It’s genuinely impressive how, in a few short years, Røde Microphones has cemented its place in the podcasting world. The ever-growing catalogue of products made on Australian soil can be spotted in consumer broadcasting, gaming and live streaming settings across the globe. Such widespread success doesn’t happen by accident. Røde’s product offerings meet specific needs with precision; they’re priced competitively; and, importantly, they sound good. 

The PodMic is no exception. Released in December 2018, PodMic was pitched as the perfect companion for the RødeCaster Pro which hit the market only a month earlier. 

Nearly five years later Røde has decided to give the PodMic a little more attention and perhaps widen its appeal, and now we have the PodMic USB. Which is, you guessed it, a PodMic with USB connectivity. But along with built-in converters and a USB socket comes a few extra goodies worth talking about.

HEAVYWEIGHT

PodMic USB is built the same as its analogue sibling except for the blacked out paint job. If the weight of a mic reassures you of quality, then PodMic USB will alleviate all your fears — at 900g, it’s a darn heavy microphone for its size. Included with the mic is a cup-shaped pop filter which slides over the top of the grille. While it makes the mic much bulkier, it produces a noticeable reduction in plosives and will doubtless be appreciated by podcasters. 

Around the back is a USB-C connector, a 3.5mm headphone output, and a brass dial with detents to control headphone level. A small status LED shows when PodMic USB is connected. Notably, PodMic USB retains the XLR output. This allows you to use PodMic with pro audio gear, be it a mixer, interface, external preamp, or something like a RødeCaster Pro. 

Gaining up the capsule is Røde’s Revolution preamp also used in the RødeCaster Pro 2. Control of the preamp is through the Røde Central application. I don’t have generally high expectations of built-in USB mic preamps but I dare say the PodMic USB surpassed my expectations, producing a full and rich tone without the cardboard-y flatness of other USB mics that have come across my desk. Maxing the gain out at 63dB kept my recording impressively clean with minimal noise.

IN THE BOX

The tone of the PodMic USB on its own is entirely usable but fairly bland. There’s a presence push in the high mids for vocal clarity but I don’t consider it a particularly polished sound right off the bat. But fear not, the extra DSP processing offers all you need to embellish PodMic USB’s sound into something you can be proud of.

Røde Central gives you full control over the ‘VoxLab’ GUI. You’re first greeted by the three utilitarian Depth, Sparkle, and Punch knobs which affect bass, treble and compression, respectively. Click ‘Advanced’ for the nitty gritty. Curiously, the HPF is locked to 60Hz with no higher frequency options — in a spoken word situation I’d rather a HPF be closer to 120Hz for a worthwhile reduction in plosives. There’s the Exciter section, which includes Aphex’s Big Bottom and Aural Exciter, to quickly and effectively add zest and presence. I found PodMic USB responds favourably to the full Aphex treatment with accentuated lows and highs. A De-esser would be a welcome addition to the processing suite, as anything more than gentle compression can pronounce sibilance. The Compressor and Noise Gate both do their job well and offer sufficient control to put discerning users at ease.

Audio-Technica announces the launch of the AT2020USB-XP cardioid condenser USB microphone — the latest addition to A-T’s popular line-up of 20 Series content creation products. Competitive features and studio-quality sound with professional content creators in mind have become the calling card of the 20 Series. The AT2020USB-XP is no exception, delivering ideal performance for streamers, podcasters and other content creators.

Like the AT2020USB-X, the AT2020USB-XP includes a touch-sensitive mute switch, a headphone jack with volume control and personal mix control to monitor the microphone. What’s new is a 24-bit 192 kHz sampling rate, three levels of noise reduction (via selector switch with LED indicator), automatic gain control (with LED indicator), and the inclusion of a pop filter.

The microphone’s directional cardioid pickup is great at rejecting sound from the sides and back. Its high-resolution A/D converter ensures a high level of clarity and natural sound reproduction. The ring light shines blue to indicate that the microphone is receiving USB power and turns red when audio is muted. The LED indicator also blinks when peak audio level is reached.

The microphone comes with a custom desk stand and clip-on pop filter, 95mm to 16mm threaded adapter, and a 3.1m USB-C to USB-A cable with a USB-A to USB-C adapter. The AT8455 shock mount, to effectively absorb vibration noise, is sold separately.

Launching alongside the AT2020USB-XP are two new mounting solutions. The first one is the AT8703 microphone desktop stand for A$79 RRP and the AT8700 adjustable microphone boom arm for A$159 RRP.
Included with the boom arm are four USB cable clips, four XLR cable clips, and a table clamp.
The microphone is available in stores and online for an RRP of A$349.

Røde has launched another product in its industry-leading range of audio solutions for content creators — the PodMic USB. Based on the original PodMic — the go-to microphone for podcasters, streamers and content creators — the PodMic USB takes versatility to new heights. It offers both XLR and USB connectivity, plus loads of next-generation features for capturing professional sound with ease.

Røde makes some of the world’s most popular audio solutions for podcasters, streamers and content creators, ranging from microphones to innovative audio software to powerful all-in-one audio production solutions. The PodMic USB combines all of this incredible technology in a flexible microphone that sounds incredible and is simple to use, making world-class audio accessible to everyone — the perfect do-it-all mic for today’s content creators.

Unmatched Versatility

The PodMic USB is an extremely versatile microphone that can be used in a huge variety of creative applications. It features both XLR and USB outputs, allowing it to be connected to a mixer, console or audio interface and used just like classic broadcast microphone, or plugged directly into a computer for easy plug-and-play recording. The option to record via XLR or USB makes the PodMic USB ideal for entry level creators and seasoned pros alike.

For even more versatility, the PodMic USB is also seamlessly compatible with all iOS and Android mobile devices for a studio-quality portable recording solution. This flexibility makes PodMic USB the ultimate Swiss Army mic — perfect for everything from creating content in a home studio, to use in a professional broadcast studio, to making high-quality recordings on a phone or tablet literally anywhere. For the do-it-all creator, it may be the only mic they ever need.

Pro Sound

The PodMic USB makes professional sound accessible to any creator. It features a high-power neodymium capsule that delivers warm, highly detailed audio optimised for speech. Like the original PodMic, it has a balanced sound signature that flatters all voice types and an in-built pop filter for managing plosives, ensuring clean audio capture. Its circuitry has been enhanced to deliver an even flatter frequency response and lower self-noise for incredible performance in any content creation application, and it features tight cardioid polar pattern ensuring a focused sound with excellent rejection of background noise from room reflections, and keyboard and mouse clicks.

These characteristics make the PodMic USB the perfect microphone for podcasting, streaming, and other voice recording use cases, and when using the analog XLR output, it delivers exceptional audio quality that is broadcast-ready right out of the box. When using the digital USB output, the PodMic USB offers a range of powerful features for taking any recording to the next level. It has a professional-grade audio interface built in, with Røde’s ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp and high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion ensuring pristine audio quality.

It also features on-board DSP for adding advanced APHEX audio processing to any recording. Activated and controlled via Røde’s suite of free software solutions, Røde Central, Røde Connect and UNIFY, this powerful DSP allows users to add a studio-grade compressor, noise gate and high-pass filter to their voice, as well as the legendary Aural Exciter and Big Bottom effects. These can be tweaked to taste using the intuitive VoxLab editor, which has three simple controls for Depth, Sparkle and Punch, allowing users to dial in the perfect sound for their voice in seconds.

For deeper control, the advanced editor gives users access to every single parameter for each processor, just like a professional plugin or hardware unit. The microphone also has a high-power headphone output, which allows users to monitor their audio with zero latency. The on-board volume control offers quick-and-easy level adjustment and doubles as a zero-latency on/off switch, or a mic mute when used with Røde Connect or UNIFY.

These features combined offer a complete, studio-grade recording solution in a compact, easy-to-use package and, with the option to record via XLR, make the PodMic USB the ultimate desert island mic for any creator.

Sleek, Rock-Solid Build

Not only does the PodMic USB sound incredible, it looks incredible too. Featuring a stunning black finish with a matching black grille, it is sleek and understated — classic broadcast mic aesthetics meets cutting-edge industrial design. It is also compact and low-profile, making it perfect for streaming or video podcasting, where having an unobscured shot is hugely important. The custom pop filter is designed to the exact dimensions of the mic, ensuring it is as unobtrusive as possible.

Like the original PodMic, it is also extremely rugged. It features a robust, all-metal construction, from the body to the rock-solid stainless steel mesh grille. The integrated swing mount allows for easy, flexible positioning and is internally decoupled from the body for superior isolation from keyboard and mouse clicks, and desk noise. The capsule is also internally suspended for maximum protection from vibrations caused by knocks and bumps.

Key Features:

• Broadcast-grade dynamic microphone optimised for podcasting, streaming and other speech applications
• High-power neodymium capsule for warm, highly detailed audio capture
• Tight cardioid polar pattern, flat frequency response and low self-noise
• Analog XLR and digital USB-C connectivity for unmatched versatility
• Ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp and high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion for pristine audio capture via USB
• On-board DSP for advanced APHEX audio processing, including a compressor, noise gate, high-pass filter, Aural Exciter and Big Bottom
• Built-in headphone output for zero-latency monitoring, complete with on-board volume control
• Internal pop filter for minimising plosives and internal shock mount for reducing vibrations
• Custom professional pop filter included
• Fully compatible with Røde’s suite of apps, including Røde Connect, Røde Capture and UNIFY
• Robust all-metal construction and premium components, incredibly rugged and highly durable

The PodMic USB is designed and made to the highest standard in Røde’s precision manufacturing facilities in Sydney, Australia using premium components. It is also backed by an industry-leading 5-year warranty.
The PodMic USB is US$199 and is shipping worldwide now.

Whether it’s a podcast recorded at a dining table, a YouTube influencer reviewing a product to camera, or an all-night-long Call of Duty stream on Twitch, there’s one crucial necessity in the toolkit of today’s digital content creator: a good microphone.

But selling a microphone to a Twitch streamer is very different to selling a microphone to a recording studio owner, PA rental company or a corporate AV manager. The product will be judged mostly on ease of use rather than accurate frequency response. Ergonomics are of equal importance to the noise floor spec, and aesthetics matter as much as room rejection. 

FITTING THE PROFILE

Sennheiser’s pro audio credentials don’t need flag waving – since 1945, the family-owned German business has a proven track record of audio engineering prowess. Now the company is bringing that wealth of expertise to a very different market. 

Meet Profile – Sennheiser’s first microphone offering, specifically for podcasters and streamers.

It’s a plug ’n’ play USB microphone with a side-address cardioid condenser capsule. A futuristic design and innovative tilting chassis give Profile more appeal to streamers and podcasters, and it’s available in a Streaming Set bundled with a high quality boom arm. 

Profile has a list of fairly standard audio specifications: a max SPL handling of 125dB, frequency response from 20Hz-20kHz, and audio resolution up to 24-bit/48kHz. Powered by USB-C, it’s housed in a small but solid body weighing 350g.

There are no surprises or headaches getting started with Profile. Pick Profile as your computer’s default audio input and output for the mic and headphone output to engage. Once your headphones are plugged into the rear 3.5mm output, the centre knob is your Mix control to balance between real-time mic monitoring and playback from your computer. The first knob controls 40dB of mic gain from 85dB to 125dB and the green LED ring around it flashes orange/red when clipping. The lowest knob adjusts headphone level, which is plentiful when turned up – impressive for a bus-powered USB mic. The LED rings around the gain knob and Mute button light red when muted.

ALL TALK

Sennheiser has voiced the Profile microphone with a neutral yet polished tone that’s ideal for speech purposes. There’s a hint of overzealous trebles, especially on female or sibilant voices but for the most part Profile produces a clear, solid and ‘dry’ sound with subtly scooped mids and a bump in the 2-8kHz presence region. Suppressed low frequencies are a noticeable characteristic – the spec sheet shows a rolloff from 200Hz downwards, and this is actually beneficial as a ‘built-in’ high-pass filter (no switchable option) and lends the mic some inherent plosive control. The downside is a very mild proximity effect which only kicks in significantly 2-3cm in front of the grille – worth mentioning for voiceover talent who like to work the mic. 

A tight polar pattern that rejects background noise is generally a good thing with USB mics. While the Profile has a cardioid capsule, recordings made with it disclose a fairly wide pickup, as confirmed by the polar pattern diagram in the manual. Talking into the mic 90° off axis yielded a vocal tone that actually sounded mostly natural, like a less bright version of the direct sound. By the time I swivelled the mic a full 180° my voice was attenuated a decent amount. 

I was happy to discover how well the grille manages plosives even when fairly close to the mic, and with a little distance it virtually all-but eliminates pops and booms. Despite a stated equivalent noise spec of 28dBA at maximum gain, Profile remained commendably quiet when gained right up. In fact, I could crank the gain knob and speak in a whisper 15cm away and the mic still yielded clean recordings. 

RØDE has today announced the NT1 5th Generation, a revolutionary studio condenser microphone that fuses the classic sound of the iconic RØDE NT1 with new, cutting-edge technology. With over six million units sold, the NT1 is the world’s most popular studio microphone and boasts a legacy that few can match. Since its release more than 30 years ago, the microphone has gone through multiple transformations, including the legendary NT1-A and innovative fourth generation NT1, both of which are used by countless creators today. The NT1 5th Generation is the most significant evolution yet, harnessing the iconic sound quality and world-class performance that made the previous generations so successful while introducing state-of-the-art technology, including RØDE’s groundbreaking, patent-pending Dual Connect output offering both XLR and USB connectivity, a world-first “unclippable” 32-bit float digital output, advanced digital signal processing, and so much more. A perfect marriage of tradition and innovation, this is the ultimate studio microphone.

Key Features Of The Nt1 5Th Generation:

• HF6 large-diaphragm (1-inch) gold-sputtered capsule, precision engineered to sub-micron tolerances
• Smooth frequency response, high sensitivity and high SPL handling for incredible performance in a wide range of studio applications
• Exceptionally low noise (4dBA) — the world’s quietest studio condenser microphone
• Patent-pending Dual Connect output with both XLR and USB-C connectivity for use with audio interfaces, mixers and consoles, or direct plug-and-play recording with a computer  
• World-first 32-bit float digital output
• Ultra-high-resolution (up to 192kHz) analog-to-digital conversion
• On-board DSP for advanced APHEX audio processing, including a compressor, noise gate, two-step high-pass filter, and legendary Aural Exciter and Big Bottom effects
• Studio-grade shock mount and pop filter, XLR and USB cables included
• Available in black or silver with a rugged aluminium body and high-grade finishes — highly resistant to scuffs and scratches
• Designed and made in RØDE’s precision manufacturing facilities in Sydney, Australia

The World’s Most Popular Studio Microphone

Introduced in 1991, the NT1 was RØDE’s debut microphone — the first in a long line of products that have reshaped the way creators across every discipline capture audio. Released at a time where new advancements in audio technology democratised the studio workflow and made recording more accessible than ever before, it was an instant success and fast became the go-to microphone for a new generation of DIY musicians and studio professionals alike. Over the last three decades, it has continued to be the best-selling studio condenser worldwide, beloved for its warm, classic sound signature and incredible versatility.

“The NT1 is not only our flagship microphone, it’s an icon for today’s creative generation,” says RØDE CEO Damien Wilson. “Countless musicians, podcasters, streamers, broadcasters and content creators consider it their go-to microphone, and for good reason — it sounds incredible, is extremely flexible, and is built like a tank — a true studio workhorse. With this new generation, we wanted to preserve all of these qualities while incorporating innovations that have never been seen before in a microphone like this. The NT1 5th Generation is unlike any studio mic out there, but it hasn’t lost its charm and is sure to continue inspiring creators for decades to come.”

The NT1 5th Generation is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that delivers exceptional performance in a wide range of studio applications. It features RØDE’s stunning HF6 capsule — first introduced in the fourth generation NT1 — which delivers sparkling top end, detailed midrange and rich bass that makes every sound source shine. It has a tight cardioid polar pattern, smooth frequency response, and high sensitivity for incredible versatility — ideal for recording everything from vocals and speech to acoustic and electric guitar, drums and percussion, piano, and more. Enhanced circuitry delivers an astonishingly low 4dBA of self-noise, making it the world’s quietest studio condenser microphone, and it features high SPL handling capabilities for maximum flexibility in the studio. These characteristics alone make the NT1 5th Generation a world-class microphone, but this is only half the story.

Game-Changing Connectivity

For over 50 years, the XLR connector has remained virtually unchanged — until now. The NT1 5th Generation features RØDE’s groundbreaking, patent-pending Dual Connect output, which offers both XLR and USB connectivity in the same housing. This allows users to connect to an audio interface, mixer, console or other audio equipment via XLR for a traditional analog workflow or directly to a computer via USB for plug-and-play recording.

When using the analog output, the NT1 5th Generation delivers the exact same rich, warm tone and best-in-class performance that the NT1 is revered for. When using the digital output, these sonic characteristics are maintained, with the added convenience, power and versatility of direct USB connectivity. The NT1 5th Generation features a professional-grade audio interface built into the microphone. This is perfectly optimised to preserve its pristine audio fidelity and also offers a range of highly innovative features to further enhance its sound, making capturing studio-quality audio easier than ever before.

The Unclippable Microphone

The NT1 5th Generation is the world’s first microphone to feature a 32-bit float digital output. This revolutionary audio format captures the full dynamic range of the microphone while allowing users recording in a DAW to adjust their audio to the optimal level after recording. This means users can record anything from a whisper to a scream without worrying about setting their gain correctly beforehand and with no chance of their signal clipping.

“The NT1 5th Generation redefines the meaning of plug-and-play,” says Damien Wilson. “Since the beginning of audio recording, engineers have relied on the gain knob to capture clean audio — it’s always been the most important process in the recording workflow. The NT1 5th Generation changes that completely. When recording in 32-bit float, users can literally plug their microphone into their computer and start recording instantly without any risk of their audio being ruined by clipping or distortion.”

Classic Sound On The Cutting Edge

The NT1 5th Generation’s digital output also features RØDE’s ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp and ultra-high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion (up to 192kHz) for ultimate sonic purity. Powerful on-board DSP allows users to apply advanced APHEX audio processing to their recordings, including a compressor, noise gate, two-step high-pass filter, and legendary Aural Exciter and Big Bottom effects. Accessible via RØDE’s free companion apps, RØDE Central and RØDE Connect, there are two different processing modes available: the intuitive VoxLab editor with simple controls for Depth, Sparkle and Punch, making it incredibly easy to dial in the perfect sound, or an advanced editor, which offers granular control over every parameter for fine-tuned processing. Users can connect up to eight NT1 5th Generation microphones to a single computer for multitrack recording, even on Windows operating systems using RØDE’s custom ASIO driver. This is so much more than just a studio condenser microphone, it’s an all-in-one digital recording solution.

Legendary RØDE Quality

To make getting set up and recording as easy as possible, the NT1 5th Generation comes with a studio-grade shock mount and pop filter as well as a high-quality XLR and USB cable. Each microphone is built to the highest standard in RØDE’s state-of-the-art facilities in Sydney, Australia using premium components. The HF6 capsule is precision manufactured to sub-micron tolerances to ensure the utmost consistency in tonality and frequency response, and is internally shock-mounted for minimising external vibrations. The microphone body is machined from rugged aluminium and is available in black or silver, with high-grade finishes that are extremely resistant to scuffs and scratches. The NT1 5th Generation is also backed by a 10-year warranty and RØDE’s legendary customer service.