Amid the two million podcasts, standing out from the crowd can be difficult. To ensure your podcast is of the highest quality, investing in a top-notch mic is essential. The podcasting mic industry is burgeoning, with a range of options available for podcasters. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, the Rode PodMic is a great choice.
In this article, we will examine the design, sound quality, accompanying software, and price of the Rode PodMic to aid you in deciding if this is the right microphone for your podcasting needs.
What Is Rode PodMic
The Rode PodMic is a solid and reliable microphone crafted from all metal with a ceramic finish weighing 937g. It is designed specifically for podcasting and produces broadcast-quality audio with a rich, balanced sound that is perfect for all voices. It can be plugged into any XLR interface, such as a mixer, and is optimized with the Rodecaster Pro, which automatically applies the correct settings to achieve the best results.
The RØDE PodMic offers high-quality sound for podcasting and other audio recording applications. Some features that help keep the sound clean include a dual-layer mesh, an internal pop filter, an internal shockmount, and a heavy-duty swing mount to minimize vibrations.
Furthermore, it is optimized for use with the RØDECaster™ Pro console. However, it will deliver excellent results with any quality microphone interface.
This product may be more suitable for experienced users as it is slightly more complex than a typical plug-and-play USB device.
Specifications
Mechanical
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Acoustic & Electrical
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Warranty
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Rode PodMic Features
Broadcast-grade mic for podcasters
The PodMic is a broadcast-grade end-address microphone designed to provide optimal sound quality for any speech application, from streaming on Twitch to podcasting. Featuring a dynamic capsule, the PodMic will capture every detail of your voice with richness and clarity, plus a tight cardioid polar pattern that reduces the amount of background noise in the recording. This makes it the perfect choice for recordings in challenging environments, ensuring you stay in the limelight.
Excellent Sound Quality Results
The Røde PodMic is a professional microphone with an impressive frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz and a cardioid pattern for capturing detailed audio. This microphone is great for podcasting as it is less sensitive and highly directional, which picks up minimal sound from the room and your guests’ voices.
Additionally, it produces a neutral-leaning signal that is easy to adjust with EQ.
Built-in pop shield minimizes unwanted plosives
The PodMic boasts a broadcast-quality dynamic capsule specifically designed for speech applications. Along with an internal pop filter to reduce plosive sounds. The double-mesh housing and internal pop filter work together to minimize loud breath noises and plosive sounds, eliminating the need for an external pop filter. Many found that the popping noise vanished at the 6-inch or “hang loose” distance.
Robust, all-metal construction
The PodMic is a great choice for any podcasting or streaming setup, boasting a stylish, compact design.
Weighing only two pounds and measuring 6.8 X 2.4 X 4.3 inches, it is sure to fit in any setup. The hard-wearing stainless steel mesh grille and all-metal body make it incredibly durable, which is quite impressive compared to other dynamic mics made with plastic. In conclusion, the construction of this microphone is top-notch and it is sure to last a long time.
With Rugged swing-arm mounting
The PodMic is equipped with two wing nuts on either side of its built-in mount, allowing for easy adjustment of its angle and positioning. Additionally, the body-mounted swing clip provides further convenience, allowing the mic to be mounted to table-top stands, studio boom arms, or regular mic stands.
The internal shockmount of the PodMic isolates it from handling noise and vibrations, while the integrated swing mount securely holds the mic and prevents low-frequency noises from interfering with your audio recordings.
Integration with RODECaster Pro podcast production console
The Rode PodMic can be used with any preamp or interface, however, it is particularly superb when used with the RODECaster Pro podcast production console. To get the most out of it, simply choose “PodMic” on the RODECaster’s touchscreen and the system will automatically adjust the settings to provide the best audio quality.
Downsides Of Rode PodMic
Low output
Using an intermediary device with ultra-clean gain to boost the output of the Rode PodMic is common, as dynamic microphones are usually designed for similar uses, such as the popular Shure SM7B. It is usually recommended to use a preamp to help achieve the desired sound, although this can be difficult for those with limited budgets. Finding the right settings can make a huge difference in the quality of your audio.
XLR only
The Rode PodMic may be an affordable microphone, however, its lack of a USB connection option is a slight downside. This would make the mic more versatile and easily adaptable to different systems. Moreover, since the microphone is an XLR, if you don’t already have an audio interface, you’ll have to purchase one in order to use it.
Verdict
Rode PodMic is an incredible bargain for the price. The sound quality is top-notch, and the ability to avoid an external pop filter makes it even more attractive. It’s a small, sturdy, intimate mic that will bring a professional sound level to any podcast. The minor inconveniences of this product can be worked around, and it’s definitely worth the investment. For the price and quality, the Rode PodMic is an excellent choice for any podcast setup.
PROS | CONS |
Outstanding sound quality for broadcast | Very heavy |
High-quality construction | Has low output |
Affordable cost | Stand and boom arm must be bought separately |
Built-in pop filter | XLR interface is not suitable for beginners |
Robust and reliable design | |
Excellent plosive control | |
Internal shock mount for added protection. |
If you dream of hosting a podcast, the Rode PodMic will make it easier. All you need to do is simply plug it in and begin recording — leaving you free to focus on producing quality content without worrying about the technical details.