Discovering the Truth Behind RODE PODMIC USB

[@brandongaster]

This voice is far more enjoyable to listen to than most of the other mic reviewers.

[@storybabble]

Thanks. I appreciate that.

[@evolvingevrday]

The only reason it's not going to be the same. It's because it has a closed back. If you shut the vents off the rode, the lower frequencies will naturally come back to the edge of the capsule. If you look at the polar patterns you will see what I'm talking about. It's a super bottom eavy and super self-noise heavy because of the phase out of the humbucker which also causes it to be a very low volume microphone. Amazing how things work out. The $40 eBay special for 20 years is all of a sudden popular

[@storybabble]

Interesting. Thanks for your insights.

[@jinyoung-ch]

I have to say, I was hesitant to click on this video because the title came across too click-baity for my liking, but I ended up enjoying the whole ~9 mins and found it to be not only entertaining (you have a great sense of humour!) but educational. I just got these mics and didn't know about the Rode Connect app, so going to play around with it now. Cheers!

[@storybabble]

Wow! Thanks so much. Rode just told me at NAB that will be selling the pop filters for $20 starting in about two weeks. They are also coming out with different colors.

[@SHELTECH4]

Nice review! I will pick up for my voiceovers. Thanks for telling us about the limitations though. So I won't be caught by surprise.

[@storybabble]

Glad it was helpful!

[@growthgenerators]

@@storybabble very just bought it!

[@sepeterson86]

Can you do a setup video walking through the processing for this mic?

[@storybabble]

I’ll put that on the list. Thanks.

[@route909]

A big problem with calls over the cellular network is it's incredibly limited bandwidth. Even if you connect a hifi sounding source, it'll be bandwidth limited to roughly 300-3400 Hz, using a 8 bit 8KHz sampling rate. Unless you're using 3G calls, which are carrier specific. There you can get a wider bandwidth, but it's rare. Try using a Rodecaster Pro to make a call over Bluetooth and you'll hear the crappy sound. Much of the good sound of voice calls is due to processing in your phone to make a really poor signal sound at it's best.

[@storybabble]

I was skeptical, but hopeful. But you’re probably right that my dream is impossible. Thanks for the more specific explanation though. Appreciate it.

[@route909]

A fortunate thing is that one can still use Whatsapp, Messenger, Facetime and other VOIP solutions for much improved clarity and quality :) @@storybabble

[@davidflannery1973]

I don't own either mic, but as a gear head I am constantly paying attention and love these reviews. I'm curious about the Rod Pod Mic because I actually like it's look and sound and the pricetag - be it the $99 or $199 beats the SM7B. And I have used the SM7B in voiceover sessions with talent as far back as the late 90's. I've always loved the sound (heck, I sound better with it). But the Rode for the money seems to sound quite nice.

[@storybabble]

Love your thoughts. I do love the quality of the road microphone. I also own assure SM 7B and I’m happy with the sound from it as well. But, you’re right, it’s a lot of money.

[@RandumbTech]

It sounds OK, but the SM7B and heck the SM57 both sound better to my ears. I'm really surprised they didn't change the new Podmic to sound a bit beefier. It's much too mid-forward for my taste.

[@storybabble]

I hear you.

[@Dove_Hotep]

Can you make or do you have a video that goes into set up on this mic for the USB part of it without a mixer and right into your mac?? I want to switch but before paying the cashola would love to know if can get it set up for a mc without a mixer and have it sound good enough . . thanks

[@im_Spade_]

For those that don't know, now you CAN buy the pop filter/wind screen that fits the regular or USB podmic online. (Didn't realize it didn't quite fit flush at the tip of the mic, but ig it was designed like that for extra plosive protection.)

[@storybabble]

You are correct. Road started to sell the pop filter windscreens right after NAB this year. They also come in a variety of colors.

[@johnpaullennon1199]

I dig the review. Do all the settings and effects come out of the XLR when not connected to usb?

[@storybabble]

Thanks. Yes. They stay the way they were last set. Very cool.

[@SettlementAgreementSolicitor]

Thanks for the video. I am totally new to podcasting, had sod all idea what to do and loved the look of Electro-Voice mics, mostly because I liked the history of the brand, the aesthetics and the name. After a ton of research (ie KZbin videos), I settled on the Rode PodMic USB because the price seemed more reasonable for someone starting out, and I liked the plug-and-play element thanks to the USB (since I don't have an XLR mixer and would have no idea where to start with that, either). So far, so good, but when I play back videos I record in Photo Booth on Mac, I can barely hear myself! I need to crank the volume on my laptop right up. I will have a bash at Rode Connect, as maybe that will get things working correctly. I didn't even know about Rode Connect until I saw this video, so thanks for that!

[@storybabble]

Glad I could help.

[@1Samuel1524]

I returned mine because every time any kind of notification would come through, all audio recording would stop with no indication.

[@storybabble]

That is horrible. So sorry to hear that. Let me know if you can get that fixed.

[@1Samuel1524]

@storybabble yeah, it was fixed as soon as I went with a different microphone. But the only problem is, this is the microphone that had good sound and was so easily hooked up to Android devices. Ended up just going with the DJI mic 2.

[@poerava]

Thank you for your video When you say it works on the video application of the phone, couldn’t you call someone through FaceTime, zoom, teams, messenger, WeChat or other VOIP services?

[@itscarlosreally]

6:50 this was accidentally hilarious This is a great, straightforward review! Still looks like a solid microphone (if not a bit too rich for my blood).

[@storybabble]

Thanks man. Appreciate it.

[@kiwiadventurer]

Cool chat and timely as I'm looking at the Rode Podcaster which will go with my AI-1 and the pivotting mic stand mounted behind the main monitor. Thanks.

[@storybabble]

Sounds great! Thanks for watching.

[@eliannearzuzaguerreroea8467]

I loved this review ! Please help Me with this, If I want to connect my Rode Podmic to iPhone (for video goals ), but I don’t want my iPhone to be in my face . What would you recommend regarding cable longitude and accesory ? What can I use ? No XLR, don’t want to by Audio Interface , want to use only USB …

[@HumblElephant]

Wow, great video - exactly what i needed. Thanks so much

[@storybabble]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GameFactsSpecial]

I have the OG Rode Podmic and its super super quiet sounding. I have no idea why. Is it very quite for you? Is that just the nature of these Mics? I have to turn my audio up by like 20 decibels to make it audible.

[@storybabble]

Thanks for asking. Most all condenser microphones are considerably quieter than condenser microphones. That’s why you either need a great preamp in your mixer or a cloud lifter to increase the gain.

[@foglebr]

Thanks for doing this comparison review. I’ve got a few more things to say later but overall this was fantastic. You definitely answered questions I didn’t know that I had. This review let me know that possibly I may have a good use case for this, but there might be better options for me out there.

[@storybabble]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PureAwareness76]

🎉 You're so loveable ❤ Cheerz from a Hungarian 🇭🇺 working in 🇬🇧

[@storybabble]

Thanks.

[@endless_universe2023]

Works amazingly with Pixel 8, but also with my older Android phones. Choosing Apple for any flexible pro work is kinda funny these days.

[@storybabble]

You are right. Sometimes it sucks to be an Apple guy. Thanks for sharing that information. It’s good to know.

[@greg6162]

Awe man 🤦‍♂️… looking to record my band so I bought a MacBook Air M2 and I’m trying to learn basic audio engineering. So Apple is no good for this?

[@adingtonp]

Great work, you made me laugh! Very helpful too.

[@storybabble]

Thanks so much. Appreciate the kind words.

[@thejoshthat]

@7:45 thank you, I would've ran in to this immediately, HUGE HELP, THANK YOU!

[@storybabble]

No problem. Glad to help.

[@TimsGardenMakeover]

Beautifully written

[@storybabble]

Thanks so much. I’m a sucker for kind words. Made my day.

[@JuanTalkPH]

I owned both new version of podmic and sm7b

[@storybabble]

Great choices.

[@Xobaer]

your video just saved me £100 x2 . Thank you.

[@storybabble]

You're welcome!

[@NinoAmerica]

I was hoping I could use this with Rodecaster duo. I don’t think that’s possible. Tom said so.

[@storybabble]

I’ve heard that too. Of course the xlr mic part works, but you’re right. Hopefully that’s something RODE can fix in firmware.

[@vancouverrob]

Great review! Love the giant foam for the SM57!

[@storybabble]

Me too! Thanks.

[@peteg1696]

I have a pod mic and its a fine mic, do i use it? no i dont, would i pay double for a similar mic that has usb? not a chance

[@storybabble]

I respect that. Thanks for your comment.

[@b1kanobi]

Anyone please: Can the microphone work (connected via USB/C together with that special USB C lightning cable) for Facebook LIVE stream? (on the Iphone)

[@madison_leclef]

I'm curious if this would work through an app like Riverside

[@federicochang3249]

So, it’s been almost 3 months since iPhone 15 has been released with USB-C… so any updates for your disappointment? I had my share of frustrations with other types of mics and headphones (no for podcasts)… even with USB-C. But I would like a solid opinion like yours… Thanks!

[@storybabble]

Good idea. I need to get back and do some more testing.

[@JayzBeerz]

I can't hear my voice through my headset when I have my PodMic hooked to my mixer via XLR. When I use it with the USB-C I can hear myself. Is there a setting I'm missing while connected with XLR to mixer?

[@storybabble]

I don’t believe that you can use USB-C and XLR at the same time. That said, if the signal is going into your interface or mixer, but you’re not hearing it in your headphones, then your issue is.1) the settings on your computer. (make sure that your interface is selected as the output in your system set up), 2) the settings on your interface software either has the headphones turned off or the volume to low, or 3) the physical interface headphone volume knob or switch is turned off. On my SSL 12 there is a knob that blends in the headphone mix. Other interfaces have a switch. Some don’t have physical control at all and can only be done with the software inside of the computer. That’s the best I can do without knowing more. Good luck.

[@JayzBeerz]

@@storybabbleI’m not using both at the same time. XLR I can’t hear myself with the USB-C I can.

[@storybabble]

@@JayzBeerz The headphone jack out on the PodMic itself only works when using it as a USB mic. To hear yourself through headphone when using the mic as an XLR mic, you'll need to plug the headphones into your mixer interface or computer if your interface doesn't have a headphone jack.

[@JayzBeerz]

@@storybabble sadly I tried all of that and it don't work. Guess I'll just use it via USB-C. Thanks for your help.

[@gurdeepsingh2837]

Very disappointing that it doesn't work out of the box with an iPhone. Was about to order this immediately. Not now I think.

[@storybabble]

I get it.

[@Btalks1]

My rode usb pod mic new one in not connecting with any of rode software pls help

[@storybabble]

I’m so sorry to hear this. I would reach out to RODE. They have a good technical support staff. I wish I could help you. I do know that it requires a specific cable and that third-party cables. Don’t always work.Good luck.

[@Thmusic7]

Dude! I like your videos man. You’re awesome. You have this cool gentle, but fun demeanor. I like your Tom comment at the end. I think I’ll subscribe.

[@storybabble]

Thanks man. Welcome to the family.

[@JohnDenver-w4i]

Very honest review, thanks from Pakistan 👍

[@storybabble]

Thanks. Appreciate that.

[@THEAVERAGEGUY1983]

Im glad i spent more and settled for an Electro-Voice RE20 to pair with both my RCP2 and Rodecaster Duo. I do plan on getting a Shure SM7B in the future just to have two of the best mics available for singing and just speaking. Thank you so much for your review. 🙇‍♂️🙏

[@storybabble]

Good choice! Thanks for the comment and the kind words.

[@TataPrica]

Does it works when you make lives on social media on mobiel or not? it would be great if it works

[@1Samuel1524]

"rode podmic windscreen" brings up lots of colorful options. There must have been a lot of requests for it. That 57 sure is nice. But no usb. Or internal dsp.

[@storybabble]

The colors are fun, but I personally like the black one. Maybe I’m just boring. 57 is amazing but you’re right no USB. Thanks so much for watching.

[@Noone-ld8ro]

Is shure mv7 better than rode Podmic usb?

[@storybabble]

Yes, but they are both good in my opinion. Thanks for sharing.

[@ryanmilton2643]

well your issue is a niche...I get it...but otherwise its a good mic--- which I think I'm swayed over from shure...because also usbc

[@storybabble]

Yes, you are correct. My issue is niche. It is a great mic.

[@HHGenuine]

Can you make a comparison video between Rode Podmic USB and Maono PD400X ?

[@storybabble]

Great idea. I’ll ask Maono if they can send me one.

[@HHGenuine]

@@storybabble Cool..... let us know when the video is up...

[@angelgonzalezfilms]

What would you say is the easiest solution if I have 2 of these mics to record a podcast? How can I connect both of them to the same recording device and what should I use? (Can I do this on a laptop?)

[@storybabble]

With Rode connect software (free) you can connect multiple Rode mics. See this page for details. rode.com/en/about/news-info/how-to-record-or-stream-with-multiple-usb-microphones-using-rode-connect

[@pierogiannist]

Awesome review, thanks! Would it be possible to connect it via USB to a computer and record there but also simultaneously connect it via XLR to a recorder, as a backup?

[@storybabble]

I don’t think it can do both, but I’ll try it.

[@SeriousSnapes]

Have you gotten a chance to try it? There's marketing photos of both USB and XLR cables plugged into it, so I'm also curious about that. It'd be cool if it did!@@storybabble

[@skunkwerx9674]

@@SeriousSnapes it will not output both simultaneously.

[@deolludhianvi]

Good Evening Sir, If I buy Rode's pod mic and universal volt audio interface. So will I get professional quality? I want to record my written poetry at home and I want crisp and studio quality. Will this setup be ok? I am not getting good advice from anyone. Please tell me which mic and audio interface should I buy?

[@storybabble]

Absolutely you can get quality audio with the pod mic with a windscreen and a good interface like the volt. Your finished audio will also require some eq and compression. You can do that in an audio DAW on your computer or inside the Podmic USB. And if you have the Podmic USB you won’t need the volt. You have lots of options in this price range. Once you get something good you can sweeten the audio to professional results. The problem is that audio sweetening is an art so it can’t be bought. That will be your next journey. Best of luck.

[@deolludhianvi]

@@storybabble Thankyou Sir 🙏

[@ben-benedict]

None usb mic works for nativ call on iPhone. I know it’s frustrating at first. I give up with the dream of fully mobile remote setup with top quality . Your guest can do it with his laptop.

[@storybabble]

I hear you. Thanks for commenting.

[@max10hoop]

Would the Podmic USB be loud enough with a Scarlett Solo? Or do I need the extra gain from the 2i2?

[@storybabble]

I don’t know. Good question. The PodMic is hotter than the Shure sm7b than needs a cloud lifter, but I’ve never used the Scarlett.

[@Purr811]

What travel case would you use for the DS2 Stand and PodMic?

[@storybabble]

I don’t have a great case to recommend. When I was doing a mobile podcast I used a Plano bag with two Plano clear plastic cases in them. Not perfect but it worked.

[@PaulsMedia2024]

Have tried it with an iPhone 15 Pro that has USB C interface?

[@storybabble]

Yes. It does work on phone calls. Only videos.

[@exMasterNQQB]

Hello. Thanks for the review. Can you tell me if the microphone can simultaneously output sound via USB and XLR ?

[@storybabble]

You’re welcome. Sadly the mic cannot output both at the same time. It’s a bummer, I know.

[@haies09]

Sad day, would have been nice for streamers who play console 😊

[@nerddeconsumo]

A lot of this mic are defective. A bunch of them die after some time and a lot others (via USB) keep disconnecting. Have you ever had this problem? THis mic is really good, but it has become a nightmare for a lot of people. Really sad!

[@storybabble]

Other than not working on phone calls, it has worked great for me. But that doesn’t mean much. It’s just one out of countless others.

[@nerddeconsumo]

@@storybabble thanks! 😀

[@Vozferbet]

Is the software you are using Unify? And does it work on Android? That is, to stream on tiktok, for example!

[@storybabble]

I use Logic Pro and an iPhone. Sorry. I hear Unity is great and I can only assume it works with Android. Let me know.

[@trentgilliam5192]

Sorry if this has been asked, but what mic stands are those? Thanks

[@storybabble]

Not a problem. Here is a link to the stands I have: amzn.to/3zKp7kS. Enjoy!!

[@rcook934]

I have the rodes pobmic usb I don’t understand how you’re able to speak into the other and the rodes isn’t picking that up a pin could drop around mine and it picks it up

[@storybabble]

To be clear, I’m muting each mic in my editing software when I’m not talking into that mic. That way you can hear the difference. Hope that clears up your confusion. I should have made that clear. Thanks.

[@spoonest]

Is it possible to use this windscreen with the original podmic?

[@storybabble]

Yes it works great. But Rode doesn’t sell it separately. Yet.

[@tytansoundlab]

I have nothing but issues with this mic with my Mac Studio M1 Max. Plugging it in USB the mics cut in and out and sometimes stay off up to 10-15 mins. And with the software I can’t even use the effects the mic goes out like I unplugged it😭

[@storybabble]

That’s horrible. What has tech support said? They were pretty good at getting back to me. No help. But good at getting back. Good luck.

[@tytansoundlab]

@@storybabble no help at all I even sent them a video😂

[@saintwolfvision]

where you able to EQ it to get close to SM7b?

[@storybabble]

No. But my ears aren’t what they used to be. So there is that.

[@saintwolfvision]

@@storybabble Well they both sound great with your voice but ofc nothing is richer than sm7b. Rode is nice looking and can't beat that price but I may try the new mv7+ that just came out. There is just something special about the sound of the shure mics. Thanks for your video!

[@WalkingwithDidi]

Thnak you so much for the video!

[@storybabble]

My pleasure!

[@ecantalk]

Great review and yeah, the phone issue is disappointing for sure. Off topic: Ryan (Rode) reminds me of Rob McElhenney. 😂

[@storybabble]

Thanks. Appreciate it. And yes I can see what you’re saying about Ryan. ;)

[@growthgenerators]

Great Review!

[@storybabble]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.

[@magicstone2218]

If I use Podmic usb to record the music sound from the speaker, do you think it is suitable, or do you have other recommendations

[@storybabble]

Recording from a speaker is always a challenge, but I would think it would do well as dynamic microphones like this are used to mic guitar cabinets all the time. Good luck.

[@potsy4u]

Did you try the Mic just in the Phone app? or also in messenger, Whatsapp, Signal, Telegram, Zoom or some other 3rd party app?

[@JJSCTech]

Yea I like this guy.

[@storybabble]

Thanks. Appreciate it.

[@Grasss]

all sound identical. I think it's splitting hair at this point

[@storybabble]

I hear you (pun intended). Thanks for your input.

[@Grasss]

always happy to help! "where is the bluesmobile?! I traded it. You traded our bluesmobile for this?! No, for a microphone. for a microphone? ... ok I can see that"

[@Hardcover_Pilot]

Honestly you were going to be disappointed with the results of plugging this in and calling someone with it, even if Apple let it work the way you wanted it to. Sure, they'd have had great-quality audio going into their phone app... but what you got would still have sounded like someone talking over the phone because, well, they'd be talking over the phone. You would still have had the same quality on your end to record no matter what.

[@storybabble]

I worried about that too. When Ryan said it would provide the same quality I couldn’t believe it. That’s why I really wanted to try it. If I got it to work I imagined I might have to use FaceTime audio through WiFi or something. But I totally get what you are saying. Thanks for commenting.

[@MrCitrusvalley]

Great review!

[@storybabble]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Q8Webmaster]

Great review! 👏 I got a continuous non-stop hissing with iphone 14 pro using SC19 directly to the Podmic usb, no matter what settings you dial or wherever you go with the mic at home. I am so disappointed to pay 33€ for the cable and I have hissing all the time. Any ideas?

[@storybabble]

That sucks. I’m sorry that I don’t have any ideas. I have called Rode for support before and they were responsive. I’d try that. Good luck.

[@Q8Webmaster]

@@storybabbleThank you so much for your quick reply 🙏 I can understand that you don’t face my issue with background hissing.. That’s great 👌 Unfortunately the same hissing appeared in recording to iPad using rode original usb-c to usb-c cable. I will just raise a support ticket. Thanks mate!

[@4nyxy]

It makes a whole other visual effect to show real money, or just show letters on the display. Everybody should able to see that. We lose our ability to see how much money we throw away, better think twice if you need what you want.

[@storybabble]

Thanks.

[@remektekmedia6641]

Have you tried it with an iPhone 15 via USB C?

[@storybabble]

Sorry, this took me so long. I just tried it with my iPhone 15 with a Rode USB-C to USB-C cable and I could not get it to work on a phone call. However, it does work on video so, the same as lightning. Bummer.

[@saintwolfvision]

why are you shipping the mic to someone and how often are you really doing that?

[@storybabble]

OK, it was more of a fantasy than a reality. But when I was making a weekly audio podcast I was very frustrated with the sound quality coming over the phone and dreamed of shipping to mic to our guest. But you’re right, I might not have done it as much as I thought I would.

[@GO2CUT]

I am really upset about the cable policy Røde does with this mic and others. There are a ton of USB C to lighting cables out there but noooo, just the overpriced one you have to buy from them works. Pff.

[@storybabble]

I’m with you on that.

[@RabeTV]

iphone doesnt work. its too quiet

[@Zwane031]

The 57 sounds insane🔥🔥

[@storybabble]

True true.

[@koenignero]

Lol that means it cannot even used via Zoom or Teams on iOS. What a joke. So at least it can be used for tik toks

[@frantotti9754]

Your problem apparently with Apple not Rode even Android does not work either still with Apple😅

[@storybabble]

You are correct that this is on Apple. I have a love/hate relationship with Apple, but it’s mostly love so I stay in it. Thanks for you comment.

[@frantotti9754]

@@storybabble😂

[@salimbindawlah7307]

I'd rather prefer recording my voice through mobile and give it to Zarific to ensure mic quality audio and save money

[@storybabble]

Interesting. I’ll need to check that out.