Designed and manufactured in Australia, RØDE microphones have earned an enviable position among recording professionals. The company’s Classic, NTV, NT1 and NT2 models can be found in leading studios worldwide, and with the recent introduction of the new Classic II, RØDE could once again be on the road to repeating its earlier successes.

The RØDE Classic II is a tube condenser mic developed from its popular original Classic model. In developing the Classic II, RØDE’s goal was to elevate the mic to the next level, while retaining the character of its predecessor.

Everything about the Classic II points to the fact that it is a high-end recording tool. The microphone ships in an industrial-strength, foam-lined aluminum flight case, which houses the various system components. In addition to the microphone, the package includes a dedicated power supply, a 30-foot, double-shielded, oxygen-free multicore cable with custom-tooled military-grade gold-plated connectors, a stand-mount adapter, and a shockmount suspension.

Weighing in at just over two pounds, the Classic II is a heavy, magnificently crafted instrument. The microphone’s body is machine-tooled from solid brass and encapsulates two grille meshes—a finely woven inner headscreen and a heavier gauge, outer screen. A gold dot indicates the front of the microphone. The combination of a new capsule and further refinements to the microphone’s electronic circuitry are the principal factors that distinguish the Classic II from the original.

The Classic II features a 1-inch dual-pressure gradient capsule with an edge-terminated, gold-sputtered diaphragm. Further, the microphone incorporates a low-noise, 6072 twin-triode tube preamplifier that feeds into a custom Jensen output transformer. There are no controls on the microphone, yet the Classic II provides a wealth of options for securing your desired sound.

The Classic II has both -10dB and -20dB pads, along with a two-position highpass filter—both of which are remotely switched from the microphone’s power supply. The highpass filter offers -15 or -21 dB of roll-off at 20 Hz. Similarly, there are nine polar patterns that range from omni with the control in the counterclockwise position to cardioid at the midpoint to figure-8 pattern when turned fully clockwise.

Specs include a stated frequency response of 20 to 20k Hz, with a sensitivity rating of 13mV/Pa. Maximum SPL handling is 130 dB, noise is less than 22 dB and impedance is 250 ohms.

Instrument Setup
Like the microphone, the Classic II’s external power supply is solidly built and comes factory-set for 120V current in North America. The unit can also be set for 220-240V operation. A ground lift switch is provided should you encounter a ground loop hum.

A multicore 12-pin cable connects the mic and its power supply by aligning a series of notches on the connectors. A white dot is also provided for visual assistance. All connectors are gold-plated to ensure optimum signal quality. Audio output is routed via a standard XLR connector on the rear panel of the power supply.

After powering the unit on, you need to allow several minutes for the microphone to warm up and stabilize. The power supply’s LED drive circuit feeds off the filament voltage of the tube, becoming brighter as the instrument approaches optimum operating level, thus providing visual indication that the Classic II is ready for use.

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Reprinted with permission from Mix Magazine, June, 2000
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