RØDE says PodMic USB is its “most versatile mic ever”
Could this really be ‘the only mic you’ll ever need’? RØDE says that the PodMic USB is its “most versatile mic ever”
RØDE has released many microphones over the years, but looks like the new PodMic USB is more versatile than its previous microphones. In fact, the company says that this is its “most versatile mic ever”.
Offering both XLR and USB outputs, the PodMic can be hooked up to many devices such as mixers, audio interfaces, computers and mobile devices (iOS and Android). In fact, RØDE believes that, if you’re a do-it-all creator, this could be the only mic you’ll ever need.
Besides that the PodMic USB is very much optimised for speech recording, with its high-power neodymium capsule being tailor-made for this purpose. There is a built-in pop filter for minimising plosives, and we are promised an even flatter frequency response than the original PodMic and low self-noise. A cardioid polar pattern would ensure that the focus is on the audio you want to record and not background noise.
When used in USB mode, the PodMic USB makes use of its built-in Revolution Preamp, while built-in DSP provides you with a compressor, noise gate and high-pass filter, along with Aural Exciter and Big Bottom effects. These can all be tweaked using the VoxLab editor.
The headphone output offers zero-latency monitoring, and the built-in volume control can be used to adjust levels and – via its switch – turn zero-latency monitoring on or off. Additionally, it serves as a mic mute button when you are using RØDE Connect or Unify, the company’s software control solutions.
Given that this is a mic that is designed to be used when you are on the move, RØDE says that rugged build quality was high on the agenda at the drawing board stage. To this end, it has an all-metal construction, from the body to the stainless steel mesh grille. An integrated swing mount is designed to provide easy positioning and improved isolation, and the capsule’s internal suspension should help to protect the PodMic USB from bumps and bangs.
Designed and built in Sydney, Australia, the PodMic USB comes with a 5-year warranty and is available now priced at $199. Find out more on the RØDE website.
