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

Product Information

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. 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.

At the heart of the NT2-A is the Australian designed and manufactured HF1 dual diaphragm capsule. The frequency and transient response of this transducer has been voiced to complement today's modern recording techniques, and yet still evoke the silky smooth character of the legendary microphones of the 50's and 60's. These features provide the flexibility and superlative audio characteristics that make the NT2-A one of the most versatile condenser mics available. SpecificationsCardioid provides you with a tight-focused sound. This is brilliant for when you're working in a busy environment, minimising the risk of unwanted noise and ambiences. Figure 8 is a great option for when you're recording multiple voices, capturing audio from the front and rear only. Omnidirectional mode provides a wholly natural sound, capturing every nuance of the space you're recording in. This is also brilliant for reducing proximity effect when close-mic'ing a source. 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. 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 frequency response of the mic, with no low-cut switches engaged, runs down to below 20Hz and extends to in excess of 20kHz, with a moderate presence rise above around 3kHz rolling off again above 15-16kHz. The mic is also pretty sensitive, yielding -36dB (reference 1V/Pa), and the dynamic range is an incredible 140dB with a maximum output level before clipping of some +16dBu. So far, then, the NT2A looks impressive, both mechanically and electrically, but the really important thing about any mic is how it sounds. In Use It is honest enough to fit snugly into various specific areas where its undeniable high-mid lift is a pronounced advantage. 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.

The figure-of-eight position has nominally the same tonality as the cardioid pattern, but switching to omni allows more of the room sound to contribute, so in most cases the tonality will change according to the character of the room you're working in. As expected, the omni pattern sounds slightly more open, but in cardioid mode the NT2A's design is still pretty airy, whereas some cardioids can sound noticeably congested. A switch on the mic body enabled either a high-pass filter, or a -10dB pad, or neither. The HPF is reportedly noisy, due to the way it is implemented.

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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 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.

The Rode NT2-A is a prime example of Rode mics 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).

Reviews

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? Just when you thought all the bargain mics came from the former Eastern Bloc countries, the Australians turn up a bargain of their own. Paul White decides whether it's as good as their wine or merely as good as Neighbours. Where the NT2-A beats the SM7B is in its self-noise. Being a dynamic microphone, requires much more gain to achieve a signal like that of the NT2-A, meaning there must a careful consideration of preamps or gain boosters. To read more on condensers vs dynamics see our head-to-head. Preamp Combos