ksm32 versus rode ntk

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steelpetals

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I'm interested in purchasing a decent rock vocal mic. I've sort of narrowed down between the shure ksm32 and the rode ntk.
Any comments would be appreciated. Any other suggestions???
Thanks,
Blake
 
The Rode NTK is very flattering. Very smooth and sheeny in the high end -- sometimes a little sibilant on the right (wrong?) singer. Plenty of proximity effect. Nice tube sound. A very flattering, colorful mic.

The ksm32 is just the opposite. All-around, I think it's a better quality mic, but it is very neutral. You won't hear any flattering response curves . . . boosted high-end, scooped mids or anything like that going on at all. It just takes what's in front of it, and reproduces it with outstanding clarity and realism.

Both very good mics for the price . . . but very different. The question is do you want something to flatter your voice, or do you just want something that makes it sound the way it sounds, naturally. Most people like something flattering (NTK) for vox, but you never know.
 
i currently have a at3525 and I'm thinking of dumping it for the rode ntk. The flattering part sounds nice to me; the at3525 sounds a bit sparse. Do I keep them both or am I destined to be happier in the end with the rode?
Thanks,
Blake
 
If you put about 9 inches between you and the NTK, angle the mic slightly towards you, (make sure you use a pop filter) the sibilance i.e. 3K peak is masked and you get a more neutral sound.

This is the go-to mic for my voice which is a baritone.

Another great mic, about 9 inches away, is the SM57. It has a nice sheen and is very smooth for rock vocals. It sounds slightly compressed even without a compressor so it gets my vote as a rock vocal mic.

Another option is the MXL 990. If you really want to push some vocal volume this inexpensive condensor can produce some nice results.

The NTK is a great all around mic though and I would put it first.
 
I have both of these mics and I will second what cheesrock said
about the two mic,s.

Which ever one you chose you will be happy.
 
I don't own a Rode NTK, but I do have a Shure KSM32 and Chessrock already pretty much nailed the details about it. With that said, the Shure KSM32 is very nice.... and it sounds different than tailored mic's.... so it gives you another sound choice to pick from.
 
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