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Rode K2 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Large Diaphragm Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone
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$699.00

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Rode K2 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
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K2 - The New Sound In Tube Microphones!

RODE's K2 represents an excellent value in a tube microphone, combining incredibly low noise, low distortion and high SPL with the type of fantastic lush sound you'd expect from a high-end tube microphone.

Related Videos: K2 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Amazingly Quiet & Versatile!
The ultimate in pure rich tube sound and performance, the Rode K2 also delivers super low self noise (10 dBA), high max SPL (162 dBA), and mega wide dynamic range (150 dB). Rode's K2 features totally variable polar pattern control for an unbeatable combination of flexibility and power. The Rode K2's legendary sound quality inspires those magic takes in even the most demanding recording applications.

Legendary Sound!
RODE carefully constructed the K2 to deliver the sound and character of the prized transducers of the 50 and 60s. They've succeeded, thanks to the K2's HF1 capsule, a true 1" condenser built along the exact lines of the older transducers, but with the reliability of modern technology! Rode hand selects the tubes for the K2 for specification and sound quality. From opera to punk rock and everything in between, the Rode K2 is literally in a class by itself!

Rode K2 Tube Condenser Microphone Features at a Glance:
  • Large, gold-sputtered diaphragm
  • Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8, and all intermediate polar patterns
  • Continuously variable polar pattern control on dedicated power supply
  • Internal shock mounting for low ambient noise and vibration resistance
  • Wide dynamic range
  • Class A valve circuitry
  • Hand-selected and graded 6922 twin-triode valve
  • User-serviceable with field-replaceable tubes
  • High strength welded and heat-treated steel mesh head
  • Durable satin nickel finish
  • 162 dBA Max SPL
  • 10 dBA Self Noise
  • 150dB Dynamic Range
  • Includes dedicated low noise mic cable, RODE case, shock mount

Additional Media

Studio Microphone Buying Guide

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Tube Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8
  • Diaphragm Size: 1" (25.4mm)
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Max SPL: 162dB
  • Output Impedance: 200 ohms
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 81dB (A weighted)
  • Self Noise: 10dB (A weighted)
  • Tube: 6922
  • Color: Silver
  • Connector: XLR
  • Weight: 1.8 lbs.
  • Included Accessories: Shock Mount
  • Manufacturer Part Number: K2

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Customer Reviews

4.3 out of 5

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K2 is Butter through the right preamp.

Ive owned the k2 now for about a year. First tried through a presonus euerka, was a bit sibilant. Then I tried the k2 theough a blue robbie....wow! The vocals sound clear and thick. I highly recommend the k2. I own a tlm 102, c414 xl 2 , a blue blueberry mic and the k2. I use all my mics , but have to say, loving this mic and preamp combo.
by Gabe from New Mexico on
Music background: Producer of Hiphop / R and B/ Flamenco

Just record and go - almost no processing required

I had this mic in my wishlist for a long time, with Rode mics being recommended by a lot of engineers I respect. I called Sweetwater telling them I was interested in upgrading my vocal chain, and my sales engineer recommended this K2. It felt pretty serendipitous that he recommended the exact mic I had in my wishlist, without me ever even mentioning it, so I decided to pull the trigger and make the purchase. I couldn't be happier. Prior to this mic, I had been recording on a budget condenser mic, which wasn't bad, but which required a lot (hours) or processing to get it to sound like I want it. This included manual fader riding, eq-cutting, tone-shaping eq, compression, and saturation. Not to mention the usual spatial effects used on vocals (reverb and delay). With this K2 (and feeding it through the rest of my vocal chain upgrades - a good preamp, specifically, and a Maag EQ2), I don't have to do any of that. Now, my vocals come in almost exactly as I want them to sound right from the start. No need for crazy amounts of added saturation, etc. You will probably still need a compressor, but I don't think any person on any mic can record vocals without needing to compress them to even out levels. Still, it's so refreshing to not have to worry about editing and instead be able to focus on mixing creatively.

I'd never used a tube mic before, but now that I have, I'm not sure I can use anything else. I've already compared this mic to a similar condenser (Rode NT1000) and to a dynamic mic (SM58) and it's won every time. Granted, I've only used it on vocals (3 different vocalists) and on acoustic guitar so far. I'm sure there are other applications where other mics are still better, so don't through away your mic locker yet. but, the K2 is a solid addition to any mic collection and can hold its own quite well.

It also helps that Rode offers their 10-year warranty upon registration!
by Sweetwater Customer on
Music background: Vocalist, Mix Engineer, Singer/songwriter, musician

SPLATTY?

Been using the K2 with stock tube for nearly 3 years now (I have other tubes too & haven't bothered to pull them out). Chose it primarily based on my ears and mic shootouts... In my investigation, I liked the intimacy/detail of the mic compared to many others (even very renown/revered mics) and the sound being somewhat warm while capturing with CLARITY. After receiving the mic, I noticed that SPLATTY SOUND when recording my vocals, which BUGGED me... For several reasons, it was one of those OH ______! moments, but that's okay. The K2 is REVEALING, which goes to why there is such intimacy/detail with the K2...and why I bought it... The K2 has a DEEP REACH (re: sensitivity); so it was picking up anomalies associated with my vocal mechanism, involving my vocal cords and, more deeply, my bronchial condition... So, after hearing what the K2 revealed, I cleaned up my diet--eliminating dairy and grain (sugary things are not typically part of my lifestyle anyway). Guess what? After three weeks of having cleaned up my diet, there was NO MORE SPLAT! NONE! Clean source + clear mic + adept mic'ing = clean capture. There has been no hint of splat from any instruments that I have mic'ed/recorded, though I have not recorded any spitty/sloppy horns with it. :) Stuart Niven and others are correct: the K2 is a great mic! It is so good that it may very well reveal some ineptitude regarding use of the mic, mic'ing technique. I intend owning and using more of them. There are very good reasons why it has won certain awards. Yay K2!
by Tim from Wyoming by way of Nashville... on
Music background: writing, live performance and studio (performance & audio engineering including circuit design...).

This beast was bought USED 10 years ago.

I just wanted to write my personal testimony and nothing really beats 10 years of use + 3 cross country moves. I bought it used 10 years ago, bought a new tube + replaced it and I've never used anything else. I've done thousands and thousands of recordings with it as a demo vocalist, songwriter, artist, composer...it's brilliant. The only reason I would consider getting another microphone is just because I've used this for 10 years and now I'm wondering maybe I can try something else lol...can't help but feel like I'm cheating on my old faithful though. Moral dilemmas here. Anyhow, if you're new, just buy it.
by Carol Kay from San Francisco, CA on
Music background: Singer/Songwriter

Just what I was looking for

This is a special microphone. Its has high SPL, it's has multiple mic patterns and it's tube makes any source just work. The carrying case has extra room to store an XLR cable so just grab and go. Rode you got my respect.
by Will from Florida on

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Stuart Niven

I have owned and used just about every Rode microphone for one reason - they work in critical environments and make engineering easier! A pair of K2s were my main overhead microphones in a busy studio that I managed where time was critical. The K2s always allowed my drum sound a warmth and clarity despite the not-so-perfect room. They are so versatile and can wear the many hats that are needed in any studio environment, whether it be a home studio or a commercial facility where bang for buck is important. You will always be happy that you invested in a Rode microphone because it will work for you.
See also: Condenser Mics, Rode, Rode Condenser Microphones
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