Audio-Technica AT2035 vs Audio-Technica BP40
A side-by-side look at Audio-Technica AT2035 and Audio-Technica BP40 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Audio-Technica AT2035
A step up from the AT2020 with a pad, filter, and extra headroom
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Audio-Technica BP40
Large-diaphragm dynamic with a hypercardioid pattern for demanding broadcast environments
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| Audio-Technica AT2035 | Audio-Technica BP40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Podcasters stepping up from the AT2020 who want more control and headroom in one package | Broadcast and radio-style podcasters who want the noise rejection of a dynamic with more diaphragm surface than a standard moving coil |
Key features
Audio-Technica AT2035
- Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Cardioid condenser XLR, requires 48V phantom power
- Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter for rumble reduction
- Switchable -10 dB pad for high-SPL sources
- Custom shockmount included
- Self-noise 12 dB SPL
Audio-Technica BP40
- Frequency response 50 Hz to 16 kHz
- Large-diaphragm hypercardioid dynamic XLR, no phantom power required
- 37mm moving-coil capsule on internal flexible suspension
- Switchable 100 Hz low-frequency roll-off
- Output impedance 450 ohms, weight 632 g
- Deep null points at 120 and 240 degrees off-axis
Pros and cons
Audio-Technica AT2035
Pros
- Built-in pad and high-pass filter add real-world flexibility
- Lower self-noise than AT2020 at 12 dB SPL
- Shockmount included - saves accessory cost
- Handles louder sources and varying room conditions better
Cons
- Requires a treated room - condenser sensitivity picks up ambient noise
- Requires 48V phantom power
- Sound character is similar to AT2020 - not a dramatic upgrade
Audio-Technica BP40
Pros
- Hypercardioid pattern provides exceptional off-axis rejection
- Large diaphragm dynamics capture more detail than small-capsule alternatives
- Internal mechanical shock isolation reduces stand vibration
- No phantom power required
Cons
- Hypercardioid sweet spot is narrow - off-axis coloration is significant
- Heavy at 632 g - requires a sturdy boom arm
- Needs a quality preamp with adequate gain for dynamic mic levels
The verdict
Choose Audio-Technica AT2035 if
Podcasters stepping up from the AT2020 who want more control and headroom in one package.
The AT2035 is the AT2020 with the two features the AT2020 most needs - a high-pass filter and a pad. Those additions meaningfully expand the mic's utility for recorded music, interviews with varying source levels, and rooms where low-frequency rumble…
Choose Audio-Technica BP40 if
Broadcast and radio-style podcasters who want the noise rejection of a dynamic with more diaphragm surface than a standard moving coil.
The BP40 is unusual - it gives you the noise rejection and simplicity of a dynamic microphone with a capsule size closer to a studio condenser. The hypercardioid pattern is tighter than the SM7B's supercardioid, which is a serious advantage…