Rode PodMic Review: USB vs XLR Input - What's The Difference?
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- čas přidán 14. 07. 2024
- Equipment We Use To Produce This Podcast:
FYI- this microphone was not gifted. I purchased this microphone myself to conduct this test. The provided links are Amazon affiliate links, and any purchases made through them support our channel. Despite this affiliation, the review was conducted with the sole aim of benefiting our listeners and was not driven by affiliate marketing.
GEAR WE USE TO PRODUCE THIS VIDEO:
Rode PodMic:
amzn.to/3Opq86q
Rode SC19 Cable:
www.rode.com/accessories/sc19
Satechi Hub:
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Rode Boom Arm:
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XLR Cables:
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Focusrite Clarett+:
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Sony ZV E10:
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Elgato Camlink:
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Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light:
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Aputure Light Box Mini:
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I often get asked, “What’s the difference between USB microphones and XLR microphones?” And my topline answer is always the quality of an XLR input will deliver a better audio result. I have been working in the audio industry for 15 years, and have a Bachelors Degree in Audio Production so for me the love of XLR microphones runs deep.
But I wanted to know whether USB could be “good enough” as a solution for podcasters that want to forego some of the expense of a new podcast setup and provide a professional product to their audiences.
In comes the new Rode Podmic USB XLR microphone. This is a microphone that I’ve been eager to try since its release, and it felt like the perfect companion to explore my thoughts on the subject.
Testing Methodology
In my pursuit to test the microphone thoroughly, I recorded the same passage from the book "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse" under various setups. These included:
- XLR input with and without a pop filter
- USB input with and without a pop filter
- USB input connecting the microphone directly to an iPad using the cable that comes with the microphone in the box
- USB input connecting the microphone directly to an iPhone 14 Pro using the RØDE SC19 cable.
I found it to be an important part of the test to see how the USB faired using an IPad or iPhone, as this could make the barrier to entry for podcasting even lower and also ensure that podcasters (and influencers) could deliver high-quality audio for their “live” chats on socials also.
The Rode PodMic USB XLR Edition
I found the Rode PodMic USB XLR edition to be a superb upgrade to the original XLR-only PodMic. With the added USB option, it has become more versatile and is an excellent choice for podcasters starting with a USB setup and considering an upgrade to XLR in the future.
Results
Interestingly, the audio quality across each setup was strikingly similar. While there were minor differences, such as slightly higher frequencies present in the iPhone or iPad recordings, these nuances did not overshadow the overall excellent sound quality. I ensured that the levels were adjusted to achieve a similar sound across all the recordings and I performed no post-production. No EQ or compression was applied. What you hear is exactly as it came out of the microphone.
Software
To further optimize your setup, you can also download the RØDE Central app, which allows you to perform some processing
Why Recommend the Rode PodMic USB XLR?
I was so impressed with the Rode PodMic's performance and sound quality, even in the USB setup, that it has become my new favourite microphone to recommend to our podcasting clients looking for a minimal setup. I also appreciate the affordability of the microphone and it’s perfect when paired with the Rode PSA1 + boom arm.
A Competitive Edge
The Rode PodMic USB XLR edition not only stands out as an excellent device in its own right, but it also goes head-to-head with the popular Shure MV7 microphone. With its superior sound quality and affordability, I am happy to be able to recommend this microphone to all podcasters!
00:00:00 - Introduction to Rode PodMic Review
00:00:20 - Rode PodMic USB vs. XLR: My Impressions
00:00:48 - Why the USB to XLR Transition Matters
00:01:40 - My Experience Using the Rode SC19 Cable and Rode Central App
00:02:31 - Testing the Rode PodMic: Comparing XLR and USB
00:03:51 - Audio Test: Using the Pop Filter with PodMic
00:04:17 - Audio Test: Connecting Rode PodMic to iPad and iPhone
00:05:33 - Affordable Podcasting with Rode PodMic: My Take
00:06:06 - My Review and Analysis of the Rode PodMic
00:07:26 - Affordable Podcasting Setup with Rode PS1A Plus Boom Arm: My Perspective
00:08:00 - Choosing the Best Podcast Microphone: Rode vs. Shure
00:08:28 - My Concluding Thoughts and Thanks
Connect with Bamby Media:
- Website: www.bambymedia.com/
- Instagram: / bamby_media
Blown away....no one on YT have looked at the differences between with XLR input with and without a pop filter
USB input with and without a pop filter. Thank you....
Thank you! It felt like something that should be assessed. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Would you consider doing a studio setup video with the same equipment from this video please. I have subbed ;)
BTW, what Macbook are you using and are you using audio interface for your videos in general?
Sorry for the questions....cheers.
Hopefully you make a career out of it like I did......Good Luck :)@@bambymedia
Yes that is absolutely on our list here to create a full studio walkthrough. I've got a video coming out very shortly which is a sneak into the backend of our DIY Podcasters program that runs through some of our equipment recommendations based on budget. As you're a subscriber, you'll get notified when that video is live!
I run a iMac 27inch (2019) - 3.6gz 8 core, i9 with 64gb ram. It's four years old now and still going strong!
Audio interface is the Focusrite Clarette + with 8 channels. Though you can get away with a lot less if you're not recording a lot of inputs at once. Anything from the focusrite brand is my favourite. I'd recommend the 2 channel 4i4 if you don't need as much: amzn.to/47qfljS
Video recording happens through OBS with different scenes created based on what I'm recording.
@@bambymedia Awesome I use OBS too. And looking at the 2i2 4th gen for my pod mic (want to use usb c) with Macbook pro m2 pro chip, just purchased.
Anyway, Looking forward to your Studio walkthrough and thank you for your time.
Thanks for your review!
My pleasure!
Great video! keep up the good job :)
Yay! Thank you! I just spent many hours recording a heap of podcast microphone battles, so there's plenty more coming. Such a fun time. Glad you're enjoying it.
Thank you!!!
You're welcome! Hope it's super clear for you now.
Great job 👏🏿
Thanks! It was a fun review to do. Surprised that the difference was so minimal.
@@bambymedia 👏🏿👍🏿
Please always remind your viewers to subscribe, like & comment their opinion or experiences.
Call to action.
Thanks for this wonderful Rode podmic usb review ❤
Thanks! I do mention that, but not until the end of the videos. It's a good prompt though to make sure I also include at the beginning and in the middle of the videos.Glad you're enjoying the content.
@@bambymedia 🤎🤎
Good video, unfortunately, it is so that if you connect the microphone to the bread box via USB, the voice effects no longer work, but only with the XLR
Great and honest review. I really like your honest and thorough comparision. Keep producing more videos. Your channel deserves more subscribers. I have never noticed significant difference between USB and XLR sound quality. The XLR connectivity appears more porchy, but the costs of a decent XLR cable plus a good audio interface required make me wonder if it's worth a little difference, if any. I guess one needs an expensive audio interface to make the difference really substantial. Again, I wonder, for a general user, would it be worth the hassles.
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I was surprised that there was so little difference. For the general user who doesn't need to sit too far away from their computer (because a good USB cable is probably 2m in length maximum before you get quality loss issues and drop outs), then I highly recommend the USB option. I like the Podmic because it gives you the option later on to upgrade to XLR and get the audio interface (with multiple inputs too if you want to record other people on location). This way you only have to buy the one microphone and you're getting a really good quality piece of kit that should last you across many upgrades!
The channel is only just starting - so I'm definitely going to be giving all the tips! Thanks for the encouragement.
@@bambymedia The Focusrite Solo or 2v2 4th Gen is a good upgrade for a good price
Hey!@@tsunalein Yes I'm a huge fan of the Focusrite family. We've got the Focusrite Clarett+: amzn.to/3NIr0SD here in the studio as we can often record up to 8 tracks at once. The Focusrite versions that you've mentioned there are so perfect for one or two people recording using XLR input. Thanks for the tip!
Good afternoon, Brianna! Congratulations on the content, excellent! I need your help with a question. I want to buy the Rode Podmic USB. As it also has XLR mode, I thought about buying a Fethead to use it on my Focusrite interface (1st generation) to give it more boost. Could using Fethead in this mode harm the microphone? Thanks!
Hi Marco, thanks for the comment. If you're using a 1st Gen Focusrite, then yes you'll probably find you need an added boost from external Fethead or sE Dynamite to give it more "oomf". I would recommend trying the Rode Podmic without the extra boost first and see whether it actually needs it. We've run the Rode Podmic on smaller preamps similar to the Focusrite, and you do have to turn the gain almost all the way up, but we haven't needed the extra boost. So try it first without it, and if needed the Fethead or sE Dynamite won't damage the microphone.
@@bambymedia Hi Brianna, good morning! I ended up purchasing Fethead Niquel after checking with B&H. I'm from Brazil and a friend will bring me the Podmiic USB + the fethead. My fear would be to make a mistake when purchasing, but I think it will be ok. This is my first dynamic with a specific purpose for recording classes, content and pdcasts. I do have the Shure Beta 58A and the gain on the interface goes to the limit so that a stronger signal comes through. Considering the construction of the Rode Podmic USB follows the same principles, I understand that buying the fethead was a correct decision, after all. Thank you for your feedback and I wish you success with the channel, it's really good. Thanks!
La diferencia en el sonido entre el cable usb y el xlr es muchisima , preferiria usarlo con xlr por supuesto acompañado de una buena interfaz es otro nivel
I hope this Spanish is okay: Estoy de acuerdo. Siempre elegiré XLR sobre USB. XLR también te permite sentarte mucho más lejos de tu cámara, lo cual es una buena opción para una mejor configuración de video.
Awesome Video , I'm a Hip-Hop Artist and I bough this mic to record my music on it , so far it gave some great results even though I'm using only the USB Input , but it gives a great input that makes mixing easier!
would you recommend it for a Vocalist?
Oh that's great! It's a dynamic microphone, which means it will handle louder environments well (and also dynamic range) so if you're a Hip Hop vocalist who does rapping into the mic, as well as singing - then this mic will handle both well. It wouldn't be my first choice for singing as the frequency response doesn't have as much depth as other microphones - but for Hip Hop style, this mic will handle it well. I'd recommend playiing with the DSP settings on the mic too so that you can get extra goodness. I recorded a video walking you through the settings options here: czcams.com/video/PfNM4eDSoLc/video.htmlsi=s4A98Jz6lYeHX-G0
@@bambymedia I will definitely check out the video , Thank you 🙏🏾
Amazing! Please, how do you add the pop filter to the Podmic USB?
Yes it can be a little tricky to put on. I show you how to do it in this video: czcams.com/video/FLlxzOyvEQs/video.htmlsi=SXLh_HyleY0zQzwV&t=85 at 1:25
Hello, what program are you editing your voice with? Jul, your voice sounds so clear and clear. Can you please honestly write down which audio cleaning program you are using? I love you and I try to watch every video. Thanks in advance.
Hey! That's very kind of you to say. Thanks so much!
For this video as I was reviewing the Podmic, I didn't make any adjustments to the eq or compression so that you could get a really good idea of what the microphone sounds like with nothing added to it. I use OBS (free software) to record the audio and video, and then we put it together in Descript. I have a video explaining how to EQ your voice effectively using Descript. That will help you get clearer on what you might need to improve: czcams.com/video/ZqIZQlcaFtw/video.html. If you'd like to find out more about Descript you can do that here: www.descript.com?lmref=oXvi0Q. If you'd like to learn more about our editing course, you can do that here: www.bambymedia.com/diypodcaster
@@bambymedia thank you so much 🙏❤️
Very hard to tell them apart... I'm excited to try this Rode podmic USB for an all-in-1 solution even on the go. Is the pop-filter easy to come off or rigidly sticking on the mic even with some movements?
Yeah it’s a really good all in one solution. Have you watched my other video about how to use it with an iPhone? Not sure if you have one, but it works really well in that situation too.
Pop filter comes off quite easily, without it feeling like it would fall off on its own. I’ve been impressed with it for sure. 👍🏻 Hope you enjoy it!
is compatible with samsung phone like samsung galaxy s21ultra?
Yep - for android devices you can plug the Rode Podmic USB straight into the phone with the cable included in the box!
@@bambymedia TRIED BUT NO SOUND. ANY SETTING?
@@syasya4983 Are you using an app to record into? How are you recording the audio?
@@bambymedia using camera video . no app at all
I can't tell the difference. In the conclusion, USB is more than enough
Yes only small differences in the actual sound isn't there! Probably the deciding factor for most people would then be a matter of how far away they want to be from their sound capturing device. I put together a video on why you'd want XLR over USB - and it has nothing to do with the sound really.
Here's the video if you're interested: czcams.com/video/u7iJqyF4tU8/video.htmlsi=IoMce9xuKHycw4wd
Класс, можно параллельно учиться английскому)