Rode K2...how does it compare with the big $ toobs.

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Soundmind??

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Anyone had a chance to compare a K2 with a U47, or other classic toobies? If so, how did it go...I read some reviews that were favorable...but anyone with an unbiased opinion here? I bought one on sale and am pleased with it's sound....just wondering if the review was flavored in any way.
 
Very ironic how the NT1000 is quieter than this. 6dBA equivalent noise for NT1000 compared to 10dBA for the K2.
 
The K2 is a tube mic...which will be noisier, the NT 1000 is solid state, as is the NT 2000 which I have and like. Actually, I think it is a relatively quiet tube mic by the published specs.
 
Soundmind?? said:
The K2 is a tube mic...which will be noisier, the NT 1000 is solid state, as is the NT 2000 which I have and like. Actually, I think it is a relatively quiet tube mic by the published specs.
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Would you recommend the NT1000 for singing vocals?
 
The NT 2000 works well, haven't tried the 1000 but Rode seems to have a good reputation for quality. It depends on the type of voice the singer has and while a good mic will work ok on most voices, some will work better than others on a specific voice in a specific situation. Read through the posts by Harvey Gerst and you will learn soooo much!
 
How about tenor vocals?
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Hey can you sing tenor....Ten or twenty blocks form here?

I've compared it to bottles...sounds on some sucks on others
 
recordingpro said:
Hey can you sing tenor....Ten or twenty blocks form here?

I've compared it to bottles...sounds on some sucks on others
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Your mom sings tenor, she was my vocal coach.
 
My friend Terry Manning thinks very highly of the Rode K2 - and Terry has a lot of German mics.
 
Thanks Harvey, It sounds warm and rich to me, and very sensitive. I don't have any way to compare it. I've wanted a good tube mic (within my budget) and this seems to be the best route for now. I based my decision on some reviews and what I've heard about Rode. The 20% off deal at GC helped. I'm trying to build a reasonably good mic collection to capture a variety of instruments and voices. Any suggestions on its best use? I'm really learning a lot from you and others, and appreciate your help.
 
I had a good roster of most of the Rode mics. I started with a NT1-A, NT1000 and NT2000. I kept the NT1-A, switched out the NT1000 for a NT2-A and then switched out the NT2000 for a K2. The K2 is one superb piece of mic. Aside from the fact it is, I believe the quietest of all of the tube mics on the market, it renders a fine rich output with all but a poor mic preamp. It is very sensitive indeed with limitless potential in adjustment of polar patterns. I feel it has all the attributes of a top flight microphone. Tight bottom, open mids and airy upper register without harshness. I don't compare it to other mics as in saying it's better or worse....it has it's own character which is a good thing. It will never offend and it tends to tell the truth rather than color as much as some of the high end German models. Just my 2 cents.
 
roadwarrior said:
I had a good roster of most of the Rode mics. I started with a NT1-A, NT1000 and NT2000. I kept the NT1-A, switched out the NT1000 for a NT2-A and then switched out the NT2000 for a K2. The K2 is one superb piece of mic. Aside from the fact it is, I believe the quietest of all of the tube mics on the market, it renders a fine rich output with all but a poor mic preamp. It is very sensitive indeed with limitless potential in adjustment of polar patterns. I feel it has all the attributes of a top flight microphone. Tight bottom, open mids and airy upper register without harshness. I don't compare it to other mics as in saying it's better or worse....it has it's own character which is a good thing. It will never offend and it tends to tell the truth rather than color as much as some of the high end German models. Just my 2 cents.
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Why did you switch out the NT1000 for the NT2A?
 
I felt that the NT2-A had a better upper mid and high end, as well as offering the muti pattern and frequency rolloff switching. Overall it was a great move. I also love what my K2 brings to the table. A unique character but still very clean and honest. What more could I want.........
 
Used the K2 today, the client was very satisfied. So far, so good!
 
Ironklad Audio said:
good luck buddy

you're more lucky to find unfounded opinions than unbiased ones
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As I said, Terry Manning thinks very highly of the K2, and I tend to trust his judgement on this one. Terry knows his stuff, and he doesn't give "unfounded opinions". And he does have a few credentials to back up his opinions. I intend to try one here soon, based on Terry's praise for this mic.
 
I spent some time at a Sam Ash store in Chicago 3 weeks ago and A/B'd the K2 with the NTK. :eek:
Both are great mics IMHO.
The K2 had more depth and was more open and airy where the NTK was buttery warm and smooth (and my personal favorite of the 2 for my own voice).
 
homestudioguy said:
I spent some time at a Sam Ash store in Chicago 3 weeks ago and A/B'd the K2 with the NTK. :eek:
Both are great mics IMHO.
The K2 had more depth and was more open and airy where the NTK was buttery warm and smooth (and my personal favorite of the 2 for my own voice).
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...I'm sure many have heard me say this before, but both the NTK and K2 benefit from tube upgrades, as the stock Sovtek 6922 tubes impart a rather "edgy" quality...if you like them with the stock tubes, you will probably appreciate the subtle improvements a good quality NOS vintage 6922/6DJ8/E88CC/CCa will add... ;)
 
kidvybes said:
...I'm sure many have heard me say this before, but both the NTK and K2 benefit from tube upgrades, as the stock Sovtek 6922 tubes impart a rather "edgy" quality...if you like them with the stock tubes, you will probably appreciate the subtle improvements a good quality NOS vintage 6922/6DJ8/E88CC/CCa will add... ;)
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Thanks for the reminder.
I didnt buy either. Am saving for the sE Electronics Z5600A.
Both RODEs are very tempting though :)
 
homestudioguy said:
Thanks for the reminder.
I didnt buy either. Am saving for the sE Electronics Z5600A.
Both RODEs are very tempting though :)
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...I had a Z5600A and I think you might do well to reconsider saving towards the K2 which I believe is the better of the two...more versatile due to the continuously variable pattern capability and the Rode has a better build quality, although the sE is one of the best of the Chinese built...I think the Z5600A, the K2 and the SP-T3 are 3 of the best tube mics under $1000...
 
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