I haven't used the K2 but do own the NTK and just wanted to vouch for what a difference the tube replacement makes. Infinitely variable control of the K2's polar patterns provides the freedom and flexibility to excel in any recording situation. The mic's high end was a little brittle before I swapped tubes. The RODE M2 is a rugged live-performance condenser microphone designed to provide a full frequency response and premium performance on stage. Variable Pattern Dual 1 inch Condenser Valve Microphone. Rode K2 comes with a dedicated power supply, so there is no need to worry about adjusting the phantom power. Hardware: The review unit came in a hardshell ABS plastic case; inside was the K2 mic, a power supply, an elasticated cradle (SM2 shockmount), a 30' cable (mic to power supply), and a brief but detailed manual. It's inexpensive because it's probably made by eight-year-olds in China. The K2 looks like you could literally drive a truck over this mic without seeing a mark. I tested it in a friends pro studio against a Blue Blueberry and a Neuman U67, two mic's that I like on my voice and had previously used on projects. Mind you, I am by no means a tube afficionado or electrical engineer. So a long body chrome top vintage U47 being a 10 out of 10, what would folks rate a K2 with a NOS tube out of 10? Why Are Some A-B Stereo Arrays Angled Outwards? This is because the tube (valve) typically requires a very high plate (anode) voltage to power it and, at something like 200 Volts or more, that's difficult to generate from phantom power. The omni setting is great for male screamers. The views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the publishers. On the other hand, Neumann U87 requires +48V phantom power. I'm not sure how "pristine" the u47 is, because it's the only one I've ever used, but it's always sounded pretty good. The power supply box is also a control unit for the fully variable polar pattern dial. Re: Why does Liam Gallagher's vocals sound shit? The sound quality combines modern high-end specifications with the character and subtleties of the legendary 50's mics. Mastering Essentials Part 4 - Mastering EQ: Balance, Don’t Match. Affordable LDC Microphone With Multiple Voicings. Q. In addition, the self noise level is impressively low at 10dBA. We could tell no real difference between them - at least a difference that would justify NOT using the K2 and saving a bit. All contents copyright © SOS Publications Group and/or its licensors, 1985-2020. The AT4050 is great on vocals, acoustic guitars and guitar amps. It features a large gold-plated diaphragm along with gold-plated CLR connectors to say the least. So everything the microphone needs to work correctly is generated from its dedicated mains AC power supply, and it doesn't need or use the standard +48V phantom power that is available from your mic preamp, mixing console, or computer interface. Is the 7 pin cable between the PSU and the K2/NTK mic a standard cable or is it unique to RØDE? My best vendor of my gear recommended me Rode K2 as good vocal MIC . It is however advised that when possible, to turn off phantom power when not in use. permalink; embed; save; parent; give award; OriginalWake 0 points 1 point 2 points 11 months ago . What does "P48" mean? I have a Sterling Audio ST66 tube condenser mic and it has a mains AC power supply. I had read some conflicting opinions and to me it was a very noticeable difference. Great care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of this article but neither Sound On Sound Limited nor the publishers can be held responsible for its contents. It is however advised that where possible, to turn off phantom power when not in use. Since it has its own power, am I right in thinking I shouldn't use the 48V phantom power from my Audient iD4? It already has a very high maximum SPL handling by default, which is 162 dB. The RØDE K2 is a premium valve condenser microphone featuring dual 1 inch gold sputtered diaphragms. In the real world, those specs translate very well on a wide variety of sources, and the bottom line is that the K2 is under priced too. Will phantom power damage my microphone power supply unit (PSU)? With such high level, this mic can easily take care of even the loudest singers. Infinitely variable control of the polar pattern from omnidirectional through cardioid and bidirectional/figure-8 provides the freedom and flexibility to excel in any recording situation. Just a friendly reminder that political discussion, (including "offhand" and 'sideways' commenting) is. i was speaking to Rode support about swapping out the stock Sovtek tube in my rode K2. + The cable between the K2 microphone and the K2 power supply uses a standard 7 pin XLR connection. The only question is what pre's to use for the comparison. 48V phantom power. I liked my K2 when I got it, but I really liked it after I replaced the tube in it. So, in fact, the valve microphone won't even notice whether you have phantom power turned on (or not) on your preamp, and it won't cause any damage or harm. All rights reserved. After looking into it a bit more I think I may go with 2i4 instead of the 2i2. Output Connection: 3 Pin XLR. I am having problems using 1.2V NiMH rechargeable batteries with a NTG-2 microphone? However, this shouldn't be an issue as the Rode K2 comes with its own power supply, and having the phantom power on the 2i2 can be practical down the line anyway. Well, when I was in the market for NOS tubes for my K2, I was under the impression that the 6922 an E88CC were equivalent/interchangeable. First Look: Pro Tools | Carbon. Hey there! Why does Liam Gallagher's vocals sound shit. Rode offer a 10-year warranty which is reassuring. You may login with either your assigned username or your e-mail address. How does Rode K2 stand comparing to SE Gemini ? Power Requirements: 24V phantom power. The 6922, 6N11, 6DJ8, ECC88 and the 6N1P are all plug in replacements to each other. Powered by phantom power, this microphone features an internal shock mount so you don't have to cringe every single time you accidentally let it slip from your hands - by now you're probably familiar with RØDE's superb build quality. Featuring a tailored-for-stage super-cardioid polar pattern and an internally shock mounted 1/2" condenser capsule, the M2 provides a high quality alternative to dynamic microphones for live performance. The manufacture datasheets for all these part suggest that you will not … I really like the K2. Most valve mics run off their own dedicated external PSU, such as this one for Rode's K2, and these will not care if phantom power is present at the XLR input or not — though it's good practice where possible not to supply it unless needed. The contents of this article are subject to worldwide copyright protection and reproduction in whole or part, whether mechanical or electronic, is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the Publishers. I use a K2 for my vocals - male, baritone, pushing lot's of air via Metric Halo ULN. I was never informed about the electrical similarities of the additional tube models that the Rode guy mentioned. I own or have access to the following: The K2 is a great sounding mic, a great addition to your mic collection. One Synth Challenge V - The Filter Strikes Back! Mastering Essentials Part 3 - How loud should I master? I have both and use the K2 on drum overheads, acoustic guitars and vocals. How 'bout this. Most valve mics run off their own dedicated external PSU, such as this one for Rode's K2, and these will not care if phantom power is present at the XLR input or not — though it's good practice where possible not to supply it unless needed. 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