RØDE’s “PodMic” and “PodMic USB” are dynamic microphones for streaming and podcasts. The PodMic connects only by XLR, and the PodMic USB connects by both USB and XLR. In this article we compare the 2 models using only the specifications the manufacturer publishes, and rank them on the same criteria as the other 11 dynamic microphones on this site.
Disclosure: This site takes part in affiliate programs. Specifications are as of the date we checked them and can change.
In short: which one to choose
- PodMic (rank C): a cardioid dynamic microphone with XLR connection.
- PodMic USB (rank S): a cardioid dynamic microphone with USB and XLR connection. Strong on ease of getting enough gain, high-frequency range and features.
The highest score among the 2 models is PodMic USB (rank S, average 4.3). But the model you need depends on how many things you record at once and which features you use. You do not need to choose a higher model for inputs, outputs or features you will not use.
Main features of the RODE PodMic series
Both are broadcast microphones for voice use
The PodMic and PodMic USB are dynamic microphones for voice uses such as podcasts, streaming, narration and games. Both have a pop filter and shock mount built into the microphone, and an integrated swing mount whose direction you can change.
PodMic: the simple, XLR-only model
The PodMic connects to an audio interface or mixer over XLR. It needs no power. Its frequency response is 50 Hz to 15 kHz and its sensitivity is 1.4 mV.
PodMic USB: also connects by USB, with sound-shaping features
The PodMic USB can connect directly to a computer or smartphone (iOS and Android) over USB-C in addition to XLR. Over USB, you can use RØDE’s preamp (Revolution Preamp) and APHEX sound-shaping features (high-pass filter, noise gate, compressor, Aural Exciter, Big Bottom). It also has a headphone jack (with volume control) for hearing your own voice with no delay.
Differences in what comes in the box
The PodMic USB comes with an external pop filter (WS14) and a USB-C cable (SC29). The PodMic is the body only, and the external pop filter WS14 is sold separately.
Where it is useful
- Getting your voice across clearly on a podcast or stream
- Plugging straight into a computer by USB at first and using an audio interface later (PodMic USB)
- Recording on the go with a smartphone (PodMic USB)
Differences in specifications (comparison table)
| Model | Rank | Ease of getting enough gain | High-frequency range | Rejection of surrounding sound | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PodMic | C (2.3) | 1.4 mV/Pa (2 points) | 15,000 Hz (2 points) | Cardioid (3 points) | 1 of 5 (2 points) |
| PodMic USB | S (4.3) | USB (built-in preamp) (5 points) | 20,000 Hz (5 points) | Cardioid (3 points) | 3 of 5 (4 points) |
How we score (Dynamic microphones)
| Criterion | Basis | 5 pt | 4 pt | 3 pt | 2 pt | 1 pt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of getting enough gain | Sensitivity at the XLR output (USB models have a built-in preamp and get full marks) | ≥2.5 | ≥2 | ≥1.6 | ≥1.3 | <1.3 |
| High-frequency range | Upper limit of the frequency response | ≥20000 | ≥18000 | ≥16000 | ≥15000 | <15000 |
| Rejection of surrounding sound | Pickup pattern | Supercardioid / hypercardioid | — | Cardioid (unidirectional) | — | — |
| Features | USB, XLR, low-cut, presence, headphone jack | 4 to 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | None |
Scored only on the body specifications published by the manufacturer. Price and accessories are not part of the score. "Ease of getting enough gain" answers the common question "do I need a preamp (booster)?". Over XLR, the higher the sensitivity (mV/Pa), the less you need to turn up the gain on the audio interface. Models that can also connect by USB have a preamp inside the microphone, so there is no worry about running short of gain and they get 5 points. Rejection of surrounding sound is decided by the pickup pattern: supercardioid and hypercardioid, which pick up little from outside the front, score highest. Weight is shown in the table for reference.
Rating of each model
PodMic
Score 2.3 / 5 (average of the 17 models compared: 3.5)
- Specs last checked
- 2026/10/19
- Connection
- XLR
- Pickup pattern
- Cardioid
- Sensitivity
- 1.4mV/Pa
- Weight
- Not disclosed
- Price (store, date)
- Not disclosed
- It connects by XLR. You need an audio interface or mixer. It is a dynamic microphone, so it does not need phantom power (+48 V).
- Its sensitivity is low, at 1.4 mV/Pa. You need to turn the gain of the audio interface up a lot. Choose an interface with plenty of gain, or use a microphone booster (a device that lifts the signal) to be safe.
PodMic USB
Score 4.3 / 5 (average of the 17 models compared: 3.5)
- Specs last checked
- 2026/10/19
- Connection
- USB / XLR
- Pickup pattern
- Cardioid
- Sensitivity
- 1.4mV/Pa
- Weight
- 900g
- Price (store, date)
- Not disclosed
- It connects by both USB and XLR. You can first plug it straight into a computer by USB, and later switch to an audio interface over XLR.
- Its sensitivity is low, at 1.4 mV/Pa. You need to turn the gain of the audio interface up a lot. Choose an interface with plenty of gain, or use a microphone booster (a device that lifts the signal) to be safe.
Compared with other dynamic microphones
Click a heading to sort. On a phone, the table scrolls sideways.
RODE PodMic series: connection and getting started
| Connection | PodMic: XLR only / PodMic USB: XLR and USB-C (computer, iOS, Android) |
|---|---|
| Power | The PodMic needs none. The PodMic USB runs on USB power (5 V) when used over USB |
| In the box | PodMic: body only / PodMic USB: pop filter WS14, USB-C cable SC29 |
| Other | When the PodMic USB is used over USB, the supported OS is Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.15 or later (datasheet). Recording is 24-bit/48 kHz |
Checked on the manufacturer’s official pages on September 27, 2026.
| Product | RankAvg. score | Connection | Pickup pattern | SensitivitymV/Pa | Upper limitHz | Weightg | Price (store, date) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ShureSM58 | C 2.5 | XLR | Cardioid | 1.6 | 15,000 | 330 | Not disclosed |
| ShureSM7B | B 3.3 | XLR | Cardioid | 1.12 | 20,000 | 764 | Not disclosed |
| ShureBETA 58A | A 3.8 | XLR | Supercardioid | 2.6 | 16,000 | 278 | Not disclosed |
| RØDEPodMic | C 2.3 | XLR | Cardioid | 1.4 | 15,000 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| RØDEPodMic USB | S 4.3 | USB / XLR | Cardioid | 1.4 | 20,000 | 900 | Not disclosed |
| RØDEProcaster | B 3.0 | XLR | Cardioid | 1.6 | 18,000 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Audio-TechnicaAT2040 | A 3.5 | XLR | Hypercardioid | 2.2 | 16,000 | 615 | Not disclosed |
| Audio-TechnicaAT2040USB | S 4.3 | USB | Hypercardioid | Not disclosed | 16,000 | 600 | Not disclosed |
| Audio-TechnicaATR2100x-USB | A 3.5 | USB / XLR | Cardioid | Not disclosed | 15,000 | 268 | Not disclosed |
| Sennheisere 835 | B 3.3 | XLR | Cardioid | 2.7 | 16,000 | 330 | Not disclosed |
| Sennheisere 945 | A 3.8 | XLR | Supercardioid | 2 | 18,000 | 366 | Not disclosed |
| ShureMV7+ | A 4.0 | USB / XLR | Cardioid | Not disclosed | 16,000 | 574 | Not disclosed |
| ShureSM57 | C 2.5 | XLR | Cardioid | 1.6 | 15,000 | 284 | Not disclosed |
| ShureSM7dB | S 4.3 | XLR | Cardioid | 28.2 | 20,000 | 837 | Not disclosed |
| Electro-VoiceRE20 | B 2.8 | XLR | Cardioid | 1.5 | 18,000 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| SamsonQ2U | A 3.5 | USB / XLR | Cardioid | 2 | 15,000 | 320 | Not disclosed |
| SamsonQ9U | S 4.5 | USB / XLR | Cardioid | 1.4 | 20,000 | 970 | Not disclosed |
Specifications are the manufacturer's published values (checked October 19, 2026). The official pages for the RODE PodMic and Procaster do not state a weight (weight is not part of the score).
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