Blue Yeti vs Audio Technica AT2035: Which Should You Choose?

Blue Yeti vs Audio Technica AT2035

Blue Yeti and Audio Technica AT2035 are perhaps two of the most commonly used condenser microphones, especially for singing and speech reproduction.

They come with similar price tags, and look, at least on the surface, like they’ll do a pretty similar job.

But will they?


Well, that’s what we’re going to answer today.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this Blue Yeti vs Audio Technica AT2035 comparison:

  • Sound quality and response
  • Connectivity
  • Mic capsules
  • Polar patterns
  • Build quality
  • Controls
  • Size and weight
  • Price & Value For Money
  • Pros & Cons

Ready? Let’s get started…


Which One Are YOU Leaning Towards?


Table of Contents

30-Second Summary: Blue Yeti vs Audio Technica AT2035

So when it comes down to Blue Yeti vs Audio Technica AT2035, which one should you choose? Here’s a quick overview:

  • Go for Blue Yeti if you need a plug-and-play USB device, or if you need a microphone that affords you different polar patterns that you can use for various situations. It’s best for those who don’t need a super portable solution, as it’s reasonably heavy.
  • Go for Audio Technica AT2035 if you already have an audio interface, and you’re looking for a quality XLR condenser mic with a cardioid polar pattern. Just bring an interface and a USB cable, as it already comes with a high-quality shock mount.
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1. Sound quality and response: Blue Yeti vs Audio Technica AT2035

Sound quality and response: Blue Yeti

The Blue Yeti is one of the most widely used USB microphones, especially among YouTubers and content creators.

That’s because it has a frequency response that is tailored to voice reproduction.

You’ll notice a subtle dip around 2kHz to tackle nasality, and a reasonably sharp boost around 4kHz or so, which brings vocals to the forefront.

The response of the mic then falls away reasonably quickly above this, so anything above around 15kHz isn’t particularly hyped or airy.

For that reason, I wouldn’t use the Yeti as an overhead mic, as it won’t really get the sparkle in the top end of the cymbals.

However, vocals don’t really have a lot of energy up in that range, so we’re all good.

The same goes for the lower frequencies. The response of the Yeti falls off gently from 300Hz and then steeply after 100Hz, basically cutting out all of the low-end.


This removes any rumbly noise from voice recordings, which is great but means it’s not the best mic for recording low-frequency instruments like a kick drum or bass cabinet.

To summarize, the Blue Yeti is a mid-forward, present microphone that is definitely crafted for capturing voice recordings.

Sound quality and response: Audio Technica AT2035

The frequency response of the Audio Technica AT2035 is sort of flat.

I say sort of, because it’s not dead flat throughout the frequency spectrum, it’s actually subtly wavey.

To be honest, the graph of the AT2035 really interests me, because it seems that microphone frequency response graphs should look like this, but I think a lot of them are oversimplified. This makes me think that Audio-Technica have done an excellent job at really capturing what the mic sounds like and putting it on paper.


Anyway, it’s more or less flat, with a small bump at around 5kHz, and a slightly larger one in the 10-15kHz range, which gives the Audio Technica AT2035 an airy, smooth, silky tone.

It slopes off from there, but still reaches right up to 20kHz, so it sounds very present in the top-end.

On the lower end of things, the AT2035 only drops off subtly in the low-end, unless you engage the low-cut filter (more on this soon).

Sound quality and response: Bottom Line

Comparing the two microphones, the AT2035 is fairly natural, mostly flat throughout the frequency spectrum, and reaches into the lows and into the top end with ease.

The Blue Yeti, on the other hand, is much more sculpted and is clearly a vocal microphone.

For that reason, I’m going to give the Audio Technica AT2035 the edge here, as it’s a more versatile microphone that can be used for a variety of duties. You can always add a bit of mid presence in the mix!

Sound quality and response Winner: Audio Technica AT2035

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2. Connectivity: Blue Yeti vs Audio Technica AT2035

Connectivity: Blue Yeti

The Blue Yeti is a USB microphone, which means it will connect directly to your laptop without the need for an external interface.

That does mean, though, that it isn’t compatible with XLR-ready equipment, so it wouldn’t be great for live performances.

Then again, you probably wouldn’t want to pull out our large-diaphragm condenser on stage anyway.

It comes with a USB cable, though you’ll want to get an adaptor if you’re using a newer MacBook Pro with USB C ports.

On the underside, you’ll also see a 3.5mm headphone output, which allows you to monitor your signal on the way in.

Connectivity: Audio Technica AT2035

The Audio Technica AT2035 takes a different approach; it’s a regular old XLR mic through and through.

That means no USB connectivity and no headphone output.

Connectivity: Bottom Line

Though it may seem to some that the Blue Yeti has a better connectivity set (given it doesn’t need an interface and it also has a headphone output), the whole USB vs XLR really depends on your intended purpose.

For example, USB mics are great for those who just need a single microphone to record with, but if you’re going to record a band, then you’re going to run into problems (because most computers can only see one USB device at a time).

For that reason and that reason alone, this one’s a tie.

Connectivity Winner: Tie

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3. Mic capsules: Blue Yeti vs Audio Technica AT2035

Mic capsules: Blue Yeti

The Blue Yeti uses Blue’s 14mm condenser capsule.

In fact, it has three of them, which enables the microphone’s multiple polar patterns (more on this soon).

Mic capsules: Audio Technica AT2035

The AT2035, on the other hand, has a single mic capsule measuring 22mm; just under an inch.

Mic capsules: Bottom Line

Neither manufacturer gives much information as to how the capsule is crafted or what it’s made out of, which is a shame.

Though the Yeti has three capsules, the AT2035 has a bigger one, which affords it a better low-frequency response.

The main benefit of the three capsules is being able to produce multiple polar patterns, which you’ll see gives the Yeti the upper hand in the next round.

So, this one goes to the Audio-Technica mic!

Mic capsules Winner: Audio Technica AT2035

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4. Polar patterns: Blue Yeti vs Audio Technica AT2035

Polar patterns: Blue Yeti

The Blue Yeti is a multi-pattern condenser microphone, offering four different polar patterns:

  • Cardioid
  • Omnidirectional
  • Bi-directional (figure-8)
  • Stereo

So, basically what you’d expect from a multi-pattern mic (plus stereo), which makes the Yeti incredibly capable.


Recording voice? Perfect, use cardioid.

Need to record a whole table of people? Hit omni mode. Done.

A knob on the rear of the mic allows you to switch between the patterns easily.

Polar patterns: Audio Technica AT2035

On the other hand, the Audio Technica AT2035 is a cardioid-only mic.


Sure, it’s a nice, tight cardioid, but that’s all it does.

Polar patterns: Bottom Line

Even though, for the most part, you’ll probably only be using the cardioid polar pattern anyway, the Yeti does have three more patterns on the AT2035, so it’s definitely the winner here.

Polar patterns Winner: Blue Yeti

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Which One Are YOU Leaning Towards?


5. Build quality: Blue Yeti vs Audio Technica AT2035

Build quality: Blue Yeti

The Blue Yeti is a reasonably well-built microphone.

It might not ooze the same level of sophistication as say, a Neumann U87, but it’s about 1/20th of the price, so what are you gonna do?

The Yeti comes with a 2-year warranty, which is nice.

Build quality: Audio Technica AT2035

The Audio Technica AT2035 is also a very well-built microphone.

Compared to some of Audio-Technica’s other microphones, it’s clearly a cheaper unit, but it’s still a solid mic.


It’s quite a bit lighter than the Yeti, too, which kind of gives off a ‘not so solid’ feel. Plus, it only has a 1-year warranty.

Build quality: Bottom Line

Both microphones are pretty robust, and they are backed by warranties and by massive mic manufacturers.

However, the Yeti feels a bit tougher (maybe it’s just the weight), and has twice the warranty period of the AT2035.

Build quality Winner: Blue Yeti

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6. Controls: Blue Yeti vs Audio Technica AT2035

Controls: Blue Yeti

On the front panel of the Blue Yeti, you’ll see a headphone volume control, and a handy tap to mute button which allows you to shut off your feed instantly when streaming or podcasting live.

On the rear, you’ve got the polar pattern selector and gain control which allows you to set the gain on the mic input.

Controls: Audio Technica AT2035

The Audio Technica AT2035 has completely different controls, and this is mostly down to the fact that it’s an XLR mic, so the knobs and buttons that the Yeti has aren’t really applicable.

On the AT2035 you’ll find a -10dB pad (useful when recording loud sound sources), and an 80Hz low-cut filter which allows you to reduce the amount of low-frequency sound being recorded.

Controls: Bottom Line

This one isn’t really an apples for apples comparison.

The AT2035 doesn’t have a headphone volume control because it doesn’t have a headphone output, nor does it have a polar pattern selector because it only has one polar pattern.

On the other hand, the Yeti could have implemented a low-cut filter or pad switch, so I think the AT2035 has the upper hand here.

Controls Winner: Audio Technica AT2035

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7. Size and weight: Blue Yeti vs Audio Technica AT2035

Size and weight: Blue Yeti

The Blue Yeti is a bit of a beast, weighing in at 3.4 lbs in total. 2.2 lbs of that is the stand (which is removable, so you can mount it on a regular mic stand), but it’s pretty heavy nonetheless.

If you’re only going to be recording in one room, and you can set and forget, then this might not be an issue.

If you’re a traveling musician or content creator, then yeah, it’s probably a bit on the bulky size.

Size and weight: Audio Technica AT2035

The AT2035 is a lot lighter. It’s only 0.89lbs, though you can probably chalk that up to around 1 lb once you had the shock mount in.

Still, a heck of a lot lighter than the Yeti

Size and weight: Bottom Line

Assuming that when you’re assessing the size and weight of a microphone, you’re looking for the lightest and most compact option, then the AT2035 wins this round for sure.

Size and weight Winner: Audio Technica AT2035

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8. Price & Value For Money: Blue Yeti vs Audio Technica AT2035

Price & Value For Money: Blue Yeti

You’ll pay about $110 for the Blue Yeti, which is pretty reasonable considering it has four polar patterns, a desktop stand, and connects to your computer via USB, meaning you basically don’t have to buy anything else.

Price & Value For Money: Audio Technica AT2035

The AT2035 is a little more expensive, costing about $150.

This is still incredibly affordable for a pro-level microphone from a renowned manufacturer, but more than the Yeti nonetheless.

Price & Value For Money: Bottom Line

Considering the Yeti is cheaper, and if you get the AT2035 you’ll need to buy an interface, XLR cable, and mic stand, the Blue Yeti definitely offers better value for money here.

Price & Value For Money Winner: Blue Yeti

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9. Pros & Cons: Blue Yeti vs Audio Technica AT2035

Blue Yeti Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • 4 polar patterns
  • Plug-and-play USB device
  • Comes with a desktop stand
  • Great for voice recordings

Cons:

  • Not super versatile if you want to record anything other than voice
  • A bit heavy and bulky

Audio Technica AT2035 Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • A great sound palette for crafting your specific sound
  • -10dB pad for loud sound sources
  • Low-cut filter
  • Comes with a shock mount for enhanced acoustic isolation

Cons:

  • Still need to buy an interface, XLR cable, and mic stand
  • No headphone output

Conclusion & Takeaway

To summarize our findings in this Blue Yeti vs Audio Technica AT2035 comparison, here are the winners for each category:

  1. Sound quality and response – Audio Technica AT2035
  2. Connectivity – Tie
  3. Mic capsules – Audio Technica AT2035
  4. Polar patterns – Blue Yeti
  5. Build quality – Blue Yeti
  6. Controls – Audio Technica AT2035
  7. Size and weight – Audio Technica AT2035
  8. Price & Value For Money – Blue Yeti

Overall: Audio Technica AT2035


Which One Are YOU Leaning Towards?


This is a tough one, but I think the AT2035 has it by an inch.

There are some very important differences in these mics, most notably the style of connectivity (XLR vs USB).

However, in terms of sound quality and frequency response, available controls, compactness, and mic capsule quality, the AT2035 wins this battle.

If you’ve already got an audio interface or don’t mind grabbing one, then I’d go with the AT2035.

If, however, you require a plug-and-play solution, and/or you need more than just a cardioid polar pattern, and these are the only two mics on your list, then the Blue Yeti is your guy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQaEBjz-I54 

Products Comparison Table:

Spec / Feature

Blue Yeti

Audio Technica AT2035

Connectivity

USB

XLR

Power Required/Consumption:

5V 150mA

n/a

Sample Rate:

48 kHz

n/a

Bit Rate:

16-bit

n/a

Capsules:

3 Blue-proprietary 14mm condenser capsules

Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser

Polar Patterns:

Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo

Cardioid

Frequency Response:

 20Hz – 20kHz

20Hz – 20kHz

Max SPL:

120dB (THD: 0.5% 1kHz)

Dimensions (extended in stand):

4.72″ (12cm) x 4.92″(12.5cm) x 11.61″(29.5cm)

2.05” x 6.69″

Weight (microphone):

1.2 lbs (.55 kg)

n/a

Weight (stand):

2.2 lbs (1 kg)

n/a

Weight (total):

3.4 lbs (1.55kg)

0.89 lbs

Headphone amp Impedance:

16 ohms

n/a

Headphone amp Power Output (RMS):

130 mW

n/a

Headphone amp THD:

0.009%

n/a

Warranty period

2 years

1 year