Item: Rode NT2-A Studio Solution Set
Price: £219 (UK), $399 (US)
Quick Singer Assessment:
The Rode NT2-A Studio Solution Set is ideal for users who only want to buy one microphone for their home studio, but it does require a separate pre-amp, which may discourage some from buying.
At a Glance
The Rode NT2-A Studio Solution Set is aimed at home studio users wanting to make good quality recordings of vocals and instruments. As well as a Rode NT2-A large diaphragm condenser microphone, the set includes a deluxe shock-mount with integrated pop filter, a 6m XLR cable, a storage bag and a tutorial DVD to help you get started. The package comes with a 10 year warranty and it requires that you have a microphone pre-amp with phantom power.
High Notes
The NT2-A is switchable between omni, figure of eight and cardioid patterns. It has a variable hi-pass filter (flat, 40Hz or 80Hz), and pad switch for louder sources. This provides it with good flexibility for recording a range of sources, making it ideal for users who only want to buy one microphone for their home studio. Its full frequency range (20Hz-20kHz) and fairly neutral sound with subtle presence peak should work well on most voices as well as being able to successfully record acoustic guitars and pianos. The included shock-mount and pop filter work well and it is solidly built for years of use.
Off Pitch
As the NT2-A requires a separate preamplifier, some users with tight budgets may be more inclined to go for a USB powered microphone instead (although it is worth noting that a separate mic and preamp combination will generally produce higher quality results than a USB powered mic). Also, some singers may prefer a microphone with more obvious character and colouration for their vocal recordings.
Audio-Savvy Reviewer Says…
If you are looking for your first studio microphone then the NT2-A Studio Solution Pack offers excellent value for money. It provides great sound quality and enough flexibility to cope with most recording situations. The microphone has an impressive signal-to-noise ratio, meaning that even the quietest of singers should be able to get good results with it – producing recordings that sound natural and uncolored. If you have a more sizeable budget there are better mics out there, but if you are looking for a mic to record great tracks at home for under $400, the NT2-A Recording set is hard to beat. – Chris Kennedy
Manufacturer’s Website: http://www.rodemic.com
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Chris Kennedy is a songwriter, producer multi-instrumentalist and freelance journalist from the UK. He has performed extensively over Europe and written and produced over a dozen albums. Chris also has a passion for music technology and was the principal product reviewer and tech expert of the original Voice Council magazine.
