K2 Instruction Manual www.rodemic.
Introduction We at RØDE would like to thank you and congratulate you on purchasing the 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.
Specifications Acoustic Principle: Pressure, Pressure gradient Active Electronics: Valve/tube impedance converter with bipolar output buffer Directional Pattern: Multi Pattern (see graph) Frequency Range: 20Hz ~ 20,000Hz (see graph) Output Impedence: 200Ω Sensitivity: -36dB re 1V/Pa @ 1kHz (16mV/Pa @ 94dB SPL) ±2dB @ 1kHz Equivalent Noise: 10dBA SPL (per IEC651, IEC268-15) Maximum Output: >+30dBu Dynamic Range: 150dB (per IEC651) Maximum SPL: 162dB (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1kΩ) Signal/Noise:
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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* Accessories • Power supply • Power cable • K2 cable • Stand mount (SM2) *Online product registration required.
Before using the K2 • Ensure that your K2 has been set to the correct voltage, as used in your country. The K2 can be used with mains supply voltages of between either 110-120V 50/60Hz or 220-240V 50/60Hz. - To select for 110-120V use, set the voltage selector to 115V. - To select for 220-240V use, set the voltage selector to 230V. • On either voltage selection the mains fuse (inside the mains socket) is always to be a T500mA slow blow fuse.
Connecting the K2 • Having ensured that the power supply is set to the correct voltage you can begin to connect the K2 to the power supply. Do not connect the power 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 that both plugs are correctly aligned and pushed firmly into their respective sockets.
Setting the Polar Pattern • Your K2 can be adjusted to any Polar Pattern from omni, through cardioid to figure of eight. This flexibility allows recording of most instruments and/or voices with absolute control. • Select the preferred Polar Pattern. This is done with the circular dial (knob) on the front of the K2 Power Supply. (The most commonly used pattern for vocal recording is Cardioid – at the 12 o’clock position).
Setting the Polar Pattern • When in the omni position (fully anti-clockwise), the microphone picks up sound from all around the microphone and there is less proximity effect than in cardioid mode. (Proximity Effect is an increase in lower (bass) frequencies when the sound source is ‘close’ to the microphone).The omni pattern is commonly used for room (ambient) micing or to record a more natural sound when close mi’ing instruments.
Setting the Polar Pattern • You are able to select any position between these three main settings. For example, if you choose a setting about halfway between the omni and cardioid positions, you will notice ‘some’ sound being picked up from the rear of the microphone, instead of being almost completely rejected (in cardioid). This can be particularly useful when you do in fact wish for ‘some’ sound from the rear, but not so much as when in omni mode. • Experiment with the K2.
Using the K2 • The gold dot on the face of the K2 indicates the front of the microphone, and the pick-up area of the cardioid pattern. Please be sure to have the side with the dot facing the sound source you wish to record. • Microphone technique, or how to get the sound you want, requires experimentation. We suggest that you start with the channel EQ set to ‘OFF’ or ‘FLAT’ (no boost or cut).
Using the K2 • We strongly recommend the use of a pop shield or filter for all vocal recording. These aid in minimising plosive sounds (hard ‘P’, ‘B’, ‘T’ and ‘K’ sounds) that produce a sudden jet of air which can cause the capsule to overload and produce a ‘popping’ sound. • Any moisture on the microphone capsule can cause problems for condenser microphones, however the use of a pop shield or wind shield (optional accessory WS2) will reduce the risk of this occurring.
Using the K2 • An ideal reference is to begin with the pop shield directly in front of the vocalist, and approximately 15cm (6”) away from the microphone. This will assist in keeping the performer at a constant minimum distance from the microphone and helps to maintain reasonable recording levels. • Experimentation should be made with the angle from which the microphone is addressed, as different results can be achieved when the vocalist is ‘off-axis’ to the microphone (and the gold dot).
Storage • After use the K2 should be removed from its mount, wiped with a dry, soft cloth and placed in its protective case. • Be sure to place the moisture-absorbent crystals (supplied) at the head of the microphone, so as to absorb any moisture present. Eventually this pack of crystals will need to be dried. This is indicated by the crystals turning pink in colour. They can easily be re-used by placing them in an oven at 100 - 150 degrees celsius for approximately ten minutes.
IMPORTANT NOTICE NOTE: There are no user-serviceable parts inside the K2 supply, but there ARE potentially lethal voltages. If the supply does not work correctly, you should consult either the dealer you purchased the microphone from, or a qualified electronic technician. DO NOT under any circumstance open the unit yourself! ACHTUNG: Das K2 Netzteil enthält keine Teile, die vom Benutzer repariert werden können.
Warranty All microphones are warranted for one year from date of purchase. You can extend that to a full ten years if you register online at www.rodemic.com. The warranty covers parts and labour that may be required to repair the microphone during the warranty period. The warranty excludes defects caused by normal wear and tear, modification, shipping damage, or failure to use the microphone as per the instruction guide.
