Audio-Technica AT2035 vs Elgato Wave DX
A side-by-side look at Audio-Technica AT2035 and Elgato Wave DX 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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Elgato Wave DX
A broadcast dynamic that works with any interface - no cloud, no fuss
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Audio-Technica AT2035 | Elgato Wave DX | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Podcasters ready to move from USB to XLR without overspending on a capsule |
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
Elgato Wave DX
- Dynamic cardioid capsule
- Frequency response: 50Hz - 15kHz
- 3-pin XLR connector (NOT USB)
- Wide acceptance angle for natural head movement
- Sensitivity: -52 dBV/Pa
- Impedance: 600 ohm
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
Elgato Wave DX
Pros
- Strong room noise rejection - sounds clean in untreated rooms
- Wide acceptance angle allows natural movement
- No signal booster required - works with standard interface gain
- Solid build quality in the Elgato design language
Cons
- XLR-only - requires a separate audio interface to connect to a computer
- Narrower frequency response (50-15kHz) than some condenser competitors
- Not a USB microphone - higher total cost of ownership
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 Elgato Wave DX if
Podcasters ready to move from USB to XLR without overspending on a capsule.
The Wave DX is a competent broadcast dynamic that earns its place in the Elgato ecosystem. The wide acceptance angle is genuinely useful for podcasters who do not stay rigid in front of the mic. Noise rejection is strong -…