Rode NT2-A

Rode NT2-A, the first Australian-made Rode condenser microphone

Between dynamic microphone , USB microphone and condenser microphone, I choose the Rode NT2-A . However, it is not always easy to make the right choice. Indeed, we often ask ourselves a lot of questions to find the best omnidirectional or cardioid microphone on the market.

We all want to have a microphone connected to a speaker that offers excellent sound recording.

In order to satisfy you, manufacturers of dynamic and condenser microphones like Rode want to offer excellent ranges of professional microphones while making some savings. They want to stand out from the market with models of recording equipment with unparalleled sound pressure for less money.

As a better alternative, Rode has long chosen condenser microphones from China. In this way, the brand was able to meet the needs of many singers, beginner guitarists and voice-over recorders in Europe.

However, despite the growing success of the condenser microphone supplier brand, they are simply not satisfied with the results. Apparently, Rode could no longer be satisfied with single diaphragm models under phantom power (Phantom) with anti-pop filter.

To stand out from the competition, she decided to design a brand new professional microphone model: the Rode NT2-A microphone .

Rode NT2-A, a better designed studio microphone

Compared to Rode's other mics, the NT2-A seems to have very different characteristics. Indeed, when comparing the Rode NT1 and the NT2, I notice several important differences. In every case, the shotgun microphone stands out from the others by its Australian origins.

For years, Rode has been satisfied with Chinese standards in the design of microphone booms, micro-USBs and microphone holders.

This time, the brand wants to focus its choice more towards a more professional type of microphone.

The Rode NT2-A focuses more on a finer electrical signal and high vibrations . Its handling noises are reduced as much as possible while respecting better controlled and therefore stricter manufacturing quality. The sound and bass waves obtained by dynamic transformation respond to a higher frequency curve.

Also, the condenser microphone stands out from other Rode microphones by its design and finishes. The Rode NT2-A is a hand-held microphone designed with advanced machinery for the benefit of the Chinese workforce. In the end, I benefit from a recording boom microphone better designed to better meet all my requirements.

A remarkable machined metal design

For as long as I can remember, I haven't really appreciated the quality of finish of Rode studio microphones. When I saw the design of the Rode NT2-A, I immediately changed my mind.

A priori, the condenser microphone offers a much more thoughtful visual than its predecessors . This will give you less distortion and higher audio quality.

The problem with most home studio microphones is that they vibrate when touched. Indeed, as you get closer to acoustic instruments, you feel static vibrations in your fingertips.

These vibrations come from the sound pressure at the level of the diaphragm at low frequencies under the influence of electronic current. The intensity of the perceived sound source probably depends on the preamp , the impedance of the circuit and the distance between the case and the capsules.

The further the pattern coil moves away from the capsule, the greater the attenuation and the background noise reduced to a minimum. The design of the Rode NT2-A dynamic audio interface microphone meets precisely this expectation.

Thus, the sensitivity of the mic is reduced to the analog state under a shell of robust metal construction. Minimalist, the acoustic guitar microphone meets design standards established by a sound engineer.

You benefit from a factory-cast solid metal interface, delicately polished to amplify the dynamics of the monitor sounds. A steel grid is added at the level of the capsule to ensure good thermal protection of your studio equipment .

Superior quality nickel plating

A point that I do not forget to specify, just like the Rode NT-USB , the Rode NT2-A benefits from quality nickel plating to best reduce the acoustic and acute resonances of its transformer. In addition to having a highly functional microphone, it also comes with a locking ring and some optimal buttons.

Rode NT2-A, easy-to-use studio equipment with three polar patterns

Like the Blue Yeti or the Yeti microphone, the Rode NT2-A can condense on three levels of directivity . A priori, it can capture and filter three operating modes in parallel. omnidirectional, bidirectional or cardioid frequency response .

You can therefore play on different ranges of sound sources and electrical signal using its high frequency moving coil. Moreover, the percussions retained are personalized according to the type of recording of the voice.

In front of the condenser microphones, I notice the presence of an electrical signal created between the material plate and the membrane. This symmetrical electric field is obtained by phantom type power supply using a microphone cable or a mixing board.

We will mainly talk about external power supply. The Rode NT2-A microphone is no exception to this rule. Indeed, its frequency response depends on a wired connector/connector and can be placed on a microphone stand. So you are free to pick up the microphone and place it on the basic equipment of your recording studio.

In my case, I particularly appreciate it for its ease of use on an Electronics tripod and its level of multi-directional percussion.

Easily adjustable sound pickup

In the sense that powering the dynamics of a studio requires a quality microphone, the Rode NT2-A meets all sound requirements.

In principle, it allows personalized voice recording from the windshield and bandwidth, without an external sound card. I take the microphone, I adjust it as it should and it begins to capture the sounds produced in voice-over or podcast .

Apparently I can set its high pass filter to three levels: neutral, 40 Hz, 80 Hz. I can also set the PAD to: 0, -5 or -10 dB after I take care to plug the boom under -electrical power supply.

Regarding the electrostatic connection of the condenser microphone, I need a 48 V phantom power supply. So, if you are used to only using a USB cable for your headphones, you are forced to change your habits with this last.

The use of this vocal transformer requires a mixing console available. You can also use an external amplifier connected by Bluetooth.

Unparalleled audio quality

Zoom in on the response curve of the Rode NT2-A microphone and its audio quality. Above all, I notice a stereo ribbon of the same quality as that of Neumann microphones .

Indeed, its level of static and acoustic pressure far exceeds the standard of devices on the sound market. In any case, its golden price is well worth it if I refer to the quality of the sounds captured .

To get the Rode NT2-A, I have to spend a little more than buying an NT1 or NT2. However, I have no regrets with what the Australian-made microphone with metal interfaces promises.

With the numerous electrostatic field settings achievable , I benefit from more than 27 stereo customization possibilities. This is all the more appreciable knowing that it can be adjusted using only 3 buttons on its rigid chrome shell.

Basically, the sound your NT2-A microphone produces remains neutral and even in cardioid mode. Therefore, it can compare well with the best large diaphragm condenser microphones. Behind your headphones, you witness high-quality natural sound recording to obtain optimal results.

As an acoustic guitar voice pickup, the NT2-A delivers professional sound wave performance . Its way of capturing acoustic waves therefore largely meets the expectations of professional guitarists and voice-over artists.

And as for its directivity in directional mode, the tone obtained changes slightly, but basically remains more discreet and more appreciable.

Rode NT2-A, a discreet, less noisy microphone

In the range of low noise condenser microphones, the Rode NT2-A remains the best recording studio equipment . Apparently, it offers an input noise of 7 dBA, less than 10 dBA compared to other classic microphones. Regarding its Signal/Noise ratio, you benefit from a variable range of 87 dB at 1 kHz maximum, even at max SPL.

And to take stock of its frequency response, it varies from 20 Hz to 20 kHz depending on the sound waves and the sound card.

Note : You can also check out our full test and review of the Rode Procaster . This guide presents the technical specifications, sound quality, proximity effect, verdict, and reviews of this condenser microphone.

The technical characteristics of the Rode NT2-A

• Manufacturing: Australian
• Polar pattern: omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional
• Finish: metal construction
• XLR connector
• High pass filter: between 40 and 80 Hz
• Attenuation: -5 and -10 Db
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sound pressure: 147 – 157 dB
• Sound sensitivity: -36 dB
• Impedance: 200 Ohms
• Weight: 860g

Our opinion on the Rode NT2-A

The Rode NT2-A condenser microphone remains excellent studio equipment for any profile of voice-over recorders. Offering 3 different levels of directivity allows it to meet all studio recording expectations. You also benefit from an Australian-made chrome finish and optimal reduction of background noise.

Rode NT2-A Demo

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