Rode NTK? What's your experience

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After looking at some mics to add to my NT1a, I have come close to deciding between an AKG 451B and a pair of Rode NT5s, both Small Diapraghm mics to record solo acoustic steel string guitar. I thought both would add nicely to my LD condenser NT1a

Since Small Diapraghm is the classic choice for acoustic guitar, I looked no further, but then a professional advised me to look at the Rode NTK Tube LD condenser. Though it will not capture the transients the way an SD can, I thought it would be really cool to capture my Taylor all-koa jumbo with an NTK and an NT1a with tube preamp!

What is your experience with the NTK and especially on acoustic instruments?
 
My experience on vocals has been remarkable. I regularly use my TLM 103 and the NTK to vary the vocal sounds. The NTK has a bit more edge with its upper midrange narrow peak. Great on some voices, bad on others.

Never used one on acoustic because of the peak thing it does, could be a little over the top on sizzle but frankly, I will need to try this to be sure.

On a very smooth low sounding voice the edge of the NTK puts it over the top. On tenors and females its not always the best sound.
 
You will have to mic it a little different but once you find the "sweet spot" you won't use small d's again, IMHO
In His Name
BK
 
Can't comment on the NTK, but if you end up with a SD, I'd recommend the 451 over NT5s - I have them both - I found the 451 to have a smoother response without that honky high end that some cheaper mics have - depends upon what context your guitar playing will be mixed with though.

Cheers
 
My read on NTK is that it is one of the mid-priced versatile mic all-stars. It takes some time to warm up. It's one of my "go to " vocal mics, along with Shure SM-7B, B.L.U.E. KIWI, AKG C2000B, Oktava MK319, and AKG C414B-ULS. NTK is good for singing the blues, good on many acoustic guitars. It's a little bright, some would say hyped. It sends out a hot signal, and is quiet, very quiet for a tube mic. I find it likes some of the lower impedence settings on a preamp with variable impedence. I think it lacks the accuracy to be a really great tube mic. The Classic II has the same sound, only with the accuracy, as well as other sounds it can make. It's kind of on the edge, where if it were any brighter, I wouldn't like it, as opposed to the U47 and U67 sort of dark, rich, tube mic sound. It's like the yin and yang of tube mics.
There are a lot of people that don't like the NTK, but it is a useful tool for a lot of things.-Richie
 
Richard Monroe said:
There are a lot of people that don't like the NTK, but it is a useful tool for a lot of things.-Richie
Click to expand...

Who doesn't like it? Seriously. :) I've never heard anyone really diss on it.

I for one, think it sounds magical on certain voices. On other voices it can be really ess-y, but that's my only complaint on vocals.

On strummy acoustic guitar I've never heard its equal, but then again it's the most expensive mic I have. ;)
 
I use an NTK with a Focusrite Trakmaster - on acoustic instruments it is quiet and detailed. Some EQ is necessary, but is largely due to the quality of the source instrument.
 
Thanks guys. What do you think of this setup:
A Rode NTK and a Rode NT1a setup in a 3-1 configuration. The NTK pointed at the bridge with an angle of about 15-20 degrees and the NT1a pointed at the 12th fret at the same angle angled away from each other. I plan to amplify the NT1a through a small tube pre-amp and the NTK through a 'regular' preamp.

what do you guys think?
 
I think you'd have better results with xy config. Or try the ntk by your ear pointing at the soundhole and the other at the 12th
In His Name
BK
 
I always just record in mono, with the NTK about 6 inches from where the neck meets the body.
 
I love the NTK on vocals. It's also a great room mic, a great mono drum overhead, great on pianos, acoustic bass... Not a great mic for horns. About the only thing I haven't tried it on is electric guitars or basses. I often wish I had another one, so I could set up a stereo pair.
 
When you hit the congas with a pair of NTKs it usually breaks the conga skins and dents the mic casing. I've gone through 172 pairs of mics under warranty. Rode now ship the new ones before I send the old ones back, so I have a ready supply.

I think a pair of shotguns might be better.......these are more drumstick shaped.....
 
thanks guys. Great tips and comments, especially about the XY... please keep 'em coming
 
My first LD condenser was the NT1000. It just sounded so sweet and clear. Bought a few more LD's as money allowed. Finally got a good deal on an NTK and it is now my favorite mic in my locker. Always the first one I grab for vocals but I like it a lot on acoustic as well.

Blessings, Terry
 
'Thanks Terry,

How do you record the acoustic? do you use both the NTK and the NT1000? or do you record mono or with a different stereo setup?
 
Who doesn't like it? Seriously.
Click to expand...

I don't like any of the recordings I hear of the NTK because they sound too hyped, THIN, brittle, and SIZZILY. I absolutely HATE sizzle on any mic because it sounds unnatural to me. I've heard comparison recordings and the ntk reminded me of a few earlier Beetles recording that had that bright mid-rangy kind of tone that wasn't a more full-embodied/clear tone one could get in a studio today. just my opinion.
 
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