Rode NT2-A: what kind of preamp?

[astro21]

Hello all,

I'm an amateur musician and have been home recording for the past few years. I never got round to buying a quality mic, but will probably end up going for the Rode NT2-A as it seems to be very versatile.

I know that I will need to get a preamp for it as my multitracker doesn't have phantom power. I don't have a clue as to what is a 'good' preamp. I see that mic preamps begin at about $40 and get much more expensive.

Would anyone be able to recommend a preamp for the NT2-A?

Thanks and sorry for sounding like a newbie... I AM a newbie

A.

 

[Big Kenny]

Rane, DMP
Groove Tubes Brick, Tampa, Safe Sound, Joe Meek
RNP, DAV BH, Focusrite, Grace, John Hardy, etc.

 

[robin watson]

Rane, DMP
Groove Tubes Brick, Tampa, Safe Sound, Joe Meek
RNP, DAV BH, Focusrite, Grace, John Hardy, etc.

DMP ~ John Hardy? Let's narrow things down a bit:

1. What's the rest of your set up?
2. What's your budget?

 

[dgatwood]

I'd probably steer you towards an AT4040 or AT4050 if you're trying to pick a single general-purpose condenser. The 4040 is about a hundred bucks less, and the 4050 is about eighty bucks more. Just my $0.02.

As for a preamp, I've read that the NT2-A can be harsh on some sources (strings in particular), so I'd want two preamps: one tube preamp (carefully choosing the right tube to add some warmth) and one clean FET preamp for other sources (voice, for example) where you want that HF boost.

 

[Ironklad Audio]

i've never experiences any harshness with my NT-2A...in fact, it has a much smoother character than my AT 4033

i use it with both mackie onyx and ART MPA gold preamps, and either one sounds fine with it

 

[Gorty]

i've never experiences any harshness with my NT-2A...in fact, it has a much smoother character than my AT 4033

i use it with both mackie onyx and ART MPA gold preamps, and either one sounds fine with it

How does the ART MPA gold pre-amp perform for you? I'm in the hunt for a pre-amp at the moment and have been looking closely at the ART MPA Gold.

 

[andicustherobot]

I've been incredibly pleased with my Universal Audio 710 twin finity, the tone blending knob can be rocked back and forth until you find this sweet spot that just opens up all the frequencies. It's easily the favorite in my rack, and that's even going up against a neve...