Pricing and availability
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $732
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Rode K2". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Rode K2, a premium valve condenser microphone designed to provide top-notch vocals and a wide range of instrument recording capacity. This Australian made microphone combines high-performance specifications with the subtleties and character of the revered mics of the 1950s.
The K2 features dual 1" gold-sputtered diaphragms and provides infinite control of the polar pattern, from omnidirectional to cardioid and bidirectional/figure-8. This flexibility allows it to excel in any recording situation. Its maximum SPL of 162dB and a wide dynamic range of 150dB make it highly versatile and capable of handling a variety of sound sources.
This tube microphone is not just about the specs, it's about the sound. The K2's HF1 capsule, a true 1" condenser, is carefully constructed to emulate the sound and character of legendary transducers from the 50s and 60s, but with the reliability of modern technology.
Key Features: - Dual 1" gold-sputtered diaphragms - Infinitely variable polar pattern control - High-performance specifications (162dB Max SPL, 10 dBA Self Noise, 150dB Dynamic Range) - Class A valve circuitry - Hand-selected and graded 6922 twin-triode valve - User-serviceable with field-replaceable tubes - High strength welded and heat-treated steel mesh head - Durable satin nickel finish - Manufactured in Australia - Includes low noise mic cable, RODE case, shock mount
Owner's manual
Rode K2 User ManualProduct specs
| Microphone Type | Tube Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8 |
| Diaphragm Size | 1" (25.4mm) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 162dB |
| Output Impedance | 200 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 81dB (A weighted) |
| Self Noise | 10dB (A weighted) |
| Tube | 6922 |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Shock Mount |
FAQs
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What is the primary application of the Rode K2 microphone?
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The Rode K2 is a versatile large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone ideal for studio recording, particularly for vocals and acoustic instruments, due to its warm and detailed sound quality.
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Can the Rode K2 microphone operate in multiple polar patterns?
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Yes, the Rode K2 offers cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 polar patterns, making it adaptable for various recording environments and applications.
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Does the Rode K2 require phantom power to operate?
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No, the Rode K2 does not require phantom power as it operates with its own dedicated power supply, which is included with the microphone.
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What type of tube does the Rode K2 use, and how does it affect the sound?
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The Rode K2 uses a 6922 twin-triode valve, which provides a classic tube warmth and detailed sonic quality, enhancing the microphone's performance in capturing rich, natural audio.
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Is the Rode K2 suitable for high sound pressure levels?
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Yes, the Rode K2 can handle high sound pressure levels up to 162dB, making it suitable for recording loud sound sources without distortion.
Videos
B&H Photo Video Pro Audio
Mic Roundup Part 2: Affordable Tube Condenser Mics
Mic Roundup Part 2: Affordable Tube Condenser Mics
B&H Photo Video Pro Audio
Rode K2 Tube Vocal Microphone - Rode K2
American Musical Supply
Rode K2 vs Rode NT1 (acoustic guitar) (pt.1)
Crash Course Recording
Rode K2 vs Rode NT1a (acoustic guitar) (pt.1)
Crash Course Recording
Studio Mikrofon günstig oder teuer? Rode K2/NT1 VS Brauner - 2020
musotalk
Unboxing Rode K2 Microphone
Tzachi Kraus
Rode K2 vs Shure SM7b (acoustic guitar) (pt.1)
Crash Course Recording
![Video thumbnail for Rode K2 Microphone Tube Swap Stock VS Telefunken PCC88 [Listen with Headphone] by PaeSoundSpace Channel](https://img.youtube.com/vi/ycqwR3ZDNxQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Rode K2 Microphone Tube Swap Stock VS Telefunken PCC88 [Listen with Headphone]
PaeSoundSpace Channel
Shure SM57 vs Rode K2 (electric guitar) (pt.1)
Crash Course Recording
Rode K2 vs Rode NT5 (acoustic guitar) (pt.1)
Crash Course Recording
Reviews
PROS
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Excels with vocals, producing a clear and thick sound
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Requires less post-processing for vocals due to its quality
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Reveals intimate details and clarity in recordings
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Versatile, performing well on instruments like acoustic guitar and bass drum
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High SPL value makes it difficult to distort
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10-year warranty upon registration adds value
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Tube changeable for different tonal characteristics
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Multi-pattern capability enhances flexibility in recording setups
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Exceptionally well-priced for its performance level
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Durable and rugged design ensures longevity
CONS
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Initial sibilance issues with certain preamps
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Very sensitive, may pick up unwanted noise without a vocal booth
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Some found it too bright or sibilant for their voice
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Can sound a bit too warm/dull on the highs for some preferences
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rode K2.
Setup and maintenance
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Tube mics like the Rode K2 should warm up for at least 10 minutes before use, and turning the power supply off when not in use is recommended to prolong tube life.
Source
Features and functionality
Software and compatibility
Use cases and applications
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The Rode K2 is noted for its suitability in recording warm, vintage-style vocals across genres like indie, pop, and R&B.
Source -
The WA-251 is favored for its vintage cream tone appearance and has been used effectively in audiobook recordings.
Source -
The Rode K2 is favored for female vocals, especially when a deal is available, emphasizing its value for budget-conscious setups.
Source
Comparisons
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While the 2i2 is adequate, some suggest that interfaces like Babyface Pro paired with UAD 710 preamp may better unlock the Rode K2's potential.
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The Rode K2 is described as too warm and thick by some, making it less versatile than the Warm Audio WA-251, which is noted for its brighter tone.
Source -
The Slate Blackbird 251 emulation is preferred by some for its magic sound over the Advanced Audio and Warm Audio 251 clones.
Source
User experience
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Owners of Advanced Audio mics report a gratifying boutique experience despite longer shipping times and potential warranty hassles if located outside Canada.
Source -
Scarlett interfaces, including the 2i2 and 2i4, use the same preamps as higher-end models, providing good value for home studios.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 25 Ratings
125
Too bright for my vocals sadly...
The quality of the mic sounds great, but for my vocals specifically, it turned out to be a little to bright and sibilant for me. I tried it out on my friend's vocals and it sounded fine, so it really just depends on the type of voice you're using it on. I have to sell this gorgeous baby sadly because of that and buy myself a warmer mic soon.
41029
try to find the NTV, the discontinued tube mic by rode that preceded the NTK and K2.... blows both out of the water.... or for a more vintage sound on a budget look at ADK's clones
104
Good sound for the price
Very very good sound however you must be careful to reduce sibilance in the mix
2130
Just pure...
Silence, pure, clean... All you need for recording in general.
Artist usage
Add artist
In a December 2013 article for Australia's Audio Technology magazine, Kevein Parker mentioned using the Røde K2 as a mono overhead drum mic. On the thoughts behind the choice, he said “I’m not even sure if you’re meant to use that as an overhead. I think it might be a vocal mic or something. But it works, and at the end of the day, even if you’re doing it wrong, the fact that you’re doing it wrong is going to make it sound different to how everyone else used it, which is ultimately a good thing. If you make it sound different in some way, then it’s going to give it a flavour different to everyone else that’s using the gear as it should be used.”
In this photo you can see Rode K2 on Darons Marshall cab for live miking
The Instagram account @godcitymusic has confirmed that Kurt Ballou uses the Rode K2 microphone, stating: "Some recent additions to the mic cabinet: @sennheiser MD-21, @seelectronics T2, @akgaudio D3600, and @rodemic K2."
In an interview in May 2020, producer Joel Little said, “We recorded ‘Royals’ on a Rode K2 that I got on TradeMe for $600.” Lorde recorded her vocals for 'Royals' with Joel Little in Golden Age studio, in New Zealand in 2012. It is likely (although not verified) that the entire Love Club EP and Pure Heroine album was recorded with the Rode K2. Note: TradeMe is an online sales site based in New Zealand.
In this video, DUB FX goes thorough some of his essential gear. Starting around 0:30 in this video, he talks about his Rode K2 mic:
“…definitely my microphones, because I’m a vocalist, and pretty much most of my music comes from my mouth. So definitely the Manley VOXBOX… as well as my Rode K2 mic, which I love the sound of. Being a valve mic it brings out the growl in my voice a lot more, and it sounds great for beat-boxing as well, it adds a little bit of harmonic soft clipping - sort of that distortion in the bottom end as well as the top end. It just sounds really smooth.”
In this and many other covers William Singe uses this microphone.
In this article, Darude mentions that he uses the Rode K2 Microphone, "The US studio is purely software based, the only hardware I have are my Genelec 6010Amonitors+ 5040A sub, MOTU UltraLite audio interface, Røde K2 mic + pre-amp, SE Reflexion filterand Novation ReMOTE 49 SL Compact midi keyboard and my DJ gear, an EKS Otus controller, Pioneer CDJ-2000 cd-player and DJM400 mixer."
The microphone that he uses for vocals and such is a Rode K2 Microphone.
The item can be seen throughout the video, starting at 0:07, as well as many of his 2011-2012 YouTube videos.
Mentioned in this December 2020 Sound on Sound interview.
For preamps, Berry uses a Neve 1073DPA and a Joe Meek VC1Q Studio Channel, along with his UA Apollo. For his main microphones, he generally chooses between a Neumann U87 and a Rode K2.
“I think the Rode mics are as good as any tube mics if you want that sort of grittier tube sound. The K2, they’re only 500 quid, but they sound the knackers. For most things I use a Neumann U87, because it’s very versatile. Plus, I do a lot of voiceovers here, so it has to be the same one that they have in all the facilities in Soho.”
Album Usage
The Rode K2 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Rode K2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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