Rode NT1 (5th Gen) vs PodMic - Who Wins?

[@EmberStudios]

I have both, I use the NT1 at the desk in my video production studio, and the Podmics for on location podcast, or a roaming dialog mic when I'm not at my desk or don't have as much control over the environment. Awesome set of mics that actually cut well with each other without too much in post.

[@Simplebizsupport]

Thank you for sharing this Ember Studios! I'm curious what you mean by "roaming dialog mic"?

[@lwinaus8810]

Thanks! Great review. Am looking to upgrade from my RODE NT-USB Mini and either one will cost me around AUD $400 as I don't already own an interface. The sound of the Podmic was clear and crisp and the NT1 was definitely warmer..... Your voice is similar to mine with some deeper harmonics and the NT USB Mini made me sound almost muddy without lots of EQ in post. I think that on the balance I would go with the NT1 as there is just more stuff there and better set up and tuning in RODE CONNECT. BY all accounts.,.. RODE has done a great job with ensuring the recorded sound is the same across both interfaces as well. AND... BOTH are made here in Australia! Cheers.

[@Simplebizsupport]

I appreciate the feedback LW. Thank for sharing your experience with the USB Mini in case others are thinking of going that route. I can't be happier with both mics, quality made in Australia, although I do lean towards the warmer feel of the NT1 5th Gen but you have to record with the pop filter on which covers much of my face, so I like the fact that I can place the PodMic just below my mouth and it isn't as noticible on screen. Let me know what you think of the NT1 once you've had a chance to use it. I imagine you'll enjoy the sonic jump up from the USB Mini.

[@MichaelW.1980]

In my opinion, the RØDE NT1 is the more neutral sounding microphone of the two. The RØDE PodMic in comparison is mid/high forward. It’s nowadays the preferred sound signature for voice over, but it’s not neutral by any means. Thus, the gold standard, Neumann TLM103 can’t be considered neutral either. Also, the PodMic has the „dynamic microphone sound“ to it, wich you will notice with all dynamic microphones. This makes it vastly inferior for voice over, but potentially the better choice for podcasts or live streaming applications. But even in the vacuum of dynamic microphones, the RØDE PodMic sounds rather harsh and somewhat brittle , compared to - for example - the RØDE Procaster, the Shure Beta 58A, the Shure SM7B with the high frequency boost enabled or the excessively expensive Electrovoice RE27N/D. And all of the 4 have much better low end, as the RØDE PodMic sound anemic there. All of that being said, I would go for the RØDE NT1 any day of the week, if I had to pick one of the two, though for live streaming, which is my main application, in my opinion, nothing beats the Shure Beta 58A with a Shure A58WS wind shield and a Shure A55M shock mount as a complete package.

[@Simplebizsupport]

Thank you for the detailed feedback Michael. While I prefer the richer tone of the NT1, I appreciate the compactness of the PodMic and prefer to use it over the NT1. It's interesting doing these side by side comparisons as both mics sound great on their own. It's only when you listen to them back-to-back (or you know what to listen for) that one can be biased one way or the other. One of the these days, I look forward to using a Shure Beta 58A :)

[@TheFinalRevelation1]

I hope you can answer me on this. What kind of audio interface would improve upon the built in USB in the rode NT1 ? I mean it must be better than a berhinger but I doubt it would be equivalent to a focusrite one. I couldn't find anything on this. They kept an XLR for a good reason, what kind of audio interface would justify using the XLR ? I would love to see the rode NT1 5th gen tested with different audio interfaces vs its built in USB.

[@Simplebizsupport]

That is a great idea and on my list of videos to create. At this point I haven't even tested the USB audio so I don't know how well it performs, but I imagine it will be quite good. Although, as long as you cna get a good clean source, the real key to great audio is post production. For those who have a need for the 23-bit float then USB is a nice option.

[@DanielCirilli]

I prefer NT1 because it sounds warm!!

[@Simplebizsupport]

Thank you for the feedback @Danile Cirilli

[@SFCFilms]

To me NT1 sound better, more like the trailer voices.

[@Dexenr3]

hey sir loved the info i have a question i have an untreated room only my bed and desk pc tho wooden floor also clicky keyboard should i go for nt1 or to podmic cause of the dynamic aspect? its meant for streaming nt1 in my ears and thoughts sound a little bit more "full" help is apreciated

[@Simplebizsupport]

Background noise can be removed pretty well with AI tools available today. The big issue is going to echo which I'm dealing in my current location and the tools today don't work well. Forucs on on controlling any echor reverb in your recordings first and foremost in my opinion. As for mics, a dynamic mic is going to do a better job rejecting off-axis background noise.

[@Marion0142]

Hi there. I work as a video editor. We have also started making radio podcasts. I need to buy 3 microphones for some new productions (1 presenter + 2 guests), on the other hand, we also do voiceovers for documentaries and cartoon dubbings. Our studio is a small/ medium-sized room mainly used for filming news, not a real music studio, but we are planning to use some materials to improve the sound. However, it is not a noise proof room. What I mean is that if an ambulance passes by on the road, we can hear it. We were thinking of buying the nt1. What would you suggest?

[@Simplebizsupport]

When selecting microphones for a podcasting and voiceover setup in a non-soundproof room, there are several factors to consider to ensure optimal audio quality. Here's how I would approach this situation, along with some questions to better understand the setup: Recommendations for Microphones Given the conditions described-recording in a small to medium-sized room that is not noise-proof-microphone choice is crucial to minimize background noise and capture clear audio. Here are some recommendations: Dynamic Microphones: Shure SM7B: Known for its excellent noise rejection and warm sound, this dynamic microphone is ideal for untreated rooms. It requires a good preamp due to its low output[1][3][6]. Electro-Voice RE20: Offers iconic broadcast sound with minimal proximity effect, making it suitable for voiceovers and podcasting[6]. Condenser Microphones: Rode NT1: While it has a low self-noise and good sound quality, it is sensitive to background noise, which might be an issue in an untreated room[1][2]. It could work well if some soundproofing materials are added. Audio-Technica AT2020: A more budget-friendly option, this condenser mic provides good sound quality but is also sensitive to room noise[3]. Considerations for Untreated Rooms: Dynamic microphones generally perform better in untreated environments due to their directional pickup patterns and lower sensitivity to ambient noise[3][6]. Questions to Understand the Setup Better To provide more tailored advice, I would need to know more about the specific setup and requirements: What is the primary use of the microphones? Are they mainly for podcasting, voiceovers, or both? Different applications might benefit from different types of microphones. What is the budget for these microphones? This will help in recommending options that provide the best value for the given price range. How is the room currently set up for sound treatment? Understanding what materials are being used to improve acoustics can help in recommending additional treatments or microphone types. What audio interface or preamp is being used? Some microphones, like the Shure SM7B, require a preamp with significant gain. How many people will be speaking at once, and how are they positioned? This will help determine if individual microphones are needed for each speaker or if shared microphones could work. By addressing these questions, I can provide more specific recommendations that will suit the particular needs of the studio setup.

[@Marion0142]

@@Simplebizsupport Thanks finally my boss bought the nt1 the day before you sent me your reply. I've tested and it sounds very nice ;)

[@Simplebizsupport]

@@Marion0142 Thanks for the update - enjoy the mic!

[@GlennUpgraded]

My room is not treated for audio and background noise from other room is an issue. I recently got an NT1 5th gen and Rodecaster Pro 2, do you think I need a podmic for better background/environmental noise control? My use case will be for content creation recording, livestreaming, and podcast.

[@lizardpeter]

Just try the NT1 out first. PodMic would be a sidegrade or downgrade anyway.

[@jmclaughlin3728]

Rode NT-1 by far.

[@Simplebizsupport]

Thanks for the comment - appreciated. I am liking the sound of the NT1 myself!

[@Marcin_Kubicki]

So which one would be better for podcasts: NT1 5th gen or PodMic USB? (money no object)

[@Simplebizsupport]

NT1 hands down in my opinion.

[@elenaba7011]

@@Simplebizsupport I assume that's the same for Audiobooks then? I have access to a PodMic but I am not sure if I have to buy the NT1 to record professional Audiobooks. Will the PodMic be sufficient?

[@Simplebizsupport]

@@elenaba7011 The PodMic is a great microphone. Room acoustics will play a bigger role for you to get a clean recording. Then you can always tweak the audio in post for a desired tone.

[@Q8Webmaster]

Great review. Thanks! Do you think they are both equal when it comes to noise reduction from the background? I couldn’t figure out which one won the fan noise competition 😅 I have an Elgato wave 3 usb mic and Its great mic. But I would like to have another mic that cancels outside noises (street cars, someone walking around the window 😂) out of the box

[@Q8Webmaster]

I liked the NT1 more than the Podmic. I am just concerned about background noises in untreated room.. otherwise its the Shure SM7B

[@Simplebizsupport]

If you use them as intended and are no more than 2 inches away from the mics, you should be able to turn the gain down to block light background noise. If you have to record in a loud environment, check out NVIDIA Broadcast (free download) to block out back ground noise on the fly.

[@Q8Webmaster]

@@Simplebizsupport Thank you for your reply! highly appreciated. Sadly Nvidia broadcast can’t be used with non-Nvidia video cards. I have Macbook Pro M2 and that’s not supported. I think my only option is to go with any good XLR mic.

[@marryingacheese6283]

Which one did you purchase at the end ? I have the same question as you, love the voice on nt1 but am afraid of the background noise!@@Q8Webmaster

[@Q8Webmaster]

@@marryingacheese6283 I ended up buying the Rode Podmic usb as a dynamic mic to cancel the noise. Its doing great job.

[@TheFinalRevelation1]

The rode podmic is waste of money. Weighs too much. so add 50 to 150 USD for a boom arm. Then add a cloud-lifter and burn a hole in your pocket. Still does not sound as good as the rode procaster. I never understand why rode still pushes the rode podmic. And why they can't improve it or at-least reduce the weight.

[@Simplebizsupport]

It all depends on what you're looking for in a mic I would say. While the PodMic is heavy, it's alway a quality product that is going to be more durable than cheaper, plastic cased microphones. Also, I like the fact that I can place the PodMic low and and be almost out of the view of the camera while still capturing great audio. Other might really like the brighter tone of the PodMic?

[@podunkman2709]

NT 1 deliver less mechanical sound. Since NT 1 was mainly designed for studios, does NT 1 filter unwanted background voices worst than PodMic?

[@killerpeech]

The difference is so Suttle. I just bought the podmic as my first xlr. Upgraded from my yeti and the quality is infinitely better

[@Simplebizsupport]

Yeah, that's the interesting thing with they comparisons. At some point the output is so close that I don't anyone will notice after KZbin compresses the crap out of it.

[@marin_hws]

الأفضل في الغناء بود مايك ولا nt1

[@austinbrady]

Great video! Thank you

[@Simplebizsupport]

Thanks for the comment; it is appreciated. Have you decided on a microphone?

[@austinbrady]

@@Simplebizsupport I'm pretty sure I'll get the Rode PodMic for now and eventually snag a Shure SM7B in the future.

[@l8farl561]

does the rode nt1 and the 5th gen one got the same sound?

[@Simplebizsupport]

Great question. I haven't had the oppertunity to use a NT1 so I don't know. Maybe someone who has can chime in here...

[@Geohillierneo]

Yes, the raw sound itself is virtually identical to the previous generation. The main differences are the addition of the USB port, and the 32-bit float recording, which is a real game changer

[@Simplebizsupport]

@@Geohillierneo Thanks for the input!

[@jaishankarms]

Does NT1 work with Logic Pro?

[@Simplebizsupport]

I don't have Logic Pro, but if you can bring in a USB mic source, then it will work.