Audio-Technica AT2035 vs Warm Audio WA-87 R2
A side-by-side look at Audio-Technica AT2035 and Warm Audio WA-87 R2 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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Warm Audio WA-87 R2
U87-style FET condenser with three polar patterns at a fraction of the price
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Audio-Technica AT2035 | Warm Audio WA-87 R2 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Studio-focused podcasters who want professional multi-pattern condenser flexibility without spending on a Neumann |
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
Warm Audio WA-87 R2
- Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and -10 dB pad
- Large-diaphragm FET condenser XLR, requires 48V phantom power
- Three polar patterns: cardioid, omni, and figure-8
- NOS Fairchild transistor and Cinemag USA output transformer
- Maximum SPL 125 dB (132 dB with pad engaged)
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
Warm Audio WA-87 R2
Pros
- Three polar patterns enable cardioid, omni, and figure-8 recording configurations
- Premium passive components (Fairchild NOS transistor, Cinemag transformer) at accessible price
- U87-inspired voicing with full, present character
- High SPL ceiling handles a wide range of sources
Cons
- Condenser sensitivity demands acoustic treatment
- Requires 48V phantom power
- Multi-pattern capability is underutilized in basic solo podcast setups
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 Warm Audio WA-87 R2 if
Studio-focused podcasters who want professional multi-pattern condenser flexibility without spending on a Neumann.
The WA-87 R2 is the most honest U87 homage on the market - Warm Audio builds it with premium passive components and does not hide what they are doing. The cardioid pattern sounds full and detailed, with the characteristic presence…