RØDE NTK – a premium large-diaphragm valve condenser microphone designed to deliver incredible detail and warmth for the most demanding studio recording applications. Featuring a 1-inch gold-sputtered condenser capsule, hand-selected twin-triode 6922 valve operating in Class A, and audiophile-grade components, it produces stunning richness with ultra-low noise of just 12 dB SPL. The cardioid polar pattern makes it ideal for vocals, acoustic instruments, guitar amplifiers, piano, drums, and more.
The NTK represents RØDE's commitment to bringing professional valve microphone technology at an accessible price point. The proprietary HF2 edge-terminated capsule paired with the carefully selected 6922 tube creates an ultra-wide dynamic range exceeding 147 dB, delivering the smooth, warm character associated with classic vintage tube microphones. The frequency response spans 20 Hz to 20 kHz with gentle presence boosts around 5 kHz and 12 kHz, providing natural enhancement that makes vocals sound immediate and detailed while maintaining purity and smoothness. The valve/tube impedance converter with bipolar output buffer minimizes distortion while preserving the musical character that makes tube microphones so beloved.
Built to withstand decades of professional use, the NTK features meticulous mechanical engineering with an all-metal housing, heat-treated dual-layer steel grille, and internal capsule shock mounting. The tube compartment is easily accessible via a screw-off body sleeve for maintenance or tube replacement. With a maximum SPL of 158 dB and maximum output level of +29 dBu, the NTK can handle extremely high sound pressure levels without requiring pad switches, making it suitable for everything from delicate vocal recordings to close-miking loud sources like guitar amplifiers and drums. The transformerless design maintains signal integrity, while the included external power supply, 7-pin cable (10m), stand mount, and SM6 shockmount provide everything needed for professional studio work. Backed by a 10-year warranty when registered.
KEY FEATURES
- Premium large-diaphragm valve condenser microphone
- 1-inch gold-sputtered HF2 edge-terminated capsule
- Hand-selected twin-triode 6922 valve (Sovtek)
- Class A valve circuitry with audiophile-grade components
- Ultra-low self-noise: 12 dB SPL (A-weighted)
- Wide dynamic range: >147 dB
- High maximum SPL: 158 dB SPL
- Cardioid polar pattern for excellent isolation
- Transformerless design with bipolar output buffer
- Gentle presence boost for enhanced clarity and detail
- Internal capsule shock mounting
- All-metal construction with heat-treated steel grille
- Easy tube access for maintenance
- Side-address design with gold indicator dot
- Versatile: vocals, acoustic instruments, guitar amps, piano, drums
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Acoustic Principle: Pressure gradient
- Active Electronics: Valve/tube impedance converter with bipolar output buffer
- Capsule: 1.00" (25.4 mm) gold-sputtered, edge-terminated
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Address Type: Side
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±6 dB)
- Output Impedance: 200 Ω (100 Ω per leg)
- Sensitivity: -38.0 dB re 1 V/Pa (25.00 mV @ 94 dB SPL) ±2 dB @ 1 kHz
- Equivalent Noise Level: 12 dB SPL (A-weighted, per IEC268-15) ±2 dB
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >82 dB (A-weighted, per IEC268-15)
- Dynamic Range: >147 dB (A-weighted, per IEC268-15)
- Maximum SPL: >158 dB SPL (@ 1 kHz, 1% THD into 1 kΩ load)
- Maximum Output Level: >+29 dBu (@ 1 kHz, 1% THD into 1 kΩ load)
- Output Connection: 3-pin XLR (balanced)
- Tube Type: Hand-selected twin-triode 6922
- Power Supply: External PSU included (100-120V/200-240V AC, 50/60 Hz, 25VA max)
- Dimensions: 208 mm (H) × 55 mm (W) × 55 mm (D)
- Weight: 760 g (microphone only)
- Warranty: 1 year standard (free extension to 10 years with registration)
- Included: External power supply, 10m 7-pin XLR cable, RM2 stand mount, SM6 shockmount, zip pouch
