Rode Classic II

Been in the recording business for 25 years and finally got around to purchasing these Rode Classic II's, Australian made microphones some years back, and thought I'd write a review as these microphones have served me so well. I have 2 Classic II mics and I must say they are right up there with the best and most expensive mics around; they actually produce instant stunning results. I now record in the digital domain and I have a number of mic preamps that these Classic II's go through, Aphex 1100, Grace Design 201, and Focusrite ISA-428 etc... These mics are simply result orientated and just work. I monitor these through some JBL28P???s; from recording to master the Classic II translate very well.

The specifications for the Rode Classic II's can be found at their website www.rode.com.au

I use these mics for Voiceover, vocal, acoustical instruments and even guitar amps and drum overheads, although they are quite heavy due to their solid brass chassis so drum overheads can be tricky, unless you have preinstalled ceiling mounts. I choose this mic because of the great sound that the Classic MKI had/has and now the Classic II has improved once again with low noise and some neat new features.

There's really nothing I can say that is bad about this microphone the lead is top quality, the handmade aspects of this microphone are immediately apparent, it is classy looking and built like a tank, I could see myself using these microphones for the next few decades without breakdown, and servicing at Rode is second to none, and they makes sure that any valve/tube replacement is done under strict conditions, yes you can replace the yourself but I sent these 2 Classic II mics in for service recently and they tested them for 3-4 days to ensure absolute valve/tube stability and that the Classic II's were as specified, service that you don't often come across they days.

I highly recommend that you buy at least one of these Rode Classic II microphones for your mic cupboard, over time you'll find yourself reaching for it more often than not. It is simply a beautiful full featured microphone that is still IMHO very highly underrated. I guess in some ways the Rode Classic II has been overshadowed by cheaper Chinese microphones of late, but if you want to spend a little more and like the idea of world-class sound then I think that the choice is fairly obvious, and yes this is one mic that can stand proud along side the Neumann's etc... But at a price tag that is best suited to a cheap sounding mic, something that the Rode Classic II certainly is not. I just want to say thank you to the Rode Company as they have kept me in business these last few years, they have great mics in their range, something for every application, but I agree that the Rode Classic II is King. Thanks!

Making music for over ten years
Hip Hop/R&B Soul/Gospel
Using Stienberg Cubase
RME Fireface 800 Grace 101 Mic Pre & Presonus Central Station

I recently upgraded my microphone collection to include a tube microphone. After shopping around and demoing various microphones to include Neumann tube microphones in this price range I have to say that this is the best of its class. This baby screams pro!! More options than any other microphones at this price and built like a tank. Class A valve circuitry, 6072 twin triode, edge-terminated 1" gold sputtered diaphragm, and custom designed JENSEN transformers. This microphone is warm, transparent, airy on the top end, open, and fat. All of the things you would expect to get from multiple microphones you can get with just one! It comes with a basic mount, shock mount, custom built double shielded oxygen free copper multicore cable with custom designed heavy duty plugs and sockets, and power supply with -10dB and -20dB Pads, a 2 position high pass filter, and 9 polar patterns all of which are adjustable from the power supply itself. And to top it off, all of this comes to you in a solidly built custom aluminum flight case. Great value! Plenty of options. Great Buy!

I have sevral studio mics, Rode NTK, AKG 414, Soundelux 99 and Neumann U 87. Basically, they covered all of my needs for recording vocals and acoustical instruments.
My favorite before Classic was Neumann U 87 that is standard studio vocal mics for many years and its sound is predictable and high quality.
I use solid state preamps from Joemeek, Neve, as well as, Universal Audio 610.
95% of music I record is rock and pop.

I picked up one Classic II from another studio for test. After 2 weeks and several recorded projects I realized that I should definitely add it to my collection.
First of all, it is less universal mic that Neumann U 87 or even Rode NTK. On some sources it can sound bright, so I didn?t get best results with female vocals or electric guitars.
Some engineers faced problems on some tracks with Classic II and got rid of it, but as always, much depends on experience and other equipment. Classic II can turn to be very rewarding when used on appropriate sources and avoiding mistake to EQ it or use with tube preamps with strong own sound print.
In same time sax, male vocals, acoustic and classic guitars recorded by Classic II resulted in very articulated presence that found its perfect place in the mix. I compared it with newer AKG C 12 (at more than double price) or Neumann 147 and 149. Classic II is almost equal to character of C 12 (even finer for me) and less precise than Neumanns, but in same time more usable for my needs.
What is important to know?
Classic II has significant (subjectively even more) increase in higher mid range and this mic does not require adding EQ in high range. It can really spoil the final result.
Second, the best results were achieved with solid state Neve preamp designs that are very clean and neutral. I found that Classic II does not work in optimal way with tube preamps, especially colored ones.
The mic itself has flattering color and it can add lot of magic to some sources. In same time, it is almost impossible to change something in its character. It is not universal or general purpose mic.
Still, what Classic II can add to vocals is really excellent and assuming that source is right type for that kind of mic, equally excellent result is hard to achieve with any other mic I have or tried.
For acoustic guitar that needs to be very distinct and sit well in front of the mix, Classic II is probably one of the best choices.
It is perfect replacement for AKG C 12 and together with one general purpose Neumann can provide alternative for rock and pop vocals that would sound larger than life without processing.
It is not noisy and goes in nice case with all necessary accessories.
Mic is really worth its price compared to mics that costs much more and represents must for audio engineer that already have 1-2 general purpose mics who wishes to add broader spectrum of sounds to recording vocal tracks.
Warm recommendation.

I am producer and recording musician for 20 years. I have 2 studios and lot of analogue gears.
Amek DCML, UA 610, Millenia pre-amps

This is enhanced version of Classic. I have both and newer is much quieter.
Rode made miracle with this mic, I would say it is bargain considering aluminium case, shockmount and remote control unit.
What is most important this is one of the most pleasant sounding mics at any price.
There are some restrictions in use, for example on overly bright sources, but for male vocals, darker sounds, acoustic instruments with lot of mids, I prefer it to 3 times costlier mics.
Classic II has very open and nicely bright character with harmonic distortion associated with vintage tube mics.
After I got one, there is no need to me (and I am doing mostly rock music) to hire anymore ELAMs, Neumans and other expensive tube mics.
I can recommend it to any studio owner, Classic II can be chosen even in company of finest miscs on the market.
Also, it is quite universal.