Review: Rode NT-USB microphone

Testing Rode's new NT-USB microphone which, as the name suggests, is a microphone that outputs directly to USB so you can plug it straight into a Mac or PC without the need for a sound mixer or sound card.
In the video, I compare its quality to that of a standalone XLR-USB adapter, Shure's X2U, using a Sennheiser ME66 shotgun mic (together worth about £450 versus the Rode at £130).
If you'd like to buy the Rode NT-USB, we'd be very grateful if you did so via our Amazon link as we get a little commission that way: amzn.to/12rXtoj
And if you liked this video you may also like the review of Rode's Blimp windshield which was revised for 2014 to include the Rycote Lyre suspension mount. Click here:
• Review: Rode Blimp win...
To read our written review of the NT-USB and see some more pictures of it, hop on over to tubeshooter.co....
Published by www.tubeshooter.co.uk
tubeshootermag
tubeshootermag

[@willkilla2698]

this was the best review on a mic I ever seen TY

[@TubeShooterMag]

Wow, thank you!

[@Mr.Jasaw13]

+will killa it truly is ^^

[@7afiz-Crypto]

+will killa I really agree with you! even pausing to hear the background noise .. awesome work :)

[@TubeShooterMag]

Thanks!

[@VasilWho]

Couldn't agree more. Thank you for the great review. You actually helped me to finally make my choice.

[@The_Horizon]

such a good mic, cant get enough of it!

[@GaryDmedia]

Yes the Rode NT-USB sounds great. Just got my hands on one and as you say it is good value for money.

[@madant7777]

Bought the Rode following your review and it is even more surprising in the flesh than I imagined. The build quality is like pro-grade equipment, looks very cool and the addition of the pop-filter and a little stand is just another thing to smile about (since they visually complement the mic). I did the same thing as you, straight out of the box into a USB through Audacity software, without touching any settings and it sounded exceptionally good, no discernible noise on the graph, no distortion, no popping or crackling, just like listening to a radio show. And then you look at the price label again and remain stunned. Personally I like it more than the similar Blue (Yeti) microphones that are omni-directional and pick up everything in the room, and the Audio-Technica 2020 is a bit sensitive for my taste and has more noise at normal levels. Job well done Røde!

[@estemann1950]

madant1977 thanks for the comment i was unsure between audio technica at-2020 usb+ and rode nt-usb and you made me choose nt-usb thanks!!!

[@PersonManManManMan]

Quality comment

[@smoothvelvetsinger]

Excellent, I ordered this today. I had to have it in addition to my Blue Yeti and my Audio-Technica at2020USB. Both very good microphones, but I feel the Røde NT-USB has the advantage sound-wise over both of those.

[@farazkhorasani6325]

Hi if you don't mind me asking, which one of these microphones turned out best? I'm trying to choose between exactly those three

[@BhaktiForSoul]

The best review on Rode NT USB, exactly what I was looking for! Thanks a lot, mate.

[@subsystemd]

I just got it today, it was recommended to me by a friend working in audio and stuff. This is a real good mic, very sturdy, portable and dead easy to use. I am going to use it for podcasts and other small audio projects. As a student with a reasonable budget, I really picked up something of very good quality for the money I spent. I strongly recommend it.

[@TubeShooterMag]

Agreed!

[@tredfxman]

Thanks a whole lot for your practical experience. I will most likely buy this one as well :) If you have any other comment´s about it so far, please do tell us.. :)

[@The_Darrell]

I ordered one last night... Can't wait to get it :D

[@BatteryAz1z]

Thank you. 4 years later still a great price and such a helpful review. Glad I found it.

[@JoesGuy]

Just picked this one up recently and wow. Cheaper and comparable in quality to my old AKG 120, and with its own pop filter. Very happy happy with it thus far. It really is tough to come up with negatives for it. XD

[@savanaviolenta]

I was listening to this demo on my IPad mono speaker and Definetely and immediately I heard the difference between the shotgun Sennheiser and the Rode .Aaaah the aRODE has such full bodied sound,so clear I'm buying one.it will be perfect for my voice.You can do anything with it.If you wanna shout or sing loud go backwards a few steps it catches everything perfectly,no flat ,no lifeless sound,no artificial coloring.Just a real natural reproduction of everything that's been recorded.Im impressed and sold on this mic.Thats the one.

[@Jindujun]

The sound of this thing is amazing!

[@Septemberl4d]

Dude great review. No faffing about and straight to the point, good explanation and a proper test between a great mic against this what should be lower quality for price mic. Just beautiful. If people tested everything like this on youtube it would be a great day for man kind. My only gripes is the strange opening which felt like i was in for a low quality video and review but was surprised once i got past it. Keep up the good work and thanks for helping me finally decide to buy a new mic worthy of the dollars i plan on putting into it.

[@TubeShooterMag]

Glad you found the review helpful; cheers

[@keksenascherable]

never thought that the sound would be so good, thank you for this video.

[@KatieAliceGamer]

Hello! I just launched my gaming channel but before, when I was searching for a microphone, I was very indecisive about choosing the rodeo over the blue yeti. I lost count on how many crappy review videos I've watched and I was soooo close to giving up until I came across yours. You've demonstrated and explained everything really well and after I finished watching your video, I finally made up my mind and went straight on to Amazon to buy my own rodeo microphone and I have had no regrets! Keep up the good work! Katie :)

[@TubeShooterMag]

Glad you found the video useful. Good luck with your channel. Cheers

[@GaryDmedia]

I have just discovered your channel, thanks for you great review of the RODE NT-USB. The comparative audio recordings are excellent. Thanks.

[@TubeShooterMag]

Simple Audio Tips Very kind of you to say; thank you!

[@ForeverDansky]

Just the video I was looking for, definitely going to buy one of these, and thanks for the demo/comparison - really helpful :)

[@TubeShooterMag]

+Dansky Great! Thanks

[@berniecochrane2071]

What an excellent, clear, full and easy to follow review of the Rode NT-USB microphone. Brilliant delivery and certainly no need to go any where else if you want to know more about this microphone if you have just bought one and about to use for the first time,, or, if you are thinking about buying one. Personally, and I had this mic recommended to me by a Cubase Engineer [I am using on Cubase 9.5 and 10 Pro], I would in turn 'recommend' this mic for quality given its cost. So once again BRILL review. Thanks. Bernie

[@TubeShooterMag]

Thanks Bernie!

[@TomBradysWurfhand]

Thank you sir, thank you very very much! Now I now that I´m gonna buy the NT-USB

[@TubeShooterMag]

:-)

[@JBLZFTW]

I wanted to thank you for this review, I'd been looking at this mic for a minute, but couldn't find a reliable source to back it up. This review was perfect, simple, to the point and let me formulate my own opinion on wanting this mic Thanks for the high quality review

[@TubeShooterMag]

Glad it was useful. Cheers

[@chrisbroughton6669]

i bought this mic for music recordings and i have to say its a very good mic , very clear and well worth the money

[@TechWiz1983]

Great review mate, I was researching various mics to find an excellent USB mic; going to order this one today. It sounds excellent.

[@TubeShooterMag]

Thank you! I like it

[@lordenglish2654]

I was in two minds of wether to get this one or not but your excellent review has tipped it for me. Many thanks for the great review!

[@TubeShooterMag]

Lord English Glad it was helpful! For your interest, the voiceover on the last three videos on my channel was also recorded on the NT-USB.

[@XuluXac]

You Sir are an excellent reviewer! I intend to purchase this mic on the strength of this flawless presentation.

[@TubeShooterMag]

Very decent of you to say, thank you. Enjoy the mic :-)

[@Tony-Madisson]

Thank you for this detailed and professional review!

[@trapaCoC]

Thanks for France ! I will buy it for my videos ! Thanks dear :)

[@phillip3330]

You just thanked a brit for the gift of France? There's something you dont see everyday :)

[@Indicoolio]

Fantastic video. Wish all reviews are of this quality!

[@TubeShooterMag]

+Katyayan Gupta Thank you :-)

[@RenderedFilms]

Awesome review. I have a blue yeti and I was thinking of changing. I prefer the yeti because of what I use it for. I can scream into it or talk really soft or even sing into it and I don't even need a pop filter. You can probably find yetis these days for around the same price.

[@k-leepalmer5709]

Thanks for having so much clarity! Going to buy this one!

[@TubeShooterMag]

Cheers. Have fun!

[@k-leepalmer5709]

+TubeShooterMag Thanks!

[@WebministerietNet]

Thanks for a thorough and great review! Just ordered it at my local RØDE dealer. THANK YOU!

[@TubeShooterMag]

Terrific! It's a nice mic, I think. I use it all the time.

[@beayn]

This is exactly the kind of review I look for. How do you not have more subscribers? Too many reviewers either don't even test the mic and just list features, or they don't offer a direct comparison to another mic. You have helped me make a decision to buy this mic for some amateur voice acting... Thanks!

[@TubeShooterMag]

Thank you. Feel free to spread the word of how great I am to anyone who will listen ;-) Seriously, glad it helped. Cheers!

[@beayn]

+TubeShooterMag You should also consider making a "KZbin Essentials Starter kit" video that would list all the essential equipment needed for best production values. It could explain lighting, microphone differences, and give a couple of options for starter cameras/mics, with tips on ideal ways of setting everything up. Give some budget options and some more advanced options. Might be popular among people looking for help with starting youtube channels. I think your style of reviews would do great in that format as well. Just a suggestion.

[@TubeShooterMag]

It's probably a good idea but it would be a monumental amount of work which I'm not currently in a position to do. Also, there are lots of "what you need to get started" videos on KZbin already so I'm not sure I'd add much.

[@Woodlandsadagencyhouston]

Great review. I'm sure R0DE will be happy that your review just made my agency purchase this microphone.

[@TubeShooterMag]

Excellent!

[@gotnerfed4666]

Great review! Just bought the Rode NT-USB!

[@BuggaMeHardleyBaby]

The Rode Mic is actually maybe better tbh... that;s very impressive! Great Video i will be buying one simply because of you lol :p

[@TubeShooterMag]

I hope Rode appreciate all the business I send their way ;-)

[@BuggaMeHardleyBaby]

:D

[@luchendrix99]

I am rapidly falling in love with this microphone, and your quality review. Edit: Thanks for the heart, Sir! I just bought the mic this morning, can't wait to test it out! (The model in store was set up backwards too xD)

[@TubeShooterMag]

No!! I hope you corrected the store?! :-)

[@luchendrix99]

@@TubeShooterMag Hahaha, I definitely did. They didn't believe me at first.

[@geoffcotton8181]

Great review ...told me everything I needed to know...many thanks Best Geoff

[@rtech5347]

*Absolutely amazing detailed review!* Thanks for helping with purchase decision! :D

[@TubeShooterMag]

Glad you liked it! Cheers

[@luispaxtor2680]

Nice review. Sound quality is good. Seems like a good value and I like how easy it is to use.

[@TubeShooterMag]

Thank you.

[@xFaNkSeZ]

love this mic got him 2 days ago wow i like it good review !

[@ottovollmers8489]

A really good review. It was an absolute pleasure to watch. Very good job indeed. Very informative and convincing. Thank you very much.

[@TubeShooterMag]

Otto Vollmers Thank you very much!

[@einball]

Thanks for the review. The only thing I disagree on is the level of noise and the word "slightly". The Rode has a MUCH higher noisefloor which was immediately audible to me on the video :)

[@How-2-drive]

Thanks, great honest review - I'm getting one now

[@TubeShooterMag]

Great. Hope you enjoy it. Cheers.

[@GeraldSmallbear]

Really well done. I'm mostly here to cure buyer's remorse (just got mine today) and hallelujah the demon is out! About the Gold Dot - you'll notice it's prominently displayed on the packaging - though not explicitly pointed out - I think the idea is to get you to notice the gold dot on the mic and join the dots, so to speak, when you use it. Klotz do a similar thing with their cables - one end has a pic of a guitar and a since cables are supposed to be directional (depending on who you ask of course) it's assumed that you will always plug the guitar pic end into the guitar. There's also a great video from Rode floating around that demonstrates talking across the mic for best results. Really worth a look. Again, thanks for a very professional, verging on scientific, comparison.

[@simonrockstream]

What a great review! Fantastic work!

[@Xocliw]

Great review! A bought this Mic a few days ago over a AT2020+. I'm still waiting for it to arrive but I hoping it's worth it :D!

[@TubeShooterMag]

Xocliw Gaming It should be. It has a nice warm sound, little noise and it's certainly excellent value.

[@a1yssaaaa]

I'm trying to decide between the two mics right now. Could you tell me if it was worth buying over the AT2020?

[@radiofaceproductions2035]

I am also pondering these two mics. WHICH ONE IS BETTER? I do pretty "big" sounding (male) VO for radio TV and web...anyone have feedback 4 me on these?

[@SUDOMILKYWAY25]

Best reviewer ever you deserve SO MANY more subscribers!

[@TubeShooterMag]

+SudoMilkyWay Thank you very much!

[@SUDOMILKYWAY25]

TubeShooterMag

[@tredfxman]

Have watched a few good reviews on this now. Will go either tomorrow, or any other day on the rest of week & check this out at my favorite dealer & most likely buy this one for my KZbin Channel here. Thank you for the neat show & review! :)

[@TubeShooterMag]

It's a good mic, have fun :-)

[@TubeShooterMag]

It's a good mic, have fun :-)

[@tredfxman]

TubeShooterMag Yep so itll probalby be Thursday. Its either this one or a Shure Mic it looks like now. But you got the hole equipment set included here, so looks good :)

[@deniskucukovic8662]

Great informative review. Helped make my decision to get the Rode.

[@drbobgon]

I agree with will killa below that this was the best mic review I've ever seen.

[@TubeShooterMag]

Thank you!

[@عبدللهتس]

Why 2 dislike you are great... Keep going ^^

[@TubeShooterMag]

Thank you!

Amazing video, you've convinced me to go for this mic, was planning to muy a DR05 but this appears to be worth it the extra money. Subscribed!

[@TubeShooterMag]

Julio Montaño Glad you found it helpful! Thanks.

[@jai1517]

hey did you buy it? how is it :)

I regretted last minute, instead I bought a Cry Baby pedal for my guitar but will still be looking for the Rode in the future :)

[@jai1517]

purchased it. amazing mic. yup nicely done RODE :D

[@bradarnoldt8755]

Bought this on the back of your review and I'm very happy with it. I have used in the past the Rode Podcaster but I think I'll stick with this from now on. Cheaper ($185 in Melbourne Australia) compared to $210 for the Podcaster and no noticeable difference. Only thing I can pick up is the mic stand could be a little taller...small thing though!

[@TubeShooterMag]

Brad Arnoldt Yes I agree about the stand -end up peering down towards the mic!!

[@omfgnoobswtf]

Thanks for the review, was exactly what we all wanted.

[@TubeShooterMag]

Great, glad it was helpful.

Thanks, i was looking for a micro to do my newt documental, i like this one

[@MarkLudford]

Excellent review dude! Just ordered one :)

[@TubeShooterMag]

+MarkLudford I really hope Rode appreciate all the business that's gone their way because of this review :-)

[@AmSleepyJay]

When I heard you switch over to the Rode Microphone, I was shocked! It is very clear, 'studio' quality sound. I was very shocked with the price also when looking for it on other websites. Pretty good!

[@AmSleepyJay]

I will buy one and use it for Podcasts, normal gaming videos and normal Skype calls. With Skype calls you just move the mic out of the way (like near your monitor) and talk. It still sounds great. I will definitely buy one

[@TubeShooterMag]

It's a great mic

[@TubeShooterMag]

It'll be great for podcasts. It won't be so good if you move it away though, it's designed to be used like a studio mic, up close (6-12 inches from mouth)

[@AmSleepyJay]

TubeShooterMag Yeah. Good for me. But I saw a lot of review on it saying the whole build quality is good except for the stand. They say that "it's pretty flimsy, so probably best for a separate mic stand". Is it flimsy for you? If you still have it, cause this video is made in 2014

[@TubeShooterMag]

Still have it and use it on almost every video I make. The stand's not flimsy in build quality but it could be heavier and sturdier in terms of holding the mic stable; easy to knock over.

[@ThomasMuehler]

Absolutely fantastic review. Thanks for the effort!

[@TubeShooterMag]

+Indelible Gaming Glad you liked it! Cheers

[@ChrisD777]

Thank you for this nice polished review .

[@TubeShooterMag]

Glad you liked it.

[@jackassjohno]

This was an incredible review! Thank you so much! I was looking at this mic and this review has helped a lot.

[@TubeShooterMag]

Thank you! Glad it helped.

[@izahidelgadodeita560]

The way you reveiw it is amazing man ! Congrats, I´ll suscribe for sure

[@Lukethefox]

Been using a Behringer C-1U Condensor Mike since 2012 and although most people suggested me the Blue Yeti I wanted to look for Alternatives and after looking at this video I think I made the right choice when I ordered it from Amazon. And it was £5 cheaper (£125)

[@smoothvelvetsinger]

Great video. I`d like getting this one in addition to my Blue Yeti. The Rode NT sounds great, honestly even better than the Sennheiser.

[@jeanbiroute]

+smoothvelvetsinger the Sennheiser had slightly better bass. honestly this rode nt usb is a badass

[@sentimentaloldme]

I purchased this microphone based on your video...I like it...much better than the Blue Snowball...

[@TubeShooterMag]

Excellent!

[@lifeofgerard]

looks really nice, I had the NT1A which was awesome as well

[@TubeShooterMag]

I like it very much.

[@avjumble]

Bloody good review. Thanks.

[@TubeShooterMag]

+avjumble Cheers!

[@Prizm44]

Man I loved the lack of noise from the Sennheiser, there was definitely a noticeable difference. But yeah, too pricey. A lot of these USB mics sound alright at their default levels, but when you're editing videos and you have to boost the audio level or apply compression, it brings out all the noise. So the less noise you start with, the better. Thanks for the video.

[@TubeShooterMag]

Indeed! And that's why getting the levels right from the start is so important.

[@profanitydave6499]

Excellent and balanced review, thank you. It has helped me to make up my mind and I've decided to purchase this mic.

[@TubeShooterMag]

Glad it helped.

[@OfficialPaulReviews]

Very nice detailed review, thank you very much! Keep up the quality content.

[@TubeShooterMag]

PaulReviews Thank you! Very kind.

[@Yahoomediaclub]

I'm now going for the Rode USB over the Apogee 96k, for mobile recording to iPad Pro , cheers again. 👍👍👍

[@TubeShooterMag]

:-)

[@HDProdSolutions]

Excellent review and this mic would be ideal as a general purpose on the road mic for video editing packages such as final cut pro as it has a nice voice over recording package built in. It sounds really good and far nicer than the sennheiser Me66 which I always find too fizzy and electret sounding. I just got a USB interface but think I will also get one of these as having a self contained mic and interface is a neat way to have all you need in your kit bag.

[@TubeShooterMag]

HDProdSolutions Thank you. The ME66 is of course a shotgun so its sound will be affected somewhat by the environment you're recording in. That's true of all mics but shotguns can sometimes sound less than pristine in enclosed, harsh locations due to their pickup pattern. It's not designed a voice-over mic though. The Rode does sound good for that purpose, I think.

[@Lysdexia]

Hugely useful review - thanks!

[@TubeShooterMag]

Lysdexia Glad to hear it, cheers

[@adey800]

Thanks.. heading out to get one right now.

[@TheElcentralen]

got one 3 days ago, so far i am really happy with it. i would like to point out the sound out of rode for example if you playing music true the head phone jack on Rode is crazy good. you probably aren't baying a mic to use it as your sound card, but it does it really well. now i am by far not a professional ! but if i compare it to my sound setup my Audio Technica ATH-M50x will perform extremely well on rode mic with the only difference being i cant get as hig bass on the mic sound out, and by bass i compare it to bass boost on my normal rig. of course a lot of people do not like such features but i only liked to say it. but if i compare it without the bass boost its the same quality with great range in the bass just not vibrate of your head bass : b only saying is cuss for normal people looking for a mic and do not own a great sound card i am sure this will do the job no problem. and then you got even more value.

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

Great review, very well done it was just what I needed

[@TubeShooterMag]

Excellent, thank you

[@TomAtkinson]

That is how a mic review should be done.

[@TubeShooterMag]

Thank you

[@WelshMatt625]

Thank you very much for this review, it was superb! You have also convinced me to buy this microphone, subscribed!

[@TubeShooterMag]

WelshMatt625 Thank you!

[@VeronicaZanchi]

If you're a singer and you tried this microphone, I'd love to read what you think about it Awesome review by the way! Thanks for sharing

[@rubensgnaa]

Greaaaat interview, I am just at the store watching this till I decide what to buy lol, thanks brother

[@TubeShooterMag]

Hope you're happy with whatever choice you made!

[@WaltonV]

Røde NT-USB 3:49 Sennheiser ME66 via Shure X2U 5:10 (~£450 Adapter + Mic) or 5:42 for both in a row

[@gamingwithromina2629]

thank you so much, this helped me heaps, i just started my channel and i wasnt so sure on getting it,thanks!

[@TubeShooterMag]

No worries! Good luck with your channel.

[@jarl7923]

Thank you so much. Now i know what to buy. Thumbs up from me!

[@Jakeoffski]

This video helped me make a decision. Thank you! :)

[@colinhunter2424]

I like the sound of this i'll purchase one!

[@TubeShooterMag]

Colin Hunter I'm sure you'll be pleased with it! Have fun.

[@AppLHD]

i love this mic, i already had it, but i still love it

[@marleycash4021]

how is background noise , is it pickup background voices i want to use it for live streaming and sometimes its noisy at my home ??

[@AppLHD]

it does, very well actually...But if you can adjust it, its great for only your voice

[@YourBoyTommyboiii]

I would get this mic if I'd needed it, if it wasn't for the mics I have. Awesome lil thing.

[@Treegrower]

Love this video. Straight to the point, good test.

[@TheHorrorofVideoGames]

Brilliant review, really useful and very well delivered. Thank you very much!

[@TubeShooterMag]

Great; cheers

[@MacJunkyFlips]

i love your accent and the way you talk about things

[@TubeShooterMag]

Thank you

[@oskarfreeski]

danm this review is insane :D im going to get this mic soon... very soon :D

[@Viiig]

Same here

[@TubeShooterMag]

:-)

[@RobertoCastroG]

Awesome review, just subbed keep up the good work!

[@TubeShooterMag]

+Roberto Castro Thank you!

[@BonkersSubStet]

The Sennheiser had less background noise. But the Rode would have had a better chance with a few adjustments, from an educated guess.

[@grandnaguszek7417]

...and now the weather. 😄 Nice review

[@TubeShooterMag]

Thank you

[@BuggaMeHardleyBaby]

Subbed! Brilliant Review! - Concise and to the point! very helpful, interesting, and very professional! Great Videos! Keep up the good Work! :D

[@TubeShooterMag]

Thanks. Reviews are a bit intermittent at present but when I get stuff in, I'll do one!

[@BuggaMeHardleyBaby]

:)

[@SianaGearz]

I just wondered whether Rode ever made a Rodent pun in the microphone naming, so i googled it up... and here it is. Don't think i need it, i don't use a microphone at all, but i happen to have a large membrane capacitive and a bunch of dynamics SOMEWHERE. Just need to get an icicle (or its sibling from Thomann), or some kind of interface for it. Been hunting for one insane discontinued soundcard though, Terrasoniq Phase X64. Why insane? You can install a Waveblaster on the inside, and the internal signal routing is determined by a dozen switches on its side, and you need a wall poster sized dense wiring chart to operate the switches. Not that i have a Waveblaster though, i gave my Dream64 one away to a friend who was building a retro PC, but i was thinking of maybe engineering a new STM32 based Waveblaster with SF2 support. Wouldn't that be neat?

[@om5848]

Fantastic review!!

[@Voiceacting4fun]

I did not get the same quality of sound when I used this mic. The treble was clear but the bass was weak and though I actually treated my closet a bit with foam and blankets with no computer fan or anything, it picked a lot of dead noise. I returned this mic after a week of use and got a different one.

[@TubeShooterMag]

Well that's odd. You're going to hate me for asking this but are you sure you had it the right way round? When I originally had it reversed, the sound was awful - no bass, quiet, hissy (as it had to be turned up so much).... sounds a bit like what you're describing.

[@tanelaavistu]

Thank you for this great review! Subscribed.

[@TubeShooterMag]

Thanks!

[@ShiraVT]

I use this mic, and I love it. :)

[@RizzlyricistGaming]

I'm sold.

[@mrjones6770]

very well done!...great job indeed...keep up the good work and thanks

[@TubeShooterMag]

Thank you!

[@tedbog]

What a great review! Thank you very much ;)

[@TubeShooterMag]

+TeddyBear You're welcome. Cheers