RØDE PodMic USB Versatile Dynamic Broadcast Microphone with XLR and USB Connectivity for Podcasting, Streaming, Gaming, Music Creation and Content Creation

Product Information

Ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp™ and high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion for pristine audio capture via USB The PodMic USB is an ultra-versatile dynamic microphone ideal for podcasting, streaming, gaming, voice overs, and other speech applications for content creation. It delivers rich, full-bodied sound and features both an XLR and USB output for connecting to an audio interface or mixer like a classic broadcast microphone, or directly to a computer for plug-and-play recording. The tone, overall, is clear and crisp, especially when at the six-inch distance mark. When hugging the mic, the proximity effect doesn’t muddy up my voice too much. Granted, my voice is higher in pitch. When using the digital USB output, the PodMic USB offers a range of powerful features for taking any recording to the next level. It has a professional-grade audio interface built in, with RØDE’s ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp™ and high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion ensuring pristine audio quality. It also features on-board DSP for adding advanced APHEX® audio processing to any recording. On-board DSP for advanced APHEX® audio processing, including a compressor, noise gate, high-pass filter, Aural Exciter™ and Big Bottom™

The PodMic offers sleek looks with a compact form factor that makes it the perfect addition to any podcasting and streaming setup. And its hard-wearing stainless steel mesh grille and robust all-metal body ensure it can take on the rigours of recording for the long-haul. Built like a tank is an understatement. Specifications The Streamer X is a revolutionary new product that combines a professional audio interface and video capture card in a compact, easy-to-use console. It features studio-grade audio inputs for XLR, line-level devices and headsets with an ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp™ and powerful APHEX audio processing delivering pristine sound quality. It also features the same compatibility with RØDE Series IV wireless microphones that will be coming to the RØDECaster Pro II in the next firmware update. This mic is gain hungry like all dynamic mics. Less gain is required than the Shure MV7 when used as a dynamic mic, but it does require more than an SM58. You will need some assistance getting a strong enough signal with an external preamp such as the SS-1. This will help you avoid extra noise from the interface itself making its way into your recording. The PodMic USB makes professional sound accessible to any creator. It features a high-power neodymium capsule that delivers warm, highly detailed audio optimised for speech. Like the original PodMic, it has a balanced sound signature that flatters all voice types and an in-built pop filter for managing plosives, ensuring clean audio capture.On the video front, it offers 4K30 / 2K60 streaming and up to 2K120 / 4K60 pass-through for incredible video quality in a wide variety of applications, from streaming and gaming, to podcasting and content creation, to business presentations.

If you have read any of my other articles for The Podcast host, you will know that I like to test out gear during less than ideal scenarios, like wind storms. Since there wasn’t one at the time of this review, I had to make do with fans. For this test, I recorded with both a ceiling fan on high and next to a computer fan. Broadcast-grade dynamic microphone optimised for podcasting, streaming and other speech applications The digital USB output features RØDE’s ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp and powerful APHEX digital signal processing for capturing studio-quality sound with ease, and a zero-latency headphone output complete with level control that makes recording seamless. For even more versatility, the PodMic USB is also fully compatible with iOS and Android mobile devices, offering a high-quality portable podcasting or streaming solution. Specifications The noise from the room (fans) boosted up -48.61 dB RMS. The average living room has noise of -50dB. Without any noise reduction applied this mic performs very well for rejecting room noise. However, I wouldn’t recommend recording during construction noises regardless of mic used! Plosives Test The cardioid recording pattern is also an advantage because the mic rejects sounds from anyone or anything located behind it. That means that you can get decent separation for mixing with two or more mics set up in the same room. Affordable, Clear AudioTwo USB-C connections seamlessly accommodate dual PC setups, and four customisable SMART pads allow for on-the-fly triggering of sound or voice FX and other actions on a computer. It is also fully compatible with RØDE software solutions, including UNIFY, RØDE Central and RØDE Connect for expanded functionality and unmatched flexibility. The recent launch of its Rødecaster Pro all-in-one production studio shows Australian microphone manufacturer Røde is taking this market very seriously, so it should come as no surprise that it is also extending its established broadcast mic range (Broadcaster, Procaster and Podcaster mics) with a new podcast-specific model.

The PodMic offers a clean, somewhat uncolored sound signature. The internal pop filter works quite well—the damping and the filter thwarted our attempts to make some plosives blow up a recording. For instance, powerful "P" sounds (like if you yelled “Pop!”) don’t set the capsule off in the slightest. We also recorded some vocals at both normal and loud volumes. Putting it mildly, this the Rode PodMic is the real deal. Part of the features advertised with the PodMic are its “broadcast-quality dynamic capsule” and “internal pop filter to (minimize) plosive,” along with the mic’s specific dedication to “speech applications.” As someone who has done podcasting for over five years, I was thoroughly impressed with the sound and range of the PodMic. When using the digital USB output, it offers a range of next-generation features that make it super flexible, including a Revolution Preamp and high-quality analog-to-digital conversion for pristine audio capture, advanced DSP for adding professional APHEX voice processing to any recording, and compatibility with smartphones and tablets for use on the go.

Affordable, Clear Audio

For the raw recording, my levels came out at -24 dB RMS with the noise of the room sitting at -63.30 dB RMS. These are acceptable levels for the raw recording. Now, since most podcast platforms will boost audio to anywhere between -14 to -18 LUFS, I boosted mine to -16 LUFS. The PodMic USB is an ultra-versatile, broadcast-grade dynamic microphone for podcasting, streaming and content creation. It offers the same incredible sound quality and compact yet rugged form factor as the best-selling PodMic, with a powerful new feature up its sleeve: XLR and USB connectivity. If you like to podcast on-the-go then don't worry, the PodMic has a durable all-metal construction including a stainless steel mesh grille to protect the end-fire dynamic capsule. Whether in the studio or on the road the PodMic will be right there with you. Pairs Perfectly with the Rodecaster Pro The podcast mic industry is booming as industry favourite manufacturers each put contenders forward. The option for mics geared towards podcasters is ever-expanding. With the number of options available, it can feel a bit overwhelming on which mic to choose for your podcasting endeavours. Here, I’ll take you through my full Rode PodMic review.