Rode K2 Tube Condenser Microphone

The Rode K2 is a groundbreaking tube mic that's characterized by its rich warm tube sound and performance, high maximum SPL, and wide dynamic range.

$699.00

  • 12 x  
    $58.25
  • 8 x  
    $87.38
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $116.50
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $174.75
Overall User Ratings (based on 52 ratings)
  • Overall:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(52) (see rating details)
Submitted March 31, 2007 by a customer from hotmail.com

"The BEST mic for the price!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
It is such a great mic. Change the tube, run it through a high quality preamp, and it'll find a place in your mic closet. Regardless of how expensive (or budgeted) your studio is, you WILL find a place for this mic! Obviously, no mic is perfect for everything. Great for vocals. And it's great for instruments that might sound harsh on other microphones. It's perfect on banjos!
Sound
CHANGE THE TUBE FIRST!!! Get a hold of a vintage 1960's Siemens Tube (with grey plates) and it'll turn into a totally different microphone. It has a nice deep, warm sound without the sibalence you usually get with other mics in this price range. It is perfect for vocals. It's not a U47, but it is similar (for the price).
Features
The multi-pattern works great. Put it in figure-8 at 90 degrees with it's cousin the NTK, and you've got a great MS Stereo setup. The figure-8 also sounds KILLER on upright acoustic bass! The proximity effect fattens it up like crazy, and rejects muddy reflections from the floor!
Ease of Use
Very easy to use. Just don't unplug it before it is turned off...then wait a few seconds for it to power down.
Quality
Very high quality for the price. I don't believe that it's transformer and caps are on par with microphones that cost up in the thousands, but it's TOTALLY great for the price (ESPECIALLY if you change the tube! Siemens is the best for this mic. Mullards are too deep, Amperex are fine)
Value
AWESOME value. CANNOT beat the value of this mic for the price.
Manufacturer Support
Called once, and got some great help.
The Wow Factor
It looks great. Everyone turns their heads to get a glance of it!

Musical Background:

Professional Musician, Performer, Music Professor, Engineer

Musical Style:

Bluegrass, Country
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Submitted June 1, 2004 by a customer from yahoo.com

"The most incredible Mic I've yet to see...What a value!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Thi mic is incrdible. from the time of purchase I knew I had something good. I was right. You will be astonished at the ease of use, sound quality, durability, and overall presence of this mic every time you hear it. Take my advice- BUY IT and let you musical dreams come alive!
Sound
This mic aounds absolutely incredible. Bottom Line. You will not find a better mic within $500- honestly...We've been using this mic in our Pro Tools studio now for 4 months and it blows me away every time.
Features
The K2 comes with everything you need to be well on your way. Heavy duty Power supply, sturdy shock mount, LONG 9-pin mic cable, and Heavy duty road case. You can't ask for more.
Quality
Very sturdy construction. If you damaged this mic I would be amazed. Extremely high quality tube structure inside, and solid-crafted smooth metal on the outside. This thing will last forever...
Value
As stated above, you CANNOT beat the value of this microphone. Anywhere.
Manufacturer Support
If you have to call Rode for any reason, they are excellent when it comes to customer service. The Mic also comes with a manufaturers warrant inside and registration.
The Wow Factor
Trust me- you will want to buy one after you finish reading my review and everyone elses on other sites.

Musical Style:

Christian Rock
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Submitted February 13, 2022 by a customer from ravens.net

"Hands down best mic for the price even competes with $3000 mics"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Expensive mics are like glass ceiling audio gear (LA2A, Pultec, etc) its still components most of which are mostly inexpensive. They charge those prices to keep the brand name on top. But does a LA2A clone from a good company sound less than an original? With Rode the craftsman ship is top notch and they have a state of the art facility in AUS which helps them crank them out thus keeping the price down. The K2 is a masterpiece of craftsman ship and can go up against any expensive mic. The name Rode may not have a fancy German name but the mics are great.
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Submitted November 20, 2017 by Will Stratton in FLINT, MI

"Elegant"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This Aussie tube mic excels on all sources. I believe this is the finest mono overhead I've used. Couple the K2 with the Audient ASP800 Iron channel and magic will jump out of your monitors.
Sound
The sound is harmonic and beautifully colored with enough tube to be authentic and enough smoothness to be versatile. I am a tube roller but found the stock tube to deliver excellent results. The K2 has a beautiful color any artists would be proud to wield.
Features
The variable pickup pattern on the power supply is gold. Now, I can sit in my control room and try different patterns without much fuss. The case, shock mount, and cables are high quality
Ease of Use
Honestly, this is incredibly easy to use. The hardest part is making it sound bad.
Quality
The fit and finish is professional and feels hefty in the hand. The case, shock mount, and cables are high quality
Value
Well worth the price of entry. I won;t say if it is worth more that expensive mics. That is a strange way to look at gear. This is a great mic, well valued, works on a bunch of things really well and offers a nice vibe and color at any price.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't required support
The Wow Factor
Just putting this mic up makes my studio look "finished." Rode is very proud of their microphones and it shows on the K2. I am floored by the sound it reproduces. Clients love to look at it and love that their is tube inside. I love that is sounds wonderful and makes me look like I know what I'm doing

Musical Background:

Studio owner

Musical Style:

All
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Submitted November 27, 2004 by a customer from cox.net

Rode K2 Tube Mic Customer Review

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Sound
For the price the Rode K2 is one of the best microphones on the market. I put it head to head with a $1,000 multipattern mic and the K2 blew it out of the water. no joke.

Musical Background:

Producer, Performer, D.J., Programmer
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Submitted March 11, 2012 by Clint Curtis

"Great Service"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I ordered this mic, got it in 5 days to my door here in Canada. Everything as promised. The mic is great, smooth for vocals and very useful for everything. The best mic for this price range.

Musical Background:

musician, singer, studio owner.

Musical Style:

Rock, Country, Blues,
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Submitted December 3, 2004 by a customer from SHAW.CA

"A FUTURE CLASSIC"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
I hope this mic becomes a classic,I hope all the new gear I buy becomes a classic( I hate taking a beating when a person is forced to re-sell)
Sound
This is the mic I've been looking for for a few years now,it's got that big,Fat sound,with a detailed high frequency response,the kind you hear from mics four times it's price.It's also got the "juicy tube" mid-range burnish to it's tone. The proximity effect on this mic is akin to using a ribbon mic,when in fugure of 8 pattern,and is reduced as you dial it back towards omni.I would love to use this mic with a blue Grass band at a festival,because of it's sound,and the ability to dial in the perfect pattern for the ensemble. However,the first mic I recieved did not change polar patterns(this may be the problem the first gentlman who reviewed this mic had). The mic comes with a warning slip which reads,"do not unplug or plug in this mic with the power supply on,this could damage the microphone". This slip should be made out of RED paper,and tied onto the mic it self,instead of just being a small slip of white paper stuffed into the manual pouch,inside the very nice carrying cases pouch.I own a couple other inexpensive tube mics,one is a multi pattern Apex,the other,an ADK tube Cardioid.Neither of these mics has a problem with being unplugged while being powered up. I sent the malfunctioning unit back and recieved a whole new unit,I'm very pleased with Rodes' sevice so far.
Quality
refer to the comment in the first section.Quality appears outstanding,as usual with all Rode products.The power supply on these mics is beautifully designed.The power supply on my ADK is embarasing.
Value
There are good products,at much lower prices.This is a Great product at my price point.I've never been happier with a new purchase.
Manufacturer Support
I got a New mic right away,but no one responded to my email I sent to Rode customer support(that was over three weeks ago now)
The Wow Factor
I prefer the NTK,kid of a Geffell UM57 look,or a more rounded to grill,like the Neumann U47.

Musical Background:

RECORDING ENGINEER

Musical Style:

ROCK,BLUEGRASS,COUNTRY,FOLK,ALTERNATIVE,SHABADS,GOSPEL,YOU NAME IT.
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Submitted March 9, 2011 by a customer from yahoo.com

"The k2 is one of the best mics out there, especially if you upgrade the factory tubes and I love that you can do that. It will b"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
My friend had a k2 and I have a great ear for mics and when heard it I knew I had to have it. It's worth the money if you want to really put that extra punch in your vocals.
Sound
I love the k2, and this is my second one through zzsounds. A great mic, and affordable. I really have not used it yet because I want to upgrade the tubes because I heard that, it would boost the quality of the mic especially the mids because with the k2 I found them to be a little weak, but other than that it goes hard.
Features
It's mostly what I expected, no issues here.
Ease of Use
It fits in perfect with my studio setup.
Quality
It will be a 10 soon as I upgrade the tubes, but if still sounds great.
Value
Oh yes, it's worth the mOney.
Manufacturer Support
Actually rode has excellent customer support, and registering was easy considering theyre company is based in austrailia.
The Wow Factor
It's a practical addition to my studio.

Musical Background:

Recording Engineer

Musical Style:

R&B, Rap
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Submitted December 25, 2006 by a customer from hotmail.com

"The $2000 Microphone Killer"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
The K2 will remain in my mic locker for years to come, and a second one may be joining it for mid-side or Blumein recording. The sound is velvety smooth, and has an airiness that just makes it so crisp. A great mic on male vocals as well as females-- you can always roll the tube to determine the warmth you will receive. Perfect overall.
Sound
I've owned the K2 for over a year now and its still my favorite tube condenser. The variable patterns are its best feature, allowing you to dial in the most precise pattern. I will say that the warmth was less than I expected when I first tried it out-- replacing the 6922 tube with a NOS Amperex D-Getter really made a difference. Warm mids, the right amount of lows, and a transparent airiness.
Features
The mic comes with a shockmount, powersupply, and the 7-pin cable often used by tube mics. The durable plastic case looks like something a power tool comes in, but it does its job well. I do wish that the mic had roll off or attenuation switches, but that can be done with a good mixer and EQ.
Ease of Use
Very easy to use. Just plug it into the powersupply, let it warm up for about an hour, and you're ready to record anything from vocals to drums. Placement of the mic didn't seem to be a huge issue with vocals as it doesn't have too much sibilance, a good thing.
Quality
A ten year warranty and a very well made mic, cable, and PSU. I wouldn't say it would survive a fall, but what condenser (especially a tube) could?
Value
The K2 is known for its value. It outperforms many Neumanns, and competition isn't seen until you get close to the 2000 dollar range. The only mic I have that outperforms it is a custom vintage U47-U67 hybrid someone built for me.
Manufacturer Support
I've talked with Rode regarding their support in case I have any problems. They will replace the mic or the PSU if anything goes wrong. The warranty is void if you attempt to do upgrades, but I don't really think anything is needed beyond the tube rolling.
The Wow Factor
The mic is a beautiful champagne color that is velvety to the touch--it looks great and feels great. Its variable patterns are something only a few mics have attempted, and it pulls it off extremely well.

Musical Background:

Recording Engineer and Active Musician

Musical Style:

Post-punk, No-wave, Indie
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Submitted April 11, 2005 by a customer from yahoo.com

"Already a classic mic, Well worth it"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
overall this mic is awesome for the price. 1 mic that comes to mind in the k2's price range that is also a really nic emic is the Ksm44. if those were the only 2 mics made and i had to pick 1, i'd get the k2.
Sound
The rode k2 sounds absolutly awesome. at the price there isn't a mic cheaper that can offer such a quality sound as the k2 does.
Features
having 9 different patterns on a mic at this price is a god send. i've used the k2 on so many different sources... came out sounding good everytime. i wouldn't mind a HPF, but hey i have pres that have HPF so i really don't care.
Quality
overall the QUALITY of this mic is great. its build solid, the shockmount is one of the best i've had in quite a while. the k2 has a great sound... i do own quite a few highend mics ranging from a U87ai to a Blue bottle. the 2 main mics that get used for lead vocal 99% of the time... the K2 or the bottle if you have a quality preamp you'll fall in love with the k2. some pres that i recommend to use with the K2: John hardy M1 (it'll always sound good) neve 1073(if you can't get a real one get a decent clone like Chandler) API 7600 (one of my main units) Avalon M5 >distressor Focusrite isa series(220 or 430) Focusrite Liquid Sebatron VMP series preamps i see 1 person said "Not worth it...." but go to the site and listen to the music...doesn't actually sound good, not to mention its a 15 year old kid not a engineer :D i'm a recording/mixing Engineer
Value
worth $699,with out a doubt. when i A/B this mic next to a mic of mine that cost 4x as much and the i along with the artist select the K2 for the lead vocal that means something. i'd buy the k2 if it was $2000
Manufacturer Support
had no need for the support yet.. i registered the mic and i haven't had 1 problem with it
The Wow Factor
i already have 1, time for another so i can use a pair in stereo :D

Musical Background:

Recording/mixing enginner, Producer

Musical Style:

R&B, Hiphop, Poetry
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Submitted November 8, 2004 by a customer from aol.com

"Not worth it...."

Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
If you want warm R&B vocals and have a nice pre, get it. Works on my voice only when I add a lot of air in my vocals...you need to have a smooth voice for this thing. It's not very versatile for voices. I suggest you go with a cheaper mic. The tube does however warm up the sound a bit, nothing huge. Go to my website and hear the A/B testing with my ADK. The file is called "Vocal tests" www.HassanAnsari.com
Sound
My ADK 51 which I bought for $125 sounds better. It's an ok mic, I don't know everyone going nuts about it.
Features
Has different patterns...though I can't really tell the difference much between the 3 of them, I guess it's better than having just one.
Quality
The thing looks pretty well built...doesn't look like a cheap mic.
Value
You can get a mic better than this for cheaper...no doubt. Try an ADK 51, I love that mic...
The Wow Factor
It's nice for R&B...not really meant for rap though. If it didn't cost me 600 bux I would want it. But at that price, I think I could cop something better. It looks pretty sexy I guess...it's kinda big.

Musical Background:

8 years of music experience.

Musical Style:

R&B, Hip Hop, Techno, Some Rock
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Submitted July 5, 2008 by a customer from optonline.net

"Buy the mike ,just put a seimans tube in it ,you will not be dissapointed!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
This mike I would not sell ,because it works so well with many different applications. bottom line is a am going to buy another one. You must understand that there is no perfect mike, you need many different mikes for many different applications,but again this mike fits into many of these .This is a proffestional mike!
Sound
The sound of the mike for the money is fantastic! I have compared this mike with mikes costing three times the amount; sounds very close or as good as a u67AI ,and just blows away a 103,even better than a 414 tl2,I have all of these mikes. The mike works well with allmost any situation,the trick is to change the tube to a seimans.can"t get any better unless you spend 5,000 dollars!
Features
The mike has everything you need execpt a roll off filter, the mike should be run through a good tube pre amp anyway just as any good mike should.
Ease of Use
The mike is very easy to get a good sound fast,don"t need much eq, that"s also the sign of a good mike.again just change the tube and this mike can stay right with the big boys!
Quality
The mike is made very well! factory support is amoung the best. I know , because I had a very small problem and they took care of it right away.the finish and fit is as good as a 5,ooo dollar mike.I would not use the mike on the road ,as you would not use any good mike out.this is a studio mike! and a very good one at that!
Value
the product is worth 5 times the selling price,I know because I own a pro anolog studer 24 track machine and many other very exepensive mikes,along with about 150,000 dollars invested in my studio ,doing this now for about 35 years.
Manufacturer Support
Yes I have dealt with the company, easy to reach and very friendly. they solved the problem 1 2 3 . no warranty prolems at all.The company does not play games ,I had a very small prolem with the sound ,and the company sent me another new mike .no prolem at all!
The Wow Factor
Well sex appeal really does not mean anything ,just the sound ,but If you need to know ,very sexy.The color is just beautiful,you can tell the mike is made very well.lets talk real turkey here, yhe mike for what it is ,well it is just a great mike!

Musical Background:

40 years in the music bussiness.have produced many famous bands

Musical Style:

my personal style is brithish rock ,beatles etc.
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Submitted May 4, 2006

"Only a Neumann can beat this mic, but i don't think others can."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I love this mic for everything it put in front of it. For vocals you cannot find a mic thats sounds as lush as this one. Its very silky on the top that would suit most voices. The midrange is smmoth and not hyped. the bottom end is fairly flat and un hyped, so no boominess.
Sound
WOW!!! I compared this mic to the new Mojave MA-200, which i thought was a pretty good mic, but it seemed a little peaky. I then tried the K2, and it had this smooth sound that i could just sing to. It has this buttery upfront sound that sticks out of he mix. I bought this mic to record ballads and pop tracks in the style of Dido. On females this mic sounds beautiful. On male vocals this mic adds soul and add a crisp bite to make the vocals sound upfront and in your face. Sibilance hasnt been a problem, it sounds tamed when used with a setting between omni and cardiod. Also a little top shelve eq tames it off if you feel any sign of sibilance. It comes down to the voice and type of singer. Compared to the SE range (Gemini), the K2 kills it flat out. The Gemini has nothing but pure sibilance, it doesnt even have any tube warmth.
Features
Feature wise the mic has no such switches or pads. What i like about this mic is the solid performance. No thrills and add ons. Its a superlative quality valve mic, which doesnt sound fake, or over eq'ed like all the horrible chinese mics.
Ease of Use
Very easy, its plug and play, you dont even need 48v power.
Quality
Compares to mics 10 times its price...The famous Neumann U67 comes to mind (specially in the lower midrange), and a hint of modern finesse with the smooth crispness.
Value
Worth 10 times the asking price...no kidding.
Manufacturer Support
Rode now comes with 10 years i think. But i havent needed any support so far.
The Wow Factor
Looks impressive. Very 'Pro' looking mic. Its big, cylinder shaped, and lovely warm silverish colour.

Musical Background:

Songwriter / Producer

Musical Style:

Pop / Ballads / RnB / Swing
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Submitted April 29, 2006

"A Beautiful Warm Sounding 'Vocalist' Mic with the classic Tube Warmth."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Superb...worth all its asking price and 3 times more.
Sound
Warm, Airy, Smooth, and Amazing. Yep, this mike is perfect in everyway i use it. I produce and song write RnB and Mellow Ballads like Usher 'Burn' kinda style. This mike sounds lush and airy with a touch of tube warmth that rounds out any harshness. Its probably the 'One' of the best sounding mics under $2000.
Features
Very Simple Mic. No Gimmiks. The Variable Patterns are Godsend. So many options in sound scope, its fantastic.
Ease of Use
Very easy. I warm the tube up for 1hr before use, and it sounds off the hook.
Quality
Nicely engineered, Solid, and Built like a tank. Looks very Classy too.
Value
The best Vocal Mic for the Money...period.
Manufacturer Support
Never needed them.
The Wow Factor
Looks very classic, with a nice tonal shade of gold / silver. Looks expensive.

Musical Style:

Hip Hop, RnB, Rap, etc
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Submitted September 19, 2005

"A Classic in the making."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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This is a great mic for anyone's cabinet.
Sound
Here is the bottom line. This mic was the "Winner" of the 2004 MIPA award. The Rode K2 was voted the "Best Studio Microphone by 58" publications. I don't care if you have $30k to spend on a ELAM 251, you have to give this mic a try. It's warm and will not distort with it's huge 160 spl handling capability! I have used the C12 and U87 (which is pretty standard). This mic is somewhere in that catagory in terms of quality. This is by far the best voice mic for under $2000 right now.
Features
This mic comes with a power supply with multiple patterns. The mic doesn't have any switches which give it a very clean professional appearance.
Quality
Like I said before. The K2 has won the prestigious MIPA award for best mic in 2004. If you don't have a descent set of monitors or have any experience with the finest mics out there, you shouldn't rate this mic any less than a 9.
Value
Considering that there are folks out there spending $25-$30k on a heavy used vintage mic makes the value of the K2 a joke. It's only $699 street and $999 MSRP. How can RODE do this...it beats me. And yes this mic comes with a nice hardshell carrying case. The cable that comes with it is worthless to me as I use Monster 1000.

Musical Background:

Engineer
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