Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 26 Reviews
Good mic, but know the truth.
Rode K2 Variable-Pattern Tube Microphone
Reviewed by Todd McKernan on Guitar Center
I know you guys just want simple and easy "this mic rules!", "beats mics costing three times as much" reviews. This is not a phony review. I've owned this mic for about four years now. I was concerned about the reviews currently about this mic. They seem VERY misguided and misinformed. This mic is NOTHING like a Neumann. For one thing this mic is a transformerless tube mic, which means they've designed it to sound like a FET mic on the top end and a tube mic on the bottom end. So if you're looking for a classic vintage tube mic sound, this actually isn't it. Its much more modern than you'd probably expect. No Neumann tube mic is transformerless for that very reason. Most people associate a tube mic as having a very mellow top end because of the harmonic distortion created by the tube, this mic does not have that. Its airy and can be somewhat sibilant depending on your source. Now having said all that here's what I can tell you about this mic. Its fantastic for when you need to beef something up a bit. It has a fairly exaggerated low end. So this isn't a favorite for acoustic guitars, but is definitely a top pic for say bass cabs, room sounds, baritone singers, smaller acoustic instruments that lack body, females singing in a lower register, etc, etc. You get the idea. So it certainly can handle many of the same tasks a traditional tube mic would. But its going to sound a little less "vibey" or "colorful". I've also had fantastic results for voice over work because the low end is so warm. If you're looking for an all around great mic that will give you good results on everything, I would suggest looking at an AKG C series mic, 414s will never sound "bad". But if you're trying to fill out your locker and need something that handles the aforementioned tasks exceptionally well, this is a solid mic thats built to the highest manufacturing standards possible. Rode's a made with Medical Grade machinery, it simply does not get better than that. Same type of manufacturing that Apple uses. ... More
Bests a Neumann
Rode K2 Variable-Pattern Tube Microphone
Reviewed by SubvertK on Guitar Center
I bought this mic after hearing the reviews and comparisons to Neumann mics (often the U87) and yes, it lives up to the hype. In fact, it surpasses it. Its got a warm, transparent character that I choose on vocals over mics that cost 6 times the price. And if you really want to get the full effect of this amazing mic, replace the tube with a vintage European one. Its warmth is amazing. Best 600 dollars I've spent, I'd sell off my U87 before I'd sell off my K2.
Sounds like a Neumann?
Rode K2 Variable-Pattern Tube Microphone
Reviewed by Leo on Guitar Center
All I can say is wow. This mic sounds slightly better than a Neumann Tube. This test was done in school by one of my teachers. Compared to the Neumann $4000 mic, the Rode $700 mic sounds better. PLUS the Rode comes with the shockmount and the Neumann doesnt.....want great "Neumann sound" on a price friendly to your pockets? Buy this Rode K2 Tube.....its awesome....try the test for yourself.
Great C/P Value
Rode K2 - Variable Pattern Studio Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Kevin Chang on B&H Photo Video
I have owned K2 for almost 1 year and used it mainly for vocal. The high SPL handling is really impressive comparing to other mic I have ever had, nevertheless the variable polar pattern and full package including the large shock mount. For vocalists you will definately need a good pop filter.I am not that happy with the original *6N11 tube comes with the package. After replacing it with a rare Mullard E88CC-01, I get really amazing,musical, warmth, and vintage sound. I would give it 6 stars after the modification.
A great mic after some modification
Rode K2 - Variable Pattern Studio Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Volstag on B&H Photo Video
Stock, the K2 is very thin sounding. If you've never used a quality mic before, you probably won't realize this. But you will realize how unrealistic everything sounds, as well as various other issues common to Rode mics. With a little modification, however, it will become a mic to compete with vintage classics. It takes more than just a new tube though. The tube is only one third or one quarter of the sound on this mic. The build quality is excellent. These are some of the finest tube mics being made. But you're not going to get that out of them without the upgrades. ... More
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Rode Does It Again
Rode K2 Variable-Pattern Tube Microphone
Reviewed by Dcisive on Guitar Center
The company that has gained a reputation for bringing top flight performance at beer budgets has not let us down. It has lower self noise than any tube mic 8 times it's price. It is very sensitive while offering the buttery smooth top end, open mids and tight as a drum bottom you would desire. A dynamic range to die for
Great for recording everything!
Rode K2 Variable-Pattern Tube Microphone
Reviewed by Russell on Guitar Center
I've used this mic for about 9-10 years now...from recording drums, vocals, acoustic guitar, guitar/bass cabs, wood winds, and even a soda can opening(the most crisp sounding thing I've heard in my life). It has a great mid low and low end response, great for instruments that lack a body sound naturally. But the Mids and Highs are captured great as well. I've used this mic in bedrooms, kitchens, outside, treated studio rooms... Two other musicians I introduced this too bought it online after seeing how great it was. The shock mount is great, the mic itself is a little heavy so its good to buy a sturdy heavy stand. The case does its job. The control box allows you to adjust how you want to capture the room..direct, omni, or just front/back and no sides...or you can blend them together! I can go on but thats the jist. ... More
The Rode K2 variable pattern valve Mic
Rode K2 Variable-Pattern Tube Microphone
Reviewed by Craig DuBuc on Guitar Center
The Rode K2 was everything I thought it would be. The variable pattern feature works quite well in defining spatial resonance. The valve action is seamless and completely natural in it's reproduction. For a small project studio it is the perfect all around mic for vocals, solo or duet,acoustic guitar and vocals, or picking up an entire jam session.
Warm tube sound
Rode K2 - Variable Pattern Studio Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Roget' on B&H Photo Video
I have only had the mic a short time and have used it exclusively for vocals. I can say that in that application I'm very happy with its warmth and polarity control. The dedicated power unit, shock-mount and carrying case are nice pieces of the package. I have two other Rode mics and have found them all to provide a great return on investment.
Power supply unit dead on arrival
Rode K2 - Variable Pattern Studio Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Tam on B&H Photo Video
I'm one of the unlucky ones who received a DOA power supply unit just before a long weekend. My recording plan is now in the trash. I guess from an engineering perspective, having the pattern control on the power unit make it a liability. No matter how good the mic itself is, if the build quality of the power supply unit is a mess, the whole system is a mess. In hindsight, I should have bought the Neumann TLM 102/103 instead. It's not a tube mic, but there are fewer parts that can go wrong.
A Little Beauty
RODE K2 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by John S. on Reverb
I'm very pleased with this mic. I've done two sessions with it and it has performed really well both times. I compared it with a top Austrian mic before the last vocal session to give the performer an opportunity to choose and in a blind test 2 people said the Rode had a quality that was audible - I agreed; there is a transience and balance to this mic that you don't have to do a lot to make it sound really top class. Nice one Rode.
Great value
RODE K2 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Alex S. on Reverb
Tube mics are usually very expensive, and this one is incredibly good value in addition to sounding great. Adds a bit of tube warmth that you won't get with a standard LDC. A specialist moreso than a generalist, this mic sounds great on certain vocals, but tubes aren't for everything. I've had a lot of success using this mic for vocals and even as a room mic for drums.
King of all budget Mic's
Rode K2 - Variable Pattern Studio Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by J.Gich on B&H Photo Video
This Mic sounds great and hands down in my opinion its the King of all Mic's when your on a budget. Sounds really good with the Universal Audio Solo 610 preamp. Best bang for the buck. Just get it !! You wont regret it.
Seller Review
RODE K2 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Ron L. on Reverb
While I had forgotten how problematic tube mics and their tubes can be, I give the seller my highest review. I will say this is the best sounding mic I've ever heard but when the tube dies during a performance I cannot afford the headache.
Changed the tube
RODE K2 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Matt S. on Reverb
Right away I swapped the tube for a NOS amperex. It sounds awesome on vocals. Very balanced and with a nice top end. I used it as a mono overhead in omni and it sounds really open but kind of dark... ribbon like.
It took way too long to be shipped.
RODE K2 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Carlos Z. on Reverb
It took way too long to be shipped. The conditions of the mic are not that great. It was listed as used, but it looks like it has been beat a lot. On the overall, I just think it was quite expensive, taking in consideration the conditions of the mic.
Rode K2
RODE K2 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Tom W. on Reverb
Really nice on acoustic guitar and vox. I have a pair with NOS Amperex tubes and just love them! My favorite for recording acoustic is with the K2 positioned over the top of the bout (by your right ear) in combo with an SDC at the 12th fret.
A great mic for male vox and drums, acoustic guitar
RODE K2 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Matthew M. on Reverb
So far this mic makes a real substantial improvement to my recordings. I love it, it adds a pleasant depth to the source and is very versatile.
This microphone is the shit
RODE K2 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Mirabel C. on Reverb
This microphone is awesome. It has a really good clean sound. The frequency response for omnidirectional is the best, but cardiod still sounds amazing.
Great sound... great price
RODE K2 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Ryan C. on Reverb
If you want to make recordings that will last forever- use the rode k2 tube mic. Great clarity and quality. You don’t have much to master with this mic. Great buy!
