Mic Archive
RØDE K2
Photo: RØDE, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

RØDE

RØDE K2

Valve (tube) condenser, large diaphragm, continuously variable pattern from omni through cardioid to figure-8, side-address

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Omni / cardioid / figure-8
Sensitivity
−36 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
10 dB(A)
Max SPL
162 dB SPL
Impedance
200 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet, p. 2. Titled by pattern ("Cardiod", "Omni"); relative dB, 0 dB at the heavier gridline. Distance, room and smoothing not stated.

Independent measurement: also drawn, from the Multi-Angle, Multi-Distance Microphone Impulse Response Dataset (Juan Carlos Franco Hernández, Bogdan Bacila, Tim Brookes, Enzo De Sena, University of Surrey) (CC BY 4.0): one unit, measured at 1.25 m and set to 0 dB at 1 kHz, from 136 Hz up. Not the manufacturer's curve.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the spec sheet, p. 2. Titled by pattern ("Cardiod", "Figure 8", "Omni"); full circle, the halves folded. Scale bar +5.0 to -25.0 "dB rel. 1V/Pa" (the lines sit at 0 dB on axis). Measuring conditions not stated.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the manual
Self-noise10 dB(A), per IEC 651, IEC 268-15. "10dBA SPL (per IEC651, IEC268-15)"; the data sheet says "10 dBA".p. 3
Max SPL162 dB SPL, 1 kHz, 1% THD into 1 kΩ. The data sheet says "162dB SPL".
Signal-to-noise ratio81 dB, ">81dB SPL", 1 kHz, rel 1 Pa, per IEC 651. Stated as a minimum: ">81dB SPL (@ 1kHz, rel 1Pa per IEC651)".
Dynamic range150 dB, per IEC 651; also 95 dB, data sheet: "95 dBA Typical". "150dB (per IEC651)". The 2024 data sheet says "95 dBA Typical"; neither matches 162 dB minus 10 dB(A) = 152 dB.
Poweringdedicated mains power supply (100-120 V / 200-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz). "Dedicated power supply (100-120V / 200-240V AC 50/60Hz)"; voltage selector 115 V / 230 V, fuse T500mA (p. 6).
Connector7-pin to the power supply; XLR-3 output on the power supply. 7-pin K2 cable from the mic to the power supply's input, XLR output on its back (pp. 6-7). Data sheet: "Power Supply Output Connection: 3-pin XLR".p. 7
ElectronicsClass A valve circuitry; valve/tube impedance converter with bipolar output bufferp. 3
Maximum output>+30 dBu (1 kHz, 1% THD into 1 kΩ)
Pattern controlContinuously variable dial on the front of the power supply: omni fully anticlockwise, cardioid at 12 o'clock, figure-8 fully clockwisep. 8
Power supplyFront: power switch, pattern dial, blue power LED. Back: 7-pin mic input, XLR output, ground lift, voltage selector (115/230 V), mains socket with fusep. 6
Warm-up"allow a minute or two to allow the microphone to stabilise"p. 7
RF rejectionHigh level of RF rejectionp. 5
Made inDesigned and manufactured in Australia
From the spec sheet
Capsule1" large diaphragm, gold-sputtered, dual-diaphragm (pressure gradient). "Large 1" gold-sputtered diaphragm"; "Acoustic Principle: Pressure gradient". The manual says "Pressure, Pressure gradient" and "gold-plated diaphragm" (pp. 3, 5); the 2009 sheet's title says "Dual 1" Condenser".p. 1
Sensitivity−36 dBV/Pa (16 mV/Pa), 1 kHz, ±2 dB; also −37 dBV/Pa, 2009 data sheet ("-37dB re 1V/Pa (14mV @ 94dB SPL)"). "-36.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (16.00mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz", as in the manual.
Output impedance200 ohm
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz. "20Hz - 20kHz".
Weight815 g. "Weight (grams): 815", as in the manual ("Net Weight: 815g"). The 2009 sheet says "Net Weight 1440g".p. 2
Dimensions208 × 55 mm; also [201, 55], the data sheet's dimension drawing; also [201, 65], 2009 data sheet. "Length: 208, Diameter: 55": length × diameter. The manual says "208 x 55 x 55mm"; the dimension drawing on the same page says 201 mm and 55 mm.
Supplied accessoriesSM6 shock mount and pop filter; power supply; 10 m connector cable; ZP1 padded zip pouch. "What's in the box". The 2009 manual lists power supply, K2 cable, power cable and SM2 stand mount (p. 5); the 2009 sheet RM2 stand mount, SM2 shock mount, RC2 case and the lead.
ValveHand-selected and graded 6922 twin-triode valvep. 1
From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy)
Head and finishHigh strength welded and heat-treated steel mesh head; satin nickel finishp. 1

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © RØDE, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on rode.comRecording Hacks

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

Other mics