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Condenser microphones are the top choice of gear in recording studios. They are mostly used to record voice-overs, singing, or any kind of work that requires the human voice. Aside from recording vocals. condenser microphones are also used to cleanly record acoustic instruments. Condenser mics provide excellent sound quality, capturing details that other microphones cannot.
On the other hand, tube microphones aren’t much on people’s radars these days due to their unique structure and usage. Tube microphones make use of a vacuum tube inside to convert sound into data. Most tube mics require relatively high power, so they’re designed with an external power supply unit. One of the most recent tube microphones in the market is the Rode NTK. Let’s take a closer look at this classic microphone and see what it has in store for you.
Manufacturer | Røde |
Model Name | NTK |
Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
Sensitivity | 38dB at 1kHz |
Maximum SPL | 12dB (A weighted) |
Product Dimension and Weight | 8.1 x 2.1 inches 1.67 lbs. |
The Rode NTK is an exceptional condenser microphone that’s designed to provide detail and warmth in the studio. As expected from Rode, the body of this microphone alone already tells you how high-quality it is. The NTK has a body made of premium metal and a satin nickel finish. Its grille mesh has all the right openings, ensuring that you’re able to easily deal with breath and sibilance issues quickly. This mic has a heft to it, and you can immediately feel its durable build quality once it’s in your hands.
Rode has equipped the NTK with several features that make it a superbly reliable device. Aside from its high-end design and astounding durability, here are some more of the NTK’s highlights:
The NTK has a large 1-inch gold-plated diaphragm, making voices and instruments sound rich and warm. It’s equipped with a hand-selected twin-triode 6922 valve, resulting in a natural sound that’s full-bodied, stunning, and has a touch of a vintage vibe. Rode has described the audio quality of the NTK as bringing together the best of class and modern sonic worlds. The NTK can bring out the personality of your voice and elevate every detail in a crisp and clear manner.
As mentioned earlier, tube microphones require a high power output to run their active components. The Rode NTK is no exception to that, which is why this microphone ships out with its own dedicated power supply unit. Equipped on the unit is a status LED that helps you keep track of the power. Another item included in the package is a 30-foot long XLR cable, allowing you to link the NTK with the power supply unit.
The Rode NTK is described by many people as one of the quietest microphones in the market. This mic has less than 12dBA self-noise, allowing you to record without any interference from the mic itself. This is all thanks to its dedicated power supply unit and the excellent shock mounting of its internal HF-2 capsule. The NTK also has a sensitive Class-A circuitry that rejects RF interference from other electronics, thereby giving it a wide dynamic range. Moreover, the NTK can handle a high SPL of 158dB, meaning it won’t buzz out or give feedback even when you record a rap or rock track.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔ Ideal for guitar amps and loud sound sources ✔ A large-diaphragm condenser microphone with a small capsule ✔ No phantom power required ✔ Has excellent self-noise level | ✖️ Expensive |
Industry-leading brand Rode is well-known for its high-quality microphones, including the Rode NTK. This tube microphone delivers an exceptional sound quality that can rival other sought-after vintage microphones. With its 1-inch large gold-plated diaphragm and a polarized capsule with a twin-triode tube, the NTK offers a sound that’s rich, warm, detailed, and full of personality, especially when it comes to vocals.
It’s highly capable of handling a variety of studio applications, as well as recording acoustic instruments, all with a precise and clear sound. While it may be on the higher end of the price scale, the NTK is an outstanding microphone that’s well worth the investment as it can serve you well for a long time.
If you’re looking for a microphone that offers a first-rate sound and can stand the test of time, consider equipping your studio with the Rode NTK. To purchase this microphone, hop on over to Amazon to get the best deals and prices!
Considering other microphone brands? Have a look at our guide to the best microphones for voiceovers right here.
The Røde NTK is a microphone that truly excels when capturing guitar amps and other loud sound sources, making it an ideal choice for musicians and audio enthusiasts alike.
This large-diaphragm condenser microphone features a small capsule design, allowing it to capture intricate details and subtle nuances with exceptional precision.
One notable advantage is its independence from phantom power, eliminating the need for additional equipment and simplifying the setup process.
Furthermore, the Røde NTK boasts an outstanding self-noise level, ensuring crystal-clear recordings even in the most demanding and quietest passages.
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