

I would not buy a Cloudlifter just so I can use a mediocre mic like the Samson S9U. Seems like a waste of money. I would not buy an SM7B or SM7DB just for work calls and gaming. That’s ballpark $500 just so your coworkers and gaming buddies can hear you. People want the SM7B because we are living in an era of peak SM7B hype… every streamer and podcaster seems to use one. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good mic, but you shouldn’t buy an expensive mic just for the hype. Get a Røde NT1 or AT2035 or similar large-diaphragm condenser under $200. These all have higher sensitivity, which means you can turn the gain down on your audio interface. You’ll sound clear and the mic will work great with your interface. IMO, spending $400 instead of $200 doesn’t get you a much better mic. Most of the really good-sounding mics cost somewhere north of $700, with a few excellent, less-expensive dynamics below that price point (but you need more gain to use them).

Do you know what it means for a microphone to be more sensitive? It means that the microphone puts out a stronger signal for the same sound. Play the same sound for two microphones… if one microphone puts out a stronger signal, you that the microphone is more sensitive. But, isn’t that exactly a solution for your problem? Your problem is that the signal is not strong enough, and it sounds quiet. So if you get a more sensitive microphone, the signal will be stronger, and you can turn the gain down. “Sensitive” does not mean that the microphone picks up more details or anything like that. There is a kind of myth that dynamic microphones somehow don’t sound bad in a poorly-treated room. Maybe it’s time to put that myth to rest. But a lot of people believe that myth, and keep repeating it on YouTube and Reddit. Coincidentally, Dan Worall complained about that myth in a video he posted today: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP74656yTi8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP74656yTi8) “No, condenser mics don’t pick up more background noise. Not really.”

I use an AT2035. $150 and great for vocals/acoustic guitar/woodwinds.

The Audio-Technica AT20xx and AT40xx mics are excellent. I have an AT2035 that has been used for professional vocal recordings (like, by an actual singer friend with serious pro experience, recording at my "home studio"). I prefer cheaper dynamics for streaming, but for serious recording you can't go wrong with a mic from that series, and there's quite a range to choose from depending on your budget. I don't personally have experience with the USB ones, but as long as the noise floor is good, I imagine they're probably pretty nice too.

Between the two, definitely the 2035. I'm also a big fan of the Lewitt LCT 240 pro since it's a bright forward detailed mic which makes it good for sitting on top of a track. There's so little difference between the 3rd and 4th gen solo I'd just save a little and get the 3rd gen

Rode NT1 - 5th gen if you need to start with USB, signature series if you already have an interface For that budget: AT 2035 (bit of a richer sound than the AT2020, because it has a larger diaphragm), AT 875R if you want a shotgun (good for less-than-ideal spaces) Need more recs? Audio Ninja Recommended VO Gear - [https://www.jordanaudio.ninja/recommended-voiceover-studio-gear](https://www.jordanaudio.ninja/recommended-voiceover-studio-gear) My VO Resource Doc (look for "Step 2: Home Studio") - [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HYWjTw1j97KkfYR6\_ORM3VAfkwa7SWw6MGlXq8-sohA/edit?tab=t.0](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HYWjTw1j97KkfYR6_ORM3VAfkwa7SWw6MGlXq8-sohA/edit?tab=t.0)

Boominess issues with recording acoustic guitar Background info: I was recording my acoustic with an old 1970s Sony ECM54 cardioid electret condenser mic. Because the mic was old, I had to record close to the sound hole with the gain on my 1st gen focusrite Scarlett solo maxed in order to get a decent signal volume. This led to some digital noise and boominess. Because of these issues I bought a new mic (AT2035) expecting it would improve things. It does reduce noise by allowing me to set the gain lower, but it is MORE boomy than the 70s mic even with its little "low cut" high pass filter feature enabled. The mic's pad setting is off. I have been struggling with this for months and I'm ready to throw myself out of a window. Any help is VERY MUCH appreciated thank you!!

Vocals and acoustic guitar: AT-2035 or sE-T1. Guitar amp: Sennheiser e-609. DAW: Logic Audio interface: UA Apollo Twin. (Also used a Focusrite Scarlett Solo, which is much less expensive but highly recommended)

I suggest AT2035, little more expensive than the AT2020 but sounds much better imo

I'm surprised to see the comments below yours. I read good things about the 2020 and ended up ordering the 2035 just to get a bit better, but it sounded like the 2020 was a great starting point for most people

not a huge fan of the at2020 or 2035 for much. Theyre a bit harsh, and id take an sm57 or 58 any day over em