Rode PodMic Review / Test (How good is this Broadcast Dynamic Microphone for $99?)

[@ColeMason]

Immensely helpful video, especially with the 2.5’ test. That’s exactly what I’ve been seeking as I research my purchase!

[@dougmichael1301]

Just bought one from sweetwater and told them you recommended them !!!

[@ProjectJamesify]

How does this man have only 1.6K subs? Seriously top quality content, keep it up 👍

[@DJAultric]

BRRROOOOO i love your VR content!!!!! big fan lol

[@chaosinternational3584]

Microphone reviews and enthusiasts are a pretty niche thing

[@glyph24652]

for real though haha

[@SvenFawkes]

The fps of the video hurts my eyes... but overall its great.

[@AudioHotline]

24 fps hurts your eyes? 🤔

[@Bankexamstoday]

Why this guy has less than 10k subscribers !!! Dude your videos deserve lot more.

[@mc_mikey4508]

he got 10k now lol

[@DavidHernandezLovesYou]

I've been on the air in Los Angeles for 20yrs (KJLH Radio Station), we've only used EV RE320 & AT BP40 I bought these Podmics (waited 2 MONTHS to finally get them - thank you Jacob from Sweetwater) for my personal studio /podcast at home.... And I LOVE these mics!! ESPECIALLY for the price! But, these mics sound just as good to me as my stations mics which cost $350+!!

[@Mtj622]

Amazing noise comparison at around the 8:30 mark, that was so incredibly helpful!

[@SuperMiker78]

I honestly appreciate that you paid for this mic with your own hard earned cash. When a company sends a mic for free to someone for review it will most surely color their opinion. So I put a lot more weight behind what you say. Thanks!

[@rasimons1]

First video I watched with you and an instant sub - can’t believe the quality of youtubers we get these days.

[@mica4977]

Expressive and enjoyable story telling abilities.

[@tammysypniewski1891]

As always, well presented, information and funny as hell. The perfect balance. Thanks.

[@asifjaved7672]

Dear, do we really need a RodeCaster Pro to record the voice from PodMic? I mean can I record my voice from PodMic directly into my PC without using RodeCaster Pro? Your reply would be appreciated.

[@hiraldosternflyer7112]

@@asifjaved7672: You don't need to invest in a Rodecaster Pro.

[@Kou69]

@@asifjaved7672 You need to buy a audio interface though, it's an xlr mix

[@MattKander]

10/10 review, great stuff and will be keeping an eye on the channel for the inevitable explosive growth!

[@Timbarry37]

Got a serious PM feel to this channel. Love to see it!

[@tooyoung225]

Almost 4 months late, but this is the review of this mic that i was waiting for! You do an awesome job with these mic reviews. Keep it up!

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

Love your vids… just the experience!!! Great energy. Came here just for the watch, have this mic, review mics myself, and still clicked to hang out…enjoyed every second. Thanks for bringing this energy still today, especially knowing the amount of work that goes into a video AFTER you stop recording. I try to model my channel off you You, Tom Buck and Obscure mics. Thank you sir! ❤️👍🏻😎

[@Tapped-o9k]

Hey im using the podmic with a goxlr mini. I just bought them both and Ive watched some tutorials on YT but I got some issues I cant solve: -The mic sounds very nice but its way too quiet. -I can hear absolutely everything in the background (keyboard, etc) even tho I got a noise gate on like 25. -I can hear my own voice (which is awsome) but it is way too loud. Im actually getting headaches because its too loud. -Ive had some issues with the goxlr software. When I first installed it I lost my entire sound (everything) and my pc glitched so I couldnt open any soundsettings and my pc crashed after a while. That only happened after Ive opened the game rainbow six siege. I havent played rainbow six siege since it happened but I also reinstalled the software. Im not sure if it is fixed so i just mentioned it here. I think thats every issue I got so far. Its an awsome mic! Great video btw :)

[@Cotictimmy]

It's Aug 2024 and my £60 Podmic is ordered (to work with a Zoom Hn4 Pro.) If necessary I'll order the Alctron MA-1 to boost it. Time will Tell, but in any case Excellent review - thanks.

[@joshuaharrover3205]

Sir, just became one of your subscribers, I love microphones and audio. I'm actually a communications student, and I'm trying to develop a career in radio, I will be graduating from college this summer. Keep up the good work. One microphone that I think you should compare this with is another broadcast dynamic -- the Heil PR40.

[@poeticalvision]

What an awesome mic. I had to fish around forever for it, ended up cancelling two orders because they were just getting pushed back farther and farther, backorder after backorder. Finally I found it in stock, and they were out of stock within probably 4 hours, but I got one. For $100 you will not find a better, more plug and play, xlr mic for spoken word applications. The value of this thing is off the charts.

[@jacobjensen1380]

Sweetwater has always had the best customer service I have experienced with any company! I go through them for almost everything now!

[@MiltonDelaney]

Dude, you’re off the hook! Very informative and enjoyable video! Subscribed!

[@LawrenceArnell]

Channel still way undervalued. I'm re-watching the videos. Great stuff.

[@TechOasis101]

Please make a video about your room size and room acoustic treatment. No mic will sound that great without that treatment

[@nicoletiana]

I just got this mic!!!!! now i need to get the xlr cable, audio interface and a mic stand 😆

[@IamRu]

It is a mystery to me that you don't have more subs dude. Great work!!

[@smsmreactor8079]

tbh, I did order the mic yesterday after watching this video. awesome content, really.

[@smsmreactor8079]

I'm just gonna start my podcast soon, and I'm really grateful for your enthusiasm and passion for audio rigs.

[@mnicholson2003]

Enjoying my Podmic...had to wait a long time as well. Great video!!

[@nike12000haha]

“This is heavy.... I know” haha love your dialog in these videos!😂

[@vikerplays49]

I think this is the first I watch a whole review video, very informative and entertaining as well! keep up the good work :)

[@iSpike]

I just subbed you because of the fact you spoke about a good thing right from the get go (Johnathen). Plus I am looking to get a studio mic 🎙. Sounds okay. Cheers from Western Australia 👍🏻

[@thehohoshow1]

i was thinking the same thing. i like this guy.

[@kevie3]

I do not even need a mic but dude your personality is worth the sub for me....Well Done 👏

[@DCshowoff]

Just ordered mine! Thanks for this Awesome info on this mic.

[@iamjt4462]

Just got mine today!

[@rileycaprio7856]

Man loved the video, informational and entertaining. Definitely grabbing one!

[@Tarkov.]

I can't believe the criticisms they're getting, like, comparing this to a procaster yeah... but it's $100! You compare this to an AT2020 and it's hands down the best thing you can get for the price.

[@ProvenSawlid]

Your channel been growing and you definitely deserve it brother

[@ObscureMics]

Because we have mic bro love

[@wearejungians]

dude your video production quality is superb. keep it up :)

[@QuentinWilliams5]

This convinced me to get a preamp. That white noise is so irritating.

[@panos2011]

Your content man is great! Hope you grow soon. Quick question, which camera/lenses do you use for this video? The image is awesome!

[@rusty4104]

Podmic vs Blue ember. I'm currently debating between these two.

[@oddieboi]

Neither until you do more research. The Rode is a dynamic mic and Blue's is a condenser. There are use cases and environments for both, and you will not be happy with the Blue or any condenser microphone if you have a fair amount of background noise to try and cope with. Dynamics on the other hand take a shitload of gain usually, sometimes more than a single preamp and interface can handle, but they are excellent for mitigating background noise while still producing a good sound signature. I've also generally found them to be cheaper than quality condensers from the same brands, likely due to the extremely sensitive nature of condenser capsules.

[@enriquekahn9405]

I'd love to see a mass shootout between "quality" $100-and-under dynamics, including this one, Shure SM48/57/58, sE V3/7/7x, etc What is the best entry level XLR dynamic podcasting mic? 10 part series by Audio Hotline!

[@ElmaNinja]

I really like your videos and I'm glad that I found your channel. Keep it up!

[@MemphisMike901]

Just ordered one!

[@studioavenir6726]

Good content, sir. You got me subscribed. My impression of this mic (with Rode Podcaster) is kinda mixed, although I like how human voice gets recorded, I still get a lot of noise out of it. I'll probably need some additional amplification. :/

[@davidjohnson281992]

Awesome video thanks man! You are the only person I've seen who had demonstrated that you actually can use this mic at 2 feet or so out of frame - which is exactly what I want to do! Would you recommend the Focusrite Scarlett with an inline pre-amp like the dynamite or the GoXLR Mini on its own for that application. Thanks again man!

[@Potterverse]

Great video! I currently use the Rode NT1-A for my channel but it has too much echo for my liking. I'm constantly having to set my pre-amp to around 10% and then boosting in post in order to get a good sound out of it. The PodMic sounds way better, think I'll make the switch.

[@urbnctrl]

Is there a reason youre using a condenser mic? If you get echo does that mean you are in an untreated room?

[@sinasadrzadeh4783]

Just discovered this guy. So underrated wow!

[@gutpunchnews4000]

Glad to have you back.

[@gutpunchnews4000]

Rode won’t warranty any mic bought on amazon.

[@AudioHotline]

Yeah, I guess there were some fakes or something?

[@gutpunchnews4000]

Audio Hotline they’ve been like that for st least 6 years. My first mic was a Rode. They also let you know on their website.

[@charlieh.2260]

Thanks for the video. Can you tell me what MIC STAND you are using in this video? It looks cool.

[@khaledalhamdan2627]

Great review thanks bro

[@AudioHotline]

Khaled Al Hamdan Thanks dude!!! I appreciate it!

[@edwardgivenscomposer]

Nice - I like SW too by the way. Would like to hear this mic off axis. Nice review. Very helpful

[@AudioHotline]

Edward Givens thank you! The polar pattern test where I talk off axis is around 6:18

[@edwardgivenscomposer]

@@AudioHotline sorry - what I meant was "across" the front rather than straight into it, in other words "broadcast style" :) Found another vid where the guy does just that and it sounds fab - seems like a great mic (should I have bought a PR-40? Kidding, but I'm looking for a less expensive model for a friend and your review pretty well clinched it - cheers!)

[@muziky2k]

Great review. I do think the windscreen sounds fine. I'd prefer not to hear the pops and puffs. Good job.

[@muziky2k]

I think it sounds fine with the windscreen and without. However, that may be due to your voice. I was thinking of getting the SM57 with the A81WS windscreen, but I like the tone of the Podmic better.

[@pkerry12]

on my goXLR mini it works perfect. no noise

[@AudioHotline]

The GoXLR line has great preamps that can really drive mics nicely. The GoXLR mini raises a good point when it comes to the PodMic and more “budget” friendly setups. If someone buys a cheaper interface, Behringer UMC22 or even the Scarlett Solo and they want more clean gain, they may end up buying a $90-$150 mic activator. At that point they will have basically spent the same amount as the GoXLR Mini and the Mini has a lot of awesome features. It is definitely something that I am going to bring up with people that ask my opinion on a good starting interface. I feel like the price of the Mini is just high enough that it scares some beginners away that feel like they just want to try podcasting, or whatever type of content creation, but they aren’t sure they are going to follow through. A lot of it does also come down to how loud or quiet someone speaks. There are some super quiet people that would need a mic activator, even with the GoXLR mini 😂. Some voice submissions I get with the question “why is there so much noise in my signal”… I always want to say “well you talk about as loud as a church mouse’s fart, so speak up” I have a few interfaces that are the same way, definitely don’t need any additional gain and it is clean. However… I still use a mic activator with my nicer interfaces to get an even cleaner sound 😂 just snobby like that, and I am sure there are others that would do the same. It’s a bit silly, but oh well!

[@pkerry12]

@@AudioHotline I believe people need to spend in accordance with what works and works well if u were to buy a cheap interface and then have pt buy a cloud lifter to run this mic your looking a similar price as the goxlr mini. But the goxlr is not just a interface with good preamps its also a mixer. If all u want to do is just use the mic then the road a1 interface will give u what u need for this mic but if u want to take this make to the next level and tune this mic it get it to SM7b mic sound quality then goxlr will get u there with eq

[@talkingbuffalo]

GREAT video.. My conflict is I do agree with you that the tone sounds a little better without a windscreen.. However, without it this mic suffers from being too plosive and IMO hearing someone do an interview that's constantly having plosives in the mic is worse than a little tonal deficiency.. I wonder what a good smaller windscreen would be that would still look cosmetically pleasing if this mic was used for video podcasts.

[@chrisoglevoiceover]

Excellent info. Thank you!

[@diafiro]

Very helpful video, thank you for posting! I have watched SO MANY mic video reviews that I'm just... ugh. I'm going to start a podcast. I'm fairly comfortable and knowledgeable with tech and all, but when it comes to audio/mics I just have no idea. I was pretty set on the HyperX Quadcast, but then I read/realized all about how "background noise & condenser mics". Now I'm set on an entry level dynamic instead. So, my question is: assuming I'm just barely starting, would you say getting this mic (with absolutely nothing else at all but just: my MacBook Pro, a windscreen cover thingy, a boom arm, and headphones) would be fairly ok to get started decently?? Thanks!

[@brittgoes7237]

I'm wondering the same thing. Did you ever get any insight on this?

[@PixelPlateauEngineering]

Hi, thanks for the great review! I recently found your channel and have been enjoying your style. I have a question about the PodMic's internal shock mount. I have the MXL BCD-1 and it's internal shock mount seems near to useless. I have the mic on a small boom arm and it picks up every table bump with a really audible "thud". The mic's actual U-shaped mount also resonates. By way of comparison my Shure SM58 has WAY less handling noise. What has been your experience with the PodMic? Thanks!

[@taunbeddes7055]

I have the Cathedral Pipes Durham. It does its job well.

[@caseyonlocation8257]

Thanks for your video review! Can you recommend a sturdy table top mic stand for the Rode PodMic? Preferably a stand with a telescoping handle that can elevate higher (not a scissor boom arm, I already have that). If you can provide a link for that stand plus for the foam wind cover, that would be great! Thank you!

[@itsMalma]

Thank you for showing all the diff preamps and saying the gain you had it at! I'm considering getting the Klark Teknik CT 1 Compact Dynamic Microphone Booster with High-Quality Preamp, it seems like the cheapest solution. Doubt you'll reply to this but wondering if that's a good idea or if I should just get the durham one instead

[@AudioHotline]

Hey! my friend Bark over at Obscure Mics tried this out and he really likes it for the price. I haven't personally tried it out, but I do trust his opinion. I actually just text him and asked if he still recommends it since it has been over a year since his review, and he said yes, he still really likes it! The Durham is a nice option, but I feel like the differences between the CT 1 and the Durham will be pretty negligible. So if budget is super important, go for the CT 1. You can watch the Obscure Mics review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5CQaKylqKl2bbM Thanks for watching!

[@itsMalma]

@@AudioHotline Oh wow!! Didn't expect a reply and got even more than I asked for ^_^ Thank you!! I'm going to go with that in that case! You're channel is awesome!

[@LongestYogurt]

Good vid man keep up the great content

[@gorrestfumpp]

Best pre amp for Rode PodMic?

[@elcamino6699]

Have a look at the Native instruments Komplete Audio 1. This can power a SM7B no problem, and should be fine for the Rode.

[@asifjaved7672]

Dear, do we really need a RodeCaster Pro to record the voice from PodMic? I mean can I record my voice from PodMic directly into my PC without using RodeCaster Pro? Your reply would be appreciated.

[@filipedeataideramos]

@@asifjaved7672 Rode Ai-1 WOuld work aswell for ~ $100.

[@DanielTolson1]

Nice review bro

[@mechellemcelfresh3844]

Works great

[@xHadesStamps]

This is a great microphone! Not simply OK!

[@AudioHotline]

I gave it an A as a grade....If I give a mic a C as a grade that means it is worth the price, but only worth the price. B grade means you get something better than you paid for. An A means... THIS IS SOOO WORTH THE PRICE!!! BUY IT NOW!! WHAT ARE YIU STILL DOING HERE?!?! JUST BUY IT ALREADY!!!

[@AudioHotline]

Long explanation short... we agree.

[@DavidHernandezLovesYou]

Great review. thank you! Just bought two of these last night on the same site as you. (Now the wait begins LOL). You were definitely poppin P's a bunch without the filter on, and it decreased noticeably once you added the filter on it. Questions: 1) How do you think these mics will sound if they were plugged straight into a Zoom 5 (via XLR)? 2) Can you compare this mic to the AT BP40 and the EV RE320 and/or RE20??

[@narfin]

Since they are both about a hundred dollars, I want to see a comparison between this Rode Podmic and the sE Electronics V7.

[@DieTabbi]

Cool video. Never heard of dynamite preamp. Damn I orderd last week the Fethead. Do you think I should drop it and get another preamp for under 100bucks?

[@HDBnB1]

Great video! How would you compare this between the shure sm58?

[@pudgysquid817]

Great review! If you're a gamer who doesn't want a mic right in his face, would this be a good option or should I go with a shotgun mic instead?

[@AudioHotline]

How far away do you want it?

[@Wil_Bloodworth]

Audio Hotline I just want it out of frame so probably about two feet... the front of the mic would probably be a few inches in front of the monitors would be my guess.

[@AudioHotline]

Yeah, for that I would go with a shotgun mic!

[@Wil_Bloodworth]

Audio Hotline Thank you!

[@ImSEOKing]

Give Johnathan a promotion!

[@jcmmarcell7022]

Great review mate! Thanks! I think it's time to replace my Blue Yeti!

[@badmagic5247]

Can you compare it to the procaster

[@BenjiDWJ]

An awesome video & review 😁

[@andyschar]

Great review! I'd love to see a comparison between the PodMic, Procaster, and SM7B. I've seen a PodMic and Procaster together that makes the PodMic really seem like it's lacking on the low end. And the Procaster is half the price of the SM7B, so I guess I'm left wondering where the Procaster is the 'sweet spot' mic for podcasting.

[@asifjaved7672]

Dear, do we really need a RodeCaster Pro to record the voice from PodMic? I mean can I record my voice from PodMic directly into my PC without using RodeCaster Pro? Your reply would be appreciated.

[@kellyhensley4376]

I’m going into podcasting. I’m looking at the zoom podtract p4 to start with. Can you recommend this mic or the zoom zdm podcast mic? Thank you. Love your channel

[@ObscureMics]

Kick ass video as always

[@Weird_Quests]

How much gain does the Zoom H5 provide these microphones?

[@BalamVic]

Amazing, but this microphone is better than a Blue Ember ???

[@itzlovemuzick]

yes if you have a bassy voice the bass boost on the ember can get overbaring

[@TechOwnage]

followup question, when you did your test with the mic 2 to 2.5 feet away, you are not using any inline pre-amp there?

[@shinsotv]

is it use for spoken word?

[@Olpossum53]

How about comparing the PodMic to some other popular $100 dynamics?

[@MarkoMarkolovic]

Can you recommend a preamp?

[@AChristianPod]

Do you have a link for that windscreen?

[@TheRebeccaDaviShow]

Hey, great video! Can you connect the Rode Podmic using a XLR to USB cable to a MacBook Air?

[@binoykv]

Nice review.. is it work if I connected directly to my pc through an XLR to 3.5mm cable to the microphone jack of the pc /laptop ?.

[@sleisr1407]

Tbh I dont hear any difference between no preamp and all the other preamps. Feels like a budget version of the SM7B. And with something like a GoXLR it could become a really nice high quality mic.

[@MrJmanguera]

Was that "Warning Sign" by coldplay on the guitar?

[@AudioHotline]

JedSpeaks no idea, just a quick F - C - Am - G progression. That is a super popular chord progression so I wouldn’t doubt it!

[@badmiddens]

I like it a lot with that fat windscreen. closer to the sound of an sm7b.. A bit darker. i like it.

[@AdamAnderson864]

Whynot just upgrade your audio interface instead of a preamp / cloud lifter?

[@AudioHotline]

Upgrading from a Focusrite solo to a Higher end interface (UA Apollo twin) is going to be an extra $500-$800. So, $150 for a cloudlifter, or $100 for an SE Dynamite, isn’t bad compared to that.... BUT I have a Universal Audio Apollo Interface, one of the best on the market, FANTASTIC preamps... but when I bump the preamps to get a good spoken word level, it still will add more noise to the signal than I am comfortable with (depending on the type of mic of course). That’s why taking advantage of the clean gain that a cloudlifter has to offer via phantom power is great! So upgrading will definitely give you better/cleaner preamps, but it won’t give you that extra boost if desired clean gain. Mic activators are just insanely helpful for spoken word and quiet singers. Don’t get me wrong, I whole heartedly believe in upgrading interfaces eventually, I am not saying “just buy a cloudlifter”, but upgrading is usually for additional features as well as cleaner preamps.

[@JavierRivera]

OK, this is my situation, I ordered the Shure sm7b (2) I have not received yet. BUT, I keep thinking about return it and order the Podmic. Putting the price on one side, that is not my reason. My reason is that I think the sm7b sounds great but a little too bassy like is lacking a little bit of treble. The Podmic sound more natural (completely agree with you) MORE BALANCED between Bass and treble, is more clear. Also for what I hear on your video, if anyone wants the Podmic sound more like a Shure sm7b all they have to do is to put the windscreen on. I think it sounds perfect with the windscreen. I heard the RODE Senior Sales Manager recommending to use the WS2 pop filter, kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4C6ooWrqsuNncU I do not know if is the same one the Procaster use or if there is any difference in material and built, that could make a difference to. ALSO... For what I have seen in another review using the RodeCaster console with the specific settings for the Podmic the sound change sounds even better. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHfEc6RvebGclbc

[@protoman247]

Any additional audio processing in post? like eq, compression or gating?

[@AudioHotline]

Nope. All raw audio aside from the post processing test.

[@protoman247]

Audio Hotline nice 👍🏼

[@cjpaul8571]

Where did you get the silver ballhead thing that sits between the PodMic mount and your stand?

[@haffa0905]

Nice review. Whats up with the noise tho Is it just my monitor or is the iso really high?

[@AudioHotline]

yuki I am at 100 iso... so there shouldn’t be any! Haha

[@haffa0905]

@@AudioHotline this monitor is making me angry :(

[@Bingusx]

i have a focusrite scarlett, im wondering if i would still need an additional pre amp for the pod mic. Ive seen a couple comments saying i should be fine with gain that the scarlett has enough gain to not need a pre amp but idk

[@AudioHotline]

You will definitely be fine, it will have plenty of gain, but you will have a higher noise floor than you would if you were using an SE dynamite or cloudlifter... Since you will have to bump the preamps up a bit more. If you are good with the noise floor level of this video, when I am not using the inline preamp, you will have a very similar noise floor. The preamps in the focusrite should produce a very similar sound. As far as gain goes, you will be good though!

[@Bingusx]

@@AudioHotline Awesome!! thank you for the reply!

[@christinandfilm7657]

Any need to treat the room or this will just work fine

[@AudioHotline]

Christin and film it will reject room noise well. If you decided to put up a couple moving blankets when recording, it would help, but I am sure it will still sound solid without treatment.

[@christinandfilm7657]

@@AudioHotline thanks mate 🔥

[@justicemoody]

That drop off at 13k is brutal, what up with that ??? Has anyone got a straight answer out of RØDE about this ?

[@pttrro]

Man good video