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When buying a new microphone, there are tons of factors that you’ll need to consider before biting the bullet. Polar patterns, frequency response, sensitivity, and sample rates are all specs that every buyer needs to know, but one thing that many people seem to forget is that where your microphone is made is just as important as what it can do.
In this case, Australian brand Rode (stylized as RØDE) knows exactly what it’s doing. Nowadays, it’s popular for many microphone brands to outsource their production and manufacturing to China, which is often the cheaper and quicker option. Rode’s been there and done that, with several quality mics to show for it. But in the last few years, the company has chosen to shift all its manufacturing to Australia, using state-of-the-art automation to produce its new mics.
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 update mic. For a full look at what this microphone can offer, take a look at this Rode NT2A review below.
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About the Rode NT2-A Microphone
Acoustic Principle | Pressure Gradient |
Polar Patterns | Cardioid, Figure-of-eight, Omnidirectional |
Frequency Range | 20Hz – 20kHz |
Output Impedance | 200 ohms |
Maximum SPL | 147 dB SPL |
The Rode NT2-A is a prime example of Rode going bigger and better, and not just in price. When compared with popular offerings like the Rode NT1-A, the Rode NT 2 A has increased versatility with its three polar patterns (cardioid, figure-of-eight, and omnidirectional), allowing you to use it in more recording situations. It also comes with a three position variable high-pass filter (Flat, 40Hz, or 80Hz), as well as a three position pad (0dB, -5dB, -10dB).
As a high quality, dual-diaphragm condenser, the Rode NT2-A is able to give you 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 right at the mic.
It also comes with the SM6 shock mount, a dust cover, microphone cable, an a downloadable instructional video featuring Grammy-nominated sound engineer and producer John Merchant.
Rode NT2-A Microphone Pros
The Rode NT2-A is designed to do away with any sound engineer’s headaches. Its sound is classy and richly natural without artificial coloration, and handles most instruments with ease. It’s fantastically quiet, with a low noise floor that can’t be beat by any other mic in its price range. It has incredible technical specs, and a versatility that makes it the darling of any recording studio.
New Levels of Design
The Rode NT2-A was designed to not only give an excellent recording performance, but to do it as quietly as possible. It’s one of the quietest mics at its price range, with an equivalent input noise of just 7dBA, but even so no sound quality is sacrificed. Its low noise level means that you can easily record quieter instruments as long as you have the right preamp. It has a maximum SPL of up to 157dB with the 10dB pad engaged, meaning it won’t waver or distort with louder performances.
Smooth, Neutral Sound
In terms of sound, the Road NT2 A is delightfully unobtrusive, providing a smooth, balanced tone all across the spectrum. Its top ends are detailed but not harsh, and on the lower end this mic has a depth of sound that’s solid without being too heavy. The NT2A’s presence peak is subtle and brings out an incredible range of detail that many other mics in the same range are unable to capture. While its tonality will change slightly depending on the polar pattern selected, its cardioid in particular is reasonably airy even when compared with the more open omnidirectional pattern.
How to Record Rode NT2A to PC?
Like many condenser microphones, the Rode NT2A connects to phantom power via an XLR cable. In order to connect your NT2A microphone to your computer, you’ll need an audio interface that includes at least one microphone preamp input with phantom power. This interface can then be connected to your computer through a USB cord.
Why Isn't My Rode NT2A Working?
If your microphone doesn’t seem to be responding, first check if your phantom power supply is connected and turned on at your mixer. If it is and your NT2A still isn’t working, you can then try a different lead, another channel on your mixer, or different speakers or headphones in case the problem isn’t caused by the microphone. Should the problem persist, you should then contact your distributor or Rode’s technical support team.
Rode NT2A How Stand?
If you’re looking to use your Rode NT2A in a studio setting or suspended over your desktop, you’ll need to purchase a mic stand that can handle the microphone’s weight. The NT2A comes in at approximately 860g, or around 2 lbs.
Complementing Every Voice
With its smooth, neutral sound and incredible noise level, the Rode NT2A is the perfect mic for capturing the subtleties of the human voice. A favorite for many recording studios across the world, the NT2A has a subtle character that’s able to capture sound with richness and depth without caricaturizing it. Its three polar patterns mean that you can use it in a variety of recording settings, and it’s sure to perform incredibly whether it’s capturing a soloist or an entire chorus.
What People Are Saying
The Rode NT2A is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that offers users incredible range, flexibility, and versatility. With its three polar patterns and fantastically low self-noise, it’s a microphone that flatters any voice in any recording situation. Its clean, classy sound and frequency range make it a favorite for recording studios and sound engineers everywhere.
Where to Buy the Rode NT2A Microphone
With its superior design and electronics, the Rode NT2A proves that Rode is always looking to go bigger and better. If you’re looking for a mic that’s versatile while maintaining incredible quality of sound, then you won’t want to go home without an NT2A. Find the best deals for the Rode NT2A Microphone here.
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