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RØDE NT2-A Versatile Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Switchable Polar Pattern, Pad and High-pass Filter for Vocal and Instrument Recording

£154.5£309.00Clearance
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To maximize clarity when using the NT2-A, it is worth considering a reflection filter. We discuss this in full in our reflection filter test. Getting the Most with EQ I also cut slightly at 500Hz as my tests were conducted facing a noisy window, therefore I recorded close to the mic to maximize signal level and minimize noise by using less gain. This left me with a bit too much warmth in the mids due to the frequency response peak. The mic’s pad and HPF features are built on a small round PCB with the switches. The image at right identifies the capsule wire connection points. The NT2-A is an all-round winner that's versatile enough to take on the innumerable miking tasks that the world presents." Audio Technology Features

As a high-quality, dual-diaphragm condenser, the Rode NT2-A is able to give you the maximum flexibility in terms of recording. It’s designed to have an incredibly low noise performance, and its many features offer the control and versatility that other mics may struggle with. Its high pass filters and pad are all incorporated into the body, allowing for easy, convenient switching at the mic. The Rode NT2 was a large-diaphragm FET condenser. The most common version of the NT2 used a transformerless circuit adapted from the Schoeps design by Jim Williams, The NT1 and NT2 were companion microphones with similar circuits and similar sound; the primary difference was that the NT2 had an Omni/Cardioid polar pattern switch. While many companies are building mics in China, or simply importing standard Chinese models badged with their company names, Rode can honestly say that they've been there and done that — and moved on. They were probably the first successful mic company to use Chinese manufacturing, but over the past couple of years they've finished moving all their manufacturing to Australia, where state-of-the-art automated machines and circuit-board assembly devices have taken over from cheap labour. Even parts of the capsule manufacture traditionally done by hand are carried out using high-precision machines. Doing things this way means you have to sell a lot of mics to make the sums add up, but Rode have gained a strong reputation for building high-quality mics at medium to low prices, so that doesn't seem to be a problem for them. From NT2 To NT2AThe NT2 seemed a little more sensitive than my other large-diaphragm models, and the transformerless design certainly translated into a more detailed sound at the high-frequency end of the spectrum. The Rode NT2-A is the only microphone you'll ever need. You’re guaranteed total flexibility thanks to the inclusion of three polar patterns. Each one provides the ideal choice for recording vocals, instruments, strings, percussion, and so much more. I have studied almost every test and review of Rode NT2-A before buying it. In my opinion, this is a best choice for this price range, at least in 2015. I was thinking about buying AT 4040 but Rode NT2-A had several advantages: So, onto the review. The NT2A does exactly what I wanted. My vocals sound great with this mic. I’m guessing that it boosts a little to give some presence and so it’s not dead flat, but it’s a very musical sound. It’s also very very quiet and does not introduce any noise into the recording. I can really crank the gain and record at a distance from the mic and there is no hiss at all which makes it very easy to use. MY aim in buying this was to get something that I would not need to upgrade, and I think I have succeeded. I don’t think I’m going to need to change this unless I win the lottery and equipment envy gets the better of me. When it comes to editing the recorded vocals, the first step is knowing your microphone. The next step is working to compliment the recorded voice. While this section will explain an approach to getting the most out of vocals on NT2-A with EQ, it is important to note that this is specific to my voice, and every voice will need treating a little differently.

Rather than just update the design of the original NT2, the NT2A looks radically different to its predecessor, with a very distinctive inset panel housing the pattern, filter, and pad switches. It's also very different inside. This FET, transformerless mic can be switched between figure-of-eight, omni, and cardioid modes, and has a choice of 80Hz or 40Hz low-cut filter frequencies as well as a filter-bypass switch position. Similarly, there's a choice of 5dB or 10dB pads.The Rode NT2-A is the fruit of that labor, so to speak. The successor to the wildly successful Rode NT2, which was the last microphone Rode had made in China, the NT2A is a radically new approach to what made the NT2 so popular. The Rode NT2 A was designed with brand-new housing and features, making it more than just an updated mic. For a full look at what this microphone can offer, take a look at this Rode NT2A review below. It is honest enough to fit snugly into various specific areas where its undeniable high-mid lift is a pronounced advantage. This is a great one for both vocals and guitar. It is very sensitive (like all high quality large d. mics) so there is a certain need of room acoustic treatment, unless you already own a studio. There is another way though, I have used EQ Acoustics Classic Wedge 30 to absorb reflections in my self made vocal booth (its similar to closet with open doors). My SM58 gets a little noisy when I drive it hard to get a decent vocal level and I was really looking for something to give me an equivalent sound but with less noise. Also something that I could use to record the acoustic guitar which would let me push the levels when recording. Please note that this extended warranty is currently only available on products sold within the UK, EU or EEA, and is subject to the terms and conditions as detailed on the extended warranty certificate provided.

As for sound quality - the recording is a little better I heard only at the Neumann microphones and old ribbon microphones - but it is another price category... The cable and pop filter that cames in set are okay! Very convenient when everything is sold in one set. I'd always thought of the Australians as being proudly original — so why have they styled this mic after Neumann's U87? I know there are only so many shapes you can make a mic, but to copy somebody else's cosmetics so blatantly is almost like shouting out loud that you're producing a cheap copy. However, having taken the mic apart, I have to say that it's very nicely put together, and the satin chrome casework is quite solid; the whole thing weighs 530 grammes. The frequency response also plays a part in sound characteristics, such as the peak at 500Hz warming the mids. At 5kHz there is a peak which increases sibilance in vocal recording and at 10kHz the air of the sound is boosted. It is worth mentioning how the NT2-A works when paired with different preamps. For this test, I have used the Yamaha D-PRE, and Focusrite Analogue preamps found in the Steinberg UR22mkii, and the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 2 nd gen respectively.

Specifications

Evidently, the NT2-A is presented as a refinement upon RØDE’s long line of condenser microphones. It’s 1” diaphragm being a hallmark of the company, but how does it vary from previous models?

If an item can not be repaired, a similar alternative product or cash discount (as defined in this policy) will be offered The sound of Rode NT2-A is similar to 900 EUR+ Neumann models, although high freqs slightly lie to achieve that. But that lie is not that obvious as in case of Rode NT1-A. AT4040 high freq. seem to sound "true", but the "lie" of Rode NT2-A makes the sound more "crystal". Anyway, both mics sound great and allow your recording to sound pro. The specs for the mic changed over its lifetime; for example, the self-noise ranged from “<14dBA” to 17dBA. Max SPL ranged from 130 dB to 135 dB (or 145 with the pad). Whether these changes were due to circuitry improvements or test methodology changes is unknown.The NT2-A offers a frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz, and a dynamic response of 140dB meaning it is more than capable of capturing natural and clear sounding vocals in a podcasting scenario. These two factors complement one another, with the peak at 10kHz being justified when factoring in the slow transient response dulling any potential harshness. El NT2-A es un micrófono de condensador de estudio de diafragma grande muy versátil diseñado para ofrecer calidad de audio totalmente nítida y flexibilidad en la misma medida. Con una atenuación de tres posiciones (0 dB, –5 dB, –10 dB), filtro de paso alto (plano, 40 Hz, 80 Hz) y control de patrón polar (cardioide, omnidireccional, figura de 8), puede adaptarse de forma sencilla a cualquier situación de grabación en el estudio. El NT2-A dispone de una cápsula de condensador cardioide doble de 1 pulgada con pulverización de oro, con soporte antivibraciones interno, y proporciona un ruido propio ultrabajo y respuesta en toda la gama de frecuencias, evocando el carácter suave y sedoso de los legendarios micrófonos de los años 50 y 60. Características principales:• Micrófono de condensador de estudio de gran diafragma multipatrón. A while ago when I worked in a studio I borrowed a number of different mics, AKG 414, Neumann U87 and did some A/B testing on my voice to see which worked best. A Shure SM58 in this context was the equal of everything else and that is what I normally use, live and for recording. However, the Gear4music extended warranty scheme provides an enhanced service, and is designed to offer a higher level of protection than many 'free' warranties offered by some retailers and manufacturers.

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