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 ; 2.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 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: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,185 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #12 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Microphones > Dynamic Microphones > Multipurpose
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

PODCASTER Broadcast Quality USB Microphone

PODCASTER Broadcast Quality USB Microphone Key Features:

• Broadcast Sound Quality
• 28mm dynamic capsule
• 18-bit resolution, 8-48kHz sampling
• Windows and Mac compatible
• Powered by USB bus
• Internal capsule shock mounting
• 3.5mm stereo headphone output with volume control built-in to body
• Ideal for voice recognition software
• Designed and manufactured in Australia

The RØDE Podcaster is a dynamic, end-address USB microphone that combines broadcast quality audio with the simplicity of USB connectivity, allowing recording direct to a computer without the need for an additional digital interface.

Including an audiophile quality 18-bit resolution, 48kHz sampling A/D converter, the Podcaster processes all of the analogue to digital conversion internally, bypassing the computer's lower quality on-board sound controller altogether.

A headphone output on the microphone body provides zero latency monitoring, so the user can hear exactly what is being recorded, free of delay or echo.

The Podcaster features an internal pop filter, designed to minimize plosives sounds that can overload the microphone capsule and distort the audio output.

It is fully compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Mac OS X computers, as well as several Linux distributions. The microphone is bus powered and features a status LED to indicate operation.

The Podcaster is ideal for podcasting, vodcasting, YouTube videos, voice recognition software, corporate videos and any production application that requires a simple yet professional voice over microphone. It is also a convenient demo microphone for musicians and songwriters that prefer the convenience of a USB microphone but don't want to compromise sound quality.

It can also be used as an iPad microphone for the Apple iPad (in conjunction with the iPad Camera Connection Kit and a powered USB hub) to provide high quality recording to various iPad audio applications such as Garageband.

The Podcaster includes a sturdy RM2 microphone ring mount. For professional applications the optional PSM1 shock mount and PSA1 boom arm are highly recommended.

The RØDE Podcaster dynamic USB microphone is covered by RØDE Microphones' industry leading 10 year warranty.

Specifications

Acoustic Principle: Dynamic
Active Electronics: Analogue signal conditioning + A/D and USB interface
Polar Pattern: Cardioid - Picks up audio from the front and sides and rejects from the rear
Resolution: 18-bit
Sampling Rate: 8-48kHz
Address Type: End
Frequency Range: 40Hz - 14kHz
Output Impedance: 0Ω
Maximum SPL: 115dB SPL (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ load)
Sensitivity: -51.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (2.80mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz
Power Options: USB bus powered
Weight: 610.00gm
Dimensions: 215.00mmH x 56.00mmW x 52.00mmD
Output: USB Output

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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.

PODCASTER Broadcast Quality USB Microphone

PODCASTER Broadcast Quality USB Microphone Key Features:

• Broadcast Sound Quality
• 28mm dynamic capsule
• 18-bit resolution, 8-48kHz sampling
• Windows and Mac compatible
• Powered by USB bus
• Internal capsule shock mounting
• 3.5mm stereo headphone output with volume control built-in to body
• Ideal for voice recognition software
• Designed and manufactured in Australia

The RØDE Podcaster is a dynamic, end-address USB microphone that combines broadcast quality audio with the simplicity of USB connectivity, allowing recording direct to a computer without the need for an additional digital interface.

Including an audiophile quality 18-bit resolution, 48kHz sampling A/D converter, the Podcaster processes all of the analogue to digital conversion internally, bypassing the computer's lower quality on-board sound controller altogether.

A headphone output on the microphone body provides zero latency monitoring, so the user can hear exactly what is being recorded, free of delay or echo.

The Podcaster features an internal pop filter, designed to minimize plosives sounds that can overload the microphone capsule and distort the audio output.

It is fully compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Mac OS X computers, as well as several Linux distributions. The microphone is bus powered and features a status LED to indicate operation.

The Podcaster is ideal for podcasting, vodcasting, YouTube videos, voice recognition software, corporate videos and any production application that requires a simple yet professional voice over microphone. It is also a convenient demo microphone for musicians and songwriters that prefer the convenience of a USB microphone but don't want to compromise sound quality.

It can also be used as an iPad microphone for the Apple iPad (in conjunction with the iPad Camera Connection Kit and a powered USB hub) to provide high quality recording to various iPad audio applications such as Garageband.

The Podcaster includes a sturdy RM2 microphone ring mount. For professional applications the optional PSM1 shock mount and PSA1 boom arm are highly recommended.

The RØDE Podcaster dynamic USB microphone is covered by RØDE Microphones' industry leading 10 year warranty.

Specifications

Acoustic Principle: Dynamic
Active Electronics: Analogue signal conditioning + A/D and USB interface
Polar Pattern: Cardioid - Picks up audio from the front and sides and rejects from the rear
Resolution: 18-bit
Sampling Rate: 8-48kHz
Address Type: End
Frequency Range: 40Hz - 14kHz
Output Impedance: 0Ω
Maximum SPL: 115dB SPL (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1KΩ load)
Sensitivity: -51.0dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (2.80mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB @ 1kHz
Power Options: USB bus powered
Weight: 610.00gm
Dimensions: 215.00mmH x 56.00mmW x 52.00mmD
Output: USB Output

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RODE SM6 Shock Mount with Integrated Pop Shield

The Rode SM6 Microphone Shockmount with Pop Filter is a high quality suspension shock mount that supports many large diaphragm Rode microphones.

Rode Procaster Broadcast Dynamic Vocal Microphone

Designed as a no-compromise microphone for On-Air broadcast use, the Rode Procaster Broadcast Dynamic Vocal Microphone is one of the ultimate broadcast quality mics for the 21st century.

RODE PSA 1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm (Black)

The Rode PSA 1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm is the professional way to mount your microphone to a studio desk. The PSA1 works with almost any mic on the market.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 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

Amazon Verified Purchase

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.

34 of 34 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

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. Read more ›

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Heavy July 30, 2009

By G. Rubin

Amazon Verified Purchase

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Quality January 5, 2013

By Bob Tobias #1 HALL OF FAMETOP 10 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Length: 1:18 Mins

I've been a big fan of BLUE microphones for some time. Frankly, I still am for some applications as they provide great quality at a reasonable price.

However, I was curious about how much difference there would be with a microphone that claimed to provide Broadcast Quality Audio when used in a non-broadcast setting... no sound board, no sound engineer, no nothing but me and the USB port on my computer.

I put together the attached video that provides such a comparison. There is a difference and, to me, the Podcaster sounds a better and captures my voice more accurately.

BTW, I feel that honest, effective reviews, accompanied by detailed videos, can take the place of first-hand experiences that are often lacking in online shopping. I've always appreciated the help I've received from other reviewers and try to return the favor as best as I can. Please let me know if found this review helpful and the video at least entertaining. If there was anything you thought was lacking or unclear leave a comment and I'll do what I can to fix it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars 500X Better than my old Samson C01u Studio COndenser July 13, 2010

By Scott Cate

Amazon Verified Purchase

I'm using this mic for screencasts. I record with TechSmith Camtasia. I don't have any software installed, other than what comes with Windows7 and Camtasia. Talking less than 1 inch away from the Samson mic, I have to put the record volume on 100% gain, and then I have to increase the volume 200% in post production. Then the audio is clear - but it seems overmodulated.

With this new (new to me) Rode Podcaster, I have the gain at 40% and I don't have to increase the volume in post production. The sound is crisp and clear - and has very little background noise.

HIGHLY recommend this mic for podcasting.