...I'm probably going to save up for a NT2-A thanks to the 2nd thread
The
Rode NT2a is a solid microphone and has the flexibility of the three polar patterns a low frequency roll off and switchable attenuation. However, if you are most likely to use it set to its cardioid polar pattern, and don't need the other two features, then you might might want to look at something else as you'd be able to save yourself a little bit. Especially when you consider the NT2a does not come with an elastic suspension mount.
Don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic mic and I'd think you'd be very happy with it, I am certainly very satisfied with mine.
Microphones are interesting things and I can see why producers and musicians end up with a lot of them. For example, I sometimes wonder if the NT2a is a little too 'HiFi', and then I dig out a Shure dynamic mic and that lends its own colour the the mix.
I'd love to try a ribbon microphone like Juju's
Royer 121 ribbon microphone, although the
122 might be a little kinder to a home set-up, other wise you need a very, very good mic Pre amp. Ribbon mics, as I understand it, generally don't capture the high frequency that a condenser mic can and are so similar to a dynamic mic, but the diaphragm is so light that it's closer to a condenser mic in it's quick response - so you get another tonal flavour!
If I were looking to add another mic, which I'm not, (honest), I think it would be interesting to look at the Rode
Procaster, it's a large-capsule dynamic mic!
Sorry for the rambling,
Chris