Rode NT-USB+ Mic Review / Test (vs NT-USB Mini, Wave 3, Yeti X, Seiren Mini)

HQ Audio Of Review: podcastage.com/rev/ntusbplus
Rode Connect Software: • Virtual Rodecaster Pro...
Buy the Rode NTUSB+ (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/ntusbplus
B&H: bhpho.to/42nfSzG
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/ntusbplus
DISCLOSURE: As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Today I review a mic that I bought for $16, a mic that I had labeled the worst mic that I have ever used. The CAD U1 seems to be a revised version of the version I reviewed in 2015, and it is a massive improvement over the original. I do think it still has quite a few faults that you'll need to be aware of while using it.
Note: Original NT-USB is 535g while NT-USB+ is 510g. Don't know if anyone cares, I just measured it and didn't include it in the video.
00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer
00:32 - Setup
00:50 - What’s in the Box
01:21 - Build Quality
02:32 - Specifications
02:56 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
03:16 - Plosive Test
03:30 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:53 - Background Noise Test
04:13 - Untreated Room Test
04:28 - Shock Rejection Test
04:45 - Desktop Tripod Test
05:34 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:48 - Noise Floor Test
06:29 - DSP Processing Test
08:39 - Intro to Comparison
09:14 - Razer Seiren Mini Comparison
09:38 - Samson C01u Pro Comparison
10:09 - Rode NT-USB Mini Comparison
10:39 - Blue Yeti Nano Comparison
11:08 - Audio Technica ATR2500X-USB Comparison
11:46 - Elgato Wave 3 Comparison
12:20 - Original NT-USB Comparison
13:00 - Blue Yeti X Comparison
13:40 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
14:16 - Latency Test
14:38 - Music Test
16:20 - Pros & Cons
18:33 - Overall Thoughts
21:00 - Recommendation
22:39 - Outro
#Rode #NTUSB+ #MicReview
Become a Patreon: / podcastage
Become a Member: / @podcastage
Check Out This Stuff TOO:
Website: www.podcastage.com
Giveaways: podcastage.com/giveaways
Discord: www.podcastage.com/discord
Merch: podcastage.com/store
Company Relationship Disclosure: podcastage.com/disclosure
Personal: www.bandrewscott.com
My KZbin Setup: podcastage.com/studio
My Favorite XLR Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favxlr
My Favorite USB Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favusb

[@Podcastage]

DO NOT contact anyone on Telegram that is claiming to be me. I am not giving anything away. They are scammers trying to steal your money and data.

[@korg47237]

This sounds like a very good beginner "streaming" package for someone who doesn't want to mess with XLR/audio interfaces and just wants their voice in a computer. Pretty good value for ~$170

[@gyozakeynsianism]

Great review Bandrew. Not bad for a $170 USB condenser. I did like you T-balling the box right off the bat.

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

Bandrew back with another review. I think the extra layer of foam on the new Rode makes it sound a bit different but if you remove it they probably sound exactly the same. Great it has USB-C and the App.

[@JoseJuniorTech]

The upgrade I was waiting

[@AceofKadeisAoK]

Hey Bandrew, great video as always. It actually made me think of rode's new 'Rode X' mics. I'm actually curious if you'll look at those mics in future videos. But I'm moreso interested in what you'd say in a comparison of the Rode Podcaster and the Rode X DM-100.

[@davidgoode7416]

You do great reviews, thanks 👊

[@seeker65982]

Thank you for taking the time to put this detailed review together. Although I’m not looking to buy any microphone now, I was interested enough in your review to watch it all through. 👍🙏

[@helmanfrow]

Sounds really full and natural on your voice.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

Wished they made an XLR only version of that mic. Really love the look of it.

[@danmagoo]

Although I am not looking for a USB mic for voice these days, I have to say I was impressed with this one. It has a warm, full sound, especially compared to the Rode NT USB-Mini (which was always overrated anyway) and the "original" NT-USB. Great review as always.

[@axelmaldini4218]

great mic

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

It's a fab sounding mic indeed!

[@Rakku]

The difference between this and the mini was barely noticeable for me. The difference does not Warrant the 65% increase in price, compared to the mini.

[@sm3Xsa]

Jeeez this is how you test and review a mic. Thank you, had to turn youtube upside down to find someone testing keyboard noise pick up.

[@kevin15535]

Probably because a lot of people have varying mic setups in terms of distance from the mouth/keyboard so the mileage may vary, but yea- it's definitely appreciated

[@TheMirandalorian]

I just love condenser mics! I can never get dynamic mixs to sound good for me! I cant wait to get this mic!

[@greccoox]

Monster, the best in game in your niche, legend... One note, could be nice if: because companies making version II of their products, could be nice to have some more minutes(or begin with the comparison) between the version I x version II of the mic. Like 1 minute more in detail about V1 x V2 than other mics. For example I was in doubt about the difference between version one and two.

[@boonie3]

I remember comparing the NT USB and NT USB Mini before choosing between the two and I preferred the NT USB Mini out of the two. I think I would take the Mini over this one as well - something about he lows on the new one sounds a little weird.

[@robsky588]

thanks so much for the review, its exactly what I needed to make a decision.

[@Podcastage]

You're very welcome RobSky. I'm really happy to hear it helped make an informed decision. I appreciate the kind words and wish you years of great sounding recordings with your new equipment.

[@4nyxy]

what a challenge. searching a lot for that fight between those mics.

[@PawFromTheBroons]

It's quite an improvement over the original NT USB.

[@Breathtaker5000]

Been watching a bunch of your videos over the past week, looking for something in the $100-$200 range to do some voice-overs, and I think this is the one I'm going to go with :)

[@Podcastage]

Thanks so much for watching over the last week. I'm really glad that the videos have provided you information to make an informed decision. I hope you love the mic and it gives you years of faithful service making recordings for you.

[@Godzillah]

Good to see USB go along way but too much feedback for my voice I try several now went back to xlr.

[@RangerX5]

I come just for the music tests tbh, best part (of course watching all of it too)

[@jb510]

TY for the detailed review. Am I correct that this is the first and only mic out there with an actual USB-C port? Was about to buy an MV51 but the shear joy of never again using a micro-usb cable has me questioning that choice.

[@ShinilPayamal]

Thanks for the review of the Rode NT-USB+ Mic.🎙

[@Podcastage]

You're very welcome. Thank you very much for the support and for checking out. You're awesome Shinil.

[@_oriTech_]

what would u take? rode nt1 second hand with a scarlett solo or that mic? i see often on the second hand market that combination... scarlet solo gen1 oder 2 and the rode nt1 (not the nt1-a)

[@TubeDupe]

Sounds great even compared to the original NT-USB. I'm in the market for a mic for recording speech and was leaning towards the NT-USB. So now I'm leaning towards the NT-USB+.

[@TubeDupe]

PS For the money, the Razor Seiren Mini sounds impressive!

[@kyl3bu1]

Which would you get between the NT USB+ vs NT1 5th Generation?

[@Dodgyguitarist]

Great Vid. What USB mic would you recommend for Acoustic Guitar?

[@kennethbailey7105]

*waits patiently for a Lauten Audio 320 or JZ V67 review*

[@jamison85]

You'd think they'd include a mute button on the mic with the update...this is something that doesn't kill it outright, but makes it less attractive compared to other alternatives.

[@namzxs]

Sounds okay, I'm not sure about spending that much on a USB mic. Could be good for people who don't want to deal with XLRs and interfaces though.

[@chriscutress1702]

Between the two Rode mics I prefer the demonstrated sound of the original version of the microphone. The NT-USB+ sounds like it had a little more bottom end but it didn't sound like a good low end. Of the reasonable priced mics I must admit I preferred the Blue Yeti Nano however overall I prefer the BLUE Yeti Pro. It's always nice to hear a Neumann U87 but pricewise extremely out of my budget.

[@thestingyham1188]

Like the new Sennheiser, they sound muddy (perhaps in an attempt to sound like a Shure SM7b, and remove the bright highs of a cheap mic.

[@robsterinside]

@@thestingyham1188 is there any usb mic that you would recommend that doesn't try to do this?

[@Admir053]

Hey, can you make a review about the BEACN microphone? It's pretty much just a SM7B remake but USB and it's not even that bad.

[@musdigs]

Alright so: I bought the NT-USB+ and the Podmic USB to see which one would fit me better, and turns out both of them have an issue with updating the firmware. With both mics, when you click "update firmware", the rode central app closes and the mics stop working until unplugging and re-plugging the usb cable. If you just plug n' play them, they work, but you can't use the rode app or any of the DSP stuff at all. Someone on Reddit with the same issue said the following (about the Podmic specifically): "Firmware 1.1.7 (shipped with the device) runs fine when plugged in. Firmware 1.1.8 bricks the microphone if you use a non-5amp rated USB C cable (which the included cable, is not) If you then use a good quality cable, it will work again." So just a word of warning for people looking into using these mics. Oh and great review as always Bandrew!

[@dranek]

I honestly feel like the Neumann isn’t that big of an upgrade in this case. It would be nice to hear this back to back with the NT1 5th Gen because I think the USB plus mic might sound better.

[@TheMirandalorian]

Best mic reviews!

[@Podcastage]

Thanks so much, that really means a lot.

[@ArisGerontakis]

Huge thumbs up for the PHYTHICAL mute button. Love your work.

[@eamonnmckay1676]

This is very, very helpful. New subscriber here, and I'm searching for the perfect mic, as such, as if such a creature exists. I do have a "too bass-y and low-mid-y of a voice," and I'm wondering if you had a recommendation for a mid-range $ mic that would work for me for spoken word? Rode Procaster has been suggested. I'm currently working with the H&A AC50, but that was inherited with the equipment I bought, and it's time to upgrade. I know this is a "how long is a piece of string? question, of course, but thought I'd ask anyway. Happy to receive any insights. TIA!

[@AngloSaxon1]

You should try the Sontronics Corona, it is made in England and is supposed to be a great mic for vocals.

[@saikousocial]

I can't believe this man is brave enough to say pants so casually like that at the beginning of the video. Think of how many viewers clicked off in shock after being subjected to that...

[@DeviantWays]

The never of him, right? lol

[@jonnygrowlately]

🤭

[@tagbagzag]

Bandrew - I do an interview-based podcast and am considering upping our audio quality for guests by mailing them a mic before recordings (they'd mail it back after). I figured a portable, affordable, durable USB mic would make sense to avoid the added complexity of an interface. The Rodes seem a little pricey for this purpose... any suggestions for this application?

[@dmitryz2320]

I'm so lost in the mic selection. Based on your experience and all the amazing reviews you've done. What would be the ideal mic for someone working from home, untreated room, 1 ft away from the mic, on a boom from the side of the mouth, in a $100 range? I have constant outside noise from gardeners, subway, wife in the other room. Either USB or XLR. I feel like I can only trust your opinion! 🙏 I've looked at Quadcast, Rode NT, Wave 3, Wave DX...

[@billweaver2549]

I'd really like to hear this compared to the Rode VideoMic NTG in USB mode, since they're both now compatible with the Rode Connect software. Being shotgun-style, I suspect the VideoMic NTG is more directional and might be a better podcasting solution for poorly treated spaces.

[@nickglover]

A lot of shotgun mics are actually worse for indoor spaces. The way they are designed tends to accentuate the room reflections compared to regular cardioid mics.

[@jprmercado]

What headphones is Bandrew using in this video? Looks like they’re open-back ’phones!

[@thomasfischer9259]

Ordered one for a simple plug and go high quality voice over through Audacity.

[@sinocelt]

Of the Rodes, I liked the Mini best. Smooth without mud. Will you get to test the XCM-50 and XDM-100?

[@GaneshKumar01]

Same question

[@francoisguillon4766]

Thanks for your review ! What microphone in Usb do you recommend for voiceover ? Rode mini, rode nt usb +, Senheiser profile, Samson Q2u ? Shure mv7 is too expansive

[@Podcastage]

I have not tested or reviewed the profile yet so I cannot speak to that. Out of the 3 remaining microphones and wiith no other information provided, I'd probably go NT USB+. If you have an untreated space, maybe you should go Q2u, but for professional voice over condenser is the typical choice for the extended frequency response

[@samphelps856]

Thank you! 🎉

[@Podcastage]

You're welcome. Thank you for checking it out.

[@CreepyOz]

Hey man! Forgive the noob question, but when you say gain, does that mean the input volume that you find under the "sound" menu in macOS system settings?

[@Podcastage]

Yes that would be what I'm talking about. The more accurate title I should have given it was LEVEL.

[@ea6427]

best review ever

[@Podcastage]

That is incredibly kind of you to say. Thank you so much for watching.

[@Anonymouschannel8181]

Why USB-C to USB-C, do koat conputers have USB-C ports these days? Will it affect the audio quality if I out it througy a USB-C to USB-A convertor?

[@somecallmetim2580]

Currently both my middle ears are full of goo, and the Razor Siren Mini still sounds xtra crispy. Have a friend who used the original NT USB plugged straight into his iPhone for streaming.

[@ceboley2011]

You should review the Samson G track pro, see if it still holds up on 2022

[@ClassicalRomance]

You got me on your Intro this time. lmao

[@nierst2541]

I really like the old nt usb .. anyhow the usb+ has to much bass or is that because of my headphones? Im really unsure of what mic to get. I dont want any bass in my voice

[@fidiak]

Nice, thank you

[@Podcastage]

You're welcome. Thank you very much for watching.

[@andygoodyear]

I was considering this for spoken word and singing, but I do have a low voice. You say that would cause issues - but what exactly?

[@megajonson]

I have the NT-USB and it might seem a bit more natural given the less bass, but also more prominent to harsch sibiliance. I would like to see a review of Microtech Gefell M930.

[@GoldRocketGamers]

I would buy this but the lack of a mute button really turns me off, can you recommend an alternative?

[@nata.sasmita]

This is my subjective opinion. I have several Rode mics and I concluded that most Rode mics are tend to produce harsh voice. Any same experience?

[@specnazbe]

Hello , does anyone know how many ohms it is able to driver exactly? I have for few months but i was not able to find it anywhere Its labelled as high power amp only. Thank you!

[@eswarnichtsmehrfrei]

Thanks

[@jUNiORCS]

hello, how much was the input level of rode nt usb+ u used in this video?

[@oddburton]

Fantastic review ... But I'm clearly not an audiophile. I couldn't here a lick of difference between any of them.

[@mudrahel.philosophovich]

Neumann present, but NT1 with interface - not. Why?

[@CODE_Abyss]

Would love to see a comparison of the original NT-USB, the + version, and the new XDM-100 they released!

[@RedBeardedRabbit]

Fully agreed, too much low-mids/mid-bass. It sounded better with the 150Hz HPF but that might be too much cut in the lower-mid bass.

[@mentalrey1]

seems tuned for people that like to use the mic at 35/40+cm of distance (many streamer?), where you have less bass

[@ScaleWithAgile]

Late to the party, but is it worth getting this as a podcast newbie, or investing in the XLR with Shure SM7B ($400) plus interface ($200) ? I watched both your review videos and still trying to figure it out, @podcastgate?

[@Podcastage]

If you've never podcasted before, I don't necessarily think it's the best idea to spend $600+ on an audio setup without knowing if you're going to keep at it. So I'd go with an XM8500 + Pop Filter + M-Audio M-Track Solo + Mic Stand + XLR Cable for around $100....or maybe a USB dynamic like the Samson Q2u or ATR2100. Then after a year or so of podcasting consider upgrading. But I don't think going right in and dropping $600 without knowing if you like podcasting is the best move.

[@ScaleWithAgile]

@@Podcastage thanks for that. What about a middle ground on podmic usb. I know your review seems to be the only non-glowing one for it (although you liked the usb NT one) but at $200 it’s functional as usb as well as XLR in future

[@igorchichkin509]

WoW 🤩 awesome 😊

[@TheRutefly]

The word we're looking for is: "decibel" :p

[@danielbarakat]

One thing I just noticed is with all the other mics you had to hold up to your mouth, but the Rode stand is tall enough. That's kind of a big deal for me and I might sell my elgato for this

[@syhler1876]

how will it do if i use a speaker infront my pc when gaming and chatting with others ?

[@krakkers-krakkers]

pls make video Rode XCM-50 vs Rode nt usb mini.. and they have new rode connect software btw

[@darrenjulian]

Hey man, do a review on hyperx solocast

[@jj6540]

i purchased the rode x xdm100 do i have to use the headphone out on the mic, i have a external usb dac plus amp that i use for audio that i would rather use for audio out can anyone help, im coming from using headset mic combos using a usb mic is new to me help help

[@thomasfischer9259]

None of the mics compared sounded like it had the midrange the Rode had.

[@NoOne-yb8wj]

Hey, could you recommend blue yeti pro vs blue yeti x vs rode nt usb+ for voice and podcasts for MacBook? Thanks

[@Podcastage]

I personally prefer the sound of the NT USB+, so that's what I'd go for.

[@NoOne-yb8wj]

@@Podcastage thanks 🙏

[@nowuncle]

Which daw is he use to check the S/N of the mic?

[@gabrielaeklova6966]

Hello! Do you think/recommend, that it is worth to upgrade from the original NT-USB to NT-UBS+? Thank you!

[@gabrielaeklova6966]

I forgot to add - for streaming

[@theglobalzrecordingproject]

To my ears, it sounds like there is a towel wrapped around the mic - very low mid forward. It seems like RODE was going for a broad-casty sound, but it doesn't quite pull it off. Now I have to caveat this statement. I am basing this on the first few minutes of the video. However, when Bandrew backs off the mic when he does his pros and cons segment, the towel is mostly removed and the clarity is better. It just sounds like a sock is stuck on it instead :-) There is still some sonic anomaly I am not wild about.

[@Podcastage]

Definitely different from the Gen 1 NT-USB.

[@aurealara]

What would you call a treated room? Or more specifically - how much 'treatment' would consider sufficient to consider it a treated room? I know it's a very subjective question.. Thank you.

[@sevincsaglam6002]

Which one should I buy for singing please urgently?

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke!

[@Podcastage]

Thank you so much Rainer! You are so kind!

[@hanf71]

Hi, any idea how to connect rode nt usb to ipad pro 3rd gen? Cheers

[@zoranstojanovski8407]

Can you please make review for fduce sl40 microphone?

[@n-da-bunka2650]

The Sennheiser Profile might give a bit better bang for the buck as it can be had for about $50 less

[@patrickmersault4298]

Damn the song this time was excellent.

[@Stefan1978GER]

10:14 vs 04:54 usbmini vs usb+ 12:20 ntusb

[@elizalkin]

Could you review the Beringer UMC404HD?

[@saidrahal]

I will try this with the Rode Connect, also not sure if with that I an stop using Nvidia Broadcast which is incredible for noise and echo cancelling.

[@Podcastage]

I don't think Rode Connect has the kind of noise cancellation that Nvidia has, but you may be able to get by without that.

[@NovaBro.]

When he started playing the electric guitar, I thought that was sick. Guy gets am extra 10 cool guy points 👉

[@skinwalker_]

The more reviews I watch the more I realise that it may be worth just going for an XLR mic with a something like Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface and that should last for a good while without needing any upgrade. I feel like the USB route is a stepping stone and I am too tight to buy twice..

[@Muhluri]

What's so bad about USB?

[@kevin15535]

@@Muhluri it definitely has a notice audio quality ceiling compared to the XLR counterparts

[@thestoebz]

@@Muhlurinothing unless you’re a picky sound engineer. Most people are listening to things through phones or cheap gaming headsets.

[@robsterinside]

Did you get an audio interface in the end?

[@citizenstrife]

0:26 "I can say whatever I want...BUTTS....FARTS...PANTS!"

[@Armbrust210]

"DSP Processing" annoyed me more than it should have

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

I think I like the sound of the new NT-USB+, but I wonder why this microphone has to cost at least $ 201.00 (€ 195,00) in the Netherlands. Why does Rode think we should pay $ 31.00 more?

[@miko19r]

No matter what the reason is you can get elgato wave 3 or yeti x for 110-120 euros in amazon de.

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

@@miko19r call me stupid, but I have to google the Yeti. Never haard of it. Cheers!

[@purpleheart69420]

@@EdoDijkgraaf the yeti is like the most used usb mic ever lol

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

@@purpleheart69420 most sorry! I am not that into usb mics. I own a Seiren Mini. Not bad. Used to own a NT-USB. Was nice. The name Yeti didn't ring a bell until I saw the brandname Blue in front of it. One can have that. Or maybe it's just me. I am getting old I guess.

[@franckyfluid]

Rode NT-USB+ rules !

[@maciellrodrigues]

I imagine that the owner of the channel is very busy, but I would very much appreciate his help, and if that's not possible, help can come from other people who have experience. I have an MK4 / sennheiser. My curiosity is whether this microphone would be able to replace it. I record audio books, radio and TV spots. I live in Brazil!

[@souldja81]

Blue Yeti Nano sounds crisp and clean. AT and Neumann are also way better sounding.

[@lyneicehaynes4922]

I only have a blue yeti microphone and I like singing.

[@stiventalberg1521]

Hi! In my country the yeti x and this mic are same price, which one should I buy? (I already have boom arm)

[@Podcastage]

If it was me who was buying it, I'd go for this mic because I like the sound better and the pop filter on this is a nice addition. You need to decide which one you like the sound of though because you're the one who's going to be recording with it.

[@stiventalberg1521]

@@Podcastage Thanks for the reply, was considering wave 3 now too.

[@suncworm]

Hey bandrew just curious: do you have a tik tok? I have a ton of followers, I want to tag you