Rode NT-USB Mini USB Microphone for Podcaster announced

There is a new, small USB microphone from Rode! It’s called the Rode NT USB Mini, so it’s clearly placed under the Rode Podcaster NT-USB (priced at $169 on BH Photo and Amazon).

In the style of a classic broadcast microphone, the Rode NT-USB Mini, which weighs 500 grams only, comes with a swivel bracket that can either be attached to a table stand, microphone stand or in a studio boom – magnetically!

The new Rode podmic uses a cardioid polar pattern capsule. However, it is not entirely clear what size it is. In comparison with the NT-USB, the NT-USB Mini does not at least read “small membrane capsule”. In terms of sound, it should not only be suitable for recording voice, but also for instrument pick-up, its frequency response is described with 20 Hz – 20 kHz without mentioning deviation values. Not much data mentioned, but 1% THD + N is already reached at 121 dB SPL. It is probably quite sensitive to this and has low noise.

As befits a current USB microphone, latency-free monitoring is also possible, which is done via the 3.5mm headphone jack. A built-in windscreen helps mitigate vocal pops and plosives for a cleaner sound. The included stand is more than a stand—it isolates the NT-USB Mini from structurally borne noises and vibrations. This also ensures a cleaner sound.

Thanks to its class-compliant USB output, you can send audio directly to computers and laptops, with no drivers or dedicated audio interfaces required. Just plug a pair of headphones into the NT-USB Mini’s 3.5mm jack. A convenient volume dial helps you raise or lower the headphone level to your miking.

The Rode microphone has been crafted out of steel and reinforced nylon resin, making the whole body as durable as it is pleasurable. With stability in form, euphonics in sound, and convenience in use, the NT-USB Mini can be the go-to for digital-broadcast needs, no matter the studio, or even if there is no studio at all.

The AD conversion takes place up to a sample rate of 48 kHz at 24 bits. USB connectivity takes place via USB-C. The Rode NT USB Mini is class compliant and runs with OS X from 10.12 and Windows from 10.

Price and Availability

Rode NT-USB Mini Microphone has been priced at $99, it can be pre-ordered through Bhphotovideo and Amazon online stores.