Rode PodMic vs. Shure SM7B (with the Rodecaster Pro)!

[@tombuck]

Time Markers: 0:00 - PodMic Overview 0:49 - Weight Comparison 1:55 - SM7B Overview 2:45 - Rodecaster Pro Settings 3:21 - Direct Mic Comparison 4:21 - SM7B Reputation vs. PodMic Reputation 4:49 - How the PodMic Beats the SM7B 6:25 - Directional Sound Pickup Comparison 7:52 - Why Compare These Two? 8:10 - You Don't Need Any of This 9:00 - My Rodecaster Pro Review

[@darrengiles]

The Enthusiasm Project Does the Podmic work with any audio interface or does it only work in conjunction with the Rodecaster?. I have Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 as my audio interface.

[@tombuck]

It's an XLR mic, so it should work with any XLR mixer (sorry for the late reply, I missed your comment!)

[@Yezus]

​@@darrengiles maybe im a bit late but.. i just got my rode podmic and tested it with my focusrite scarlett 2nd gen. i have to say, its way to quiet! you need to buy something else to get some more gain. (i had my gain on maximum but still.. it was way to quiet!)

[@CarlHausman]

Hi Aaron - They sound great. No hollowness at all. I think the combination of the warmth of a dynamic mic with a little room liveliness makes for a very pleasing sound.

[@thecodfatherchris]

@@darrengiles cccvvcvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvcccvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvjkiibkgfffgfffkjkjjkjfmfmffmjfvvvvvvcvvvvvmkffgfjfkgkjjkjikkkkkkkkkkkkkkkiiioo9ooiitrddssdsxcxxxsvvvvvvfgffkkeerrrrfffffffffffffggffhffffffgfffgfffffffffffffggggggfgffffffffffffffffffffgffffgfffffgfgfffgfgffffgffffffffffffffffffgffgfffggfffggfffgffggggghhdggghghggfgffhgfghfgffgffffggfhgfffkffffkffkffkfhfkdkffkfdfffkdfkdfgdkfdkffdkdffkfffffffffffffgggfffgffddddffgdgdgfgfffgfffddfffffddgffffffffgfgfffffffgfffgffffffffgdfgffffvffdffgfkjkhffkkkkoiilooooiikkkfdvcçcvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvcvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvbvvvvvvvvcccccvvvvvvvvbvvfkhkkkkkkfkfhkkkkkhgggggggggk

[@TechDaddyFr]

For my ear the Shure SM7B sounds much better ... but not "4-times-the-price" better.

[@vfpfootball]

Got a stupid blue yeti sucks love Shure my whole life but if I'm dropping 6 bills on the RodeCaster be happy to save on the Mic. Great video exactly what I was looking at.

[@inigoilarduya]

Rode sounds super nasal and ugly. Anyways this comparison isnt fair because both mics are processed, to be a fair comparison it should be directly into the interface. Even the SM7b sounds quite boomy on those settings.

[@atb802]

I think the same

[@michaeljemery]

I agree. It also seemed like the the Rode was producing a lot more volume variability for smaller distance/off-axis movements, whereas the Shure maintained a more consistent volume for minor movements as long as the mic was pointed in the general direction of your mouth. The Shure definitely looks more impressive, which helps to justify at least some of that price difference.

[@mysticfakir2029]

If your goal is to make money from your voice, then it's probably '4x the price' better.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for this comparison, Tom! I've noticed that the Podmic seems to be a bit more likely to capture plosives not just on your video though I'm sure that could be addressed with a pop filter. What an amazing option for $99.

[@tombuck]

Definitely a great mic!

[@DonLinoSamuel]

hi

[@travisminneapolis]

Imagine how great it would sound if they would just let us EQ it with a decent parametric equalizer like in a digital soundboard. Especially paired with those great low noise pre-amps

[@PsychoCaki]

Just put him on a side a bit, don't let the air from your mouth to shot him directly and you will get rid of plosives.

[@BennyValdesMusic]

The Shure mic sounds full. While the Rode mic sounds just tad bit flatter. Both great mics but I can definitely hear a difference.

[@noirxplorer3185]

Very flat.

[@noirxplorer3185]

Be better off getting the audio technica if you go cheap.

[@thomaz-designer4510]

my wallet can hear that difference too

[@thomasshero2776]

@@noirxplorer3185 which audio technica mic

[@shirtybackup7997]

@@noirxplorer3185 cap

[@stevejhkhfda]

The bass is more extended on the Shure but for podcasting the Rode may actually be better because its less muddy and there is plenty of clarity...Its worth noting that it could be better to do a direct comparison with the dynamic setting on both mics rather than the podmic input setting...there may be some EQ effect making the Rode sound more different....

[@ulfrinn8783]

and that's exactly why some mics boost higher frequencies... to improve clarity and cut out some of the muddiness you can actually get from an SM7B... many professional content creators with the SM7B actually boost the highs with EQ. Likewise, you can cut the highs on the Podmic with EQ and make it sound like an SM7B. There's a lot of flexibility with all of these mics.

[@RiffsAndBeards]

That PodMic is really lovely sounding wow

[@tombuck]

I know, I’m really impressed by it! Especially for the price. (Love your channel, by the way!)

[@FRANANGELICOONA]

No, sounds thinner and boxy.

[@ncfinest25285]

The Podmic sounds pretty good. But the SM7B sounds much better. But it definitely has potential and is a great mic for someone starting out.

[@1zygol259]

@@ncfinest25285 the pod mic is $300 cheaper tho

[@ThanhNguyen-sk6uc]

@@FRANANGELICOONA I mean does it sound 300 dollar better though? there's nothing that some sound tweaking can't be fixed with.

[@thefilmpoets]

the sm7b has a warmth and richness to it that'd be hard to add in post with another mic. You can always brighten it up a touch, plus the windscreen you got on reduces the HF a lot. Great value on the Rode though.

[@str8frmthacr8]

"You really don't need any of this stuff to start a podcast" Me. An audio engineer who mixes professional(studio) podcasts and ones done on anchor: ......you do. You don't, but you do. Just know that ear fatigue is a thing, people. Yes, create. I encourage that, but invest. Please. I've gotten handed so many great and funny podcasts that sound like they're recorded in a moving car. Quality is subjective, yes, but good quality is preferred by all. Doesn't need to be great, but good will get the job done. 🤘🏼

[@tombuck]

This is probably some of the best advice out there.

[@PHUKU]

Zeke Lopez hey Zeke do you not find that this rode podcaster recording device makes people sound flat ? I’m noticing it on every review specially when they get the boom mic sounding good and then switch to the rodecaster you really notice it

[@str8frmthacr8]

XV X I've mixed a few shows that record with this mic and it sounds pretty decent. For $99 we really can't complain though. It gives me much more to work with rather than an iq7 or iRig cast. Lol. Unfortunately not everyone can afford a couple re20's running through a cloud lifter through a channel strip through an Apollo to a 2,200 macbook running the latest version of protools(insert DAW here). As long as people are creative I love it. I would just rather people invest in a decent mic and cables. Don't get me started on cables. 🙃🙃🙃

[@str8frmthacr8]

XV X idk how I completely misread your post. Lol. The recording device? Meh. It is what it is. These aren't gonna be the best preamps. Not expecting premium pres out of this thing. And I can't really judge based off of youtube compression. As great a podcaststage is even a lot of his tests sound the same. I like to try stuff out first hand before I jump to conclusion. My guess is you would probably have to do a lot of work in the daw after. But it's not fair for me to say though honestly. I'd say 90% of what I mix is done on some type of zoom device. H6 and down to tascam dp-24’s, booked studios, from there on it’s anchor podcasts with some type of low quality mic.

[@Mr_Boykin]

As an engineer myself I have to remind myself that I have a trained ear and the audience guaranteed doesn’t hear what I hear. I agree to just start creating content. A good quality mic is a bonus not a necessity. I ran an online radio station using $16 mics and no one knew the difference.

[@ChaseFreedomMusician]

The thing I notice is the pod mic has great highs and mids comparatively but it seems WAY more sensitive to minor movements so just the little bit of head movement was having a pretty big impact on volume compared the SM7B. Still, sounds like a great mic

[@AaronAbernethy]

I have 4 PodMics going into a RØDEcaster for our podcast. I love the sound of it, but probably the next stage for us would be room treatment. We could never have afforded to buy 4 SM7Bs, so the Podmics were a great choice. Listeners commented positively on the change in sound quality.

[@tombuck]

I just got a second one and am super excited! 4 would be perfect. Good luck with room treatment!

[@sonidojamon]

buy 4 of this and you're good to go!! www.woodbrass.com/es-es/accesorios-home-estudio-pantallas-acusticas-dap-audio-studio-eyeball-p256945-af1254.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwybD0BRDyARIsACyS8msrbpJafnO3CVnmk6PTgVfWxod6zFKRKm_ov-SOb-OUZUr1rGBT18oaAsoAEALw_wcB

[@wesler218]

The fact that you can boost the low end of the podmic to make it sound almost indistinguishable from the sm7b makes well worth the 100

[@suli6969]

Also when he speaks directly into the podmic it make a substantial difference it sounds really close to the SM7

[@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.

[@eamonmcmurray6915]

@@asifjaved7672 you will need an audio interface. Using a xlr to 3.5mm cable will work but it won't give you a useable microphone. The gain will be super low meaning you will sound really quiet to your friends. They could boost you in discord or in game but its really not worth doing unless you're planning on getting an interface down the road. I'm assuming you're gonna use it for gaming.

[@DavidStillman78]

@@asifjaved7672 depends on your sound card, there are plenty of good xlr interfaces, you don't need to go all out on something like a Rodecaster Pro

[@زيوسالشبح]

@@suli6969 ص

[@markbenavides3345]

I love my SM7B and do think there is a difference. Just much smoother and natural but the Podmic is great and IMO the best under $100 mic. I do plan on getting a couple to replace my guest mics that are vocal mics. Great comparison video!

[@VRChatPianist]

agreed!

[@PaulMcElligott]

The Shure seems richer and warmer, and the PodMic seems more neutral. I would also be interested in hearing the difference between the PodMic and the Rode Procaster.

[@tombuck]

I’d love to see that comparison too!

[@DavidStillman78]

The Rode Procaster has a much deeper sound to it. I prefer it over the podmic

[@RainbowCornet]

0:34 that's the coolest transition I've ever seen

[@ClearAdventure]

What an amazing value for the Rode mic! But the Shure... there is a reason it is legendary, almost impossible to match, and it is one of the world's best Singing/Studio mics as well. Great video!

[@tombuck]

It’s definitely a tough one to beat!

[@navarone9993]

"They wanted to make a mini sm7b" It clearly looks like the Procasters baby brother what you talkin' bout!

[@tombuck]

True 🤔

[@sorjames-itsachoice]

Yes skin but stil sm7b influense is clear

[@roneggletonmultimedia]

To me, it looks more like a mini RE20. I own both of these mics- I do lots of my own VO for my videos. The 7b is still my go-to, but I think I want to get either a couple more podmics or Beta 57 mics.

[@agambhasin]

I agree to that!

[@MiraByler]

This was very informative. Thank you for covering vocal quality with proximity to the mic. That’s exactly what I’ve been looking for! I film YT videos and want to upgrade to a Shure + Rodecaster Pro for voiceovers. For some videos, I’m moving around more and talking live while I paint. Do you think I could plug an XLR lav mic into the Rodecaster Pro for videos like that? I would love to have the versatility to use the shure or a lav, but not sure if voltage on a lav would be an issue. Thanks so much for this awesome comparison review!

[@tombuck]

Glad it helped! A lav mic will work fine, either into one of the XLR ports or the TRRS channel. I’ve used the Rode Wireless Go with it and gotten great results 👍

[@MiraByler]

Thank you!

SM7B is worth what it cost. More plosives on Rode Mic. Not enough money? Rode. The best option available? SM7B.

[@tombuck]

The SM7B really is a phenomenal mic.

[@StevieRichardsFitness]

I’m very impressed with the quality of the PodMic. I have the SM7B and thought about comparing to the SM58. With that point, a comparison of the PodMic vs. SM58 would be interesting. I love the Rodecaster Pro. Worth every penny.

[@tombuck]

Yes! I actually wanted to bring in an SM58 for this video, but couldn’t get a hold of one in time. It’s a good comparison since they’re at the same price point. I’d lean towards the PodMic for podcasts, and the SM58 for versatility/travel.

[@StevieRichardsFitness]

The Enthusiasm Project yeah it would be very interesting and or even throwing in the SM57 instead. This creates a tempting proposition to trade in my SM7B and get multiple PodMics. Thanks for the reply.

[@justicemoody]

SM58 is a different use case. It’s more of a LIVE Stage Mic.

[@aaronhuisinga2531]

The SM57 (SM58 is the same mic only housed for vocals instead of instruments) is a great all around mic and everyone should own at least one (or a T-Bone MB75 for a 1/3 the price). I've used the SM57, SM58, and SM7b a lot in musical applications as well as the SM7b at the radio station. They are worlds apart. The 57/58 is great for applications such as guitars, snare drums, live vocals, and things that use more mid range frequencies, but lacks the thickness of a 7b. The 7b is way better for voice reproduction and just has a great smoothness to it. With a good vocalist I barely have to eq their voice. This Rode PodMic seems like a great cheaper alternative to a SM7b.... which I've never been able to afford, but have always had access to from friends.

[@danielitun]

@@justicemoody y aun asi es mil veces mejor que el Podmic!

[@PDU_Tutorials]

Since the SM7B is a dynamic mic you really should have used a cloudlifter or fethead. Even still, the PodMic sounded good but the SM7B sounded better. I don't think you can go wrong going with the PodMic based on the price, if you want the best sound and don't mind spending more the SM7B is your best bet.

[@SuperSuchties]

Just watching the whole playlist! Just found you today searching for the rodecaster pro. You Sir, are doing a fantastic job! So easy to listen to and so informative.

[@tombuck]

I'm so happy to hear it! Thanks for the kind words!

[@paochang1981]

I really love your mild and sweet smile and when you explain things. Thank you so much. So enjoyable and useful info!! Much appreciated!!

[@tombuck]

Ha, I’m so glad to hear it 🙏

[@DaveSorge]

Nice comparison. The SM7B is hard to beat but the Podmic sounds terrific.

[@ChadSterley]

A great video! With the amount of comparison between the two I’m now confident on the ability of the podmic, a truly great sound! 👌🏼

[@AntonioVillagomez]

My wife and I started a podcast recently and I've been using a couple of video mics and the sound is good but if we continue to do it, I think I would get a couple of Podmics. Great vid again man.

[@tombuck]

Thank you sir! I think the PodMic is tough to beat.

[@Maradnus]

After listening to the podmic reviews from some 10 different reviewers on my studio set up I would not buy them. The blue ember is the same price & sounds so much better. The podmic is flat & lifeless & weak. There are better mics out there!

[@ghostfly97]

Maradnus I have both, the ember and the podmic. Trust me, they’re made for different uses! Podmic (dynamic) vs ember (condenser). I used to use the ember for my podcast, and although it sounds amazing and more lively, the noise rejection was just not good! I got the podmic and problem solved. My podcasts are now way more quiet. My ember is now strictly used for recording my music.

[@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.

[@tombuck]

You’ll need some type of XLR interface, but it doesn’t have to be the Rodecaster.

[@brandondithberry]

With EQ and Compression you can make any mic sound better than another. For the podmic it sounds like the 400-800 hz range is pronounced so all you’d need to make it sound better would be to lower frequencies. That’s the tin can/nasally area and most cheap mics have that issue.

[@cisko3000]

Not true in all cases. I've worked with the SM7B and I could not make it sound as good as the $700 mic that was used for another part of the song. SM7B sounded harsh in comparison up in the high frequencies.

[@trexinvert]

I'm listening to you through a pair of Sennheiser biamplified monitors(w/8" woofers). Here's what I can hear: Rode Microphone: Less sound level, but a nice flat wider response Shure SM7B: Higher sound level, but dominant mid-bass...almost at distortion level. I think you need to tune the SM7B, and then do another test.

[@tombuck]

Awesome insight, thank you.

[@nicholasboule5134]

@@tombuck ya your voice was waaaayyyyy boooming on the SM7B, maybe kill some of that low end if the Podcaster pro can mix Low Mid High levels or use the controls on the back of the SM7b

[@kurtv9375]

That is one of the main reasons i went with podmic voicemeeter does the rest for me!

[@vfpfootball]

That's all I needed to know

[@lvkasmusic]

@@tombuck I'd prefer a flat curve test.

[@jeffostroff]

Exactly what I needed as I research preamping a Shure SM7B. BTW, very well produced videography and excellent use of Boceh

[@tombuck]

Thanks so much! I appreciate the kind words 😎

[@TraeEdwardsProductions]

The Podmic actually sounds clearer if you are listening with you phone speaker or a small blue tooth speaker. If you are in headphone land the shure has a richer tone but compared to the podmic sounds a little to covered. I use the shure in the studio and running through preamp’s and compressors is an incredible sounding mic. But it does need some TLC to make it sound as open and clean as the podmic...

[@AlainLafleche1]

The SM7B sound better to my ears

[@kesamek8537]

I own both of these. Fact is, it depends on your voice; some people using the SM7B will sound muffled/boomy/dead/tired *for their voice*. The extra liveliness in the PodMic can give those people a much more expensive sounding result without having to mess around with EQ to fix the problem. PodMic also rejects plosives very well. For some other people the PodMic can accentuate bright qualities in their voices where they want weight, and those people should consider an SM7B or at least some software EQ to tone down the high mids a bit. The idea that one microphone will sound good on everyone is a rookie mistake and nothing to do with price tag.

[@tombuck]

This is very true. 👍

[@anthonyphillip3690]

very good observation the higher-pitched voice would probably sound better on the sm7b but lower vocals will sound great on the podmic as it would give more details

[@tullochgorum6323]

A bit more bottom on the Sure, but with the PodMic you could compensate for that in post. Fantastic quality for the $$$.

[@arthurw8054]

Great review, thanks. Not sure if the SM7B isn't the better mic for podcast purposes, but I'm 100% sure that it isn't 4x as good. I think the PodMic sounds great.

[@jeremybatchelor7667]

Your video work and general setup inspire me Tom. The b roll stuff is expert level.

[@tombuck]

Wow thank you! I’m so happy to hear it 🤯

[@joelaber6979]

For the price, I do like the sound of the Rode PodMic. I have used the Shure SM7B for decades for broadcast radio and I LOVE IT w/my voice. FUN and raw comparison vid!! #thanks! :)

[@tombuck]

Glad you liked it! 👍

[@ScottSmithDev]

Love this demo! That’s a seriously impressive new mic! By the way, I only found your channel last week and I’m super impressed! I immediately subscribed with notifications, and now every time I finish one of your videos I’m always bummed because I want it to keep going! I love the high quality of every detail in your videos. Lighting, sound, everything. Anyway, thank you and keep going!

[@tombuck]

Oh man, this is the nicest comment ever, thank you! It really means a lot. Let me know if there’s anything you might be interested in seeing in the future 👍

[@ScottSmithDev]

The Enthusiasm Project - ya know actually I’d love to hear about your remote controlled dimmable lights! I’m guessing you already have a video about this? (I’m slowly trying to build up my studio for my videos and podcast.) I *love* quality sound and cameras and lighting and learning more and more about it! It’s become my favorite hobby and you’re helping me a ton! Oh and streamlining the creation process (eliminating blockers) 100% resonates with me, so your reviews of the Rodecaster have been invaluable 👍🏽

[@tombuck]

It’s all about reducing friction! I do have a video about the lights- basically they’re cheapy LEDs from Amazon. I’d love to get something more designed for video as mine can sometimes flicker on camera. I do have a few Phillips Hue lights, that are awesome.

[@ScottSmithDev]

Awesome 😊 I’ll check out your lights video. You’ll have to do another lights video once you eventually upgrade! (By the way, I subscribed to your podcast, too, and am loving it. Who knew I’d find new amazing KZbin/Podcast content all the sudden?! Lots of stuff out there haha)

[@tombuck]

Awesome! It’s a very fun side side project.

[@kaspars488]

I've har podmic for a while now and I didn't know it was almost as great as sm7b, awesome vid!

[@tombuck]

It’s a VERY impressive little mic.

[@seodriven]

Great comparison. I’m using two of the Podmics and two Rode Procaster mics connected to the Rodecaster Pro in my studio. Which table stands are you using in this video to hold the mics?

[@tombuck]

The stands are OnStage stands I found on Amazon. They work well and I think we’re under $20.

[@seodriven]

Jonas Wouters I still prefer the Procaster in general. My biggest problem with using the Podmic and Rodecaster Pro is the noise gate, that’s “killing” the Podmic more often. 😔

[@seodriven]

The Enthusiasm Project Unfortunately they are not available in Europe. I use the PS1 and DS1, but Rodes desk stand isn’t that great like the boom arm.

[@tombuck]

Hmm, my stands aren’t anything special. They work great, but I would think pretty much any music shop would have something similar.

[@seodriven]

@@tombuck Thanks, I will look around again. One dowside of the Rode DS1 are the three rubber nobs on the bottom. Because there are only three the hole setup tends to tip over with heavy mics. Also they leave ugly skidmarks on my white table. Is the bottom of yours flat?

[@Luthiart]

The SM7B sounds better, but the Podmic sounds pretty good. You could probably EQ the Rode to sound closer to the Shure, and I doubt anybody listening to a podcaster using the Rode Podmic would think that it sounded "bad". I never listen to a radio show or podcast and think: "OMG, this would sound SO much better if they were using XYZ brand/model microphone!". We only notice if a mic sounds harsh, tinny, or sibilant, or if it's muffled and dead-sounding, which the Rode is not. For a $300 savings, I wouldn't lay awake at night worrying about it.

[@adamteece7850]

Thank you so much for this video. I am getting a Rodecaster Pro and hadn't picked out a mic yet for it, and this made choosing the PodMic very easy. Love the sound of the SM7B but I think it is more important to get started a bit cheaper than wait til I can afford the best mic.

[@tombuck]

I’m so glad it helped, you’ll love the combo!

[@adamteece7850]

@@tombuck now if only the mic would ship before mid November. It's sold out everywhere haha

[@locifer696]

Stop. You had me at “you could hurt a person with this microphone” lol😂

[@DrBrovahkiin]

The Shure sounds quite noticeably better to me. The Rode has boosted bass IMO that keeps popping up while the Shure is so smooth the entire way through

[@wouter3652]

The low frequencies sound more full on the 7b in my opinion, and the podmic should be used with a popfilter to get rid of those plosives

[@beatdiabetes3]

Great Review. I really like the way you shifted from one mic to the other. By the time you were done there was no doubt as to how the mics compared to each other. And honestly I think if the SM7b didn't have the reputation it has, most people would say the Podmic sounded better.

[@tombuck]

It could be cool to do a blind sound test and see which one sounds best!

[@KoyoBT]

Man, i wanted to buy the Podmic before... NOW I WANT IT EVEN MORE! I already own 2 RØDE mics (NT1 and NT1-A) and wanted to ad the Podmic to the arsenal! Great review!

[@akooru]

great review, they both sound great but the SM7B really sounds awesome.

[@priyonjoni]

I heard their next mic was delayed. The Rode Pro Crastinator.

[@tombuck]

Bravo! 👏

[@keith3915]

The SM7b has a nice low end but I dunno. I feel like there are a lot of purposes where you would want a neutral sound like the pod mic more. It has a nice full sound but the PodMic is so clear...

[@sams4291]

The audio sounds really good without the cloudlifters. Did you edit the sound in post? What were your levels on Rodecaster when using it with Shure Sm7b? Can you also do a comparison video with and without a cloudlifter if possible?

[@tombuck]

I didn't do any editing or processing here, so that the mics could sound as "natural" as possible. I've got several videos about the Cloudlifter and Mic boosters (one from just a few weeks ago) 👍

[@tom4802]

Thanks man I was struggling what to buy but now I know what I should buy now again thanks you

[@tombuck]

You’re welcome!

[@underwaterHD]

Hey great video as always. Question??? Do you connect the XLR cable directly into the RodeCaster? Thank you

[@tombuck]

Yep! You can use a signal booster if you need to.

[@underwaterHD]

@@tombuck thank you. You're great at answering to your audience. Thank you

[@hughmasiyandima1431]

Would have been nicer if you had used exactly the same settings on both mics then maybe make adjustments after, so we could hear how they both sound with similar settings

[@nordicbattalion3394]

Great video and just what i looked for! Been using a Rode Podcaster USB since i started streaming and while i'm really happy with it and the audio it produces, i'd somehow like to "move on", even if it isn't really needed, but i'm a techjunkie at heart, so what can i do right? Now, i fully understand you can't put a USB mic and a XLR mic side by side, but do you have any experience similar to mine, and can you point out directly if you hear similar mics side by side that i'm asking about? The thing is, buying this and a GoXLR mini is around $350 or so, but if i'm not getting anything out of it, it's $350 down the drain. I think a lot of people are in my shoes actually. Thanks again!

[@tombuck]

That’s a good question! My USB mic experience is pretty limited aside from the Blue Yeti, but I do really like the Audio Technica mics.

[@djlive408]

I agree with the advice on "just jump in and make it" people need to take more action than to procrastinate and make excuses.

[@tombuck]

You can’t get better until you get started 👍

[@jgshow-o9z]

If there’s one thing I hate it’s the background staticky noise when recording my podcast. Been using the Shure Mic but after watching this video I’m buying the PodMic. I needed to purchase the DM1 Dynamite to boost audio when using the Shure Mic on my RodeCaster Pro. On your video I can also hear the static when you used the Shure Mic but didn’t hear it on the PodMic. The fact that you don’t need to purchase any extra equipment for great audio quality and it sounds amazing from the start is a huge win for the PodMic. Thanks for the video!

[@tombuck]

I hope you like it as much as I do! If the gain is turned up high, you can still get hiss, but I keep it at +35db or lower and it sounds pretty good.

[@TwoWheeledTon]

I have been in radio for over 15 years. We use the SM7B and I have to say, its hard to go to anything else. You get so used to how your voice sounds on air and when its not the same it just doesnt feel right. lol

[@tombuck]

It it ain’t broke, don’t fix it 👍

[@MyStutteringLife]

The Shure 5m7b sounds more smooth, more pleasant to the ear while the podmic (just my opinion) sounds more higher pitch with some hissing in the background. Disclaimer: I have the Shure 5m7b with my Rodecaster Pro for my podcast. Great video

[@IgansF]

I used the SM7B to record my latest song (ILYD). I love that mic

[@peterdvideos]

Tom, what about a video comparing the Podmic to the SM57? And does the Podmic work OK for singing in your studio?

[@tombuck]

I’m not a singer, but it could definitely work, depending on the voice/style.

[@Plasma123]

"you could hurt a person with this microphone" so you get a weapon and a mic. NiCe

[@tombuck]

It's like a 2-for-1 special!

[@nickpavese9902]

So, trying to do some research here I am curious, why not create a setup like you did with a mic that pics up sound further away & our of frame if you are shooting + podcasting? I feel the videomic pro plus has some serious distance & captured you better than the other two. Thanks for your help! Awesome video!

[@tombuck]

It's just personal preference. The Videomic is terrific! It just doesn't have quite the same quality as a closely positioned broadcast mic, so I keep a mic in frame for audio-first projects and keep it out of frame for everything else.

[@davidkelly3572]

Really nice review. I own both. There’s a noticeable roll off of bass on the Pod Mic but I suspect that is intentional, considering how they intend the mic to be used. My Shure is in a control room setting feeding a full high power FM transmitter. My pod mic and pro caster are used primarily for phone interviews, thus more of a podcaster environment. Still working with the pod mic and pro caster to explore their capabilities. But thanks for the great review/effort. well done indeed.

[@mrvanxkst]

Thanks for participation in the discussion with valuable suggestion.?

[@WarStorm]

I feel like with some extra adjustments on the Pod Mic you can make it sound just like the SM7B. The SM7B has a little bit more presence and bass for sure though. If you adjust the Pod Mic on a PC with a GoXLR I'm almost 100% you could make it sound exactly like the SM7B for a streaming setup. Great video comparison for sure!

[@tombuck]

Yep, they can easily match each other with a bit of EQ finesse!

[@MM-lw6ox]

One thing I noticed in your presentation that could have affected the results is that you had the two microphones at different heights. The Shure you kept at your more natural sitting height so you didn't have to change your position to speak into it. With the Rode, you had it lower and had to actively crunch your body down to speak into it and as a result you kept moving your point of speaking which dramatically affected the sound. Not to mention what that might have done to your ability to speak at consistent volumes. When you spoke clearly into the Rode, it sounded very close to the Shure, but when you moved the volume levels changed a lot. Just an observation, but thanks for making this comparison!

[@bradleytrim7280]

7:01 Aaaaah! I've watched a lot of mic reviews and this is the first time I've actually seen the SM7B naked.

[@tombuck]

Didn’t mean to frighten you 😬

[@ulfrinn8783]

Yeah, you can see the capsule inside and realize it's basically an SM57 inside a cage designed to keep peoples mouths a certain distance from the capsule in order to cut back on plosives. A big windscreen on a $100 SM57, maybe some EQ, add a shock mount (the 7B has one built in) and you have pretty much the same thing.

[@steprockmedia]

Late comment is late! I can hear the difference that the podmic sounds brighter, I don't want to call it tinny, while the Shure is warmer. As others said, the Shure mic is better, but not necessarily 4x the cost better! Appreciate the vid.

[@tombuck]

Glad it helped! They're both really great mics, just different.

[@tonyroslund]

Solid comparison. Thanks for the vid.

[@romanraves]

Hey Tom , cool video. I like rode products its all I use. I had a question for you. Have you tried using the cloudlifter with the rodecaster for the rode podmic or rode procaster, I had problems getting it to work

[@tombuck]

I haven’t tried that yet. I ordered a few Cloudlifters at work, but they haven’t come in yet.

[@romanraves]

Thanks for getting back to me so soon @TheEnthusiasmProject I saw a KZbin video and some guy used a SM7B with a cloudlifter and put the setting for phantom power on the Rodecaster . I got a cloudlifter but haven’t tried it yet because I need another XLR cable. Let me know if you try it...with the pod mic or procaster

[@tombuck]

Will do! Best of luck!

[@KeithJCarberry1]

the podmic has less clarity and has a distorted quality in the high end but i find that dark/warm dynamic mics with a full low end (like the smb7, though its better than most) really exhausting to listen to for long periods of time in a podcast setting

[@happyroy51]

You still haven't pealed the plastic covering off of that kitchen scale, have you? You're a sick man Tom Buck. Thanks for the vids. You are very good at explaining this stuff.

[@tombuck]

Gotta save those little moments!

[@NoRRyRaMpaGe]

I'm assuming this doesn't come in a usb version but would a xlr to usb cable work OK?

[@tombuck]

You’re right, these are only xlr mics. I’ve never used any kind of xlr to usb cable before, so I can’t comment on that. There are a lot of terrific usb mics out there, especially from Rode and Audio Technica 👍

[@McJar]

Hey man I've spent hours online looking for the best usb mic (for a reasonable price) and my conclusion was the : Samson g-track pro

[@sorrai]

the podmic is a dynamic microphone, meaning it doesn’t need phantom power, also meaning you will be able to use an xlr-to-usb cable with both of these microphones. not recommended though as that will most likely hurt your audio quality.

[@ulfrinn8783]

XLR to USB works better with the podmic.. it's okay, not great, as XLR to USB cables tend to have a lot of noise.. however, it's completely undoable with the SM7B. That said, if you have the mic close to your mouth, you can use the podmic with a Scarlett Solo, whereas the SM7B you pretty much HAVE to use an in-line pre-amp with it.

[@ulfrinn8783]

@@McJar Understand this about USB mics though... there's a lot of electronics in them that can and will some day fail. A straight XLR mic will probably last you the rest of your life. I had a combo XLR/USB mic and through normal usage, the mini-USB jack actually got pulled off of the PCB inside. There's a reason XLR connectors are so robust and sturdy, because mics are handles, and because they are handled, they're going to take some abuse. An XLR port can handle it, a USB port, not so much.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Excellent review ! You have great presentation style too ! Thank you !

[@tombuck]

Thank you! I really appreciate the kind words!

[@drewmediaaustralia2923]

SM7B its one of the most over priced mics in this space, is it good, sure, is worth the required investment .... its a battle to justify the cost.... it rides too much on the legacy of the original SM7. Certainly interested to see how the Rode measures up in years to come as mentioned in your good objective comparison.

[@iSpike]

I have a "Charters Oak S700" Broadcast microphone and picking up my Rodecaster Pro later today. I am keen to try out this combo to see what kind of vocals I can get and if there are any issues? I may but the Shure SM7B because it just simply works. wish me luck and see you again in the interweb. Cheers from WILD Western Australia

[@tombuck]

Best of luck! Hopefully it all works great!

[@DavidFosterVlog]

What font are you using on your thumbnails? Love it.

[@tombuck]

Thank you! It's just my handwriting drawin in Procreate on the iPad.

[@commentsanitizer7929]

@@tombuck oh you have such a good graffiti-style handwriting

[@Nathansomething]

@@tombuck wow

[@maximehebert4564]

What’s the first mic you’re using? The one ‘out of camera frame’ Thanks! Really good video btw! 😊

[@tombuck]

The first mic is the Rode Videomic Pro + 👍

[@maximehebert4564]

The Enthusiasm Project Thanks!! 😊

[@DaCake2]

I hear a huge difference. To me the Rode is a lot more thin and almost nasally (is that a word 🤔). Depends on what you think sounds good, but to me I love the sound of the SM7B. I hate the price though smh. Decisions decisions. P.S. Always enjoy your vids.

[@tombuck]

Thanks! I pretty much agree with you. I like the sound of the Shure more, but I don’t like the price. For $100, I’m happy to play with an equalizer a little bit if I need to.

[@DaCake2]

@@tombuck Yeah. $400 is hard to swallow. Especially if you need more than one. Then again, I paid over a grand for my Neumann TLM 103, so? The way I look at it is, if you are going to use it all the time and for years and years, it pays for itself.

[@maksiak]

It's amazing how similar these microphones sound.

[@BMFS]

What is the product name of the mic stand?

[@tombuck]

It’s an “On-Stage” brand tabletop mic stand I found on Amazon. They’re usually under $20 and are height adjustable. 👍

[@BMFS]

@@tombuck Thanks a lot

[@woobuh2762]

@@tombuck could you link the exact one?

[@casualsenpaitv]

Hey man, love your videos! Can I ask some audio advice? I love the Podmic. I think we’ve got it sounding very good, but there’s a lot of harshness and sibilance in the mic. I’ve got a de-esser working fine without making it sound like I have a lisp, but the harshness is driving me nuts. Do you think I’m driving either the high or low end up too much with my EQ settings? Thanks!

[@tombuck]

Heya! The PodMic can definitely sound harsh at times. I’ve found that using an EQ to roll off the high end a bit can really help. I’ve also used the Røde WS2 windscreen, which is big and puffy and tames the sound a bit.

[@casualsenpaitv]

@@tombuck thank you much! I got the windscreens but can’t stand the way it looks so stopped using it lol I might have to revert back if dialing down the high end doesn’t do the trick. Thanks again.

[@Texera]

Well, the Podmic sounds really good, but there are tremendous differences. The Shure Mic is incredibly better.

[@arsenaloptimisthd4171]

not true, an audio engineer on youtube added compression and EQ to the podmic and he said it sounds identical to the SM7b

[@Wildcamp-lifestyle]

Score46 Do you have a link ?

[@arsenaloptimisthd4171]

@@Wildcamp-lifestyle kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIXPaZeKoqyYjdE

[@DURTHumor]

Sorry to belabor a point, but in that video at 12:50 he says " right out of the box the Rode pod mic is not as good as the Sure SM7B. The Pod Mic sounds great and it will be the next mic I buy for guests to use, but I too will stick to my Sure SM7B.

[@gohertz188]

yeah and the price difference is about £300 more

[@sams4291]

Great Video! I just got 2 Shure Sm7b's and I am looking for a mixer to record my podcasts. I am totally against cloudlifters and I don't want to buy one, so I want to ask you would you recommend getting the rodecaster pro or the Podtrak P8 to go along with Shure Sm7bs without cloudlifter. Does the cloudlifter make a big difference or I should be okay without it? Or should I get something like the Zoom F6 which has better preamps to start with and thus won't need a cloudlifter?

[@tombuck]

Between those options, I think the F6 is the way to go to get the cleanest gain. But a booster isn't too big of a deal, especially something like the FetHead, which is minimally intrusive and will really help the SM7B sound its best!

[@LuisRodriguez-uu9ob]

Just discovered your channel..! Great stuff..! I have the SM7b. Now I’m torn between Rode PodMic or the Blue Ember.. 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@tombuck]

Oohhh, interesting options. I haven’t used the Ember, but it looks very cool.

[@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.

[@Mr_Boykin]

I feel like I can hear the windscreen muff on the SM7B. It literally sounds like there’s sock over the microphone. It’s apparent on the low end especially. Nice vid!

[@tombuck]

Thanks! To be fair, I was using the extra puffy wind screen that comes with the SM7B, and not the smaller standard one.

[@roneggletonmultimedia]

@@tombuck I always use the smaller one. I also wish you would have mentioned the position of the switches. From listening, I'm guessing they were flat. I usually use the low cut and get real close.

[@hellohogo]

On 99% of what people hear content on, the podmic is equal to the SM7B.

[@ubesaaa]

SM7B sounds so much more smooth... Wow that was actually a pretty big difference, did not expect that.

[@cardbored_]

If you’re only doing podcasts then I’m sure the Rode makes sense but the sm7b isn’t really accurately reflected in this demo IMO. It really shines when used with quality mic pres and the presets in this mixer are essentially eq curves designed for the mics selected where the “condenser” setting seems to be mostly flat maybe a tad scooped. The sm7b is world class and really, is a pretty cheap mic compared to other vocal mics.

[@joneconomist2022]

Very good crack!!!!. I have the Shure SM7B and the Rode PROCASTER at home. And I'm trying them out and I like how they both sound and I have serious doubts which one to stay with.... Any advice? Greetings and thanks.

[@ferric]

They both sound amazing, the Shure does have a lot richer bass to it though. I think I'll definitely be getting the PodMic. It will replace my Samson Meteor USB Mic which was $50 and I bought it like 6 years ago.

[@tombuck]

Seems like it’s be a great upgrade! I now have two PodMic and love using them!

[@ferric]

@@tombuck Awesome! I just ordered this along with the RODE PSA-1 Boom arm, and Behringer UMC22 Audio Interface and an XLR cable, and they will be here in 5 days. Thank for this review, you just earned another sub! :)

[@Podcastforthewin]

I actually recently switched from the sm7b to the Re20. Do you watch podcastage at all? We he did a side by side comparison of them, and I found the re20 was a little smoother and less muffled.

[@tombuck]

That’s always seems like a great mic, but I’ve never tried one.

[@THEGRIDIRONBLITZ]

I like podcaster but I feel like I won’t be TRULY satisfied until I get the broadcaster 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@tombuck]

Yeah...I’ve always wanted to try one myself.

[@goh6619]

Hey there, love your vids! Do you have a video with USB Mic into the Rodecaster Pro? I know that's a no-no but just wanting to hear it...

[@tombuck]

As far as I’ve found there’s no way to connect one. There may be some kind of odd adapter, but I haven’t come across anything so far 🤔

[@timmark4190]

I don’t know about sound but SM7B sound is much better

[@ADCSInstitute]

You have brought us so much value we decided to purchase all of our Podcast Equipment from your Affiliate Link. Thanks so much. When Addicts Say Goodbye Podcast

[@tombuck]

Thank you so much, that’s super kind of you!

[@johnnieedwards9923]

The sm7b sounds a small bit warmer

[@pixtonpets]

Does anyone know if you can use the rode mic with an iPhone? Planning to order today

[@stevelamwk]

i don't know if it is because of post production. But the podmic is clearer and more natural than the sm7b. Its just more true to life.

[@joannfroman4976]

Your YT videos are very informative. Thanks for sharing information about podcasting equipment.

[@videocaptures6295]

Great edit at the 0:35 mark!

[@tombuck]

That was a fun one!

[@josephdiorio4809]

Tom your videos make me love my podmics even more

[@tombuck]

For the price, sound, and durability, I don’t think the PodMic can be beat.

[@josephdiorio4809]

@@tombuck hey Tom I have three Podmics an Audio interface a cloudlifter and a Desktop mic stand and I plan on Starting two new shows one is a Syndicated Radio production and one is a Talk show podcast but I’m really struggling to come out with a simple basic website. The reason I need a website is because I’m opening a syndicated Production and a Podcast with phone numbers and so I need a page for people to refer to. I’m very lost in terms of a Wehsite can You give some advice to help? I can tell you a bit more about my syndicated production