One of the in style podcast microphones has simply acquired a major improve. I’ve managed to get my arms on a evaluate pattern of the brand new PodMic USB to see if it’s a real enchancment over the earlier XLR-only model of this dynamic microphone.
Alongside the Shure SM7B, the RØDE PodMic might be some of the in style microphones with podcasters worldwide. This new model seems to be virtually similar to the earlier PodMic, however RØDE now ships it with one of many best-looking windshields/pop filters I’ve ever seen. The filter is silicone and foam building that slips over the complete entrance of the mic. I believe a part of the rationale for this alteration is beauty relatively than sonic.
In today of video podcasts, microphones are seen as a lot as they’re heard. We’ve all grown used to the ever present Shure SM7B and RØDE PodMic on numerous podcasts; including a big and distinctive windshield to the PodMic, RØDE has given it extra visible enchantment and character. The PodMic was all the time pretty good at rejecting plosives, however with its new windshield, the PodMic turns into unmistakable when seen on-screen.
The massive distinction with the brand new PodMic USB is that it now has a USB-C interface alongside the prevailing XLR connector. And like most good USB microphones, the PodMic has a headphone jack and built-in amplifier to offer zero-latency monitoring so the person can hear their voice and the audio from the host laptop.
RØDE has labored wonders in shoehorning the USB electronics into the compact shell of the unique PodMic. All the pieces about this microphone is superbly constructed and completed. There’s a headphone quantity management on the rear of the mic, simply above the XLR socket. The amount management is a superbly knurled brass wheel that doubles as a mute for monitoring when pressed in USB mode.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the RØDE PodMic, it’s a broadcast-quality dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar sample. For the cash, it gives unbelievable worth. It’s a entrance deal with mic which means you converse into its finish. Dynamic mics are glorious at rejecting the acoustics or noise of a room.
Even when not utilized in a studio, the power to sound good in all situations makes dynamic mics in style with podcasters when recording on-location the place the acoustics could also be lower than perfect. The draw back of utilizing a dynamic mic is that they are often much less delicate than a condenser mic and, subsequently, more durable to drive.
To place the brand new RØDE PodMic USB by its paces, I examined with the XLR connection to see if this new model was any simpler to drive. It looks like there’s no change from the sooner PodMic. It’s the standard PodMic we all know and love, but it surely’s not any simpler to drive. Regardless of which USB audio interface I attempted – Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, EVO 4 and Audient i4 – the PodMic USB nonetheless required numerous acquire when used with the XLR connector.
Lastly, I attempted the XLR reference to the brand new RØDECaster DUO, which was a very totally different story. RØDECaster’s excellent Revolution preamps simply drove the PodMic USB and had acquire to spare. The lesson right here is to make sure your audio interface has sufficiently muscular preamps in case you use the XLR connection of the PodMic USB.
Subsequent, I attempted the mic’s USB connection. I used to be barely shocked that the PodMic USB tops out at 24-bit and 48kHz decision; another USB microphones will go as excessive as 192kHz. Nonetheless, for podcasting or broadcasting, this restrict on the decision isn’t too vital, however musicians would possibly favor a bit extra headroom.
The PodMic USB is straightforward to drive with the USB connection and offers glorious output ranges. The zero-latency monitoring supplied by the built-in headphone jack is superb and hiss free. RØDE has accomplished an outstanding job bringing USB performance to the PodMic with out spoiling the XLR efficiency or altering the overall sonic character of this well-loved mic.
All the pieces else concerning the PodMic USB stays the identical. The construct high quality is pretty much as good as ever, whereas the sound high quality is superb and the frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz is good. Like most dynamic microphones, the PodMic USB isn’t fairly as deep and resonant as a superb condenser mic. The EQ barely favors the highest finish, however it’s nothing that may’t be cured with compression or through the use of the mic with RØDE Central to entry its built-in APHEX processing so as to add some “Huge Backside.”
Verdict: RØDE has triumphed with the PodMic USB. This fabulously versatile microphone now gives the very best of each worlds. Whether or not it’s used to report a multi-guest podcast with a mixing desk just like the RØDE ProCaster and XLR connection or hitching the mic as much as a laptop computer for on-location recording or outdoors broadcast, the RØDE PodMic USB gives excellent worth for cash. The sound is pretty much as good as ever, however the comfort of the USB choice provides a complete new dimension and is properly well worth the modest uplift in worth. As much as 4 RØDE PodMic USB mics could be grouped utilizing RØDE’s Join software program with its digital mixer. With this setup, you’ll be able to simply report a podcast with as much as 4 mics and a laptop computer. In case you are on the lookout for a superb worth podcast mic with XLR and USB, the RØDE PodMic USB is unbeatable.
Pricing & Availability: The RØDE PodMic USB is obtainable now from RØDE sellers. The worth is $199 / £199 / €239.
Extra data: www.rode.com
Tech Specs:
- Acoustic precept: Dynamic.
- Polar sample: Cardioid.
- Handle kind: Finish
- Frequency vary: 20Hz – 20kHz.
- Output impedance: 460Ω (XLR).
- Most SPL: 148dB SPL.
- Equal Noise (A-Weighted)
- Analog: 26dBA.
- Digital: 19dBA.
- Sensitivity: -57 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (1.4 mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 3dB.
- Analog output connectors: 3-pin XLR, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Digital energy necessities: By way of USB: 5V @ 100mA.
- Output connection: USB-C.
- Bit depth: 24-bit.
- Sampling Price (kHz): 48kHz.
- Processing: APHEX digital sign processing:
- Minimal OS necessities: Home windows 10/Mac OS 10.15.
- Weight: 900g.
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 123 x 109 x 110.
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