Rode NTK, K2 competitors

[vintagesoundguy]

Gday all

I am considering either an NTK or K2 - so far leaning towards the K2 for a less hyped high end and more vintage tone. Just wondering if there is anything else in the price bracket ($800-1000) that compares for what I am after. I don't mind 2nd hand if that helps.

cheers

Dale

[TimS]

Terry Manning gives the NT1000 a really good rap... http://compasspointstudios.com/rode.html
They are pretty well priced too - a few on Ebay at the mo...

[anj]

I have an NTV in the for sale section

[vintagesoundguy]

I have an NTV in the for sale section

Yes I saw it - can you tell me what is different about the NTV from the NTK? BTW I think $50 postage is a bit excessive

Dale

[anj]

I will charge whatever australia post charges for post, It does come in a large aluminium flight case.
I am not sure what the difference is between the 2 mics, but in general the NTV gets better reviews than the NTK.
Do a search on gear sluts?

[Chris H]

I would go the K2 any day over the NTK. Even better in the price range if you can get it would be a 2nd hand Classic 11.

[davemc]

Is it for your own voice? Or as a standard mic in a a studio?
I know a few people where a NTK worked well on. Although as a all rounder I would not recommend. I had a pair I brought thinking for overheads the hyped top end would be good. I was wrong :) Although honestly try for yourself.
Personally I have not heard a K2 although I know a few people I trust who say they do not have that ice pick in the head top end of a lot of other Rode Mics.
The Classic II is a great mic for male vocals(had one for years), there are a few weird areas where it will distort. For Female vocals you can have some problems.
I left the Rodes behind and went for Soundelux range then to Neumanns. Although we are talking much more $'s

For $1k you can see some Neumann TLM103's and Soundelux U195 go second hand. Also do not forget the AKG 414. It does not need a valve to sound great
If it is for your voice then see what works best for you.
I had at one time 4-5 different LDC's and sometimes the SM58 sounded better then any for a performer. SM7's are great mics as well. I also had one of those cheap shiny box ribbons which was used for a lot of people over my Neumanns.
The $'s gone down again so not the best time to buy of US ebay although under $1k inc postage no GST

Do not forget Ben (Mics) has his new beesneez mics. They look rather interesting

[HA_DA_JA]

I have a Rode Classic II that Is in excellent condition that has not seen much use in a while if you are interested let me know as I will most likely sell it. I am going through this "if it does not get used, then sell it" phase. This has also been greatly encouraged by my wife.
She also says "if you are going to use later on we can just buy another one".
But where am I going to get a 1974 LN1176, 1964 L series Fender ect etc etc when I want one back.

[TimS]

But where am I going to get a 1974 LN1176, 1964 L series Fender ect etc etc when I want one back.

Dont sell them Dale - you'll regret those!! ;)

[anj]

i do have a nice home for your L series :)

[vintagesoundguy]

Any views on this one? it is in the same price range as the NTK and valve also

Dale

[vanderlae]

NTK's are great. Super value for money and I'm reading more and more mix/recording articles supporting their quality and preference over other more expensive go-to mics.

NT1000 sound crisp but are too bright and detailed in the high end for most things. Unnatural.

Go the NTK.

[tunetown]

I have a Rode Classic II that Is in excellent condition that has not seen much use in a while if you are interested let me know as I will most likely sell it. I am going through this "if it does not get used, then sell it" phase. This has also been greatly encouraged by my wife.
She also says "if you are going to use later on we can just buy another one".
But where am I going to get a 1974 LN1176, 1964 L series Fender ect etc etc when I want one back.

How much do you want for the classic 2?

Cheers

[vintagesoundguy]

Any views on the SP T3?

Dale

[davemc]

Any views on the SP T3?

Dale

Preferred it to a NTK although the top end still has problems. Ok if you do not start words with "S", "P" or "T" etc he he. The new one is supposed to be different.
Honestly for $1k. I would look at the Classic II or keep your eye out as said for a non valve.
If your running a studio a TLM103 does have the "N" badge.[/i]

[walding]

I have both the 103 and a K2. The K2 is a better all round mic IMHO than the 103 but when the 103 works IT REALLY WORKS.

There both pretty toppy though but the K2 is great on drums and as a gtr room mic. I haven't had much luck with it on vox.

[toadmark]

K2 any day over the NTK. Different league mic - and the variable pattern ... ooo la la!

[vintagesoundguy]

Is it for your own voice? Or as a standard mic in a a studio?
I know a few people where a NTK worked well on. Although as a all rounder I would not recommend. I had a pair I brought thinking for overheads the hyped top end would be good. I was wrong :) Although honestly try for yourself.
Personally I have not heard a K2 although I know a few people I trust who say they do not have that ice pick in the head top end of a lot of other Rode Mics.
The Classic II is a great mic for male vocals(had one for years), there are a few weird areas where it will distort. For Female vocals you can have some problems.

Interesting that Jimmy Little's vocals on Down the Road were all done with an NTK at Sony Studios (says so on the cd insert). Sounds fantastic. Yes I am after a mic for my voice, plus whatever else it sounds good with - acoustic, percussion, other vocals whatever. The general consensus seems to be the K2 would be the better choice but there's not much wrong with the NTK. Anyway I just picked up an SP T3 for a really good price so I will see how that goes. As I am in Perth there is not much of a choice for trying out mics except Kosmic but I avoid going there due to bad customer service experiences.

The Classic would be great for sure but even 2nd hand is probably more than I can pay.

Dale

[daxliniere]

K2 for certain.

I demo'd a K2 against an ADK something-or-rather and my Sony C-800g, but returned it. (It ate the ADK alive)

I didn't keep it because I felt there was nothing that the Sony didn't do better, but I was truly amazed at the sound considering the price.
A highly recommended mic within budget.

[Ausrock]

Any views on the SP T3?

Dale

I've NEVER had an issue with my T3 and after numerous "conversations" with Brent Casey and Alan Hyatt, I have a Cinemag trannie which I'll fit when I get time...........according to all reports this mod is well worth the effort ;-)