Rhodes NT2 Large Diaphragm Conderser Mike

The R0DE NT2 is and Australian-made large diaphragm condenser mic which is supplied with it's own shock mount (you should always use a shock mount with this type of microphone when recording vocals).

I bought it primarily for recording vocals and acoustic guitar. After I used it a few times I found that the sound was a little "toppy" if the singer has a high and bright voice but this can be compisated for with the use of some EQ to bring the top down a little you could also use a tube pre-amp if you have one. If you are using digital recording then using a tube warmer something like the PSP vintage warmer, will assist with this issue.

It has cardoid and omni patterns which work well, as a vocal mike on cardoid it recorded well apart from the high end and was well worth the price I paid, it also make an excellent room mike if you are recording a full band or as an overhead for drum recoding. You need to be careful how you use this mike as it can sound a little "thin" if recording a whole group at the same time.

When applying any effect to a female voice you need to be carfull as this mike give such a bright sound that the effect can easily "ring and sing" at the top end giving a very harsh metallic sound, when using effects use a high cut if available wich will assist you in keeping the top end under control.

If you were to compare this mike to a high end Neumann i.e. the U87 then it would sound weak and thin if not treated properly, but then again the Neumann will set you back around £1400 so a little EQ and be carfull with you recordings and you will be fine.

The bass rolloff is really useful and will allow a vocalist to get right on top of the mike and sing quietly giving great expression to the number.

The mike is very well constructed although I have mine in a smoke free studio all the time but it still sounds as good today as it did 2 years ago.