Following the release of the NT1 5th Generation – the world’s first studio condenser to offer both XLR and USB connectivity – Røde now expands the concept to the PodMic. When using the analog XLR output, the PodMic USB is exactly the same as the original, albeit with a sleek new finish and studio-grade pop filter. When using the digital USB output, the microphone sends its signal through a Revolution Preamp and high-quality analog-to-digital conversion, followed by advanced DSP for adding professional APHEX voice processing among other features.
This is the concept that the Australian audio company is increasingly exploring, turning the USB connector into a high-quality connectivity option, which is further enhanced by unlocking software features that can run on the microphone itself or the device on the other end of the serial interface. More importantly, Røde is so far the only manufacturer in the world that allows combining/mixing multiple USB microphones in its RodeCaster and Streamer products. In fact, the company is expanding the concept to support multiple Røde USB microphones on a laptop via software and/or USB hubs. This will allow users to finally leverage all the advantages of the USB-C digital output in multitrack - something that until now was only possible using standard analog XLR microphones.
The Røde PodMic USB combines all of this incredible technology in a supremely flexible microphone that sounds flawless and is simple to use - a perfect do-it-all microphone for content creators. Like the original PodMic, inside the all-metal, rugged body, the new PodMic USB offers a broadcast-grade dynamic microphone, optimized for speech, using a high-power neodymium capsule for warm, highly detailed audio capture. The tight cardioid polar pattern, flat frequency response and low self-noise, make it perfect for any production level. Røde says that its circuitry has been enhanced to deliver an even flatter frequency response and lower self-noise.
Not only this microphone offers analog XLR and digital USB-C connectivity, but there's even a ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp built-in, followed by a high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion for the USB output. The on-board DSP unlocks APHEX audio processing, including a compressor, noise gate, high-pass filter, Aural Exciter and Big Bottom dynamic effect features.
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.
As with any USB microphone, the Røde PodMic USB has a built-in headphone output for zero-latency monitoring, complete with on-board volume control. The microphone itself features an internal pop filter for minimizing plosives and internal shock mount for reducing vibrations, while still shipping with a custom professional pop filter. And the new PodMic USB is fully compatible with Røde’s suite of apps, including Røde Connect, Røde Capture and UNIFY, which offer further features, including mixing, muting, monitoring and recording options.
The PodMic USB retails for US $199 and is now shipping worldwide. Like all Røde microphones, the PodMic USB is designed and made in the company's manufacturing facilities in Sydney, Australia and backed by a 5-year warranty.
www.rode.com
