The original RODE PodMic was one of the best budget XLR mics for streamers, content creators, and average gamers. The PodMic USB takes additional gear out of the equation and opts for a plug-and-play design and adds a suite of vocal effects that make it even better. It doesn’t drop the XLR port either, so it’s ready to grow with you over time. At $199, it’s significantly more expensive but is one of the best choices in sound, and build, quality.
Specifications
- Current Price: $199 (Amazon)
- Acoustic Principle: Dynamic
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Address Type: End
- Frequency Range: 20Hz - 20kHz
- Output Impedance: 460Ω (XLR)
- Maximum SPL: 148dB SPL
- Equivalent Noise (A-Weighted)
- Analogue: 26dBA
- Digital: 19dBA
- Sensitivity: -57 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (1.4 mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 3dB
- Analogue Output Connectors: 3-pin XLR, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Digital Power Requirements
- Via USB: 5V @ 100mA
- Output Connection: USB-C
- Bit Depth: 24-bit
- Sampling Rate (kHz): 48kHz
- Processing: APHEX digital signal processing
- Minimum OS Requirements: Windows 10, Mac OS 10.15
- Weight: 900 grams (1.98 pounds)
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 123 x 109 x 110mm (4.8 x 4.3 x 4.3 inches)
RODE PodMic USB - A Dynamic Hybrid, Ready to Grow
The RODE PodMic is a hybrid. It’s both XLR and USB. It’s more expensive but saves you from having to buy other equipment, like an audio interface and FX software. It’s ready to go out of the box but is designed to grow over time. It lacks fancy hardware features like touch gain adjustment and automatic leveling but includes software enhancements pulled directly from the RODECaster Pro line-up and can sound broadcast-worthy with only a few minor tweaks.
Clearly, there’s a lot to consider here, so let’s start with the basics. The Rode PodMic USB is a dynamic microphone. Unlike the majority of mics targeting streamers and gamers (and really, the average consumer) today which use condenser capsules, the PodMic uses different technology entirely. In fact, the capsule inside the PodMic is the same kind you’ll find inside the handheld microphones used on stage for your favorite performers.
Why does that matter? Because dynamic microphones are a much better fit for the average person. Most of us are not in sound-treated rooms or perfectly quiet environments. Many of us have mechanical keyboards or computers nearby with fans you can hear. You may have kids or roommates or a television going in the same room as your PC. Condenser microphones let in all of this noise, including reflections in your room which can make you sound distant or echoey even if everything else around you is quiet.
Dynamic microphones are much less sensitive. They’re far more directional and reject more outside noise, which makes you sound clearer, closer, and more professional. Dynamic microphones are used on stage for exactly that reason, but there’s another benefit: they often have an appealing “crunch” or “crispness,” that makes them perfect for spoken word. They’re used in radio stations around the world because of this character. No microphone will change the character of your voice, but the PodMic can absolutely get you closer to the “radio voice” many content creators crave.
The original PodMic was released at the end of 2018 and was met with acclaim and virtually all of the qualities the tech and audio press appreciated then have carried through into this new release. The first thing you’re likely to notice is how well-built it is. It features a sturdy, all-metal design with a thick, woven grille. At nearly two pounds, it has a satisfying heft. It doesn’t come with a stand (which is understandable since it needs to be in front of your mouth, not down on your desk), but does have a strong, articulating U-bracket the microphone pivots on, as well as a custom pop-filter foam. It feels like the high-quality product it is and is backed by a strong 5-year warranty.
Likewise, it sounds as good as ever. You could plug this in and record without touching any settings have a crisp, classically dynamic sound. Doing so would be leaving a lot of performance and quality on the table, which brings us to what the PodMic USB offers that the original does not.
RODE PodMic USB - What’s New?
The RODE PodMic USB can connect over XLR, but unless you’re running a RODECaster Pro or similar console, you probably shouldn’t. That’s because the USB connectivity simplifies and expands the functionality in such a way that it really is the smarter way to connect for most people.
The biggest reason for this is that the components built into the mic itself make an interface unnecessary. There is no audible sound difference between XLR and USB, and in fact, many standard interfaces will lack the power to give it any headroom. Over USB, the mic engages its powerful Revolution preamps which give it more than enough power and headroom right in Windows. With the RODE Central app, you have even more leeway to adjust volume levels. USB removes the need for an interface, and potentially a level booster, entirely.
Another benefit is easily being able to use the mic on the go with a smartphone or tablet. Plugging it into my Android phone, it instantly recognized the mic and made it available as a recording source. In a pinch, you can plug it into the device you carry with you every day and not sacrifice quality.
Second, the PodMic features a built-in digital signal processor that allows it to tap into advanced APHEX vocal FX. These include a high-pass filter, compressor, noise gate, and an exciter, which includes the Big Bottom and Aural Exciter effects. Collectively, these bolster the sound, cut out background noise, and provide you with ample presence in both the low-end and upper frequencies for crispness and clarity. Using these does require RODE Central, a free application available on RODE’s website, but it’s well worth downloading for the enhancements they offer.
This FX suite is visually and sonically very similar to those built into RODE’s full podcast and recording consoles, the RODECaster Pro, Pro II, and Duo. You’ll need to have a basic understanding of the different parameters offered for each each or a willingness to explore and discover for yourself — nothing is too difficult to dial in just by experimenting — but by taking the time, you can instantly enhance the quality of your recordings and make yourself sound more authoritative and professional.
Its USB connectivity also allows you to use RODE Unify, which is essentially a digital version of its RODECaster Pro series or the popular GoXLR. Unify creates multiple virtual audio devices and allows you to intelligently route your audio to different channels in unique mixes. Between the DSP effects and Unify, you have what amounts to a digital production suite that’s quite feature rich.
RODE PodMic USB - Sound Quality and Performance (Sample)
So how does it sound? Very similar to the original PodMic. There have been some refinements made. Out of the box, it sounds more full to me and a bit less compressed, so you have a crisper, slightly more detailed sound. But overall, this is the same full-bodied, radio-esque sound signature that we received with the original.
With the APHEX FX enabled, it goes to another level. For $199, it’s a microphone that you could use for years into the future, even if you made it big as the next Dr. Disrespect. As a teacher, I’ve created content for my students with the original PodMic without the enhancements, and the quality was great (good enough that my colleagues joked about how my read-alouds one-upped them). With APHEX, it’s bigger, richer, crisper, and cleaner (less background noise).
Have a listen for yourself:
What’s interesting here is that I’m genuinely at a loss for why this mic needed to be a hybrid at all. If you have an audio interface, the original PodMic is still very good at only $99. If you don’t, USB makes much better sense with its DSP features, so the XLR port is likely to sit unused. Rather than include both for $199, I would love to see a version of this microphone that is USB only and is more accessibly priced.
Final Thoughts
The RODE PodMic USB is an exceptional microphone for creators, gamers, remote workers, and virtual students and teachers. It’s also unique in this space because of how much its DSP features enhance its already-great sound. I wish there were a USB only version that was priced alongside the original PodMic. It would be a no-brainer at that price and, in my opinion, the USB mic to buy. As it is, the PodMic USB is exceptionally versatile and especially worth it if you plan to expand your setup in the future but want that top vocal quality right now.
The product described in this article was provided by the manufacturer for evaluation purposes. Some articles may contain affiliate links and purchases made through this will result in a small commission for the site. Commissions are not directed to the author or related to compensation in any way.
