RODE Classic II

The RODE Classic II is a large-diaphragm tube condenser mic. It's probably one of the best-priced tube mics around, considering Rode's reputation as a reasonably-priced microphone manufacturer. It's definitely a recording mic exclusively, as with the tube technology, it's way too fragile to be used on stage with a lot of noise. It has 9 different pickup patterns, including cardioid, figure-8 and omni, along with patterns in between those. It also comes with it's own power supply and a shock mount.

OVERALL OPINION

I think that this is a pretty awesome tube mic. It's got the warmth and tone that you'd expect from a tube mic. Thus I really like using it on acoustic instruments, as well as vocals. I've definitely found that it works better for things close up than it does as a distance mic, but that's only in a low-noise situation. While the sound is detailed, it's definitely better at capturing a full-bodied sound than it is at capturing ambient noise. That said, it can be noisy so make sure you have good signal flow, as well as a room that isn't too noisy.
While it doesn't have the distinct solid all around tone of the Neumann U47, or the AKG Tube, it's still a really nice tube mic. For 2,000 it's still really expensive, and wouldn't even be fully worth it unless you were working with some nice pre-amps and converters. So I would say that unless you're rocking APIs and Lynx converters at home, you could probably do the same with something a little cheaper though. If you have the gear and room, though, this could be a highly valued asset, at a much cheaper cost than the AKG or Neumann tube mics, and with better quality than MXL.

The Rode Classic II is probably the best microphone that Rode has to offer, or is at least the best one that I have used made by them. The mic is a valve based, large diaphragm condenser, and is meant only for use in the recording studio. The mic has nine different pick up patterns including cardioid, figure eight, and omni, all of which have settings in between as well. The mic will pick up frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 KHz.

OVERALL OPINION

I've only had a chance to use the Classic II a number of times for recording sessions, as this isn't a mic that I own myself. As I said before, the Rode Classic II is not only the best microphone that I've used made by Rode, but accordingly it is also the most expensive. The mic has a very sweet sound, and is one that will translate for just about any application that you want to use it for, making it a great all purpose microphone. It has an extremely full bodied tone, making it perfect for vocals as it will pick up the full frequency spectrum. I haven't used it for too many other applications, but judging from the top notch sound quality that I heard when I was recording vocals with it, it will translate well for most applications for sure. Rode generally isn't known for manufacturing top tier microphones like this, but it is certainly nice to see one from them as they've done a great job here. I've had a lot of experience with all sorts of different Rode mics, and none of them touch the Classic II, as it is simply the best of their bunch. When compared to other top end microphones made by other companies, it definitely stands up as well. While it is mostly professionals who will be interested in the Rode Classic II, this would be a great choice for an all purpose microphone in any studio.

A "real" studio mic "to do anything." I do not have that so I have not tried it on the piano, but whether taken vocal, acoustic guitar, small percussion, he is at ease. Directivities make multiple versatile.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it regularly for a year. It is a good outsider Brauner and Neumann. The sound is high class with air and feel very natural. Sometimes it does not ring on some voices (and then I take a Neumann or a Brauner), sometimes it's the opposite. But in absolute terms it is a very good mic. The finish is less "class" that German models, but noise, playing in the big leagues. To know that I replaced the lamp (a GE 6072 quite empty and very balanced) by NOS of the same brand (but triple mica, model "5 stars" makes a silky I was not on the other. Nevertheless, the character "lamp" is not a caricature of lower midrange emphasis: this mic sounds great, and for the price it is a bargain.

http://www.rodemic.com/?pagename=Products&product=Classic-ll&type=downloads&download=1

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?
8 months, making his amateur singing, speech and live performance of small groups.

- What is the particular feature you like most?
Great range of sounds depending on the directivity and the tube amplifier.
Note: once pass the excitation of the first test, I tried DIFFERENT tubes. The tube is easily and 6072A The models are reprent aisment watching the construction of the tube. To try several of the same if the noise MODEL funds Drang. It took me over two months to find a tube that satisfies me in terms of tonal balance and bdf. The original tube is good but a little thin and not very quiet.

Quality issue there are plenty of texture, not vulgar nor too pinched tube or typ. Once the tub with onions microphone captures Manir balance and natural, without being a monster of silence.

The least that tube microphone so it requires some familiarity with electronic tubes, the sound may differ from the other copy is a little mess.
It is a microphone that can be personalized prvoir a budget tube.
The kick agressivit or capsule (like most mic capsule) which can be attnu by tilting the body of the microphone.
I have not yet taken a couple russi stro that I liked, may be there is too much diffrence with my pair (not match).
The power cable connectors are difficult to plug the cable is heavy, rigid and too short AMA.
The microphone is trs heavy prvoir against foot and weight-ad-hocs.
Support for micro is too lightweight.
- Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
No, it's an opportunity. But I have other mics.

- How do you report qualitprix?
Nine I do not know if I made the step, but must be used nuts to let a case like a Rode Classic II. It's much Designed hardware, solid, no frills.

- With the exprience, you do again this choice? ...
Yes to the quality and Contents, not for the impossibility of taking the couple and the electronic tube.