NTK vs. K2 by RODE - I need a new mic!!!

Posted on Dec 04, 2006 06:18 pm
CptTripps
Czar of Turd Polish
Member Since: Jun 20, 2006

Ok all,

I'm going ebay crazy right now trying to get myself a kick butt vocal mic.

I've read great things about the NTK and the K2. The NTK is quite a bit cheaper at this time and only seems to have one complaint about sibilance, although some have calimed to resolve it by 1) replacing the tube or 2) letting it warm up for awhile before use.

Basically I'd like to know if anyone has these mics and would it be a waste of my money to spend apporximately 200$ extra on the K2.

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Noize2u
Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Dec 04, 2006 10:46 pm

The reason behind the higher price for the K2 is the variable polar pattern. It allows adjustment of the mics pickup pattern and gives you a little more variety in how you can use the mic. I don't honestly know how well it works, but I don't believe they could advertise it as doing that if it didn't honestly work well.

But as for the money, I cant honestly say it will sound $200.00 better then the NTK.

And yes, one thing with a tube mic and many other mic's as well. They must be allowed to warm up, especially a valve mic. That is what gives it it's character is the tube circuit.

CptTripps
Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006

Dec 05, 2006 02:40 pm

Well there's always the option of the NT1A also. The best mic I have right now is a c1000 so I'm guessing anything would school that. I lost all the auctions I bid on though, time to try again.

Anyone else have reccomendations outside of the RODE line that would be similar in quality\price?

pjk
Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004

Dec 05, 2006 09:32 pm

I've been a fan of studio projects, though I have a pair of NT5 from rode as well.

I have a C1, and a B3. I haven't done much with the C1 yet, but I've had good luck with the B3 as a vocal mic. My sales guy at sweetwater says the C1 has a little more flavor than the B series, lending itself better for vocals.

SP had tube mics as well, but I've not used any of them.

Noize2u
Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Dec 05, 2006 10:15 pm

An old Oktava MK-319. If you can find an authentic one that is. There are a good load of fakes out there now and people trying to unload them. I wouldn't trade mine as it is a little workhorse.

CptTripps
Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006

Dec 06, 2006 04:56 pm

GAH!!! I didn't check my auctions and lost a K2 for only $350.00 :(

Just thought I'd cry a bit, that would have been a sweet deal...

CptTripps
Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006

Dec 08, 2006 05:27 pm

Sweet, K2 is mine!!! I saved hundreds off retail price and will post my impressions when I get my grubby paws on it.