A nice tube mic that won't break the bank

[Revelation]

Well I just bought the K2 today. I tried it with my voice through the Langevin DVC and Portico pre. I then compared it with the 4033 and Blueberry.

First off, I noticed a big difference between singing at 3 inches from the mic and 5. At 3 the voice was darker and richer and would be a killer on ballads. The Portico helped in getting a bigger sound as well. The Langevin pre would be good on a vocalist that did not need more bottom to their voice. The mic also sounded very nice on an acoustic steel string. It had a full sound with a touch of smoothnes to it.

I did not find this mic any more silibant than my Blueberry. I know some said the Rode NTK was a little more silibant. It may have to do with the much improved capsule of the K2.

When I went to omni, I found there was a little less high end. This is due to the config on omni has a bump at 10K while cardiod bump starts at 5K.
No the mic is not a Neumann 147 or Blue Bottle, but for under $850 bucks, this mic to me is a real winner. The only minus issues I found was the plastic case it comes in and plastic shock mount. But the sound is really pretty good. It does not scream tube mic at you but has the gently tube thing going.

I agree with EQ's review of this mic 100%. http://www.eqmag.com/story.asp?secti...storycode=4709
__________________

[True North]

Rode makes some excellant mics at ridicoulous prices. I also own a pair of their NT2000's which are outstanding workhorses - I prefer them way over my U87ai on everything accept maybe voice.

We just completed a very extenisive vocal mic test on over 21 mics (ranging from $300-$7000). These were my results;

Charter Oak SA538 - $1000 - $1300
Rode Classic II - Used about $1200 - $1300 on Ebay
Soundelux Elux 251 - $4000
The aforementioned two were my favorite vocal mics period, regardless of price and after extensive blind listening tests.

The Rode K2 made the honorable mention list along with 3 other way more expensive mics (M147, M149, Telefunken USA Elam 251).

The lowest priced useable Tube Microphone that I could reccomend is the MXL V69 which can actually be outstanding on the right voice. At $300 SRP it is an outstanding sounding tube mic. I realize everyone is going to have different tastes but there is some excellant value out there if you are willing to listen objectively and be open minded.

[Sqye]

I just found a guy to sell me an AM62 from Groove Tubes/ Alesis. The reason I was interested in this mic, specifically, is that I'd picked it 4 times (twice on male vocals, and twice on female) on the Lynn Fuston Mic comparison CD from 3D Audio. Since I picked the mic 4 times, I felt I owed it to myself to at least try it out. It's a large diaphragm tube condenser with 9 different polar patterns.

I paid $300 on ebay, and it arrived last weekend in pristine shape. I bought it from a guy named Robert McGilpin in Nashville who has a small personal mic collection, and he was a dream to deal with - expert packing job and super speedy service - I'd buy again from him in a heartbeat.

It really sounds nice - I just did quite a bit of vocal tracking and BG vox layering, and I was pretty surprised at how much fun it was to use - I wasn't really expecting to be this happy. I especially liked the figure 8 and hyper cardioid patterns on the mic.

So I would say, if you can find one, and they're not that easy to find because the mic was built in the transitional GT/Alesis phase, you should definitely pick one up. It's a really good compliment to a large diaphragm transisiter condenser mic.

Groove Tubes current (or so they say) version of this mic (it certainly looks th esame, judging from the web photo) is the GT67, at $1000 http://www.groovetubes.com/product.cfm?Product_ID=1599

The original version of this mic retailed for $825.

Tech at Groove Tubes says they've changed the barrel, but I don't see a difference, so it might just be slight.

[TheSweetener]

Yeah, AM61 / 62!

Good tube mics, not too sibilant not too boomy. I always liked them.

[GYang]

So many mics can be listed that you'll never find exectly what to do.
K2 is already very good piece and next meaningful step IMO is not 1 or 1,5k mic, but 'real thing' that means most likely 2,5-3 k or more. I would suggest to avoid compromises (I did it many time, than sold many stuff with big losses).
I significantly improved a sound of NTK (and it is similar to K2) with carefully selected Telefunken NOS tube. Although some tube experts suggested many other options, I found that specifically Telefunken E88CC (produced mid 60's) was capable to soften those bright elements in NTK I didn't like and add appropriate roundness to upper mid-range.
This mic that was very good choice for some male rock vocals, turned to be one of the best choices for female vocals (where it never worked very well before).
Not only to my ears. In some cases it is better pick than 2,5-4 k heavyweighters and I would never get rid of it.
Experiment with K2 and tubes, I think that mic is worth and comparable in final result with almost everything much above its price.

In between are many options, so you can spend 1 or 2 k more now, but most likely later you'll again need some great mics, selling some you have, spending even more cash etc.
Before you have money for right thing, it's not the worst idea to just keep working with K2.
If you want to make radical step toward really top flight mic, start with Korby KAT 1, later you can add as couple of heads as your needs grow, so economically this step will paid itself.

GYang

[nosebleedaudio]

I would check out the Audio-Technica AT 4060, sounds very good, tons of headroom(149db SPL) and very quiet... WWW.jmkaudio.com

[Revelation]

Originally Posted by GYang

So many mics can be listed that you'll never find exectly what to do.
K2 is already very good piece and next meaningful step IMO is not 1 or 1,5k mic, but 'real thing' that means most likely 2,5-3 k or more. I would suggest to avoid compromises (I did it many time, than sold many stuff with big losses).
I significantly improved a sound of NTK (and it is similar to K2) with carefully selected Telefunken NOS tube. Although some tube experts suggested many other options, I found that specifically Telefunken E88CC (produced mid 60's) was capable to soften those bright elements in NTK I didn't like and add appropriate roundness to upper mid-range.
This mic that was very good choice for some male rock vocals, turned to be one of the best choices for female vocals (where it never worked very well before).
Not only to my ears. In some cases it is better pick than 2,5-4 k heavyweighters and I would never get rid of it.
Experiment with K2 and tubes, I think that mic is worth and comparable in final result with almost everything much above its price.

In between are many options, so you can spend 1 or 2 k more now, but most likely later you'll again need some great mics, selling some you have, spending even more cash etc.
Before you have money for right thing, it's not the worst idea to just keep working with K2.
If you want to make radical step toward really top flight mic, start with Korby KAT 1, later you can add as couple of heads as your needs grow, so economically this step will paid itself.

GYang

I spent an hour in a store comparing the NTK and K2. I found the K2 to have a smoother sound over the NTK. Maybe 10 - 15 % smoother. I am glad that you were able to improve the sound of the NTK. It was ok with the stock tube, but I am sure you made some improvement with the new tube.

Rode now makes all their mic's in Australia. They have the CNC machines and make 1,000 or 2,000 at a time. This allows them to give the mic's to us at a low cost but also to have very good quality control and to use decent parts. The NT2-A is also a great sounding mic that has a full bodied sound.

I was thinking about the 4060 which I also love as well. However it has a darker sound over the 4033 which I have and I thought though the 4060 will sound really in in some applications, the brighter (though not harsh) K2 may be more viable in more applications especially with figure of 8 and omni.

[Pohaku]

Actually, the older GT tubes mics -- MD1, MD2 and MD3 (and the updated "a" series of the same mics) are great mics if you can find them. They predate the Alesis debacle and are well made. Typically come with their own power supply and an industrial shock mount. and pop screen. You can change out the tube to NOS in these if you want, unlike the current GT mics where the tube is a mil spec miniature tube soldered in place. The MD1 is phenomenal on cabs and the MD3 is a great vocal mic. I believe the diaphragm on the MD3 (and maybe the MD2) is a Josephson design. Generally go for @$400-800 used depending on model.

The other GT tube mic that I like alot is the AM-40/GT-44 (same mic, different cosmetics and distributors). A MD end address mic that is wonderful on acoustic instruments (or at least that's how I use it). These are really reasonable @$250 or so on e-bay if you missed the GC $200 blowout last fall.

The so-called MD1b reissue is definitely not the same mic although the cosmetics are close. I bought one to check it out and the interior looked a lot like the GT66 (same kind of soldered in mil spec tube) and wasn't of the same high level of construction as the original which is built like a tank. I returned it.

[thethrillfactor]

This is the Hi End man.

Who cares about breaking banks.

If you really feel you are feening a good tube mic(for whatever reason that might be)if you can't afford it rent it.

Its much cheaper than buying so-so mics and than later busting your balls to make the vocals sound good in the mix.

If there is one place you should never skim on is the vocals.

Just a Hi-End opinion.

[NathanEldred]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

This is the Hi End man.

Who cares about breaking banks.



If there is one place you should never skim on is the vocals.

Just a Hi-End opinion.

This is true. This thread might be more appropriate in the Low End Theory.

[Solunaris]

Yeah, we all have Horch's and UM900's here, so move along!

[Teddy Gee]

[QUOTE=Pohaku]

The other GT tube mic that I like alot is the AM-40/GT-44 (same mic, different cosmetics and distributors). A MD end address mic that is wonderful on acoustic instruments (or at least that's how I use it). These are really reasonable @$250 or so on e-bay if you missed the GC $200 blowout last fall.

/QUOTE]

I'd cast another vote for the GT-44 on acoustic instruments, guitar cabs with the -15dB pad, and it can even be pretty sweet on some "big voice" vocalists.

I got one in the "how can you not buy this" $200 GC blowout that is mentioned above and have been very pleasantly surprised. With all due respect, I have never found any other budget tube mics that did much for me.

Stephen

[DC11]

pacificproaudio.com has a nice one. Really cheap.

[Pohaku]

Actually, the MD series GT mics weren't exactly budget in their day. I think the MD3 listed for better than $2000 in the 80's.

[paultools]

Anyone tried the Mojave mic?

[cdog]

Thrill, Nathan, have you ever used the K2 extensively in a session?

Can you actually comment on it with some real world experience?

No, because you used some vastly more expensive mic and didn't think twice.

So please stay out of the conversation if you have no experience with a product.

Its so easy to rag on a mic because its cheap.

Thrill, you wanna rag on this mic, you gotta try it first in a session. Rag away.

"I don't like this mic because blah blah blah". Fine.

Shitting on a pricetag is bullshit.

Is it the greatest mic ever? Hell no.

Is it an absolute steal for $500?

Yes. In fact, it is a nice mic at any price.

I own two K2s, as well as other well known mics costing upwards of $5000.

Is a $5000 mic 10x better than a $500 one? Nope, sometimes its worse.

Just a little perspective.

[dim light]

cdog you are cool!

I need 2 mics for drum overhead, I use the sm81's now but I want more warmth/fat has anybody used the k2 on drum overhead, is it ok/good?

Thanks!

[Sqye]

Originally Posted by cdog

Thrill, Nathan, have you ever used the K2 extensively in a session?

Can you actually comment on it with some real world experience?

No, because you used some vastly more expensive mic and didn't think twice.

So please stay out of the conversation if you have no experience with a product.

Its so easy to rag on a mic because its cheap.

Thrill, you wanna rag on this mic, you gotta try it first in a session. Rag away.

"I don't like this mic because blah blah blah". Fine.

Shitting on a pricetag is bullshit.

Is it the greatest mic ever? Hell no.

Is it an absolute steal for $500?

Yes. In fact, it is a nice mic at any price.

I own two K2s, as well as other well known mics costing upwards of $5000.

Is a $5000 mic 10x better than a $500 one? Nope, sometimes its worse.

Just a little perspective.

ANother home run for cdog - "shitting on a price tag is right". Someome ask these guys to actually listen to these mics, please. A lot of the time our ears WILL suprise us. One should not assume.....

[dim light]

Lofislutz! fuuck

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by cdog

Thrill, Nathan, have you ever used the K2 extensively in a session?

Yes.

Originally Posted by cdog

Can you actually comment on it with some real world experience??

Yes.

Originally Posted by cdog

No, because you used some vastly more expensive mic and didn't think twice.?

Wrong.

I use what works best for a particular singer.

I've used a cheap mics like the Equitek E 300,SM7 and AT 4050 for a long time because it worked best for 2 particular singers that day.

And we had C800G's,U47's an 67's in the same room to choose from.

Originally Posted by cdog

So please stay out of the conversation if you have no experience with a product.

Since when do you decide who gets to participate on what?

I always try to post from the area of experience.

I rarely post on heresay.

[QUOTE=cdog]
Its so easy to rag on a mic because its cheap.

I guess but i didn't.

Originally Posted by cdog

Thrill, you wanna rag on this mic, you gotta try it first in a session. Rag away.

Agin read above.

I thought it was ok.

I've heard better.

Originally Posted by cdog

"I don't like this mic because blah blah blah". Fine.

Again read above.

Originally Posted by cdog

Shitting on a pricetag is bullshit.

This is the Hi End bro not the Low End Forumn.

Here more often than not you get what you paid for.

I am not shitting on the mic because of the price.

I am just saying that in the Hi End if you have the means to obtain a so-so mic or renting something better than its worth it.

Especially on a vocal which you can't skimp on.

Personally i feel too much focus is put on mic pres and compressors when tracking vocals and not on the mic itself.

Its the first thing the voice sees.

If this sucks i don't care what expensive chain you got to track with.

Originally Posted by cdog

Is it the greatest mic ever? Hell no.

Is it an absolute steal for $500?

Yes. In fact, it is a nice mic at any price.

I own two K2s, as well as other well known mics costing upwards of $5000.

Is a $5000 mic 10x better than a $500 one? Nope, sometimes its worse.

Again if this was the Low end forum fine.

There is forumn for mics on a budget.

Again i thought it wasn't bad.

I am sure on the right vocal it may work.

In my opinion it just wouldn't work on a lot of different voices well.

Again my opinion.

Originally Posted by cdog

Just a little perspective.

Yeah your own.

[cdog]

Thanks for clarifying things Thrill.

I 100% agree with what you said about mics vs. other pieces in the chain.

So whats High End? Is there a definition somewhere? Price limit?

Only items over $1000?

The moderaters don't really seem to care....

The K2 sounds like a high end mic to me, and thats all that matters.

U67s don't work well on a lot of sources either....

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by cdog

Thanks for clarifying things Thrill.

I 100% agree with what you said about mics vs. other pieces in the chain.

So whats High End? Is there a definition somewhere? Price limit?

Only items over $1000?

The moderaters don't really seem to care....

The K2 sounds like a high end mic to me, and thats all that matters.

U67s don't work well on a lot of sources either....

To me High End isn't really a price point.

Its a mentality.

The best sound whatever the costs.

Not to be handcuffed by one owns limitations being financial,experience or opportunity.

Not this could be arrived in different ways.

And this is what makes the forumn great.

I think in this case i feel a mic rental could do better in the long run than short changing yourself buying a mic just to get by.

I don't know maybe this is the way i think.

Again its an opinion that's all.

[Revelation]

Originally Posted by cdog

Thanks for clarifying things Thrill.

I 100% agree with what you said about mics vs. other pieces in the chain.

So whats High End? Is there a definition somewhere? Price limit?

Only items over $1000?

The moderaters don't really seem to care....

The K2 sounds like a high end mic to me, and thats all that matters.

U67s don't work well on a lot of sources either....

Thank you,

You beat me to it. Just because a mic or pre is under $2,000 or even $1,000 that does not mean it's not high end. Some examples are the AKG 414 or Neumann KM 184. One of my favorite mic's is the Blue Blueberry, and now the K2. I know many pro studios have both mic's hanging around.

The K2 is not made by a company that just copied a design from a Neumann or AKG and had it thrown together in China. The K2 was put together by their own research and development crew and put together in Australia under strict quality control. If you have a SOS subscription, you can read this article about Rode and how they make their mic's now. http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug0.../rodevisit.htm
Pretty cheap in getting just the on line subscription which I highly recommend. You others will have to wait about 5 months before reading it as they hold off on allowing you to read their last couple of issues for free. Older issues you can read on line for free.

[Doublehelix]

The fact that the subject of this thread is:

"A nice tube mic that won't break the bank" makes me think that it does not belong in the high-end forum, but what do I know? Personally, I would have posted it elsewhere, but that does not necessarily mean that it needs to be moved!

If the mic *sounds* high-end (which is what we all care about, right?), then who cares how much it costs!