orpheus, k2, t3

url · 2nd May 2006

Just a recent comparison of these 3 mics for public information.
Sontronics Orpheus, Rode K2 and Studio Projects T3.

All three are in the same class with no overall difference in quality. I'd describe the T3 as warmer/bassier, the K2 with a brighter top end and the orpheus being in the middle of these two. The orpheus required less gain at the pre (sytek) than the other two. What was noticeble in comparison was that the orpheus had more definition in the lower mids, enough to make the other two seem a little muddy in comparison. I was suprised at the detail actually. If I had to choose between the three I'd go the orpheus I guess for this reason. Like I said, all three are in the same class - overall they have the same quality but the difference lies in the eq, with the orpheus sounding more referenced. The k2 and the T3 both have variable pattern power supply units, while the orpheus has a fixed pattern switch for fig 8, cardioid and omni and requires 48v from the pre.

Tests were done on my own voice, acoustic guitar, tambo and whatever else i could find lying around. Two of either mics were set up as close as possible to each other then files were compared against each other on the pc (rme/samplitude).

kingofswing · 2nd May 2006

I got to try out the Helios, which i think is a fairly detailed mic with a nice tone.

However i still prefer my Rode K2 as i found it less coloured and more versatile. The Helios was also a little noisy as well during use, and i didnt like the builtin shock, not very impressive IMO.

From what others have told me, the Orpheus is even more coloured and has alot of bottom. I havnt tried it myself, but im shure the Helios is a little more neutral.

The sontronic mics are chinese built mics, with Maudio soon joining with the new 'Sputnik' valve mic. It seems that they all come from the same boat. Very similar designs, and same kind of specs too.

IMO, the Rode mics are better built, and are more consistent in performance from mic to mic. They also stand out from the chinese stuff, whilst many other affordable brands tend to source rebadged OEM's.

2nd May 2006	#1
url Gear Head Joined: May 2006 Posts: 48 Thread Starter	orpheus, k2, t3 Just a recent comparison of these 3 mics for public information. Sontronics Orpheus, Rode K2 and Studio Projects T3. All three are in the same class with no overall difference in quality. I'd describe the T3 as warmer/bassier, the K2 with a brighter top end and the orpheus being in the middle of these two. The orpheus required less gain at the pre (sytek) than the other two. What was noticeble in comparison was that the orpheus had more definition in the lower mids, enough to make the other two seem a little muddy in comparison. I was suprised at the detail actually. If I had to choose between the three I'd go the orpheus I guess for this reason. Like I said, all three are in the same class - overall they have the same quality but the difference lies in the eq, with the orpheus sounding more referenced. The k2 and the T3 both have variable pattern power supply units, while the orpheus has a fixed pattern switch for fig 8, cardioid and omni and requires 48v from the pre. Tests were done on my own voice, acoustic guitar, tambo and whatever else i could find lying around. Two of either mics were set up as close as possible to each other then files were compared against each other on the pc (rme/samplitude).

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2nd May 2006	#2
kingofswing Lives for gear Joined: Jan 2006 Location: UK Posts: 1,145 2 Reviews written	I got to try out the Helios, which i think is a fairly detailed mic with a nice tone. However i still prefer my Rode K2 as i found it less coloured and more versatile. The Helios was also a little noisy as well during use, and i didnt like the builtin shock, not very impressive IMO. From what others have told me, the Orpheus is even more coloured and has alot of bottom. I havnt tried it myself, but im shure the Helios is a little more neutral. The sontronic mics are chinese built mics, with Maudio soon joining with the new 'Sputnik' valve mic. It seems that they all come from the same boat. Very similar designs, and same kind of specs too. IMO, the Rode mics are better built, and are more consistent in performance from mic to mic. They also stand out from the chinese stuff, whilst many other affordable brands tend to source rebadged OEM's.