Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone

by Rode

Product Features

• Broadcast sound quality
• 28mm dynamic capsule
• 18-Bit Resolution, 8 - 48 kHz sampling
• Windows and Mac compatible
• Tight Cardioid pattern for superior off axis sound rejection

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 2.5 x 5.2 inches ; 2.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000JM46FY
• Item model number: PODCASTER
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,039 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #48 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Microphones > Dynamic Microphones

Product Description

The Rode Podcaster is the easiest way to record high quality vocals or audio on your computer and upload them to the world.Seamless integration was the idea, and it was obtained by creating a studio dynamic microphone with unparalleled A/D converters, so that the microphone can be plugged into any computer with no in/out boxes, no expensive computer pre-amps, just a USB cable. The Podcaster offers an end-address configuration, the clarity of RØDE's tailored-for-voice frequency response, an ON L.E.D, a direct headphone amp, and of course very low self noise. The Podcaster opens up possibilities for anyone who records audio from podcasters, journalists and students to business people adding audio files to websites and multimedia presentations.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great sound, great features, built like a tank, March 19, 2007

By 

Alan Robertson (Broomfield, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone (Electronics)

For recording my voice (baritone), it does a great job. For extra warmth that means close-miking, which in turn means not popping your p's, etc. If you hold it close to your mouth but don't directly face it end-on, that's easily done (or get a pop filter). [...].

The microphone electronics are extremely quiet - the audio is sampled at 18 bits.

It comes with a warranty which is easily extended to 10 years for free.

The real-time headphone monitoring is a great idea and works well.

It's a bit heavy (part of being built like a tank), and you need to think a little about how you're going to mount it, since some cheap desktop stands can barely manage it.

Some things to keep in mind are:
1) It likes close-miking (at least for male voices)
2) It is USB-only
3) It is a on the bit large and heavy side.

If those don't bother you, and the price is in your range, then you will probably like it a lot.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly good -- selling my Heil PR-40 now., June 2, 2007

By 

Shawn Milochik "ShawnMilo" (Reading, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone (Electronics)

I picked up the R0DE Podcaster a few days ago, and it sounds great -- much better than I expected. I honestly expected it to sound cheesier because it's USB instead of XLR. I made a couple of test recordings and gave them to my wife, who is always saying that I don't sound like myself in my recordings. She said that this is the best-sounding mic I've ever used, and that I sound just like myself. My background in audio is a couple of years in podcasting and some live interviews. Equipment I've used in the past includes the Audio Technica 4033a, Heil Pro PR-40, Symetrix 528e, Zoom H-4, and the M-Audio MobilePre.

Pros:
Sounds great.
Very competitive price when compared to decent XLR mics.
Direct to USB (computer sees it as a sound card).
Headphone jack built in for direct, live monitoring (huge plus), with volume control (which does not effect recording volume).
Allows remote recordings to a laptop (with all the nice software) without lugging around extra devices to convert a "real" mic to USB or Firewire.
Works automatically on a Mac.
Feels very solid and sturdy -- very well made.
Front-firing cardiod-pattern dynamic mic (helps reduce most "background" noise).
Completely USB-powered.

Cons:
Direct to USB: No possibility of using a hardware mixer or voice processor, and you can't use more than one at a time (except maybe with special software).
Large and heavy. Not really a big deal if you keep it on a mic stand like I do, but you need a real stand -- not a cheap one.
Doesn't come with any kind of padded box for storage/travel like pro mics. It's probably not meant for travel, but its functionality and all-in-one design certainly encourage it.
White plastic body and white USB cable. Sure, it matches my MacBook, but for some reason it feels a little weird that it's not silver or black. Personal taste, and I couldn't find much else to complain about.

All in all, it exceeds my current needs, and I'm selling my "pro" equipment to fund my other hobbies. I would recommend this to any podcaster who doesn't need multiple mics or a hardware mixer. If you just want to sound great on Skype, this'll do the trick, although it will probably be overkill.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heavy, July 30, 2009

By 

G. Rubin "Gadget Geek!" (Miami, Fl USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone (Electronics)

Ok - this is one heavy mic! I'm using it to create podcasts and training video's. The sound quality is excellent - studio quality. I had to purchase On Stage DS7200B Adjustable Desk Microphone Stand, Black to keep it from falling over. The problem is the the mic must mount from the rear, so all the weight is hanging over. I also strongly suggest Rode PSM1 Shockmount. It serves a few purposes; 1) it changes the center of gravity when mounting the mic since it attaches to the mic stand in the middle and allows the mic to hang more rearward and it provides a shock absorber. Using it on a MAC with VM - has no issues being recognized by XP and OS X. Overall, very happy with the mic.