RØDE K2 Instruction Manual

Introduction

We at RØDE would like to thank you and congratulate you on purchasing the RØDE K2.

This valve microphone represents the finest studio microphone technology currently available.

The K2 is a valve condenser design in the tradition of the classic studio microphones. The character of the K2 sound will become immediately obvious the first time you record with it.

While RØDE has captured the subtlety of legendary valve microphones, they have also ensured the noise specification and reliability is equal to current professional recording standards.

Please take the time to visit www.rodemic.com and register your microphone for a full ten-year warranty.

On the website, you can view studio tips and techniques, as well as browse the comprehensive range of accessories for RØDE microphones.

Sincerely,

Peter Freedman
RØDE Microphones
Sydney, Australia

Specifications

Frequency Response Graphs:

• Cardioid: A graph showing the frequency response for the Cardioid polar pattern, indicating sensitivity in decibels relative to 1 Volt per Pascal across the frequency range of 20Hz to 20,000Hz.
• Omni: A graph showing the frequency response for the Omni polar pattern, indicating sensitivity in decibels relative to 1 Volt per Pascal across the frequency range of 20Hz to 20,000Hz.

Polar Response Diagrams:

• Cardioid: A polar plot illustrating the directional sensitivity of the microphone in Cardioid mode. It shows maximum pickup from the front (0°) and significant rejection from the rear (180°).
• Omni: A polar plot illustrating the directional sensitivity of the microphone in Omni mode, showing uniform pickup from all directions.
• Figure 8: A polar plot illustrating the directional sensitivity of the microphone in Figure 8 mode, demonstrating maximum pickup from the front (0°) and rear (180°), with nulls (rejection) at the sides (90° and 270°).

Features

• Large capsule (1”) with gold-plated diaphragm
• Class "A" valve circuitry
• Hand-selected and graded 6922 twin-triode valve
• Dedicated power supply
• Ultra low noise
• Wide dynamic range
• Continuously variable polar patterns controlled at the power supply
• High level of RF rejection
• Designed & manufactured in Australia
• Full 10-year guarantee* (*Online product registration required)

Accessories

The RØDE K2 typically includes the following accessories:

• Power supply unit
• K2 cable
• Power cable
• Stand mount (SM2)

Before Using the K2

Ensure the K2 is set to the correct voltage for your country. The K2 operates with mains supply voltages of either 110-120V 50/60Hz or 220-240V 50/60Hz.

• For 110-120V use, set the voltage selector to 115V.
• For 220-240V use, set the voltage selector to 230V.

The mains fuse (located in the mains socket) is a T500mA slow-blow fuse for either voltage selection.

Power Supply Unit Details:

• Back Panel: Features a microphone output socket, a ground (earth) lift switch, a microphone input socket, a voltage selector, and a mains power socket with an integrated fuse.
• Front Panel: Features the mains power on/off switch, the Polar Pattern dial, and a blue LED indicator for power status.

Connecting the K2

Ensure the power supply is set to the correct voltage before connecting the K2. Do not connect the power supply to the mains before connecting the microphone.

• Connect the male 7-pin plug of the K2 cable to the 7-pin input socket on the rear of the power supply.
• Connect the female 7-pin plug of the K2 cable to the microphone. Ensure both plugs are correctly aligned and pushed firmly into their respective sockets.
• Connect an XLR microphone cable to the output socket on the rear of the power supply, routing the output to your mixer or pre-amplifier.

RØDE recommends using a high-quality cable, preferably with gold-plated contacts. Use the shortest cable possible, as long cables can adversely affect sound quality.

Ensure the K2 is securely mounted using the supplied SM2 shock mount to a stable microphone stand. The K2 condenser microphone is a precision instrument and should be handled with care.

Once connected, plug the power supply into the mains and begin using the K2 microphone. It is recommended to allow one to two minutes for the microphone to stabilize.

Setting the Polar Pattern

The RØDE K2 allows adjustment to any polar pattern, from omnidirectional to cardioid, and figure-of-eight. This flexibility provides precise control for recording most instruments and voices.

Select the desired polar pattern using the circular dial (knob) on the front of the K2 Power Supply. The Cardioid pattern, commonly used for vocal recording, is typically set at the 12 o'clock position.

Polar Pattern Descriptions:

• Cardioid: When set to Cardioid, the microphone picks up sound primarily from the front and rejects sound from the rear.
• Omni: When set to Omni (fully anti-clockwise), the microphone picks up sound from all directions. It exhibits less proximity effect (an increase in low frequencies when the sound source is close) compared to Cardioid mode. The Omni pattern is suitable for room (ambient) micing or capturing a more natural sound when close-micing instruments.
• Figure 8: When set to Figure 8 (fully clockwise), the microphone picks up sound from both the front and rear, while rejecting sound from the sides. This pattern is ideal for interviews (with two people positioned on either side of the microphone) or for use with a cardioid microphone in MS (mid-side) stereo recording techniques.

The K2 allows selection of any position between these three main settings. For example, a setting halfway between Omni and Cardioid will pick up some sound from the rear, offering a balance between full rear rejection and omnidirectional pickup.

Experiment with the K2, listen to the various patterns, and determine which best suits your current application.

Using the K2

The gold dot on the face of the K2 indicates the front of the microphone and the primary pickup area for the Cardioid pattern. Ensure this side faces the sound source you wish to record.

Achieving the desired sound often requires experimentation with microphone technique.

RØDE suggests starting with the channel EQ set to 'OFF' or 'FLAT' (no boost or cut). Experiment with placing reflective or absorbent panels at various angles near the sound source to shape the acoustics of the recording space.

Modifying the acoustic properties of the recording environment is RØDE's recommended initial approach for achieving optimal sound quality, as EQ cannot alter room acoustics.

Once the desired sound is achieved, EQ and effects like reverb can be used for enhancement, but should be applied sparingly.

It is often more effective to 'cut' problematic frequencies rather than 'boost' others, as boosting can increase noise levels. Therefore, boosting should be done minimally.

As with many aspects of recording, finding the preferred 'sound' is a matter of experimentation.

Vocal Recording Tips:

• RØDE strongly recommends using a pop shield or filter for all vocal recordings. These devices minimize plosive sounds (e.g., hard 'P', 'B', 'T', 'K' sounds) that can cause the capsule to overload and produce a 'popping' sound.
• Moisture on the microphone capsule can cause problems for condenser microphones. Using a pop shield or wind shield (optional accessory WS2) helps reduce this risk.
• The placement of the microphone and pop shield relative to the vocalist can be varied based on factors such as room acoustics, vocal performance, and the vocalist's voice type (high or deep).
• An ideal starting point is to position the pop shield directly in front of the vocalist, approximately 15cm (6 inches) away from the microphone. This helps maintain a consistent minimum distance and reasonable recording levels.
• Experiment with the angle at which the microphone is addressed. Vocalists positioned 'off-axis' to the microphone (not directly facing the gold dot) can yield different results.

Ground Lift:

If an earth loop is present (indicated by a mains frequency hum), use the ground lift switch on the rear panel of the power supply. Move the switch to the 'lift' position. Earth loops can occur when two earthed devices are connected together.

Storage

After use, remove the K2 from its mount, wipe it with a dry, soft cloth, and place it in its protective case.

Ensure the supplied moisture-absorbent crystals are placed at the head of the microphone to absorb any moisture. These crystals will need to be dried when they turn pink. They can be re-used by placing them in an oven at 100-150 degrees Celsius for approximately ten minutes. The crystals will function effectively again once they have turned blue.

Warranty and Contact Information

All RØDE microphones are warranted for one year from the date of purchase. This warranty can be extended to a full ten years by registering online at www.rodemic.com.

The warranty covers parts and labor required for repairs during the warranty period. It excludes defects caused by normal wear and tear, modification, shipping damage, or failure to use the microphone according to the instruction guide.

If you experience any problems or have questions regarding your RØDE microphone, first contact the dealer who sold it. If the microphone requires factory-authorized service, the dealer will arrange for its return.

RØDE has an extensive distributor/dealer network. If you have difficulty obtaining advice or assistance, contact RØDE directly.

RØDE Microphones International:
107 Carnarvon Street
Silverwater NSW 2128 Australia
Ph: +61 2 9648 5855
Fax: +61 2 9648 2455

USA:
P.O. Box 4189
Santa Barbara, CA 93140-4189
Ph: 805 566 7777
Fax: 805 566 0071

Technical Support:
For information and technical support questions, contact: support@rodemic.com

In the United States and Puerto Rico, contact usasupport@rodemic.com or call 805 566 7777.

In Australia, contact ozsupport@rodemic.com or call (02) 9648 5855.

Anywhere except Australia, the United States, and Puerto Rico, contact support@rodemic.com or call +61 2 9648 5855.