Some brands build their reputations on providing uncompromising quality, while others rely on delivering the best value for the money. One of the reasons Sweetwater appreciates Audio-Technica is that they balance these two principles so well, so whether you buy an A-T wireless system or pair of headphones, you'll save cash and end up with gear you love. And it's not just great for project studios - we've seen Audio-Technica gear used for US presidential debates, The GRAMMYs, World Cup soccer matches, NFL games, PGA Golf, and many other world-class venues.
As a leader in the fields of both consumer and professional audio technology, Audio-Technica's reputation for producing high-value equipment for all levels of musical involvement goes back to their foundation. The company began in 1962 in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and started by producing superior stereo phono cartridges. They established their US headquarters in Akron, Ohio, in 1972, and launched their first headphones two years later. By 1979, A-T had released their first microphone line, and they've been on the forefront of mic technology ever since.
As a leader in the fields of both consumer and professional audio technology, Audio-Technica's reputation for producing high-value equipment for all levels of musical involvement goes back to their foundation. The company began in 1962 in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and started by producing superior stereo phono cartridges. They established their US headquarters in Akron, Ohio, in 1972, and launched their first headphones two years later. By 1979, A-T had released their first microphone line, and they've been on the forefront of mic technology ever since.
Microphones
The first professional microphones to come from Audio-Technica were the 800 Series, which eventually evolved into the highly popular and affordable Artist Series models found everywhere today. Onstage, Audio-Technica's Artist Series microphones include virtually indestructible handheld vocal mics and a plethora of purpose-built instrument microphones that are well known for capturing drums, guitar cabinets, and more.
A-T microphones are common fixtures in professional studios, film sets, and in front of live audiences. With early endorsements from Phil Ramone, Alan Parsons, and other noteworthy figures, the 40 Series has been a recording favorite since the early '90s, while entry-level models such as the AT2020 side-address cardioid condenser mic are found in virtually every project studio. At the same time, Audio-Technica's breakthroughs in miniature fixed-charge (electret) condenser microphones have revolutionized house-of-worship presenting, theater, and broadcast.
A-T microphones are common fixtures in professional studios, film sets, and in front of live audiences. With early endorsements from Phil Ramone, Alan Parsons, and other noteworthy figures, the 40 Series has been a recording favorite since the early '90s, while entry-level models such as the AT2020 side-address cardioid condenser mic are found in virtually every project studio. At the same time, Audio-Technica's breakthroughs in miniature fixed-charge (electret) condenser microphones have revolutionized house-of-worship presenting, theater, and broadcast.
Headphones
Audio-Technica took the leap from producing phono cartridges to creating hi-fi headphones in 1974, and by the late '70s, they earned a MITI Good Design Award. Today, Sweetwater is happy to offer a variety of popular A-T headphones and in-ear monitors, which our customers love for everything from casual enjoyment to critical listening. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x professional monitor headphones are a favorite for studio musicians and engineers who need to focus in on nuances; whereas the trio of balanced armature drivers in their ATH-E70 earphones allow bass players to monitor live with in-ears, without sacrificing low-end detail.
Wireless Systems
There's no stage too big or too small for Audio-Technica wireless technology. Top-end wireless microphone systems, such as A-T's 5000 Series models, can be found on the front lines of world-class arenas, while their popular System 10 digital wireless systems deliver ultra-clear and totally reliable wireless performance to artists playing modest venues. Likewise, Audio-Technica's M2 and M3 wireless in-ear monitoring systems provide a cost-effective and convenient way to pursue a silent stage for artists of all types.
One of the key aspects of the Sweetwater Difference is our commitment to doing the right thing for our customers. Sometimes, that means finding the best deals for engineers and artists working on tighter budgets. That's why we're so glad to have a great relationship with Audio-Technica, which allows us to offer everyone professional-quality mics, headphones, and more. And with great new gear coming out all the time, we're always excited to see what's next from Audio-Technica.
One of the key aspects of the Sweetwater Difference is our commitment to doing the right thing for our customers. Sometimes, that means finding the best deals for engineers and artists working on tighter budgets. That's why we're so glad to have a great relationship with Audio-Technica, which allows us to offer everyone professional-quality mics, headphones, and more. And with great new gear coming out all the time, we're always excited to see what's next from Audio-Technica.
- Last modified: May 8, 2019
- $149.00
- Rated 4.5 stars
This is an excellent microphone for home recording, especially for vocals/voice-over purposes. It gives professional sounding results for only about $149. This review contains audio samples and comparisons with a more expensive mic.
The Audio-Technica AT2035 is a large diaphragm condenser (LDC) microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern. (For a review of what a large diaphragm condenser mic is, see our post: What Are The Different Types of Microphones?)
The AT2035, which normally sells for $149, is an improvement on its less expensive sibling, the AT2020, which sells for $65, which is still a great value.
The capsule in the 2035 is a newer and larger design that gives a flatter response in the low (bass) frequencies and is overall more sensitive than the 2020. In fact technically, the AT2020 is not really a larger diaphragm condenser mic, even though it looks VERY similar. It’s only 16mm compared to the 24mm diaphragm in the 2035.
So What is Different?
For the extra 85 bucks or so you not only get a more sensitive mic with flatter low end and more sensitivity, but you also get a mic with less self noise, a much larger capsule, and some additional features thrown in for good measure. The 2035 gives you more control over the sound by offering two switches: a high pass filter (meaning that it reduces the low frequencies) switch at 80 Hz and a 10 dB pad, which lets you reduce the signal coming from the microphone by 10 decibels when you engage that switch. This function is pretty handy, especially if you’ve done all you can in a recording session to tame loud signals.
And that brings us to another improvement in this mic over the 2020, which is that it can handle a very loud signal (148dB of signal processing level (SPL) without the pad, or 158dB with the pad engaged) before it distorts. For a mic to be both very sensitive (can pick up very quiet sounds) and be able to handle that level of SPL is a good thing.
And finally, this mic comes with the shock mount in the box. Download detective conan series. This may seem like a small thing, but it gets very difficult to keep noise from traveling up a mic stand with sensitive mics like these if you just use a clip. A shock mount suspends the mic from a web of elastic bands, which keeps out a lot of low frequency noise. If you have ever had an LDC mic without a compatible shock mount, it gets to be a chore to find one and then order it and wait for it to come in, etc. So the fact that this mic comes with a shock mount is awesome and should be standard practice.
So How Does It Sound?
I always recommend that when they can afford it, folks get a large diaphragm condenser mic, along with a decent audio interface, if they want to produce professional audio. If you have less than $100 to spend, the AT2020 is an excellent choice. But if you can produce the extra 85 bucks, I highly recommend the 2035 because it sounds awesome.
I compared the AT to my Rode NT2-A, another LDC mic, one that I use daily. I recorded a short voice passage as well as some acoustic guitar. The first thing I noticed before anything else was that with everything else being equal (audio interface settings), the level of the AT was significantly higher than the Rode, which is saying something. That’s that sensitivity thing coming into play.
First the voice test. I just read some specs from the box for this. The 2035 sounded clear and present, very nice. Compared to the Rode (a mic costing almost 3 times more than the AT, by the way) the sound had a bit of mid-range hype to it. Take a listen to the samples below.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/HBAAudios/RodeVoice.mp3 | Rode Voice |
https://s3.amazonaws.com/HBAAudios/ATVoice.mp3 | AT Voice |
For the guitars I found exactly the same thing, a mid-range bump and less even across frequencies. Take a listen to those below.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/HBAAudios/RodeGuita.mp3Rode Guitar
https://s3.amazonaws.com/HBAAudios/ATGuitar.mp3AT Guitar
Lastly, I recorded silence (well, the sound of my room without any talking, etc.) to measure mic noise, and corrected the Rode recording for the difference in levels. There was no significant difference in noise at all. both were very quiet, registering about -65 RMS average level of amplitude. This is pretty amazing considering the price difference between these two mics.
Overall
For the things I tested it on, voice and acoustic guitar, the AT2035 sounded great. If you weren’t comparing it to a mic that cost nearly 3 times more, the bumps in the mid range wouldn’t be noticeable. My advice is to get one of these mics as your first large diaphragm condenser if you can afford the $149 and if don’t have a really good one already. To find out more of go get one right now, click here.
You cannot go wrong.
Audio Technica’s ATH-M50x
With over 50 years of history and experience in the audio industry, Audio-Technica has become a king in the audio world. They have earned their reputation by producing high-quality audio products that have gained particular success within the music production niche.
One set of products that have become a staple among music producers and audio enthusiasts, is their line of professional studio monitoring headphones, the M-Series. The most renowned product in this line has become the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x studio headphones which are frequently the top choice and highly recommended for many music producers.
At $149 (click here to see current price), the ATH-M50x headphones are at a sweet spot that makes them affordable enough for the average producer, and expensive enough to provide a standard of quality that meets the needs of most producers and audio enthusiasts. However, at this affordable price, the market for headphones is very competitive, competing with other major brands such as Sennheiser, Sony, Beyerdynamic, and AKG.
With all the competition at this price-point, we wondered what it was about Audio-Technica’s ATH-M50x that has made them rise above the competition in popularity and become one of the most highly recommended headphones and brands in the music production world. We spent some time with the ATH-M50x headphones and set out to see what the hype was all about.
Comfort and Build
After placing the ATH-M50x on your ears, you’ll note that they’re pretty comfortable. The top band is flexible and made with a soft material. The soft pads on the swiveling earcups fit nicely over your ears and will remain pretty comfortable for most listeners, although you shouldn’t expect to be getting the most comfortable studio headphones on the market.
If you have large ears or a larger head you might experience some discomfort as they can feel tight with downward pressure from the headband and inward pressure from the earcups. If you have a larger head and ears and are concerned about comfort, we encourage you to check out this article which may present you with some better options for comfort.
The main criticism of the ATH-M50x in terms of design is, although they’re decently comfortable for most listeners, they do feel a little fragile.
The fragility seemed to be due to heavy reliance on plastic. It’s important to stress that these headphones aren’t prone to damage as such, but it does indeed feel like it. However, considering their price, we didn’t really expect more than that. Although the design may seem slim and probably not the toughest, this another attribute which keeps these headphones lighter than average and serves to enhance the comfort of the ATH-50x.
Audio-Technica also maintains their highly appealing appearance with their slim and sleek design. This is opposite to one of their biggest competitors. Sennheiser’s HD280 Pro headphones, for example, primarily focus on toughness, durability, and utility in the studio rather than comfort and style as found with the ATH-M50x.
Crowd-Pleasing Design
The ATH-M50x is indeed pleasing to the eye. In our opinion, they’re the most attractive pair of studio headphones at their price point. The slim design, attention to detail, including the inside metal band and the aluminum highlights keeps these headphones looking very stylish both in and out of the studio.
They are also available in several colors including black, white, blue, and gun-metal. Audio-Technica’s design decisions make it clear that they wanted to produce headphones in their M-series that would appeal to both listeners inside and outside of music production.
Perfect For Travel
Another testament to Audio-Technica designing headphones with mainstream appeal is how portable the ATH-M50x are. The ATH-M50x have a collapsible design, allowing them to quickly fold and unfold. They will easily fit in most bags and demand very little space.
They also have a detachable 3.5mm jack, which can host the included cables: one coiled 1/8″ TRS-TRS which easily extends from under four feet to well over nine feet, and one 1/8″ TRS-TRS straight cable at 3’9″ long. These features make the ATH-M50x perfect for travel.
What about the sound?
Audio-Technica didn’t earn their reputation by just creating good-looking products. These headphones also deliver excellent sound quality at their price. The higher frequencies and treble are surprisingly neutral and smooth on the ATH-M50x with no obvious overly pronounced frequencies that are harsh or irritating on the ears. You’ll have no problem hearing a detailed sizzle on drums and the crisp grit of a guitar.
As you go continue down the frequency spectrum, the midrange on the ATH-M50x also remains pretty neutral. Instruments and vocals have excellent definition with minimal coloration. However, as you creep into the lower frequencies the ATH-M50x’s sound starts to lose its neutrality, and this is what ultimately makes the ATH-M50x a polarizing pair of headphones for better or worse.
Boosted Bass
We noticed that the bass on the ATH-M50x was more prominent than most studio headphones at this price point. The bass extends to 15Hz, which allows the ATH-M50x to serve as a valuable reference and tool for hearing the lowest of frequencies in the mix. However, if you’re looking to use the ATH-M50x as your primary mix tool, the bass boost present in these headphones will likely harm your mix judgment, and you’re bound to end up with tracks that lack bass if you choose to mix with the ATH-M50x.
The boosted bass with these headphones is another example of Audio-Technica’s attempt to appeal to casual listeners. Let’s be real; bass is overrated, but the question casual listeners often ask is “But, how’s the bass bro?”. People love their bass.
It’s interesting to know that the ATH-M50x has actually gained a popular reputation as an alternative to the bass-heavy Beats by Dre headphones. There are actually several similarities between the two which go beyond the boosted bass. They’re both stylish closed-back headphones available in multiple colors, great for casual listening and travel and offering great appeal to casual listeners.
What else should I know?
The ATH-M50x’s stereo imaging and soundstage isn’t as detailed and wide as it could be, but this should come as no surprise as these headphones are of a closed-back design. Nonetheless, they will still offer satisfying stereo imaging for most listeners.
Considering their closed-back design, when it comes to noise and isolation, the ATH-M50x could probably do a better job at keep sound in. The main reason is their shallow cup, which can unfortunately negatively affect the listening experience while commuting, for example. No, they’re not horrible in this direction. However, you should expect some noise invading the ear cups, especially low-end sound.
There is some leakage as well, but it isn’t excessive, by any means. They can be used in an office environment, but listening to them to a slightly high volume will make them reveal their higher frequencies. Because of this, they’re also far from the best headphones when it comes down to recording and tracking vocals.
Who should buy the ATH-M50x?
Audio-Technica’s ATH-M50x is often purchased by young in-experienced producers on a budget who want an affordable pair of studio headphones. The problem is, they often fall for the style of these headphones and neglect its sound attributes and how useful they would be during music production, especially when it comes to mixing and mastering.
The bottom line is, there are simply better options if you want headphones that are strictly for studio-use. Regarding neutral sound, it still appears that Sennheiser may be king. It’s not to say that having flat sound is everything, but it’s clear that the ATH-M50x were designed to ensure an enjoyable listening experience with casual listeners, rather than just for strict studio applications such as monitoring.
The ATH-M50x is a solid purchase if your priority is beyond the studio. One way to look at these headphones is as a middle ground between stylish hyped headphones designed for casual listening such as Beats by Dre, and neutral studio headphones such as the Sennheiser HD280 Pro. In other words, Beats by Dre + Sennheiser HD280 = ATH-M50x. This may be a bold statement, but if you’re familiar with these two headphones, you really are getting something in-between the two.
Final Thoughts
Regarding the “bang for the buck” – there are no regrets at all with these pair of headphones. Audio-Technica’s price to value ratio with the ATH-M50x is excellent. After our careful review of Audio-Technica’s ATH-M50x, we can clearly see why they are so popular. While they may not be the most balanced in terms of sound, we see them as a very balanced pair in overall terms, bridging the gap between studio headphones and stylish consumer headphones.
Having a pair of headphones that can appeal both to the studio producer and the casual listener has allowed Audio-Technica to soar into dominance. If you’re caught in this gap and want the best of both worlds, then we would definitely recommend these headphones for you.
What are your thoughts? Feel free to let us know in a comment below or reach us on our Twitter or our Instagram.
AT2035 is an inexpensive back electret condenser from Audio Technica that boasts pretty clear and balanced sound with low noise floor. This mic is a veeery good tradeoff between price and quality and hence, an ideal choice for home studios where budget is a factor. AT2035 has cardioid polar pattern and large diaphragm that actually works for both vocals and instruments. Having said that, the essential features of pad and low pass make it an even better all-rounder that should handle most recording scenarios. With this baby, you can really put down some quality tracks at home…
Sound quality
Despite relying on back electret polarization, AT2035 sounds more like a typical true condenser. Back in the days, electret microphones used to be less reliable but as the technology stepped forward, the question of which is better is now arguable. Today it all depends on a particular capsule – some are just bad but some are good. Back electret capsules are still more likely to be found on budget mics though, whereas true condensers are being sold as premium. Yes of course, an externally polarized capsule can be seen as a more flexible solution but the question is do you really need this for a home studio?
Audio Technica AT2035 can be compared to AKG C214, which is actually studio grade true condenser. Both have very similar SPL (158 vs 156 dB with pad), Signal-to-noise ratio (82 vs 81 dB), Sensitivity (22.4 vs 20 mV/Pa) and Equivalent noise level (12 vs 13 dB-A). Believe it or not, every stat slightly favors AT2035, including the noise! Frequency response, of which we will talk later, is analogous too. Both mics produce a very natural sound, crispy and detailed on the high-end, rich and juicy on the bottom-end. However, AKG has a larger diaphragm and may sound a tad smoother, and, more flattery.
Frequency response
This mic features neutral, easy to work with frequency response, especially solid on the bottom end and mid-range. High end gets a very gentle boost that adds just a pinch of brightness. This starts after 2 kHz where it gains 1.5 dB of output and keeps steadily increasing all the way up until 13 kHz, peaking at 3.5 dB. For a budget mic with relatively large diaphragm, it’s quite nice to see such stable curve. And it’s not just a random pattern as some may presume. It is actually tailored that way as it adds some flavor of presence to your vocals as well as clarity for the instruments.
Noise levels
Audio Technica Driver
AT2035 has an excellent self-noise of only 12 dB-A – such figures you will find on Neumann’s and other mics at least twice more expensive, whereas for most studio purposes 16 dB-A is considered more than enough and I’m talking about professional studios. In reality, even a very quiet environment will have ambient noise exceeding 12 dB threshold, so unless you are trying to record the ticking of a hand watch while being in a soundproof room, you will not be able to discern the self-noise produced by this mic. Keep in mind, preamps may add some noise too so get something decent to cross this off the list!
Setup
If you’ve done recording before and have the equipment handy you’ll already know what to do. Audio Technica AT2035 connects through XLR interface and requires phantom power. It’s pretty much standard and being back electret it is also forgiving about voltage (Rated 11-52V DC). If you don’t own one already we do recommend getting an audio interface so you can connect it with pc. There are many options… Steinberg UR22MKII is a very powerful but inexpensive tool. Focusrite Scarlett is ok too – though kind of sucky compared to the above, but never settle for cheaper imitations to avoid headache.
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Features, Build & Accessories
AT2035 has a standard Audio Technica’s body, which is identical to any 20XX, 30XX and 40XX models. It is solid, heavy and durable and does not need much handling care, unless you want to maintain its brand new look. It has two switches at the back for -10 dB pad and 80 Hz low cut. With pad, it can handle the maximum SPL of 158 dB at 1% THD. Just so that you understand, such sound pressure could rapture your eardrums in an instant. In reality, it is unlikely to achieve even if put next to a very loud guitar amp but anyway it’s nice to have that extra margin.
The low cut is also a good bonus: it can help reducing popping when up close as well as low frequency ambience when recording in less than ideal sound environment. In any event, do not forget to get some nice pop filter when recording vocals – this is a must for any LDC. This mic uses standard 5/8″ – 27 mounting thread and comes with adapter nut for 3/8″ – 16. The package also includes AT8458 shock mount, which alone costs around $50-60. Although made of plastic, it’s quite efficient in what it does and appears to be durable too. Considering the mic price, it’s a real steal!
Pros
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Review score
- Excellent! - 9/10