So my Rode NT2 is getting old...

[Yareek]

I've been using this mic for a few years for male vocals. It sounds pretty good on everything, but it has this annoying midrange peak around 2.5kHz.

I'm recording my new band's vocals, and I'm starting to think about getting a new vocal mic or replacing the NT2. I'd like some opinions as to what might be a good mic without the presence peak (but not dark), something a little fuller perhaps, or do you think something a little flatter would work better?

Can anybody compare the NT2 to the following:

- AT4047
- AT4050
- Rode NTK
- Shure KSM32
- Shure KSM44

Or what else do you recommend?

Thanks!

BTW, if you search for "NT2" and pretty much any other microphone, you get one response and a few that are about 4 years old. Hopefully I can gleam some more info...

Thanks!

 

[Yareek]

Hey, I know you guys get sick of these questions, but what do you think of the ADK TC? That looks like a pretty slick mic that's supposed to be fairly smooth and sound pretty nice without the presence spikes.

I'm pretty strongly considering the ADK TC and the AT 4047. I did some listening at The Listening Sessions and another page, and they both sound way better than the NT2. They're fairly clean and smooth, but not too stale.

Anybody used them?

 

[cactuseskimo]

I'm going on just what I've heard from the respected people on this forum. Either get a MXL mogami, or their tube model (77?) OR get a ADK Vienna or Hamburg. You're looking in the 180-300 price range for those mics listed.

 

[Yareek]

I'm going on just what I've heard from the respected people on this forum. Either get a MXL mogami, or their tube model (77?) OR get a ADK Vienna or Hamburg. You're looking in the 180-300 price range for those mics listed.

Well, I listened to a bunch of sound clips of those mics, and the Vienna and Hamburg sounded quite a bit brighter than the A51TC, so I don't know about trading a bright mic for a bright mic.

My price range is pretty flexible; I'd like to stay around $500-$750 new prices (I'll probably end up selling the NT2 on eBay), so I'm willing to drop a bit more cash.

 

[jkokura]

I love the NTk on male vocals...It's the best I've got for that. I've also got a SPC1 and a 4040. I don't know about the others you're mentioning, But you can't go wrong with an NTK, and the 4040's pretty darn good too. Definately a step up from the NT2...

However, knowing that Rode's and most other Chinese mics are similar, you might want some variety. Getting a Shure, a GT or a german variety mic might be good for your locker.

Jacob

 

[Yareek]

I love the NTk on male vocals...It's the best I've got for that. I've also got a SPC1 and a 4040. I don't know about the others you're mentioning, But you can't go wrong with an NTK, and the 4040's pretty darn good too. Definately a step up from the NT2...

However, knowing that Rode's and most other Chinese mics are similar, you might want some variety. Getting a Shure, a GT or a german variety mic might be good for your locker.

Jacob

That's what I was thinking. I was originally planning on an NTK, but from what I've heard and from the sound clips, they both have the same brightness/midrange spikes, it's just an overall warmth about the NTK which generally makes it nicer.

I'm thinking the ADK TC is like a slightly more neutral/cleaner counterpart to the NTK. Anyone used the two?

 

[Yareek]

What do you guys think about getting a couple different microphones? I'd love an MD421 for a bunch of purposes, and it can do screaming vocals (one of my singers). And then I'd look at something like the ADK Hamburg or Vienna to be the slightly bright condenser, or perhaps an AT 4050 for a fairly flat and smooth condenser?

 

[Yareek]

Alright, I'm pretty sure I'll be getting the AT 4050 and the MD421.

Has anyone tried using the MD421 for vocals? I remember it sounding okay but not great.

What about the SM7B on guitars and floor toms?

 

[jkokura]

i've tried the MD421 on vocals. Didn't suit what I was doing...I think a 4050 will be added to my collection next as well. I need a multipattern and if you check out the poll I started that's the mic everyone suggests...

Jacob