Choosing an Audio-Technica XLR microphone for podcasting comes down to your recording space, voice, and setup. The AT2020 and AT2035 are cardioid condensers suited to studio-style recording, while the AT2040 is a dynamic microphone with a tighter hypercardioid pickup pattern. Some options also come bundled with useful extras, such as a boom arm, pop filter, or XLR cable. Compare the key differences below to find the right fit for your show.
Quick Comparison
| Microphone | Type and pickup | Notable features | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica AT2020 | Condenser, cardioid | High SPL handling, wide dynamic range | Home and project studios |
| Audio-Technica AT2035 | Condenser, cardioid | 80 Hz high-pass filter, 10 dB pad, shock mount | Versatile studio recording |
| AT2020 Bundle with Arm and Pop Filter | Condenser, cardioid | Includes arm, pop filter, and XLR cable | Getting started with a bundled setup |
| AT2040 Podcast Microphone Bundle | Dynamic, hypercardioid | Integrated shock mount, pop filter, boom arm, and cable | Close-mic podcasting and streaming |
| AT2035 Creator Bundle | Condenser, cardioid | 80 Hz high-pass filter, 10 dB pad, shock mount, and accessories | Creators who want an AT2035 kit |
Our Picks: Best Audio Technica Xlr Microphones For Podcasting reviews
Audio-Technica AT2020: A Straightforward Studio Condenser
The AT2020 is a side-address condenser microphone designed for project and home studio use. Its cardioid pattern is intended to reduce pickup from the sides and rear, helping keep attention on the person speaking in front of the mic.
Audio-Technica lists high SPL handling and a wide dynamic range as key features. That gives the AT2020 flexibility for more than quiet narration, though your room and mic placement still affect the final recording. It has an integral three-pin XLRM output and comes with a stand mount, threaded adapter, and protective pouch.
This is a sensible choice if you want a standalone microphone and already have a way to mount it and connect it to your recording setup. Compared with the AT2035, it has fewer listed controls and does not include a shock mount in the supplied product details. If you need a boom arm, pop filter, or cable, consider the separate AT2020 bundle instead.
Pros:
- Cardioid pattern helps reduce sound pickup from the sides and rear.
- High SPL handling and wide dynamic range add recording flexibility.
- Includes a stand mount and threaded adapter.
Cons:
- No boom arm, pop filter, or XLR cable is listed as included.
- Has fewer listed sound-shaping controls than the AT2035.
Verdict: Choose the AT2020 if you want a basic Audio-Technica XLR condenser for a home or project studio and can supply the rest of your setup.
Audio-Technica AT2035: More Control for Studio Recording
The AT2035 is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser made for home, project, and professional studio work, as well as live performance. Its cardioid pickup pattern is designed to help isolate the sound source by reducing pickup from the sides and rear.
Two switches make this model more adjustable than the AT2020: an 80 Hz high-pass filter and a 10 dB pad. The included custom shock mount is another practical addition, helping isolate the microphone from shocks and handling vibration. These features can be useful when you want more control over your recording setup without moving to a different microphone.
The AT2035 is a strong fit for podcasters who also record music, streaming audio, or other studio content. It is a condenser, so consider your room and recording environment when choosing it; a cardioid pattern helps with directionality, but it does not make a noisy space silent. The listed product details do not include a boom arm, pop filter, or cable, so check your existing gear before ordering.
Pros:
- Includes an 80 Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad.
- Custom shock mount helps isolate the microphone.
- Large diaphragm is described as delivering smooth, natural sound and low noise.
- Designed for studio work and live performance.
Cons:
- Does not list a boom arm, pop filter, or XLR cable as included.
- Requires a compatible XLR recording setup; this listing does not bundle the full recording chain.
Verdict: Pick the AT2035 if you want a studio condenser with useful built-in controls and a shock mount, and already have the other recording accessories you need.
AT2020 Bundle: A Mic Kit with an Arm and Pop Filter
This bundle pairs the AT2020 cardioid condenser with several accessories that can make a first podcast setup more convenient. The listed extras include a pop filter, a 20-foot XLR cable, a microphone arm, and a microfiber cleaning cloth.
The microphone itself has the same core AT2020 features: a cardioid pattern, high SPL handling, and a wide dynamic range. The added arm gives you a way to position the mic, while the pop filter is intended to help reduce popping sounds. The included cable also means you do not have to source one separately, though you will still need compatible recording equipment.
This option is most useful if you are building a setup from scratch and want several basic accessories in one package. Compared with the standalone AT2020, it offers a more complete accessory list. It does not add the AT2035’s high-pass filter, pad, or listed shock mount, so choose based on whether you value the bundled gear or the extra controls more.
Pros:
- Includes a microphone arm, pop filter, and 20-foot XLR cable.
- Retains the AT2020’s cardioid pickup pattern and wide dynamic range.
- Useful accessory set for assembling a home recording station.
- Includes a microfiber cleaning cloth.
Cons:
- Does not list the AT2035’s high-pass filter or 10 dB pad.
- Does not include a recording interface or other recording equipment.
Verdict: Choose this AT2020 bundle if you want the microphone plus a cable, arm, and pop filter in one package.
AT2040 Bundle: A Dynamic Mic for Close Podcasting
The AT2040 is the dynamic option in this group. It is designed for podcasting and other creator work, including streaming, gaming, and voice-over. Its hypercardioid pattern is more tightly directional than the cardioid patterns on the AT2020 and AT2035, and the product description says this helps reduce external noise.
The microphone has an all-metal construction, a large diaphragm, and an internal multistage windscreen. It also has an integrated shock mount intended to help reduce noise from shocks and vibration. The bundle adds a pop filter, XLR cable, boom arm, and polishing cloth, giving you several practical accessories alongside the mic.
This is the clearest pick here if you want a podcast-focused dynamic mic with a bundled arm and cable. Its tighter pickup pattern can be helpful when you want to focus on a close speaker, but it is still important to position the mic well. Compared with the AT2020 and AT2035, it is the only dynamic model listed and does not offer their condenser design.
Pros:
- Dynamic microphone designed specifically for podcasting and content creation.
- Hypercardioid pattern is intended to reduce external noise pickup.
- Integrated shock mount and internal multistage windscreen.
- Bundle includes a pop filter, XLR cable, and boom arm.
Cons:
- Its hypercardioid pickup pattern calls for thoughtful mic positioning.
- Does not offer the AT2035’s listed high-pass filter and 10 dB pad.
Verdict: Pick the AT2040 bundle if you want a dynamic, podcast-oriented microphone with a tight pickup pattern and several useful accessories included.
AT2035 Creator Bundle: A Flexible Condenser Kit
This AT2035 package is aimed at podcasters, streamers, content creators, and musicians who want a condenser microphone with a group of recording accessories. The mic has a cardioid pattern, a large diaphragm, and a custom shock mount. Its listed controls include an 80 Hz high-pass filter and a 10 dB pad.
The bundle includes a microphone stand, pop filter, XLR cable, and microfiber cleaning cloth. The microphone operates on 48V phantom power, so you will need a compatible preamp or interface that can provide it. This is an important setup requirement to check before choosing this model.
Compared with the standalone AT2035 listing, this package adds several accessories, making it a more convenient option if you are starting without a stand, pop filter, or cable. It remains a condenser microphone, so consider your room and mic placement as part of the buying decision. If reducing external noise is your top priority, the AT2040’s hypercardioid dynamic design may suit you better.
Pros:
- Includes an 80 Hz high-pass filter, 10 dB pad, and custom shock mount.
- Bundle includes a stand, pop filter, and XLR cable.
- Cardioid pickup pattern helps reduce sound pickup from the sides and rear.
- Designed for podcasters, streamers, content creators, and musicians.
Cons:
- Requires 48V phantom power from compatible recording equipment.
- Does not list a boom arm as included.
Verdict: Choose this AT2035 bundle if you want the AT2035’s recording controls and shock mount along with several useful accessories, and have a 48V phantom-power source.
How to Choose an Audio-Technica XLR Microphone for Podcasting
Choose a condenser or dynamic design
The AT2020 and AT2035 are condenser microphones, while the AT2040 is dynamic. The condenser options are designed for studio applications and offer features such as wide dynamic range or a large diaphragm. The AT2040 is built around a dynamic design and is specifically positioned for podcasting and creator work. Think about your recording space, mic technique, and the sound you want before picking one type over the other.
Consider the pickup pattern and your room
All three microphone models in this selection use directional pickup patterns. The AT2020 and AT2035 use cardioid patterns that reduce pickup from the sides and rear. The AT2040 uses a hypercardioid pattern for tighter, more directional pickup, which its product description says helps reduce external noise. A directional pattern can help focus on the speaker, but it cannot replace good placement or a suitable recording space.
Check your XLR equipment requirements
These microphones use XLR connections, so plan for compatible recording equipment rather than assuming the mic connects directly to a computer. The AT2035 creator bundle specifically requires 48V phantom power. For other models, confirm the microphone’s power requirements and your interface or preamp compatibility before buying.
Decide which controls matter
The AT2035 models include a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and a 10 dB pad. Those controls give you more options for shaping or managing a recording than the features listed for the AT2020. If you want a simpler setup, the AT2020 may be enough. If you expect to record a range of voices or sources, the AT2035’s extra controls may be worthwhile.
Compare included accessories
A stand-alone microphone may leave you needing to buy a cable, mount, arm, or pop filter separately. The AT2020 bundle includes an arm, pop filter, and 20-foot cable. The AT2040 package includes a boom arm, pop filter, and cable, while the AT2035 creator bundle includes a stand, pop filter, and cable. Match the package to the gear you already own, and check the listing details to confirm the included items.
Think about how you will position the mic
Podcast microphones work best when you can keep them in a consistent position while speaking. The bundled arms and stands can make placement easier, while the standalone AT2020 includes a stand mount and threaded adapter. Consider your desk space and whether you prefer a boom arm or a conventional stand before choosing a package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Audio-Technica microphone in this list is made for podcasting?
The AT2040 is described as a dynamic podcast microphone and is also intended for streaming, gaming, and voice-over. The AT2020 and AT2035 are studio condensers that can also be used for podcast recording.
What is the main difference between the AT2020 and AT2035?
Both are cardioid condenser microphones, but the AT2035 adds an 80 Hz high-pass filter, a 10 dB pad, and a custom shock mount. The AT2020 has a simpler listed feature set.
Which model has the tightest pickup pattern?
The AT2040 has a hypercardioid pattern, while the AT2020 and AT2035 have cardioid patterns. The AT2040’s product description says its more directional pickup helps reduce external noise.
Does the AT2035 creator bundle need phantom power?
Yes. The supplied product details specify that the AT2035 creator bundle operates on 48V phantom power. Make sure your preamp or interface can provide it.
Do any of these packages include an XLR cable?
Yes. The AT2020 bundle, AT2040 bundle, and AT2035 creator bundle list an XLR cable as included. The standalone AT2020 and AT2035 listings do not list one.
Which option is best if I need a microphone arm?
The AT2020 bundle lists a microphone arm, and the AT2040 bundle lists a boom arm. The AT2035 creator bundle lists a microphone stand rather than a boom arm.
Final Recommendation
For a podcast-focused dynamic microphone with a bundle of useful accessories, the AT2040 is the most purpose-built pick in this group. Choose the AT2035 if you want a condenser with a shock mount and added controls, and consider its creator bundle if you also need a stand, pop filter, and cable. The AT2020 remains a straightforward studio choice, while its bundle is a practical way to get an arm and other basics together. Before ordering, confirm that your XLR recording equipment matches the microphone’s requirements and that the package includes the accessories you need.