You will like to acquire the perfect microphone for broadcasting , for podcasting , or for gaming , but you are still hesitant in choosing the best dynamic instrument to choose. If so, then why not go for the Rode PodMic dynamic microphone?
Designed for podcasting, this dynamic microphone provides recording quality that is well above average. Many professional users have tested it. Almost all of them are convinced of the hyper-capacity of this omnidirectional microphone to capture medium and low frequency sounds.
They also agree to confirm that the Rode PodMic perfectly records all types of voice-overs , dialogues , speeches and conversations . In the following lines, let's take a complete zoom to discover the true potential of this professional microphone!
Rode PodMic Microphone Overview
The Rode PodMic is an omnidirectional microphone that performs almost the same functions as the Neumann, the Rode NT USB pro microphone , the Yeti and the Blue yeti. The Rode PodMic, however, differs from these types of studio microphones, due to the technology it uses in terms of connectivity .
Indeed, although the Rode PodMic, like the microphones mentioned above (for the most part), does not require the use of phantom power, it does not have a Plug-and-Play function. Indeed, unlike most microphones that can be plugged directly into a computer via USB port or mini-jack, the Rode PodMic has XLR connectivity .
This therefore means that you must use a mixing desk (Rode Caster Pro type) or a preamp (2i2 Second Gen type). This makes it possible in particular to amplify the dynamics of the vocal recording and to ensure impeccable recording sound quality.
Obviously, the Rode PodMic dynamic microphone is superbly equipped to allow qualitative sound recording in a home studio and over a long period of time.
The microphone is equipped with a very robust metal construction and also has a very solid fixing system. It can be installed either on a fixed microphone support (like a simple microphone stand) or on an articulated mounting arm. So you won't have to hold this microphone by hand.
According to the manufacturer, the microphone weighs a total of 937 GR. Which may seem (at first glance) quite heavy compared to other types of microphones such as the Neumann, the Sennheiser MKH 416 or the Rode NT-USB.
On the design side, we can nevertheless say that Rode has thought of everything to offer a very neat appearance to its “PodMic” dynamic microphone model dedicated to podcasters.
Rode PodMic: a professional microphone designed for podcasting
Choosing a good dynamic microphone determines the successful recording of any podcast. The Rode PodMic offers everything to help any podcaster achieve this goal. Specially designed to meet this need for use, this professional microphone effectively allows voice recording for speech , dialogue and voice-over recording .
The same applies to any voice taking and voice recording for rap and hip-hop singing. Equipped with an anti-pop filter, an attachment for a fixed support and an articulated arm, the PodMic will offer all types of vocal timbres an exceptional dimension for expression (or speech).
Rode PodMic: zoom on the technical features
The Rode PodMic is a professional dynamic microphone specifically designed to optimize voice recording quality for broadcasting, podcasts and voice-over recording. It's also the best microphone made for gaming and streaming. Equipped with a high-quality pop filter, this microphone provides incredible sound clarity by reducing occlusive sounds as much as possible.
The Rode PodMic is also designed to limit vibrations and handling noise . This microphone dedicated to vocal recording in professional recording studios remains versatile enough to adapt to (almost) all types of microphone preamplifier with XLR connectivity.
Its all-metal construction gives it good robustness and also guarantees a sufficiently long service life. Its great compatibility of use with the Rode Caster Pro mixer also makes it a formidable dynamic instrument for studio recording.
This particularly allows this microphone to be used for voice audio capture as well as for the sound recording of acoustic instruments of various types. For Broadcast, the dynamic description of its capsule provides remarkable audio recording quality .
Equipped with an integrated swivel stand, this microphone ensures optimal stability to reduce vibration and handling noise. Remember that it is not necessary to hold this microphone by hand to optimize voice recording quality . You can even easily attach it to a dedicated mic stand.
Focus on the advantages and qualities of the Rode PodMic microphone
When designing its PodMic microphone model for podcasts, the Rode brand thought of everything to make it a powerful and formidable dynamic audio recording instrument.
Robust and reliable design, exceptional quality sound recording, great ease of use , perfect flexibility and more versatility... Here, in a few lines, is an overview of the true potential that this professional microphone contains.
Now let's see in detail what distinguishes this professional dynamic microphone from other types of cardioid microphones.
In addition, discover our comparison guide between the Audio-Technica AT2035 and the Rode NT1 . This guide offers you a duel on the polar pattern, a duel on the robustness, a duel on the characteristics and functions, and a small verdict on the two microphones.
Design quality and reliability:
Featuring a sturdy structure made entirely of metal, the Rode PodMic has been designed to offer durability well above average. Its articulated microphone arm support offers sufficient strength and also provides great flexibility to adapt to almost all types of supports, whether rotating microphone arms or microphone tripods.
Built-in rotating stand:
As mentioned, the Rode PodMic is equipped with an integrated rotating support which is intended to receive all types of compatible articulated arms which can simply be attached to it. The microphone can be easily positioned at different angles, and according to your convenience.
Likewise, you can freely adjust the microphone to achieve crisp sound reproduction. Particularly in order to eliminate handling or vibration noises that could be annoying.
Optimal sound recording clarity for voice recording:
The Rode PodMic also includes a patented dynamic “ End-Fire capsule covered with a robust and lightweight stainless steel protective grille. This protection is reinforced by an internal anti-pop shield.
Just like the Rode Podcaster USB , it allows you to obtain sound clarity of unparalleled quality for different purposes in terms of voice recording: broadcasting, podcasting, voice-over, sound recording for Rap, etc.
Increased sound pickup quality and optimal compatibility with the Rode Caster pro model:
impeccable sound capture results , because it has been designed to optimize sound reinforcement through the use of its dedicated Rode Caster Pro mixer. With just a few finger gestures, you can optimize the audio setting via the touchscreen of the Rode Caster Pro sound balancing console.
To do this, simply select “PodMic” as the microphone type. From then on, the mixer will systematically apply a correct and optimal setting.
Focus on the sound quality of the Rode PodMic microphone
In order to be able to judge the quality and true potential of the Rode PodMic dynamic microphone, we took care to test its audio capture performance at different levels. This is the case regarding:
- The directivity test
- Anti-occlusive sound test
- The anti-vibration test
- Proximity effect test
- The effectiveness test to reduce noise pollution as much as possible
- Sound pickup efficiency test using a preamplifier and using a mixing board
- The instrumental intake efficiency and performance test
Directivity test:
Since we are dealing here with a dynamic external microphone, and whose polar pattern is cardioid, this microphone clearly perceives the sound coming from the front. The Rode PodMic picks up relatively less voice sound depending on whether you place yourself on one of its two sides or whether you position yourself just behind this same professional and omnidirectional microphone .
Be careful, however, not to place this type of microphone directly in front of a speaker, as you will encounter magnetic field sound interference that could harm your hearing. This is not surprising since the “PodMic” microphone model from Rode has a cardioid polar pattern.
Anti-occlusive sound test:
Although used alone, the Rode PodMic already allows clear sound recording in a recording studio surrounded by specific panels to isolate any background noise , its designer still took care to equip it with a specific pop filter.
The result is a quality sound reproduction which is significantly better. Thus, plosive (or plosive) sounds such as the pronunciations “p, t, k, b, d, g” are significantly reduced, and the same for the whistles “s”.
Anti-vibration test:
Since the Rode PodMic is equipped with a metal structure like that of the Warm Audio WA-47jr microphone which is entirely robust to limit the effects of noise due to vibrations, this microphone (particularly stable) is therefore capable of reducing handling noise .
Test on the proximity effect:
The sensitivity of the Rode PodMic microphone is also astonishing, because this microphone allows you to capture the sound very clearly by taking advantage of a beautiful proximity effect . This microphone is capable of providing a sound gain of approximately 3 decibels when placed in front of this dynamic instrument at less than 5 cm. This gain tends to decrease as you move away from it, without having to raise the tone, but the voice remains clear, audible and (incredibly) intelligible.
Effectiveness test for reducing noise pollution:
We tested the Rode PodMic while typing on the keyboard, near a powerful, whirring CPU motor, but the perception of the voice sound remained perfectly clear and intelligible .
Test on the 2i2 Second Gen preamplifier:
+3 dB of sonic gain bandwidth flow .
Test on the Rode Caster Pro mixer:
From the configuration or dynamic description of the Rode PodMic. We obtain a sound gain of + 8 dB with a much more homogeneous audio rendering, still at a bandwidth flow of around 24 bits.
Instrumental socket performance test (acoustic and electrical):
The microphone with pop filter “PodMic” from Rode clearly perceives the sound of riffs from an electric guitar connected to a preamp and which is connected to a powerful speaker. And this, even using a simple distortion pedal.
When we tested the microphone against an acoustic guitar, we were also able to obtain a sound reproduction that was rich , harmonious , dynamic and fluid . And this, both at the treble level and in the midrange. Based on this observation, we can presuppose that this powerful dynamic microphone would also be capable of enriching the sound recording experience with other acoustic instruments, to name only the cello, double bass and acoustic bass guitar among many. other acoustic stringed instruments.
Certainly, we did not have the opportunity to test this microphone to know with certainty the sound recording performance of cymbals, snare drums or even the bass drums of a drum kit.
In any case, and from what we have seen with this PodMic, you can expect a powerful dynamic microphone capable of withstanding sound pressure (in SPL ) of up to 94 dB . However, and in truth, such a capacity is (more than) sufficient to support the percussive sound of various instruments and not just basses and electric guitars. With or without distortion pedal.
By the way, you can also discover our complete review guide on the Shure Beta 58A microphone . An omnidirectional microphone with super-cardioid polar pattern. Discover in this test its technical characteristics, our opinion on this microphone, as well as some test demos of this microphone.
What we can say about the Rode PodMic from all these tests:
The real strength of the Rode PodMic lies in the fact that it perceives midrange in a very nuanced way. This is precisely what makes it an ideal choice of best microphone for broadcasting, podcasting and voice-over audio recording. And likewise, when you want to use it to produce a clear vocal take for use in rap singing or hip-hop.
The Rode PodMic also does its job well in rejecting occlusive sounds and reducing noise pollution due to background noise. In addition, and apart from its effectiveness of use for audio recording of podcasts and voice-overs, this microphone is also very useful for instrumental sound recording , whether it is an acoustic or electric instrument.
Note in fact, and even if this microphone is specifically dedicated to the production of podcasts , that we were still able to appreciate the nice sound of riffs from an electric guitar that this microphone allowed us to hear.
For instrumental acoustic guitar picking in particular, the Rode PodMic provides a richly pronounced and perfectly articulated sound reproduction. And this, at a frequency range between 150 Hz and 10 kHz . This microphone for singing can give a nice sound reproduction in isolated vocal recording.
For recording dialogue and voice-overs in particular, we find the Rode PodMic serves as an excellent choice. In addition to providing an intelligible, well-articulated, more pronounced and clear sound, it provides a nice proximity effect gain . This microphone does not require you to raise your voice when approaching it.
Connected to a Rode Caster Pro type mixer, it allows you to preset the high-pass filter which will serve as a microphone volume attenuator for the high-pitched sound and more precisely when it reaches its peak. All this, without showing the slightest distortion or sound saturation when performing the isolated vocal take.
The technical characteristics of the Rode PodMic microphone
- Type: dynamic microphone
- Style: Podcast
- Directivity: cardioid
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Output impedance: 320 Ohms
- SPL pressure levels: 94 dB
- Phantom power supply: not required
- Connectivity: XLR
- Dimensions: 172 x 109 x 62 mm
- Weight: 937g
Compatible accessories
- Mini tripod for table microphone
- Articulating arm for professional recording studio microphone
Our Overall Opinion
Overall Sound Quality
Value for money
Global mark
Our opinion on the Rode PodMic microphone
Honestly, we think that at the start of a project, purchasing this microphone with the best value for money is ideal for producing podcasts. This in particular, as an alternative to purchasing a micro-USB , a lavalier microphone, a condenser microphone or all types of entry-level condenser microphones.
Condenser microphones are more suitable for recording audio of singing than for speech. Additionally, such a type of condenser microphone requires the use of a Phantom power supply to support an amplifier. However, it should be noted that the amplifiers that you can easily acquire at a good price on the market are not all necessarily compatible with these particularly fragile types of microphone.
In the case of the Rode PodMic, it constitutes a wise investment if you plan to have a professional microphone that is efficient, robust and high quality. Moreover, the Rode PodMic is much better than a simple micro-USB like the Shure Motiv MV5, because the latter also requires the use of headphones or in-ear headphones to ensure sound feedback. The sound effect is perfectly symmetrical to its source.
An analog microphone for its part, although effective, would generate significant signal losses and cause the recording to lack a lot of sound clarity, whether vocal or instrumental.
Rode's PodMic microphone provides a sufficiently clear and crisp tone, in (almost) its entire frequency range. Remember that the Rode PodMic displays a response curve between 20 Hz and 20 kHz.
Resorting to the use of a pad or an attenuator could still prove useful to compensate for signal saturation from the capsule. This will have the effect of cutting the (extremely heavy) signal and preventing damage to the microphone's internal amplifier.
Coming back to the performance and sound recording quality of the Rode PodMic, it gives more power, depth, dynamism and detail to the sound of the voice. For anyone who wants to use it for podcasting, broadcasting, voiceover recording and rap speaking, the Rode PodMic is a choice of the best microphone for rap that will take absolutely preferred.
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