Phantom-powered by my Digital Audio Interface, the AT 2035 delivers low-noise audio with only the tiniest of coloring. A switchable, high-pass filter and a low pad are included - which adds in some useful versatility. Even without kicking in the pad to add another 10dB capacity, the mic can handle a very high 148dB sound pressure level, while its signal-to-noise ratio is about 9% less than for the AT 2020.
The build is robust. It looks as if it could dent the floor rather than the other way round if I dropped it - but I am not going to try! There is no pop-shield included but, hey, what do you expect for the keen price I sourced it from Thomann for? The shock-mount included is reasonable enough quality and allows for some flexibility in positioning the mic.
Delivers clear vocal audio in my home studio, which is in a location prone to a good bit of unpredictable ambient noise intruding from the street and other houses. But with my trusty homemade audio shield (drapes) protecting it, the AT2035's side-address, cardiod characteristics meet the challenge of excluding sounds that I do not want. I read that this mic is OK for pro studios and live use as well, but have no experience of using it for these applications.
The AT 2035 is also proving good at conveying accurately the sound of an acoustic guitar or a guitar amp. I wrote 'tiniest of coloring' earlier. If anything, there is perhaps a little warmth added. I can live with that!
All in all, this beats the heck out of a lot of pricier mics and is worth paying a little more for than the AT 2020 given that the AT 2035 has a filter and pad and that improved signal-to-noise performance. I can see me buying more of these.