AT2035 Vs Blue Yeti- What to Choose?

When it comes to choosing a good quality mic, many of us opt for brand value over required product features or even quality. However, when the debate arises between XLR and USB microphones, both have solid pros and cons that keep you thinking about what to choose finally. Now add to this one of the best from each genre, the AT2035 from Audio-Technica and Blue Yeti. Confusing right? Well fret not, to ease the process of your decision making, we will walk through each of these products, their specifications, comparison, a list of the pros and cons, and finally a verdict.

Audio-Technica AT2035

In Brief: Audio-Technica offers an excellent quality mic that comes with a condenser and is ideal for a home studio setup and recording clear vocals with dynamic audio range. For someone looking for XLR output, AT2035 is phenomenal, especially given the price range when compared to its competitors. It is designed for critical home/project/professional studio applications and live performance, this side-address cardioid studio condenser delivers exceptional detail and low noise. Equipped with a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad, the AT2035 handles high sound pressure levels with ease. Along with its rugged construction and high-performance specifications, the AT2035 provides an exceptional level of consistency from model to model. It comes equipped with a protective pouch and a custom shock mount.

Let us take a look at some more details.

Features of Audio-Technica AT2035

• It is specifically designed to provide a detailed, low noise, high clarity output whether you are working on your home studio project, or using it during live performances, or any professional studio applications. The side-address cardioid condenser, with its 80 Hz switchable filter, 10 dB pad, is fantastic when it comes to handling high sound pressure levels. 
• It has a large diaphragm which leads to smoother, natural quality sound with low noise levels.
• The versatility level becomes almost incomparable with the high-level SPL handling and the provided wide dynamic range. Due to its broad, flat response, it can work well with acoustic instruments, pianos, vocals, drum overheads, brass instruments and even electric guitar.
• The custom-made shock mount system brings about a high-quality isolation level.
• It is equipped with a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad.
• The pickup of sounds from the sides and rear ends is reduced to a great extent due to the polar patterned cardioids. This further improves the isolation of sound from the source.
• You will get a custom shock mount as well as a protective pouch with this product.
• Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Warranty: 2-year limited-end user warranty.
• User Review on Amazon: 4.6/5
• Price: $149.00

Takeaway: It is an excellent studio-quality condenser mic, and is a good value for money buy. If you are progressing to XLR, then this is one of your best bets below 200$, to say the least.

Blue Yeti 

In Brief: Equipped with a highly versatile pickup, this USB mic lets you capture sound with flawless clarity and tonal adjustment thanks to its High-Res LED Metering. The four different modes, namely, cardioid, Omni, bi-directional, and stereo, let you have a multifaceted audio experience designed for different occasions ranging from group calls to podcasts, recording to live streaming. Among other cool features of Yeti microphone is the ability to have studio controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, as well as microphone gain, which gives a better grip over the entire recording process. Whether you are experiencing a lag, or distortions due to background noise, while recording, you can improve the quality by adjusting the mic sensitivity. The mute button feature is also very helpful for live recording sessions to avoid any unwanted inputs. With no latency delays, and real time play backs, this mic works like a charm.

Now let’s dive into more detailed product specifications.

Features of Blue Yeti:

• It has a four-capsule array that can capture legendary Blue broadcast sound, which has higher focus and clarity than ever, especially for professional-level gaming, Twitch streaming, podcasting, and YouTube Productions. With its professional features, studio sound quality and sophisticated on-camera looks,you can get everything you need for professional level podcasting, game streaming and voice over work.
• Blue Yeti features great studio controls which lets you have complete freedom over the entire recording process. These features include adjusting the headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute and microphone gain.
• Cardioid mode lets you record sound sources that are directly in front of the microphone, thus delivering rich, enhanced, profound sound effects.
• In the stereo mode, the left and right channels are able to capture a wide, realistic sound image that is ideal for recording acoustic guitar or choir as well as immersive experiences.
• The omnidirectional mode is ideal for recording live immersive events like a band’s live performance, or a multi-person podcast, a conference call and meetings..
• Bidirectional mode allows you to both the front and rear of the microphone that is good for recording duets and also interview sessions.
• The Yeti is a side-address microphone. A side-address microphone accepts sound from an angle perpendicular to the mic—as opposed to a front-address mic, which accepts sound from the “end” of the microphone.
• It uses a high-resolution LED metering – that lets you visualize your voice level with an 11-segment LED meter of the Yeti X Microphone. Also, at any instance, you can check whether your voice level is becoming too high or too low and then adjust it accordingly.
• The multi-function smart knob allows you to quickly adjust mic gain, mute, and headphone volume, and blend the microphone signal with the computer sound within your headphones.
• It is equipped with a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack that allows you to listen to what you’re recording in real-time, without latency delays.
• Blue Voice broadcast vocal effects – You can download the Logitech G HUB or Blue Sherpa (for PC and Mac) and then gain instant access to a suite of Blue Voice broadcast effects that lets you achieve Professional on-stream sound quality.
• Customizable LED lighting – personalize the color of Yeti X’s LED lights to match your on-stream aesthetic.
• Yeti is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8 (including 8.1), Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP (Home and Professional), and Mac OS X (10.4.11 or higher), and requires a minimum of 64 MB of RAM.
• Portability: The microphone can also be folded down for easy portability, or removed completely from its base for mounting directly on a mic stand or Radius II shockmount.
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• User Review on Amazon: 4.4/5
• Price: $169.99

Takeaway:

It is an excellent value for money product, with voice recognition, impressive sound quality, and suitable for gaming.

Comparison Between Audio-Technica AT2035 and Blue Yeti

The List of Pros and Cons

Verdict: 

It is not easy or fair either to right out say one is better than the other. Both are different types in two different categories: XLR and USB. In their individual genres both are good choices. The suitability completely depends on what you are looking for. If XLR is your choice and this is your first buy, then the AT2035 won’t disappoint you. Moreover, it is cheaper compared to other products offering similar specifications. Yet there is no compromise on the quality. With multiple pickup patterns, shockmount, low noise, flatter response, and being a large diaphragm condenser, at a below 200$ tag, it is a pretty cool bet. Specially highlighting the fact that it is a large diaphragm condenser mic and a great choice for your first shift to LDC mics. Moreover, this one is great for dynamic recording quality. For someone setting up a home studio or looking to do professional level voice-overs at home AT2035 is really off the charts with its performance. 

Now, talking about Blue Yeti, it is a completely professional level USB mic and is really awesome. The four pattern modes like stereo, cardioid, omni-directional and bidirectional modes, cover for pretty all kinds of recording environments. It is hassle free and you just need to plug in and use it, simple! Unlike XLRs, you don’t need the extra interface like a mixer. This makes it portable as well whether it’s a live performance or interview. In fact it is a top choice for podcasters around the world.

Conclusion

The first thing you need to know is why you need a microphone. Once you are really clear about your primary purpose the decision part gets a bit easier. Go through the features carefully and understand in what kind of setting you are going to use the microphone. If it is for podcasting I would say that Blue Yeti is a good choice, if it is however for a professional or home studio setup, then AT2035 is a better choice. So, the point is you really need to understand how you would use the mic. Try to make a checklist about all the things that you might want to consider before buying, like budget, recording type, portability, etc. Make sure that you have a complete idea of both the products before you make a choice.

Also go carefully through as many user reviews you can, because that can give you a lot of practical insight. This will also help you determine whether the product matches your set of criteria and serves the purpose. If possible you can also go through audio sample recordings from both mics to have a clearer idea about latency, recording quality, lags, noise, clarity and many important features listed on paper. Ultimately whatever you buy needs to suit you so go ahead put in some research, and then add a good mic to your cart!