Rode NTK Tube Mic Review / Test

Video: https://youtu.be/jPdlS-HmmXE
HQ Audio Of Review: https://podcastage.com/rev/ntk
Electric Guitar Demo: https://podcastage.com/rev/ntkdemo

Today i review the Rode NTK, a relatively affordable tube microphone which offers a very clear sound. This is pretty bare bones with a single polar pattern, no high pass filters, and no pads. However, it offers a low self noise of 12dBa, and a max SPL of 158dB.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~1:00
Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

Sensitivity: -38dB

Self Noise: 12dBA

Max SPL: 158dB

Impedance: 200 Ohms

Buy the Rode NTK (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/rodentk
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/rodentk
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/48W4lvC

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon:  https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/42lcWDF
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:24 - What’s in the Box
00:58 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:01 - Specifications
02:14 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:33 - Plosive Test
02:44 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:07 - Background Noise Test 
03:24 - Untreated Room Test
03:45 - Shock Rejection Test
04:02 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:17 -  High End Preamp Demo
05:15 - Intro to Comparison
05:46 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
06:10 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
06:40 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
07:12 - Avantone CV12 Comparison
07:46 - Rode NT2a Comparison
08:22 - Rode K2 Comparison
08:55 - MXL Revelation II Comparison
09:34 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:15 - Neumann U67 Reissue Comparison
10:55 - Music Test
12:38 - Pros & Cons
14:00 - Overall Thoughts
15:28 - Recommendation
16:36 - Outro