Rode NT2000From real comments

Verdict distilled from 7 mentions across 6 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment71%
PROS 71%
CONS 29%

Rank based on 7 mentions across 6 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want performance that beat mics costing 2x as much in a direct comparison
  • You need multiple polar patterns that Rode's simpler NT1 series doesn't offer
  • You're open to buying used, where one owner paid about half the new price

What users love

Skip this if...

  • The roughly $600 price tag alone is more than your budget allows
  • You'd also need a $150-300 amp, adding significant cost on top
  • You only need a single cardioid pattern, which the simpler NT1 series covers

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
3Premium
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
6Mid
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
You are here
31Premium
Rode NT2000
Strong overall sound qualityGood used-market valueMultiple polar patternsAdditional amp cost requiredHigh upfront price
Rode NT2000
Strong overall sound quality
Good used-market value
Multiple polar patterns
Additional amp cost required
High upfront price

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Multiple listeners rate the NT2000's sound quality very highly relative to its cost. One user ran a comparison test with two NT2000 units against dozens of other microphones, some costing twice as much, and found the NT2000 came out on top among sub-$1000 options. They even suggest using it as a benchmark to audition pricier mics before spending money elsewhere. A separate long-term owner simply says they love the mic, reinforcing that satisfaction holds up well beyond a first impression.

The NT2000's multiple polar patterns set it apart from Rode's simpler NT1 line. A commenter comparing the NT2000 to the NT1000 notes they are very different microphones, pointing out that the NT1 series lacks the polar pattern options built into the NT2 series. This suggests buyers who need flexibility between cardioid, omni, or figure-8 patterns get real added value from the NT2000, while those needing only a fixed pattern may not require the upgrade.

Price is the clearest sticking point across the feedback. One commenter laments that the mic costs around $600 and pairing it with a suitable amp adds another $150-300, calling the total cost a barrier despite agreeing it's a great mic. Another owner offsets this by recommending the used market, where they saved roughly half the new price. Together these comments frame the NT2000 as excellent but not cheap to own outright.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?