Preamp for Rode NTK?

  • Thread starter Thread starter JoeBannon
  • Start date Start date
I can't give you any specific recommendations on pres for the NTK other than to say that when you're checking out pres the transformers are going to make the biggest difference in sound over anything else. The question isn't: Solid State pre vs. Tube pre. The question is: Is it a transformer balanced pre or not? And if so, what is the character of the transformer?

The NTK is a solid mic, it should sound good with any pre of reasonable quality. Just don't pair it with something that will accentuate the high-mids like the mic already does naturally. That's probably the reason the Grace is mentioned a lot in conjunction with this mic, it's just nice clean gain, not too much added color. The Avalon pres might be something else you want to look at. They're criticized by some for being too "sterile" but that might be what you're looking for with this mic.
 
EleKtriKaz said:
I can't give you any specific recommendations on pres for the NTK other than to say that when you're checking out pres the transformers are going to make the biggest difference in sound over anything else. The question isn't: Solid State pre vs. Tube pre. The question is: Is it a transformer balanced pre or not? And if so, what is the character of the transformer?

The NTK is a solid mic, it should sound good with any pre of reasonable quality. Just don't pair it with something that will accentuate the high-mids like the mic already does naturally. That's probably the reason the Grace is mentioned a lot in conjunction with this mic, it's just nice clean gain, not too much added color. The Avalon pres might be something else you want to look at. They're criticized by some for being too "sterile" but that might be what you're looking for with this mic.
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As i said, I'm not looking for a "recommendation", but what people like to use with it.
 
I'm using mine with an RNP and I think it sounds pretty great. I must admit its a bit sharp sounding on the high end, you kinda have to cut down some of those frequencies depending on the voice.
 
JoeBannon said:
As i said, I'm not looking for a "recommendation", but what people like to use with it.
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What does that distinction that you keep making really mean? Should I edit my previous response to add ........"but I don't recommend you try this"? :confused:
 
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Ok, here's a recommendation-free post:

I use my NTK with...no pre at all. Those pesky pres just clog up the works. If you really want it to sound great, just throw it out there in the room. No cables, no power supplies, nothing to get in the way. Trust me it'll sound great!

Good luck buddy!
 
Well I use a RNP usually but sometimes..

crap.


I was thinking of a different mic, nevermind. :o
 
Robert D said:
What does that distinction that you keep making really mean? Should I edit my previous response to add ........"but I don't recommend you try this"? :confused:
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I don't know, I wasn't replying to you. I will go back and see what you did say, if you did post here.
 
EleKtriKaz said:
Ok, here's a recommendation-free post:

I use my NTK with...no pre at all. Those pesky pres just clog up the works. If you really want it to sound great, just throw it out there in the room. No cables, no power supplies, nothing to get in the way. Trust me it'll sound great!

Good luck buddy!
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That is one thing I haven't tried with the NTK, I think I might do that just to hear the sound I get. Thanks!
 
kidvybes said:
Joe...I'm gonna make a suggestion (getting back to the original question)...based on what you posted, you already have some serious mic pres...I think that if you haven't upgraded the tube in your NTK, you're missing out on a very inexpensive upgrade that will improve the mic's overall performance (regardless of which preamp you choose)...the stock Sovtek 6922 that Rode uses doesn't compare to the vintage NOS 6922/6DJ8/E88CC variations you can find for upgrades...read these 2 older threads for more details...

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=181307
https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=182933
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I have a NTK and both tube and jfet hamptone pres and they work well together.

I heard about people changing the tubes and even improving the mic by putting in better caps but the difference was extremely minimal. I dunno...does it really make that much of a difference? Someone said that the tube is not doing that much in the circuit. I would have to find the post though as it was a while(a year?) that i saw it.
 
krimson said:
I heard about people changing the tubes and even improving the mic by putting in better caps but the difference was extremely minimal. I dunno...does it really make that much of a difference? Someone said that the tube is not doing that much in the circuit. I would have to find the post though as it was a while(a year?) that i saw it.
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...I have read Marik's explanation of the circuit used in the Rode tube mics (I believe that's the one you're referring to) and why there should not be much of a sonic difference with a tube upgrade, but I have to tell you, the difference was noticeable to me (and many others who have posted similar results on this website)...the NTK in particular has a characteristic "bite" on the high end frequencies (the K2 shares this trait but it is much less noticeable)...many of the cheaper Chinese manufactured tube mics also display a similar harshness...I have upgraded all of my tube mics with better quality NOS vintage tubes (GE 5-star 6072 as a replacement for the Chinese 12AT7/12AX7/12AY7 variations, and Siemens E88CC/RCA 6DJ8 as a replacement for the Soviet 6922 found in the Rode mics) and the differences vary from mic to mic, but in all cases, the differences (smoother top-end and a bit more bottom on some) were well worth the $10-30. spent on a quality tube...I'm not sure I'd recommended running out and spending $100 for a very rare NOS tube, but most can be found on Ebay or thru websites at reasonable prices...if you have an NTK you can see for yourself...look for RCA 6DJ8 gold-pinned tubes manufactured in either Germany (Siemens) or Holland (Amperex)...they pop up on eBay regularly and go for as little as $6 each...
...here's an example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/RCA-6DJ8-ECC88-...ryZ67816QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 
kidvybes said:
...I have read Marik's explanation of the circuit used in the Rode tube mics (I believe that's the one you're referring to) and why there should not be much of a sonic difference with a tube upgrade, but I have to tell you, the difference was noticeable to me (and many others who have posted similar results on this website)...the NTK in particular has a characteristic "bite" on the high end frequencies (the K2 shares this trait but it is much less noticeable)...many of the cheaper Chinese manufactured tube mics also display a similar harshness...I have upgraded all of my tube mics with better quality NOS vintage tubes (GE 5-star 6072 as a replacement for the Chinese 12AT7/12AX7/12AY7 variations, and Siemens E88CC/RCA 6DJ8 as a replacement for the Soviet 6922 found in the Rode mics) and the differences vary from mic to mic, but in all cases, the differences (smoother top-end and a bit more bottom on some) were well worth the $10-30. spent on a quality tube...I'm not sure I'd recommended running out and spending $100 for a very rare NOS tube, but most can be found on Ebay or thru websites at reasonable prices...if you have an NTK you can see for yourself...look for RCA 6DJ8 gold-pinned tubes manufactured in either Germany (Siemens) or Holland (Amperex)...they pop up on eBay regularly and go for as little as $6 each...
...here's an example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/RCA-6DJ8-ECC88-...ryZ67816QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
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Thanks kidvybes, I'll have to try changing the tube sometime. Maybe I'll get lucky and I will be able to hear a difference. I looked at the tube store and seen quite a few brands of the 6922 variant. Anyone ever try the EH goldpin versions? They seem to have a good price.
 
why do people describe mics with relative temperatures? someone told me my mic was warm once...i touched it and i thought it was kind of cold actually.
 
kidvybes said:
.the NTK in particular has a characteristic "bite" on the high end frequencies (the K2 shares this trait but it is much less noticeable)...
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How do you think these tubes sound in the K2? Do you think that these recommended tubes can smoothen out the K2 further? This is something I think I'd like to try out. Which tube exactly did you use for your K2?
 
riffy said:
How do you think these tubes sound in the K2? Do you think that these recommended tubes can smoothen out the K2 further? This is something I think I'd like to try out. Which tube exactly did you use for your K2?
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...the stock Soviet/Chinese tubes are definately inferior to the vintage NOS tubes in terms of sonics (although many test very well in terms of low microphonics and triode-matching)...recently though, there have been improvements in the quality of the "re-issued" tubes that make them a good value (like Electro Harmonix 6072A re-issue)...you can search websites like Tubes Asylum for further info:
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/tubes/bbs.html

...I upgrade the tubes in all my studio equipment (mics, pres, guitar amps, etc.)...I would definately recommend upgrading the tube in your K2...the stock tube is a Sovtek 6922 (part of the E88CC/CCa/6922/6DJ8/ECC88 family)...the variations considered the best of these (at least for audio application) were the Siemens (Germany) and the Amperex (Holland)...I chose a gold-pinned Siemens E88CC which I acquired on eBay from a reputable seller...I have since acquired a backup stock of similar tubes from both Germany and Holland also at very reasonable prices on eBay...the German made RCA 6DJ8 is a particular bargain...

...will you hear a difference after upgrading?...mileage varies...some do (myself included), others not at all...are the sonic differences "real" or "perceived"?...only you can make that decision...you already spent $600 for the mic...what's another $10-30.?...find out for yourself...it can't hurt to have a piece of respected vintage electronic "history" glowing inside your favorite mic (just ask the geetar-fanatics that spend a small fortune for their Telefunken 12AX7 amp tubes!)... ;)
 
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