I can't believe i'm saying this about my K2 mic but..

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 10:31 am

I havent had much success with my K2 on vocals. I had much better results with my studio projects C1. The K2 just doesnt pop out and sound as full at the same time as the C1. I have to EQ the crap out the K2 track to make it stand out. with the c1, not necessary. I sent out my K2 to rode to see if it needed a repair it just didnt sound right. they did confirm themic wasnt up to spec and replaced the tube and claimed that resolved the problem. I'm still not sold. (Any K2 owners in massachusetts want to stop by my place and do an a/b? Very Happy

)

But like a retard that I am, I sold the C1 the same time I got the K2. Also, I find dealing with lugigng around the big k2 case is an extgra burden when doing location stuff.

Anyways, I need a new vocal mic. My really want a mic with pad, hi pass filters, and 3 patterns. And that brings me to a few options like the rode nt2-a or the sp c3. (But im afraid the nt2-a will sound like theK2 i have.)

advice needed. thanks

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 10:58 am

I have a pair of NT2000s and am very happy with the sound of the mics. What kind of preamp are you using?

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 12:42 pm

im using mackie onyxs

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 2:25 pm

Is it time to move up to a Neumann? Have your ears progressed to the point that nothing else will do?

Used U87's arent really that much more than a new Soundelux 195 or something comparable.

Just my $1.37.

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 4:42 pm

Like Dave said, U87's are killer for vocal tracks. When I need one I have been renting one. Great way to try a mic before drop'n the bucks on one.

This is another mic for you to think about. GT40 Studio Tube Condenser.
Groove Tube makes a pretty good mic for one made in China. I just used one for a couple of weeks in my home studio and was very pleased.
Cut vocal tracks and acoustic guitar . Female and male vox. I like it just about as good as anything that i've ever used. It didn't set well with my wife's voice thought, Oh well.

It has a pad. It has interchangable capsules for multiple patterns. And a Hi pass filter. (This mic will colour the sound.)

Peace...............Scoobie

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 9:27 pm

Schmuck, I think your K2 is a tube microphone? It's not supposed to be bright and crispy, it's supposed to be soft and mushy. It's not a U 47. If you want a microphone with plenty of presence and a nice high frequency airy sound, get yourself a small diaphragm condenser microphone. And the next time you want something smooth and luscious, you sold that microphone also. Tsk tsk tsk, you should have listened to your mother.

Smart old woman
Ms. Remy Ann David

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 10:25 pm

Quote:

nt2-a will sound like theK2

Hardly, they might share capsules, but the tube vs fet makes
it vastly different.
Analogous to the difference between a U47, and a U87.

I like the NT2-A better than the C1, I bought a pair
specifically for Mid-Side micing of walla, but they do very well on
voice. Cant speak for instruments ( I do TV Post)

Remy, most of us (male of the species) have lost our Schmucks right after birth!!! Shocked

Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 7:49 am

RemyRAD wrote:

Schmuck, I think your K2 is a tube microphone?

A moderator calling people schmucks?!?! Nice Rolling Eyes

Quote:

It's not supposed to be bright and crispy, it's supposed to be it's supposed to be soft and mushy

You mean like a C12?

Quote:

It's not a U 47.

Another soft and mushy tube mic, right?

Quote:

If you want a microphone with plenty of presence and a nice high frequency airy sound, get yourself a small diaphragm condenser microphone.

You're just plain silly......and dispense ridiculous advice, at least this time (I never read any of your other 1.5k posts)

Quote:

And the next time you want something smooth and luscious, you sold that microphone also.

Yeah, well.........as much as I like the Rode company, I can see where someone would be underwhelmed by the K2. I know, I sold mine.....and haven't regretted it for a second.

It's not that it's a bad mic, it just wasn't what I wanted at the time nor what I expected. In fact, I preferred the NTK (oooop, I sold that too).

In all, I think the K2 is a solid as a tank mic that has it's own sound, which is indeed, a bit soft. Typically, I find mics like that can take EQ well and be a bit Chameleon-like. It seems to be a mic that people have a love-hate relationship with, as witrnessed here.

Quote:

Tsk tsk tsk, you should have listened to your mother.

Smart-assed old woman
Ms. Remy Ann David

Yep.

Stickers, here's my recommendation to you.
Try out a OktavaMod modded MK319 or MK219.

Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 3:09 pm

Mad, whats the mod on the oktavas?

Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 7:57 pm

The Mod on the Oktava MK319............

That's where they make the signal path in the wiring from the capsule to the attenuation switch's shorter to improve high frequency detail.

They also remove one of the head basket screens. There is more to it than that, but thats all I remember.

OktavaMod is a company in itself. They are a Oktava dealer now.

Peace..............Scoobie

Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2006 11:36 pm

stickers wrote:

Mad, whats the mod on the oktavas?

There are different mods.
The standard is a physical mod with the headbasket and damping of the mic and capsule. The premium electronics completely replaces all of the electronics.

They are truly excellent sounding mics and very well worth a try.
I have tried three other mics and they are all good.
The MK105 has more high end and could be right for you too.
I will tell you they are not your father's Oktavas.
They are made very nicely and OktavaMod takes them to a different level.

Contact Micheal Joly. I'm sure he'll give you great advice and service.

Posted: Sat Oct 28, 2006 12:23 am

I also own a K2, and ever since I started recording vocals using an Earthworks QTC40, well, I’ll never turn back. It has to be the easiest mic to EQ and all the frequencies are simply present and “in your face” so to speak. If anything, I’ll run a nice tube mic alongside the QTC40 and use what I need, when I need it. Just another 62 cents worth.

Posted: Sat Oct 28, 2006 8:29 pm

Well if you liked the C1 (I have one-DO like it), you'll love the new C1. Little hotter, silkier highs and smoother bottom end. I think it's designated C1V2 (original!). Try the Studio Projects homepage for more info...JMHO.

Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 10:22 am

I like my K2. The tube has been switched to a Mullard NOS and is still not 'in your face' but I love it for many things.

My OktavaMod MK-219 with Premium Electronics is much more 'in your face' but in a very beautiful way.

Both are great values.

Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 5:53 pm

stickers wrote:

Anyways, I need a new vocal mic. My really want a mic with pad, hi pass filters, and 3 patterns. And that brings me to a few options like the rode nt2-a or the sp c3. (But im afraid the nt2-a will sound like theK2 i have.)

What's your budget?
It's hard to beat NT2-As at the price. The top end is not like the K2, and the self-noise has to be heard (or rather not heard) to be believed.

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