Introducing the Rode Podcaster USB
The Rode Podcaster USB is a dynamic front-facing USB microphone. This revolutionary product has everything you need to make your podcast a professional success. In fact, it is very easy to use. And it is a concentrate of technical knowledge that combines smoothness and professional quality. What a great way to make your podcast.
By the way, the Rode Podcaster is focused on giving listeners a unique experience. This is achieved by providing impeccable audio quality. To achieve this, Rode has designed a durable, easy-to-use, versatile microphone with great sound.
Moreover, it is specially designed for voice recording. In addition, you can connect the dynamic studio microphone directly to your laptop or desktop via a USB port. As a dynamic microphone, it focuses on its main sound sources for a clean and clear result.
What will not be the case with a condenser microphone. In addition, this microphone allows you freedom of movement. The studio microphone has a very low sensitivity (background and ambient noise). This is by the way the main selling point of the Rode Podcaster USB.
Design of the Rode Podcaster USB
The Rode Podcaster USB is very different from other small microphones on the market. The microphone is indeed very robust, as it is partly made of metal, with a net weight of about 600 grams. With a fairly classic design, it does not have the old school look of the Blue Yeti microphone, highly functional recording equipment for the creation and recording of audio sounds.
By the way, this difference makes all its charm. In any case, if he is present in a recording studio, it is certainly not to make the decoration. It is mainly chosen to record voices and especially because of its unique performance.
In addition to the strength of the materials used, the microphone fits perfectly on the microflex boom of the Rode PSA1.
By the way, a stainless steel mesh and a built-in pop filter protect the capsule of the Rode Podcaster USB. The body of the housing, on the other hand, is made of a single piece of metal. As a result, the microphone has an elegant and understated finish.
A three-meter-long USB cable and a microphone stand clip with wire adapter are included with the model. In addition, its design fits well on laptops and desktops. But it can also be used on an iPad and on tablets.
The Rode Podcaster, a dynamic USB microphone
On the one hand, a dynamic microphone is based on a simple electromagnetic concept. In other words, it uses a coil and a magnet to generate an electric current. On the other hand, a USB microphone can be connected directly to your PC through a cable.
Precisely, the Rode Podcaster merges in itself these two functionalities: It’s a dynamic USB microphone. But in addition, it has front-end picking up. In other words, the Rode Podcaster USB accepts sound from the “end” of the microphone.
In any case, these characteristics make it a suitable microphone for voice recording (voice-over or podcast). Another advantage is that it produces outstanding results, even under less than optimal recording conditions.
The microphone also stands out for its ease of use. It is a plug and play device: there is no need for an external audio interface. It is therefore possible to use the Rode Podcaster (see condenser model) on any media with a USB port. This is a huge advantage of the microphone, as you no longer have to invest in expensive hardware to use it properly.
Surely, doing voice recordings with the Rode Podcaster USB will be a fun experience. It’s designed to pick up sounds/voices mainly. In fact, recording voice becomes a breeze with this model. Also, with a USB connection as an external power supply, professionals and amateurs alike have quickly adopted it.
In fact, to use the microphone, all you have to do is pick it up and place it correctly. Then, after a quick setup, the sound recording can begin. With the Rode Podcaster USB, you don’t have to worry about static or fading.
By the way, the Rode Podcaster USB is a microphone suitable for studio recording. For this purpose, you should stand in front of the microphone and start making the various adjustments to achieve a satisfactory result. Among other things, the analysis of its frequency curve shows a perfect control of the treble. Equipped with a Rode Podcaster USB, your various recordings will be of much better quality.
Technical specifications of the Rode Podcaster USB
- Dynamic capsule (neodymium) 28 mm
- 18 bit resolution, 8 kHz to 48 kHz sampling
- Mac and Windows ready
- Powered by USB port
- Delivered with a suspension and a three meter USB cable
- Acoustic function: dynamic (neodymium) 28 mm
- Active electronics: Analog signal + A/D and USB interface
- Polar curve: cardioid
- Frequency response: 40 Hz – 14 kHz
- Sensitivity: -51 dB
- Max SPL: 115 dB
- Signal to noise ratio > 78 dB
- Analog I/F output: Headphone output for monitoring. 150 mW under 32 Ohms.
- Adjustable output level
- Digital output interface: USB
- Resolution: 18 bits
- I/F audio control : AC97
- Power supply via USB port
- Net weight: 610 g
- Weight: 1025 g
- Size: 215 mm x 56 mm x 52 mm
However, you can also consult our microphone test guide Neumann KM184. It is a latest condenser microphone with a cardioid capsule. Discover on this guide the description, design, acoustic features, electrical features, operation, verdict, and reviews of the KM184 condenser microphone.
Main features of the Rode Podcaster
This is a microphone with a 1″ diaphragm. Usually, diaphragms are much smaller in size. But it is this unusual size that will contribute to the sound quality of the Rode Podcaster USB.
With its cardioid directivity, the Rode Podcaster USB focuses all its attention on the sound source in front. It is also a front-picking microphone. Therefore, for best results, it is best to speak directly up and as close to the microphone as possible.
This gives you an intimate radio voice. Even with lips pressed to the microphone, the quality of the sound produced remains intact. As a cardioid microphone, it rejects background noise for a very professional sound.
By the way, this professional recording equipment is very accessible to the general public. So whether you’re an amateur, professional or beginner, the Rode Podcaster USB is for you. Designed to capture your voice, it is immune to ambient noise. You can take notes or fiddle with your computer without worrying about the sound quality. You won’t find these qualities in a condenser microphone.
In addition, the Rode Podcaster is equipped with a dynamic neodymium capsule. This means it’s very good at handling all handling noise and vibrations. And even if you inadvertently kick the microphone stand, it won’t affect the quality of your recordings.
For a natural sound and an accentuated proximity effect, the microphone has an integrated pop filter. Another plus is that this type of microphone doesn’t require the additional use of a windscreen, or a pop filter. Primarily a studio microphone, the Rode Podcaster is equipped with a headphone jack (3.5 mm jack).
This means that you can listen to your recordings at the same time with this microphone. You can also adjust the microphone volume via the audio device settings in Windows or iOs. This makes it an indispensable tool for your podcasts and voice-overs.
Why choose the Rode Podcaster?
The Rode Podcaster USB is one of the innovations in technology suitable for all types of users. It is a dynamic cardioid microphone that is very effective at filtering out unwanted noise. Its directivity and large diaphragm make it the best USB microphone of podcasters choice around the world.
Whether for your home studio or for a professional studio, the Rode Podcaster will easily find its place. In designing the Rode Podcaster, the specialists mainly took into consideration the problems that users of the microphone may encounter.
Among others, we can mention the inconveniences related to the background noise, the parasites, the feedback, the vibrations during the manipulation… In short, the conception of the product is based on the resolution of problems in order to obtain a clear, clear and warm sound.
To achieve this, the engineers began by equipping the microphone with an analog A/D signal and a typical USB interface. The goal is to make the microphone as easy to use as possible. Simply plug the microphone into a laptop and start recording. The microphone can be used with almost any operating system: Windows, Mac OS or Linux.
The Rode Podcaster USB can also be described as a headset. Indeed, the microphone has a mini-jack output that can accommodate any type of headphones. So you can record and hear your voice at the same time. Rode’s specialists have also lowered the sensitivity of the microphone for a better vocal result. As a result, the microphone focuses only on the sound source to which it is directed.
As a professional microphone, you don’t have to worry about the result. Because the sound produced is of excellent quality. No need to look for a driver, the microphone will install it once plugged in. By the way, it doesn’t need very sophisticated hardware to work properly. A simple interface will do the trick just fine.
In summary, the most important points to know about the Rode Podcaster are the following:
- Even beginners can use this professional microphone.
- In low frequencies or in high frequencies, it produces a controlled sound.
- The microphone doesn’t need to go through an amplifier for satisfactory results.
- Very easy to use, it is a plug and play microphone thanks to its USB function.
- You can adjust the sound directly from your computer interface.
- It incorporates an anti-shock and an anti-pop filter, so the use of a windshield is no longer necessary.
The qualities of this microphone are infinite. And its characteristics make it the essential tool for making your podcast or recording your YouTube videos. It is also the most widely used equipment for everything that is broadcasting.
See also: The test and opinion of the AKG C214 microphone. This is the perfect microphone if you want a microphone to immortalize your compositions, or for the perfect studio recording.
My review of the Rode Podcaster
The Rode Podcaster is a dynamic studio microphone with a USB output. The professional equipment is easy to use and can also be used in a home studio. Its frequency response curve gives it balanced and accurate vocal recordings. Compared to its competitors ( Blue Yeti for example), it offers an incomparable sound quality.
For your information, some condenser microphones are known for vocal recordings. But compared to the Rode Podcaster USB, the result remains standard. The Rode Podcaster has specific characteristics that allow it to compete with the most notable microphones in its range. One example is the Neumann microphones.
As well as the condenser microphone Neumann TLM 193, The Rode Podcaster USB is a dynamic cardioid microphone with front pickup. It has a large diaphragm and a pop filter. These features contribute greatly to the sound quality of the microphone. The sound is definitely compact, powerful, clear, intelligible and natural. In terms of background noise, the Rode Podcaster is very quiet. Its cardioid directivity isolates all unwanted noise perfectly.
To operate, the microphone doesn’t need phantom power, because it’s a USB microphone. That is, it connects directly to your computer through a USB cable. Once the microphone is plugged in, it automatically installs its driver. You can then start using it and take full advantage of its capabilities.
For your podcasts, this is the essential equipment. You don’t need a phantom power supply or a state of the art mixing console to process sound. All you require is a mixing interface, and you’re done.
Our Global Review
Global Sound Quality
Quality / Price ratio
Overall Score
Our opinion on the Rode Podcaster
The Rode Podcaster USB is a rugged microphone, concentrating all your recording needs in one. By the way, the result is very satisfying, while the sound produced is crystal clear with a pronounced proximity effect.
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