Rode Podcaster vs NT USB review - best microphone for podcasts and voiceovers

I'll help you choose between the Rode NT USB and Podcaster mics!
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[@cameralabs]

I'll help you choose between the Rode NT USB and Podcaster. Not a sponsored post. Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's book at Amazon: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Like Cameralabs? Get the T-Shirt: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop Check the NT USB price at B&H: bhpho.to/2JgCV6V Check the Podcaster price at B&H: bhpho.to/2JkiMwA

[@GarretKrampe]

Hey Gorgon if you are still using the RODE NT USB Don't forget to buy the upgraded mount. www.ebay.com.au/itm/153105253533

[@Clisare]

Great review, very informative! I almost bought the podcaster solely on the name, but glad I didn't, this review made me realise the NT USB is more suited to my needs. Thank you! 🙌🏻

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@maxdevy5536]

This would have to be one of the Best information segments on you tube, straight to the point easy to understand and covers everything about the subject that you need to know, this man is a great talent indeed others on you tube can learn a lot from him on how to KEEP IT SIMPLE and get the message across at the same time, well done mate. All the best from a fan of yours from Brisbane Australia.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks Max!

[@LoNaude]

Really helpful. NT sounded better.

[@AI3Dorinte]

really like the Rode Podcaster better, weird :)

[@onzkicg]

Oh no I just bought impulsively in an auction the Podcaster 🙈

[@freereignpodcast9882]

I needed a microphone for my podcast. A member of staff at the company i work for has just handed me the microphone out of thin air, the most random item i could have received as a i work in IT and expect laptops back not full on Mics, with shock mounts and studio arms lol! Safe to say this is going to come in good use for my podcast! The universe is working in my favor today.

[@JPeetje]

Awesome info, thank you for that. Now I am sure that I want the NT-USB!

[@cameralabs]

I still use it for all my voiceovers!

[@Altair4611]

It all comes down to whether or not you want a condenser or dynamic microphone

[@LE672AJ]

Picked up the NT-USB at a moving sale yesterday for $35. I figured it’s Rode, so why not. Glad I came across your review Gordo so I can see the value of what I came across 😄. Sounds rather good so far!

[@RuchiinChina]

$35? Prolly picked up a fake

[@maxiepax99]

I gotta say i like the sound of the NT-USB better than the podcaster so i ended up purchasing that one and Rode's swing arm. Very good review!

[@mountainhobo]

I've found the Podcaster to be somewhat difficult to work with. As you said, the recorded voice does not seem quite natural. It is quite sensitive, as you also mentioned, to the distance from your mouth, and you will notice the recorded sound changing noticeably if you do not maintain the discipline of same distance and angle all the time (and same loudness of your voice, it likes normal loud voice). It was also sensitive, again, as you mentioned, to plosives and sibilants despite the built-in pop filter. Thankfully it is easy to permanently attach one to the boom arm, which you should really use with it, also as you mentioned, to facilitate proper distance and angle. The one thing you did not mention, and which I found to be the biggest strength of the Podcaster is its impressive ability to reject ambient sounds. Even in a less than ideal environment the track would require very little cleanup. All in all, condenser mics, like the NT, are easier to work with, except for rejecting ambient sounds, as you also mentioned, so your environment may need to be quieter.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks for your feedback, for my next microphone test I'll try and do them in quiet and noisier environments to see how well they can isolate.

[@davidhuffman9918]

Thanks for this review. I actually own the Rode NT-USB. I purchased it to do guitar and vocal recording through my laptop, which does incredibly well. Now, I'm also using it for live Facebook posts for church. I do think that the NT-USB sounds best and you verified it in this review!

[@johnhaynes9910]

Nice one Gordon and a very effective presentation. I am a fan of Rode and use a couple of their mics for on camera video work. At the moment I don't have a speciic need for a "desk top" mic but I might in the future so have looked at them and on that basis thought that the NT USB seemed good value for money because it comes in a pretty 'ready to go' complete package.

[@cameralabs]

Yes, it's pretty good value and great performer!

[@TheCBKstudios]

Awesome Review there..Although the Rode NT looks better cosmetic wise and to some sounds better, i'd stick with the Podcaster V2 as i prefer Dynamic mics as it picks up less backround noise & is a more Rugged and Solid mic.

[@karls6802]

Another great reviews of two very good mic. What I find most helpful with this review is your practical experience with both mics and how to best use their difference to an advantage. is your description of how to best use to advantage.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! I'm still very happy using the NT USB for most of my voiceovers...

[@MarkBradshawgreenredblack]

Top review. Thanks. I’ve just bought the NT with boom arm and shock mount through work. I’m not gonna buy you a coffee but I’ll buy your book, I like your style.

[@LeighStark]

This was really helpful, cheers. My NT-USB was breaking (USB issue) and I've been contemplating buying the Podcaster over it, but the NT-USB has been amazing for on the road, and this helped me make up my mind. Cheers once again, another NT-USB it is.

[@WhiteWulfe]

I liked my old NT-USB so much I upgraded later on to the NT1, partially because it came as a nice bundle with a Rycote shockmount as well as their AI-1 interface.... And looks really nice hung upside down on a PSA1 >.>;;; Wound up upgrading for two reasons... First was I wanted some of my desk space back, and secondly was that I'm not a fan of the auto-gain that USB mics tend to employ - you'd go from being clear one moment, to deafening those you were talking to the next thanks to Windows bumping the gain up a great deal. Nice comparison of the two!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! I think you can manually fix the levels though for USB mics depending on the software you use. I fixed it for these in this video for example.

[@WhiteWulfe]

Quite true! I totally forgot to mention the one reason why auto-gain wouldn't work for me - I use it for voice chats, and while some programs like Mumble or TeamSpeak do have controls for this, sadly Google Hangouts doesn't. For recording voiceovers or most other situations that aren't live, the USB microphones are definitely a good option!

[@joel3190]

The NT USB sounds better to my ear. I am glad because I ordered mine a few days back. it should be in my hands tomorrow.

[@billygerard7276]

I thought you sounded better on the podcaster... but for many of the same reasons I too bought the NT USB. Thanks for a great review. My guess is before long I'll have both. Maybe even a couple of each. Thanks again.

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@agambhasin]

I loved how the NT USB sounded, the podcaster is not very good but the procaster definitely is! Great video.

[@tanyoivanov-personal]

I've got the Podcaster. Probably soon with switch with the NT. NT sounds better to me.

[@Pharesm]

Agree with you on sound. The added transparency was more than obvious when you switched from the Podcaster to the NT USB. Other reviews I watched failed to make the comparison clear, lacking A/B cuts. As for the Blue Yeti, to my ears, its better than the Podcaster, but not as good as the NT USB. I think the NT sounds so good, you could use it in a booth for vocals - or on-site, without having to drag your console along. I'm sort of hoping, that it can be hooked up to a Samsung Note and record with it to one of my recording apps...

[@AI3Dorinte]

I think the podcaster is difficult to work with but I have a thin voice and the podcaster makes it sound so much better than the NT. At the end of the day both are really good.

[@Pharesm]

@@AI3Dorinte thanks for the comment, that's an interesting and relevant difference - in spite of the fact that "thin voice" isn't a totally nailed down definition and ears and tastes differ. For podcasting, I'd prefer to listen to a thin voice over an overly bassy one any day. Musically, its another issue. also, thin voice can disappear by just lowering your vocal output - like you sang/spoke into the ear of your lover - there will be no trace of "thin voice" ^^

[@xiana1075]

Best review I saw! And saw a lot these days ;) Thanks!! Really helpful

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@TomMehlum]

Surprisingly seems that the NT USB gives you more bass in the voice. I had an idea that it would be the other way around... I have the NT USB and just ordered the Podcaster mic. Tho it might be a better mix together with Røde Caster Pro board.

[@Klarden]

Wow, I didn't know NT-USB is popular. I got it a few years ago for my occasional video voiceovers and such on a really nice discount and love using it. Thanks for the video, now I'm even happier with the purchase :D

[@cameralabs]

Glad to help! I'm really happy with mine.

[@skakdosmer]

Happier because it’s popular? I don’t get it. Does that change the microphone?

[@Silentwisher]

I have considered picking up the Rode Podcaster because I have read and heard that it does better at not picking up misc. noise like computer fans, fish tanks, etc.

[@cameralabs]

Yes that's also true, the Podcaster will reject more ambient noise, whereas the NT USB is less forgiving.

[@ludwigvonn9889]

Background noise is easily removed in sound recording software.

[@simonrockstream]

Fantastic video, thank you so much!

[@Drinckx2]

Great review Gordon - really informative.

[@onzkicg]

To all Podcaster user- please be careful when cleaning the body. I used that common antibacterial wipes and those black markings got smudged! Honestly I was disappointed that a quality name like Rode used a cheap way to imprint the markings.. if you look closely, It’s resemble those dry ink transfers if you remember back in the day.. those thingy that you scratch and get transferred to paper- they used something like that. I expected markings to be coated by clear gloss to protect it further from cleaning material. Anyways just airing my disappointments. I actually plan to resell it that’s why I’m cleaning 😂 now the price I have to offer discount because of that smudge! I own guitar pedals and other gadgets with text markings- I wipe to clean them, anything from tissue to alcohol wipes and markings stay the same.. they have good coating.

[@Veo87]

I do a podcast, so the Podcaster is probably more my cup of tea, since it doesn't pick up extra sounds around the room, guaranteeing that it'll only be my voice that I record. Unfortunately, that price is a bit high for me. . .

[@leonardobissoli7854]

Hi. Have you checked the Rode NT USB Mini? You can use with a foldable isolation shield.

[@jeremysmith9696]

Been looking at this for a friend who podcasts. great review!

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@matthiastoscanelli3767]

Thanks for the video

[@ThoughtsByJBrown]

I have the xlr version of the Podcaster, the Procaster. I love it. I have been thinking of getting one of the NT mics to replace the condenser mic that just died.

[@cameralabs]

As you know, i'm very fond of the NT USB!

[@thebusinessfirm9862]

Thanks mate. Brilliant review. Cheers. Steve.

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@RobertoNova]

Great video, thank you! Do you know if its possible to connect the Rode Podcaster to a phone with an adapter?

[@SimonVisuals]

Great comparison, my favorite is the NT USB, thanks

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, it's my favourite too!

[@emotionalintelligencewiths7450]

Really helpful info. Thank you👍

[@davedalton2434]

what a great review. thank you

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, glad you found it useful!

[@sneakboi7611]

when i use the nt usb and unse the funktion where i can directly here from it me talking , then its sounds so much better than from my computer (sry for bad english)

[@RobertGrøndahlWinther]

Great comparison, thanks.

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome! Check out my NT USB Mini review too!

[@Daecard]

Hmmm.. maybe You can make a comparison between Your RODE and AudioTechnika AT2020 USB, Please? :>

[@MrD3000]

Great video!

[@maurenbrodbeck9127]

Hey, I have a question: I am looking to get the NT USB, my macbook pro does quite some sound because of ventilation, will the mic pic this up and how do you deal with that? Thanks so much, Big Up!

[@cameralabs]

I connect my NT USB to my MBP all the time and it's never picked up the noise from it, but then the laptop is normally behind the mic.

[@SelfHealingAlchemy]

Great post, thank you!! Just a few questions, do you only use only one of these microphones if you record a podcast with someone else (interview like situation or overall discussions with others for a podcast)? Or does that require two? Does this product give room for that or is it still best to purchase one per person.

[@cameralabs]

You really need one per person, and if they're in the same room, then you'd need a mixer in which case go for XLR not USB models. These USB ones are designed for one-person podcasts or voiceovers, or at least one mic per computer.

[@DionSiswadi]

Very informative review. Good work, Gordon.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks Dion!

[@ProvenSawlid]

Just came accross your channel and I believe in helping people out so I have you a sub and like 👍🏻 hope you get where you’re trying to but great review man I have the NT-USB myself and it’s a amazing microphone I use it for KZbin videos and music and it works great for both. But I’m not 100 percent happy with the way my music is coming out, granted it could just be me but I think I may grab into the new shure mv7 here soon

[@flyboyflip]

What pop filter should you use with Rode Podcaster if wanting an additional one? Thanks

[@darsnez]

My podcaster microphone died suddenly with no clear explanation of what happened to it. It stopped getting sound coming in, though it has no problem getting sound out through the headphone jack. Has anyone had the same experience?

[@skakdosmer]

The balance button on the NT-USB is an interesting feature, but I wonder how it works. Not knowing anything about it I would suspect that all it does is balancing the sound you hear in the headphones. Or does it actually control the balance of the final output?

[@cameralabs]

I thought I explained it in the video? It just balances the sound from the computer and the microphone. It only affects the headphone jack, not the final output.

[@skakdosmer]

O, sorry, I must have missed that. Thanks.

[@BELGRANOization]

NT-USB all the way. Thx for the vid.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, you're welcome!

[@joysticksteve]

Thank you for this my friend. Was trying to decide on whether to get a second USB NT or try the podcaster. Think 2nd NT wins. Great video sir sub & like from me! 😎👊🏻

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! Yes, I prefer the NT USB myself.

[@StickyBudz]

This was really helpful! I've been using the NT USB mic and boom arm for over 12 months now and it's been great! Apart from the fact that it picks up a lot of background noises, so it would be better in a sound proof room, as it has more bass than the Podcaster from what I can hear in this video. I would rather the NT USB for that deep bass sound, but I need the Podcaster because of noisy housemates and neighbours! lol Or maybe the Procaster is a better option with a mixer? I'm not sure now lol I basically don't know how much longer I can keep playing video games and want to move into live podcasting. Is there any software that I can use while live broadcasting to help the NT USB from picking up less ambient sounds? Please don't say Noise Gate, I've tried a few and all have sounded terrible! lol

[@cameralabs]

Hmmm, tricky! I would say if your surroundings aren't quiet, then the NT USB may not be your best choice. As for the podcaster and procaster, they're the same just with different connections.

[@skakdosmer]

I've just ordered the cute little pocketable “Samson Meteor Black” large diafragm USB microphone with headphone socket with volume control. Frequency response 20-20000hz. The samples on Thomann.de sound really good, and the price is only €48. (You can save €2 if you choose the version that isn't black).

[@edisonluizlocucaoesomvinta5474]

Hello Gordon. I have a problem. My Rode podcaster don't install in Windows 7. The windows don't accept the driver of Mic. It only turn on in Windows xp. How i make for It be accept in Windows 7? Thanks

[@cameralabs]

I don't know why that wouldn't work - it should be recognised as a standard USB mic on any recent version of Windows. I'd suggest contacting Rode.

[@DNHarris]

I love my NT USB

[@faceless5993]

Did you know that KSI switched from Rode Podcaster to the Rode NT-USB....just saying

[@andrewr4792]

Do you do the Geico commercials?

[@cameralabs]

Yes, I voice all British characters on screen, from Harry Potter to Daphne from Frasier.

[@abulsharif7832]

dumb question. When you are shooting videos outdoors with a camera, would you recommend this microphone? What if it is a short film and there are 3 or 4 actors?

[@cameralabs]

It's not a dumb question at all. These two mics are designed for one person, positioned very close and ideally indoors in a quiet room - think of a studio. Wjat you're looking for is either s hotgun mic on top of the camera or something on the end of a boom arm, but you'll need to point them at the person speaking. Have a look at Rode's website for ideas.

[@abulsharif7832]

Thanks :)

[@funnybunny5139]

My Nt usb sounds really bad how did you get yours to sound super good?

[@cameralabs]

Are your levels set correctly, or are they going too loud? Also make sure you're 6-12 inches from it and in a quiet room.

[@funnybunny5139]

@@cameralabs i have tried 50 60 70 80 and 90 in the levels and i am 15cm away from my mic in a quiet room

[@mascielvillanueva6808]

If Im gonna make a podcast in my room, wich mic is better??

[@cameralabs]

Didn't the review help you decide?

[@ownvideofootage]

Difficult choice. I use a super cheap and good performance BOYA BY-MM1 = MOVO VXR10

[@valdemarm9741]

I justed wanted to say "No fucking shit the NT sounds better, it's a condenser mic" With means that NT picks every thing in the room up, while the podcaster only picks up sound from the top

[@MichaelW1980randoms]

One should mention the fact, that the RØDE Podcaster sounds nowhere near the way the RØDE Procaster sounds, which is much more rich and powerful sounding - and both are dynamic Microphones, with a similarily shortened frequency response. This specific pair could leave behind the impression, that a condenser Microphone always sounds that drastically better, but actually, the RØDE Podcaster is just a bad Egg in terms of how it sounds.

[@tylerboter9704]

I thought the Podcaster will perform better the NT is definetely better

[@skakdosmer]

Thanks for this review which confirms my choice of earlier days not to buy any of these. Now please bear in mind that I've no experience in this area, and I'm by no means an expert. I'm basing my views entirely on other people's reviews - not so much their opinions as the sound examples they present. Being a classically trained musician gives me faith in my ears, at least, although I feel you can never be quite sure what KZbin does to the sound. So with all due preservations, personally I don't really care so much for the sound of either of these microphones. The NT-USB is never quite clear enough to my liking, and the Podcaster - although in your example it sounds clearer (despite your statement to the opposite), it seems a bit tinny to me. And (on a less serious note) I hate the white colour! It may not effect the sound directly, but I fear my voice would betray my feelings if I used it. The Røde Procaster - which for some reason is less expensive, despite the "pro" name - at least looks better. (By the way, It seems they've both taken their design from the more expensive - and probably better - ElectroVoice RE-20). I own the Blue Yeti Pro which sounded nicer in the reviews that I've seen, and I really like the variable polar pattern. However, based on what I've heard, I'd prefer a shotgun or super cardioid mic boomed from either above or below.

[@ludwigvonn9889]

USB sounds much better in this video. The other one sounds too bright and flat. USB adds a warm colour to a voice.

[@cameralabs]

I prefer the NT USB as well.

[@professionalandsilen]

360p here

[@cameralabs]

You need to give it time to render at KZbin's end. It was filmed in 4k...

[@tyron.7631]

NT-USB WINS!!!!!

[@edua9kdj453]

👍👍👍

[@sorjames-itsachoice]

Podcaster #starwars

[@cameralabs]

The lightsaber, right?

[@nonzatv594]

อันไหนดีกว่าอะลุงง

[@Taken-Edits]

English video so comment in English

[@jegkedermig1684]

røde is danish but ok

[@cameralabs]

Close but not quite. The founders were Swedish, but started the company after emigrating to Australia where the HQ is based today. Always good to do your research: en.rode.com/aboutus

[@jegkedermig1684]

Gordon Laing i thought it was danish considering that røde is translatet red to english from danish BUT loved the video actually Got me to buy bt USB

[@jegkedermig1684]

Quick question is a shock Mount worth it ? I have the røde psa1+nt-usb

[@cameralabs]

@@jegkedermig1684 if you enjoy using them on an arm, yes.

[@knottymaker3904]

Actually the founder was English from London, Henry Freedman who move to Sweden to start a family before moving to Australia to form Freedman Electronics parent company to Rode. It was his son Peter who added the Ø into the Rode name in recognition of his Scandinavian ancestry.

[@berastis4431]

PODCASTER SOUNDS WORSE THAN MY HEADSET MIC

[@keksbrot4995]

no just no

[@WOOOWNICE]

I know right.. wtf