Podcast Microphone Battle: Rode NT-USB Mini vs Rode Podmic USB

Hey there, podcasters and audio enthusiasts, I’ve got an exciting episode lined up for you today. We'll be diving into the battle of the microphones - the Rode NT USB Mini versus the Rode PodMic USB/XLR. 

Why bother with this showdown you may ask. I wanted to test whether there was enough of a difference between the Rode NT-USB Mini which is a significantly cheaper microphone to the new Rode PodMic. New podcasters are often concerned with budget, so I decided to put these two head-to-head and let you listen to the results.

The Contenders

At the time of this recording, the Rode NT USB Mini has already established itself as a favourite among our clients due to its portability and ease of use. It's compact and comes with a magnetic stand, making it perfect for travellers and content creators on the go. On the other hand, the Rode PodMic USB/XLR is relatively new to the market, and we're eager to see how it stacks up against the NT USB Mini.

The Test

To ensure a fair comparison, I've recorded the same phrase with both microphones using a Rode PSA1 Plus boom arm, so the microphones are the same distance to my mouth. I have not performed any post-production frequency equalisation and only boosted the levels to achieve a similar loudness. The key areas we'll be focusing on are plosives, high frequencies, and overall sound quality.

The Showdown

In the audio demonstration, I invite you to listen carefully with your headphones or quality speakers to hear the differences. Firstly, the Rode NT USB Mini impressed me with how similar it sounded to the Rode PodMic USB, but I found the plosives to be quite distracting. Rode advises that the Rode NT-USB Mini does have an in-built pop filter within the casing, but I found this to not really cut the mustard.

High-Frequency Comparison

Moving on to the high frequencies, I noticed that the Rode NT USB Mini sounded a bit more digital in its response, and there was more presence of sibilance in the audio. This means the S's and other similar sounds were a tad sharper. On the other hand, the Rode PodMic USB/XLR demonstrated a warmer sound with a bit more depth in the bass. The PodMic's audio felt fuller and less sibilant compared to its counterpart.

Final Thoughts

Both microphones perform exceptionally well, especially when used with USB as the input source. However, if I had to pick a winner, the Rode PodMic USB/XLR edges out slightly due to its excellent pop-filtering capabilities and warmer, more balanced sound. For podcasters seeking a versatile and dependable microphone, the PodMic should be a top contender.

The fact that the PodMic also has XLR capabilities, will future-proof your recording experience and allow for more versatility in the long term.

Remember, the right microphone can make a world of difference in your audio content creation journey. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes, and until next time, keep creating great content and happy podcasting!

Resources Mentioned:

Bamby Media Gear

Bamby Media Services

Bamby Media Client Application

YouTube Channel

EQUIPMENT WE USE TO PRODUCE THIS PODCAST (WEBSITE VERSION)

Rode Boom Arm