RODE NT-USB Mini Microphone Review

In today’s episode we have a closer look at the RODE NT-USB Mini microphone. This affordable USB microphone records high quality sound for podcasts, livestreams, voice over, and even for vocals for music. The microphone is simple to use, works with Mac, PC, and tablets, and is probably my favorite USB microphone in the $100 price range.
#Microphone #RODE #NTUSBMini
If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses at school.learnlightandsound.com including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders.
Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:
- RODE NT-USB Mini Microphone - B&H bhpho.to/2uR2QRD Amazon geni.us/4bjFJ9d
- RODE NT-USB (Original) Microphone - B&H bhpho.to/34crM2Q Amazon geni.us/yyDR
- On Stage Stands Desk Stand - B&H, Amazon geni.us/cJUHuw
- Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80ohm headphones - Amazon geni.us/lZLWSu
- Canon C200 Camera, This is my main camera - B&H bhpho.to/2hBbpJt
- Panasonic GH5, this is my overhead camera for product demonstrations - B&H bhpho.to/2UNeAA0 Amazon geni.us/POEv7
- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS II Lens - this lens is super versatile and stays on my camera almost all the time - B&H bhpho.to/2i6s2gv Amazon geni.us/gr47
- Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini, my switcher and capture card combined into one device. This can take up to 4 cameras and two microphones via inputs on the back and outputs via USB to your computer. It also has an HDMI output so you can connect a screen to show the program - B&H bhpho.to/2TefeE
- D&O 180W LED Light Panel - see my review with links over at • D&O Lighting 180W Bi-c...
Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: geni.us/G7by
Copyright 2020, Curtis Judd

[@curtisjudd]

Excuse my voice - still getting over a bit of a sinus situation.

[@nathanksimpson]

You sounded public radio smooth on that mic.

[@curtisjudd]

@@nathanksimpson Thanks Nathan.

[@gillesmatheronpro]

Welcome to the club ! It used to be one every other month, for (too) many years. But, as a voice actor, I can tell you're doing better than most even with a few vents not "operating" right. Not knowing how you deal with it, I just can advise sinus cleaning with thermal water (+ added mineral salts if needed, but not always). It's like a genuine thermal spa treatment at home, and worked wonders for me : I'm currently down to 1 or 2 per year, a relief.

[@curtisjudd]

@@gillesmatheronpro Thanks Gilles - appreciate the advice!

[@gillesmatheronpro]

@@curtisjudd I kept it short, but if you need in-depth details fell free to ask. Been doing it for dozens (myself included), with constant positive results, even my Doc gave me thumbs up for my advice.

[@Podcastage]

Really appreciate the additional testing you've added in this video with different voices and different environment. Great job Curtis.

[@JimLeonard]

Seconded, and thank your family for being good sports and assisting with the evaluation of all the microphones.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Bandrew! Always a pleasure to have you drop by!

[@curtisjudd]

Hahahaha! 😂

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Jim! 👍

[@steffen480310]

Hi I have tried to use this on video calls using Slack and Zoom. But i get this annoying auto gain control. Using windows 10. Have disabled the option to let external app’s control this device. It’s not helping, anyone here have any suggestions?

[@rodemic]

Thanks so much for the love Curtis - glad you like the NT-USB Mini! We of course recommend using a DS1 desk stand or PSA1 studio arm with the NT-USB Mini if you want to take advantage of the mic’s proximity effect to get that rich sound. We do find that when on its desk stand and roughly 20cm from the source sound, the mic performs very well (the combination of rubber grommet on the swing mount and internal capsule shockmounting helps to mitigate knocks and bumps compared to many comparable products). It’s also a cool way to store the mic - or even to use it stuck to an upright metal object like a metal cabinet (try it!). The PSA1 is definitely best for live streamers or gamers as it will keep the mic clear of any vibrations from heavy typing on a keyboard. Great review!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks! And thank you for the details on the stand options!

[@jatizado]

It seems like a great mic with one drawback. There’s no shock mount solution. Are there any plans to come out with one?

[@asifjaved7672]

Rode Microphones, Can you please refer me a tutorial on how to set this in windows, or at least give me a reference where I can find it windows 10 setting?

[@djmartinfierro]

dows it have a mute button?

[@WORTHITORNOT]

Curtis, you're the KING of all things audio !

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks pal!

[@Apatura123]

Awesome that you got your family involved to give us a better view on different voices. Much appreciated! Hope y'all doing well.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks and hope you are well, too!

[@DADVICETV]

Wow - that mic sounds great! I really like how clean, natural, and vibrant the voices sound. This was a GREAT review - fantastic!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Dadvice TV! It is an impressive microphone for the price.

[@PrimalVideo]

Another awesome review! 👍😃

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Justin!

[@kevinfinch6215]

Kudos to the extra talent; they didi a really great job.. Loved how your wife channeled your reviewing style with the off axis test. All the best to the family.

[@curtisjudd]

Hahaha, thanks Kevin, I'll pass it on to them!

[@TechMishka]

Fantastic sound quality! Looks like a perfect solution for traveling too 😏. Oh... Wait... Traveling... 🎃🥺

[@curtisjudd]

Hahaha! Definitely portable.

[@AtomicPixel]

Solid review and the family cameo was fun! I may have to snag one of these mics soon. Thx Curtis!

[@curtisjudd]

Thx Atomic Pixel!

[@YCJBD]

Really appreciate the all-hands-on-deck effort towards this video!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Yishan Chan!

I watch your videos for years!!!!! I love the great quality and respect for your audience. I am. working hard to be able to get good quality. I got my first Rode NTUSB after watching your reviews. Keep the hard work, God Bless you.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Martín and happy recording!

[@illwihl]

Been a fan of this channel for a loooooonnngggg time now. So much information, done well.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Silent H.

[@sanysmail]

I left a ‘like’ for your family. I was there watching your videos long ago but back here after so many years.

[@curtisjudd]

🙏

[@chemaramosroa]

Sir, you always do an amazing job giving us exactly the info we need and I might add that your family is amazing for helping you out with it. Keep up the fantastic work!!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks so much, José!

[@adobemastr]

Thanks for another great review, Curtis! And I like the way your wife and daughter did different voice tests in your living room.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Roy! Hope you're doing well!

[@chumpster69]

Nice to meet the family Curtis! Thank you for the review!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Christopher!

[@VitinhoXXL]

It's great that your family is yet in good mood to record this :D great review man!

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, things like this actually help the mood. Thanks Victor!

[@carlosdominguezOri]

Ok wow... that’s by far the best video I’ve seen about this mic. Simply fantastic! Congratulations 👏🏻👏🏻

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Carlos! 👍

[@MarshallCant]

Curtis: always a great pleasure to listen to your reviews. This one is excellent (as usual). Thank you for continuing your work on reviews during this crazy time. Much appreciated.

[@curtisjudd]

Thank you Marshall!

[@Ivan-mn3ph]

I lovee how u put the conclusions at the beginning so I can just like the video ..leave and watch later which is what i did ...I SUBSCRIBED!!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@shawndonnelly862]

I purchased this mic back in April based on your review. I have to do a lot of Zoom meetings at different locations so this mic breaks down great to carry in my "Zoom" backpack with my laptop and headphones. You do a great service with your channel, thank you so much.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Shawn!

[@Rufiowascool]

DIG that you put a summary at the start. This is an amazing video through and through.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@Boneteacher]

Lovely family you have there sir, I wish all of you the best of health and happiness, and as usual amazing content !

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Boneteacher! And best wishes to you and yours!

[@ive595]

Very good testing Curtis thank you, I have to say I’m impressed with the sound of the original NT USB as long as size is not an issue, but to be honest the new one is not a bad sound.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@vimalkhaini]

Curtis Judd is the OG for all those who started to learn about sound for video from 2010 onward! Thanks a lot for your valuable work! You have large number of life long fans around the globe!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks YYXX!

[@SoufianeSabiri]

The best video on the NT-USB Mini on KZbin, thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Soufiane!

[@SoufianeSabiri]

@@curtisjudd Thanks for your reply Curtis!

[@robertoaraya910]

I like the small experiments you subject the mic to. Really tells me what I need to know about the mic in a practical way . Subscribed now.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Roberto!

[@nitch3304]

Fabulous video Curtis. Thanks

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Phil.

[@AliMirjamali]

Thank you very much for the aggregated device hint. I did not know about it. Having different voices is really useful.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@RyanKemperinOhio]

Loved this review. Your family seems great.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Ryan!

[@krisaustria8652]

Wow, this is an awesome review Curtis! I'm in the market for a starter mic for VO work, and this has been very helpful. Great job, and nice bumping into you!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Kris and best wishes on your VO journey!

[@paulhemann]

You are by far one of the finest presenters on KZbin ... I've been a great fan up here in Alaska on a real Alaskan series .. I'm a full outfitter in pretty good things I think ... I without doubt think what say and how you handle yourself is a 10 ++ in quality ... Thanks again .. Keep up the great works of art ...

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks so much, Paul.

[@paulhemann]

@@curtisjudd I have total and all respect for you professional view ... I can't second guest your great reviews .. Thanks again ...I can say that it's about 100 degrees in temps right now from here in Alaska and down there ..thanks again Curtis

[@impatrickt]

Perfection. Love this mic too!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@NiveshSingh]

nice compilation, thanks for the upload.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@BasicFilmmaker]

Nice. LOVE the sponsor! 👍👍👍

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Kevin!

[@OH8STN]

Excellent video. Based on your video, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the nt-usb. Absolutely no regret! Thank you for making this video.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks, glad to hear it!

[@alisonwheeler6073]

Thanks so much for this. I am looking to purchase my first mic and this was super helpful!

[@curtisjudd]

👍 happy recording!

[@sasajaniska2719]

Hello Curtis, just want to say "Thank you!" for your review which helped me to make final decision and buy this Rode mic - I want to support local shops, so bought it here in Croatia along with DS1 desk stand. I am *very* happy with the mic which will be mostly used for my live online classes (via Zoom). I was doubting whether my untreated living room will be good-enough despite being in a quiet place - country side and was therefore considering some other options like dynamic mics like Samson Q2U, some AT models etc. Moreover, Blue Jedi, Rode NT USB and few others were also considered from he condenser side. Watched *many* reviews, but your was deciding one and Rode got a new customer thanks to you! Sincerely, Saša.

[@curtisjudd]

Thank you Saša. Happy recording and streaming!

[@mithul-msreviewz1966]

Best review on rode USB mini i have seen. Great to the point info

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Mithul!

[@darrylahill8764]

As always great revue and different format from home excellent..

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Darryl!

[@marvinanasdell]

This Video was such a help for me. Thank you so much 🙂

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@caracroix]

what a great review! thanks so much for this!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Cara!

[@alextrejo307]

Very nice and helping video! Thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@jankarlsson8341]

Bought one last week, very happy with it.

[@curtisjudd]

Glad its working well, Jan!

[@mrheng562]

The family musical chair section was awesome!!! Do more of that!!!

[@curtisjudd]

Haha, will do!

[@QutaibaAlMahawili]

Excellent and fulfilling review. Thanks Curtis

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Qutaiba.

[@keyough]

I just want to say this was an amazing review!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks so much, Keyough!

[@ramonbs6075]

Awesome review!!! as always!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Ramón!

[@fernandoalcayaga8341]

Excellent review and very professional.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Fernando.

[@kennethgarcia25]

Excellent representation of this mic, particularly because your voice sounds stellar using it. And the comparison was made exceedingly clear when you used the larger Rode mic. If I were you, I'd be using this mic for all my subsequent videos. Likely, a much more expensive tube mic would show off a good deal more detail while maintaining the pleasant warmth of the mini. But for a youtube video, this mic was so ideal that I decided to purchase one myself! Thanks.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Kenneth and I hope it works well for you!

[@tecno1297]

From watching this video, you are officially one of the best mic reviewers on this platform (in my opinion at least); keep up the amazing work!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Tecno 12!

[@tompetersphotography]

Great video Curtis very helpful for me deciding which way to go.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks PhotoNinja!

[@marclattoni1959]

Great review setup and process. A realistic set of recording circumstances.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Marc!

[@oscarmaradiaga5967]

Great video really appreciate the in depth review. Amazing quality and loved how you compared if to the expensive model.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Oscar.

[@Bathguitarschool]

Really great video - thank you! I'm sold!!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@mayuss3877]

Lovely wholesome and detailed review

[@curtisjudd]

Thank you Mayuss.

[@tombuck]

This seems like an awesome mic. I love the magnetic stand attachment- it’s always annoying to remove the stand from the Yeti mic. The sound quality is terrific 😎

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, pretty nice that they include the threads for traditional threads without having to spend more than a couple of seconds to set it up. Well considered design.

[@fernandotabora]

Amazing! Loving the content!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Fernando!

[@Lex_Hooper]

Great detailed review! Thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks D G!

[@andlopper]

Excellent review of the RODE NT-USB Mini microphone that has made me opt for the purchase of my first laptop microphone. I already had an item from the "R0DE" brand as a lavalier microphone for mobile phones. Thank you very much.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Andrés, I hope it works well for you. Happy recording!

[@jacquesdufresne2812]

Hello, thanks to you all for the presentation. Right after it, I ordered one (Rode nt usb mini). I will keep in touch.

[@curtisjudd]

Congratulations! I hope it works well for you!

[@jacquesdufresne2812]

@@curtisjudd I appreciate.

[@RealdocProductions]

Great and deep review! Thanks a lot! Seems like really cool and kinda studio quality mic.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Realdoc Productions!

[@100cygnus]

Thanks for the great review

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@RichardCatto]

the three talking heads were cool. Emma's a natural. Great review overall. Some interesting tips e.g. regarding multi-mic setup. I've ordered this mic and waiting very impatiently for it to arrive now. I really like the stands you use to bring the mic closer. I think I should get one myself. It really does make a huge difference to audio quality when the mic is close to you than when farther away.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Richard - I hope it works well for you. Happy recording!

[@GixrGuy]

Your reviews are extremely detailed! As a newbie film maker, it helps me make purchasing decisions. Thank you 🙏! Can’t wait until you review the Senal AWS-2000 Advanced Wireless Microphone System. Peace be with you 😌

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks GixrGuy!

[@asifjaved7672]

I accidentally checked your channel. Man, I love the way you talk. Extremely professional! You deserve at least 1 million subscribers. Your resting and video quality is just outstanding. Subbed and turned on the notification button. Sir, one question. Can you please make a brief tutorial on how to set this in windows, or at least give me a reference where I can find it windows 10 setting?

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Asif, unfortunately, I don't have a Windows computer. But, I'll try to see if I can make arrangements.

[@lohengrinfortun2550]

Great review! Thanks for the video.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@gillesmatheronpro]

As usually, we're granted with all the necessary core informations... making decisions and choice so much easier. Thank you Curtis, once again !

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks gilles!

[@DrAlAarifin]

Very good review. Thank you so much

[@curtisjudd]

Thank you.

[@Rufiowascool]

Hey thank you for this - really clear and helpful review. You're great.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@nscaledelights]

I know this is a bit late but I wanted to say how much I like this mic so much that I got one for myself and my kid who is a budding streamer. Thanks for your awesome reviews on this mic and audio and lighting in general. I dont think my voice on RPAN has ever sounded so good lol.

[@curtisjudd]

👍 happy streaming and recording! Glad it worked out!

[@oddandrerustad4363]

Awsome review! Very useful, thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Andre.

[@BrianSeville]

Awesome video! Thank you very much!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Brian!

[@3axapUA]

Nice review, man! Thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@Musiquedecor]

Thanks Curtis, as always

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@RKRK-ci2vv]

Just now watched this video . Very good and friendly family. God bless you all 🙏

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks RK RK.

[@DADVICETV]

Your videos have been extremely helpful and I absolutely appreciate all the work that goes into them. I would like your recommendation for 1 challenge I am having with my own audio setup. I'm unable to sit for videos - I just have too much energy and I talk with my hands. I also have the challenge of outside noise (a barking dog, kids outside, etc.) occasionally. I've been using a lav mic which runs through a long cable to my Canon M50. I'd like to take the audio quality up - I feel the lav mic I am using doesn't pick up enough richness or low tones in my voice. Budget is always a concern - so I need to make the right choice when I invest in the equipment. What would you recommend for a rich sounding microphone that can limit ambient noises and connect into a mic-in portion a DSLR?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Dadvice TV, How much do you move around? The reason I ask is that a headset mic might be a good option if you're walking around, though it won't necessarily sound "richer" than a lavalier. A boom mic like a DEITY D3 Pro or RODE VideoMic NTG within about 6 inches of your mouth will certainly produce richer sound, but you'll need to stay on top of it. If you're interested, here's my review of the RODE VideoMic NTG where I boom it about 12 inches from my mouth: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWWzpmpof5p1iKc

[@toureiro]

Excellent review! I recently bought it as my first microphone and am pretty happy with it. I thought I'd buy a boom arm to get it higher but I've been using the box it came in and that works just fine.

[@theangrymonkey]

Ricardo Toureiro haha I’ve used the box too. Can I ask what input volume you set the mic to?

[@curtisjudd]

Great idea!

[@jpness]

Excellent review. Thank you. 👊

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Johnpaul.

[@flyhigh8113]

I will do it with my friends :) Good review with great info!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@catjack90]

Thank you for this video, it was really helpful.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@ErumTasneem]

So helpful! Thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@tobiasmindernickel]

Great video as always, thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@CRMayerCo]

I like that you included your daughter and your ‘better half’. In December I’m looking forward to seeing ‘A Judd Family Christmas’ 😊👍🏻 Keep up the good work.

[@curtisjudd]

Hahah! Thanks Chris, will have to look into that come December!

[@volkergrigg9511]

Great and very helpful video. Thank you 👍

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Volker.

[@jlee6161]

Nicely done. Thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Jefferson!

[@shauilee]

Very informative, thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

You're most welcome!

[@christopherbreedlove5801]

Absolutely spot on brilliant review, thinking of getting one for my wife; thanks so much

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Christopher and best wishes!

[@jxpat]

Outstanding video 👍👍👍

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks JXPAT.

[@ismailmohammadsaeed8203]

Thanks a lot You are great, with my first option, am fully convinced to buy one of RODE NT Usb Very helpful video and am happy to subscribe to your channel

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks and I hope the RODE NT USB works well for you!

[@matthiaspoeltinger]

Great testing. Think I'm gonna pick up this one😬

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Matthias. I hope it works well for you!

[@Jeffis2k]

Great review, thanks.

[@curtisjudd]

Thank you.

[@thebasketballworldpodcast8212]

A perfect demonstration

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks 👍

[@amv7m]

Great review. Thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

You're welcome.

[@sandhuipst]

You Always been great help

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks

[@alexgrafe]

Great review!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Alexander.

[@allmariosarmiento]

Thank you for you awesome review once again.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Mario.

[@larsjuhljensen]

I have been very happy with it. I bought it for doing online teaching, and the sound quality has been excellent, despite having to use it in my living room.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@santoshnaik6243]

Love my Rode NT usb mini.. couldn't agree more with all your observations. I used this mostly for singing vocals. Sometimes the plosives does make it through. Works really well to record directly on iPad or iPhone. my mini recording setup is far from perfect in acoustics but this mic does really well. 👍

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for your input, Santosh! Happy recording!