Rode NT-USB Mini Studio Quality USB Microphone

Podcasting and vlogging is exploding as literally everybody is becoming talkshow hosts and journalists from home. I bought this mic (Rode NT-USB Mini) last week and immediately my broadcast game was elevated to a new level. For years I was trying to figure out an easy way to run multiple USB mics on a single computer with no success. Rode has made it possible with this awesome little mic. In conjunction with the Rode connect software you can use up to 4 of these on one laptop. The sound quality is really pro level and it is literally plug and play. What's really cool is that I can even use it with my Galaxy smartphone giving my mobile set the pro sound quality that I get in studio. Thank you Rode, this is a winner! And AMS makes purchasing fast and simple.

Excellent product. Hard to beat in this price range.

I spent a lot of time looking for a decent USB microphone, and checked out many reviews on the subject. This one came with only good recommendations, to which I can happily lend my additional support. The build quality is impressively substantial, which is reflected in the fact that this microphone is surprisingly heavy for its size; although not inconveniently so. On the contrary; it 'feels' like a quality item. To some extent its suitability depends upon your intended use. And the small size of this unit may not suit those who intend it to be employed in a 'sitting on the desk' position, because from base to top it only reaches a height of 14cm (5.5") which means that you would need to place it on a stand to avoid bending over whilst speaking. But if, like me, you ... MoreI spent a lot of time looking for a decent USB microphone, and checked out many reviews on the subject. This one came with only good recommendations, to which I can happily lend my additional support. The build quality is impressively substantial, which is reflected in the fact that this microphone is surprisingly heavy for its size; although not inconveniently so. On the contrary; it 'feels' like a quality item. To some extent its suitability depends upon your intended use. And the small size of this unit may not suit those who intend it to be employed in a 'sitting on the desk' position, because from base to top it only reaches a height of 14cm (5.5") which means that you would need to place it on a stand to avoid bending over whilst speaking. But if, like me, you want it for singing it can be easily hand-held (although not obviously designed for this purpose) or fitted to a standard microphone stand with the adaptor as supplied. The sound quality is obviously the main thing, however, and this is as good as any other microphone I have experienced. It is easy to use without any tedious downloading of special drivers, and is the literal definition of 'plug in and play'. The sound can be monitored through a headphone jack with a level control. Admittedly the volume level throughthe headphone O/P could have had a bit more level available, but really nothing to complain about. So, if you need a good USB microphone it is my opinion that you can't really go wrong with this. And, at this price, it's really a very good deal indeed.

Great Choice for On-the-Go Podcasting

Your options for decent podcasting mics in this price range are anything but limited these days. But that doesn't stop the NT-USB Mini from finding its niche. If you've ever purchased or used a Rode product, you already know that they are made with love and attention to detail. No love was spared when designing this little champ of a mic, and in the short time I've been using it, the performance has so far upheld the Rode standard.That said, I will tell you that if you've been podcasting a while or you're looking for a more traditional broadcast sound, you might want to try a dynamic mic like the Rode Podmic or MXL BCD-1. The latter is a bit pricier but you can often find it on sale and, in my experience, has proven to suit a wide range of voices.Still, I'm ... MoreYour options for decent podcasting mics in this price range are anything but limited these days. But that doesn't stop the NT-USB Mini from finding its niche. If you've ever purchased or used a Rode product, you already know that they are made with love and attention to detail. No love was spared when designing this little champ of a mic, and in the short time I've been using it, the performance has so far upheld the Rode standard.That said, I will tell you that if you've been podcasting a while or you're looking for a more traditional broadcast sound, you might want to try a dynamic mic like the Rode Podmic or MXL BCD-1. The latter is a bit pricier but you can often find it on sale and, in my experience, has proven to suit a wide range of voices.Still, I'm thrilled with this new entry from Rode for two reasons.Firstly, many creators are familiar with another popular cardioid condenser mic called the Blue Yeti and I must say, for the money, I find the NT Mini comparable in every way, save for its lack of available polar patterns. With minimal post-processing, I managed to get a clean sound in a variety of different spaces as long as I kept the mic within 6 inches of my mouth (I don't recommend using the stand it comes with, despite the fact that it's adorable). And the use of USB-C is a welcome change from the nightmare that is the Yeti's mini USB port. This one feels much sturdier and connects much faster.Secondly, its compact size makes it a serious contender for the best entry-level on-the-go podcasting kit. I work with many hosts and guests who have little experience with recording equipment and need a quick, easy setup that can move with them. This, so far, fits the bill.I give this lil dude 5 stars with the caveat that, while it's not right for everyone, it excels at the few things it was meant to do.

Great Mic when it works! Buy your own usb-c cable!

When I went to record my first voice over - the recording was static filled, washed and leering. After some investigation, I found it was the RODE provided USB Cable...After trying a few usb-c cables of my own I found a sturdier Nimaso brand cable was strong enough to carry the signal clearly. Now the mic works like a charm. The audio is great and the build of the product is sturdy. RODE simply overlooked the importance of a strong cable to the integrity of this mic and that should be addressed.

Great bundle set

So Rode microphones are always known for their quality and this one is no different. Straight out of the box you can feel the metal grill and the weight of the product. Audio wise, it is pretty sensitive, and the included pop filter does work to a certain extent. I don't have powerful plosives so for me that's not a big issue, but for most I would recommend buying an additional pop filter if you don't already have one. The main catch of this microphone is that you need to download the associated rode software to have the mic sound good through applications like zoom or teams. It may just be the way my streaming PC is set up, but the software has caused a few issues with audio settings, albeit nothing that's impossible to work around. The headset jack on the ... MoreSo Rode microphones are always known for their quality and this one is no different. Straight out of the box you can feel the metal grill and the weight of the product. Audio wise, it is pretty sensitive, and the included pop filter does work to a certain extent. I don't have powerful plosives so for me that's not a big issue, but for most I would recommend buying an additional pop filter if you don't already have one. The main catch of this microphone is that you need to download the associated rode software to have the mic sound good through applications like zoom or teams. It may just be the way my streaming PC is set up, but the software has caused a few issues with audio settings, albeit nothing that's impossible to work around. The headset jack on the microphone is also solid and works to power more hungry devices. The book arm that comes with this set is significantly sturdier than the one I had prior. Easy to set up if you have any knowledge of how a boom arm should look. Wish it included a shock mount but for this price that's asking a lot. Mic screwed into the mount easily with the adapter and the boom is solid enough to hold up this hefty mic with no issue. I haven't used the headset yet, as I got it as a backup when people join on stream, but it seems comfortable when I put it on. Maybe a little too tight for those who wear glasses but that should loosen up a bit over time to become more comfortable. Tldr: Good Mic, Good Boom, Good Price, Haven't used the headset.

Not worth using even if recieved for free.

I recieved the NT-USB mini for free, and was looking forward to the free upgrade over my current 9 year old microphone, that I originally got for half the price of a brand new NT-USB mini. Upon using it for the first time to talk to friends, their first reaction was "why do you sound so bad?". They thought maybe their headphones or the internet connection was causing it, and I thought maybe they were just not used to the sound, but everyone I talked to, their first reaction wasn't that I sounded different, or even that it was not noticeable. Every one of them commented on how my audio quality had gotten much worse since they last talked to me, and they had no idea I had replaced my mic. "It sounds like you are talking through a screen" "like talking through a ... MoreI recieved the NT-USB mini for free, and was looking forward to the free upgrade over my current 9 year old microphone, that I originally got for half the price of a brand new NT-USB mini. Upon using it for the first time to talk to friends, their first reaction was "why do you sound so bad?". They thought maybe their headphones or the internet connection was causing it, and I thought maybe they were just not used to the sound, but everyone I talked to, their first reaction wasn't that I sounded different, or even that it was not noticeable. Every one of them commented on how my audio quality had gotten much worse since they last talked to me, and they had no idea I had replaced my mic. "It sounds like you are talking through a screen" "like talking through a drive-through ordering audio thing". Upon replugging in my old mic the issue was fixed, and there were no audio issues. I tried tweaking all settings, but even across different settings and different computers the audio quality just straight up sucks. No special drivers or software can be found on the RODE site that fixes this issue. Don't bother buying this garbage. My 9 year old Audio Technica ATR2100-USB (out of manufacture, they do have a newer model but I have not used it and can't tell you if it is bad or not) outpreforms this RODE mic. I know of cheap Chinese microphones available that either outpreform or go equal with the NT-USB mini for 20% of the cost (not bad for >=100% of the audio quality). Maybe RODE knew their mics were so bad which is why they were giving them out for free. I cannot find anyone willing to take the mic off my hands for FREE.

Plug and Play Heaven

Whenever I review a mic, I take into account ease of use, sound quality, and build quality (perceived durability). I also ask myself who the product is for and what part it plays in the market as a whole. In this case, the buyer is also given the option — take it! — of downloading a mic-specific software package, in this instance Rode Connect. The build quality is impressive, given the affordability of this condenser mic. The microphone comes with a proportionately small base, but unless you set the base on something to bring it up closer to head level, you will not optimize your recording experience. So, I bypassed that base entirely and attached the mic cage to a FrameWorks free-standing boom and adjusted the arm to the desired level; you could have as easily used ... MoreWhenever I review a mic, I take into account ease of use, sound quality, and build quality (perceived durability). I also ask myself who the product is for and what part it plays in the market as a whole. In this case, the buyer is also given the option — take it! — of downloading a mic-specific software package, in this instance Rode Connect. The build quality is impressive, given the affordability of this condenser mic. The microphone comes with a proportionately small base, but unless you set the base on something to bring it up closer to head level, you will not optimize your recording experience. So, I bypassed that base entirely and attached the mic cage to a FrameWorks free-standing boom and adjusted the arm to the desired level; you could have as easily used a full-on boom arm like Rode's PSA-1 (I have one), but I wanted to try out the Mini and rode Connect post haste, and did not want to remove my Rode NT 1-A from its accustomed "throne." I needed to purchase a quality USB-C to USB-C cable, because the cable packaged with the Mini is USB-C to USB-A, and my M1 iMac is all USB-C. The Mini is fully plug and play: plug your USB-C end into the back of the Mini and the other end of your cable into a port on your computer. Also plug your headphones (I have a good quality closed-back Audio Technica set) into the back of the Mini and you will have zero-latency monitoring. Download Rode Connect software after updating the Mini's firmware. On your computer, go to System Preferences > Sound and select your microphone for both Input and Output. You are almost ready to record. After adding your Mini in Rode Connect — there are several excellent videos online that explain the basic functions of the software — begin recording! I would recommend that you try the various setting options in Rode Connect and find those that are most suitable for your voice; we're all different. The Noise Gate option works well enough, but it's an all-or-nothing Noise Gate and may cause you to lose some of the nuanced sound that you would get in, say, the Rodecaster Pro and its companion software: I've done side-by-side comparison with the Rodecaster Pro, and it's just not the same. The Connect software is minimalist and will not allow you to achieve the nuanced, smooth-as-butter sound of the Rodecaster Pro, but the Connect software is also free. 'Nuff said. Note, the Mini is a condenser microphone, so you will likely want to use the Noise Gate. When you do, the proximity effect with cross-axis delivery keeps those pesky plosives and extraneous noises to a minimum, even if you live next door to a rowdy bar (I do); the Mini also has its own built-in pop filter. I would also recommend using the Compressor while recording; it works very well. Unless you have a Rodecaster Pro, this is quite serviceable. The aural effects options are not necessary, but they may enhance your delivery, depending on the natural timbre of your voice. You can now directly export your recording to the basic hosting platforms; recordings are by default in .wav file format, but you can (and in most instances must !) select MP3 for export. What do you lose and what do you gain by using the Mini and Rode Connect? The Mini is a very good mic in its price range but I would not put it on par with a high quality large capsule condenser like the the NT 1-A; on the other hand, it's considerably less expensive. Also the Connect software offers few options for fine-tuning your recording and there is almost no post-production. The emphasis all the way is ease of use and demystifying the occasionally mysterious world of full-featured DAWs and post-production. For the seasoned sound engineer — which I most assuredly am not! — this will appear very limited; on the other hand, for the fledgling podcaster overwhelmed by the expense and sophistication of the tools of the trade, the Mini and Rode Connect offer a very affordable way to "get the message out," with the proviso that there are still rungs to ascend as one becomes more experienced. If you have a computer and a Mini, you can now podcast! The wall has come tumbling down, and your voice, crisp and clear, will be heard. At last!

Sounds great for my voice

I do a lot of video podcasts and live streaming/virtual events and I always get compliments on my audio. The added bonus is the Rode Connect software that allows me to record audio (such as interviews, audio from a video clip, etc). I can even pipe sound directly into a live stream with Rode Connect (free download). I recently this kit so I have bought Rode NT-Mini to travel with. The arm is small than the one I have in my home office. I use it in my living room area when I want to take advantage of natural light for a recording. It's not the best-built thing I own but it gets the job done. I don't use the headphones much but they are comfortable. They have a definite plastic feel but I do like that I can manipulate the headphone cups DJ-style

This little Rodent is excellent.

Heavy base - I mean the stand, not the sound. Recorded sound is authentic. Built-in pop filter is so-so. I really like the swivel mechanism - it maintains good balance (physics, not the sound per channel) when mounted on the boom (the metal rod, not the noise). Even though it is made in Australia, my accent didn't come out like an Aussie. But crikey mate, this thing changes you into an ocker in a hurry. If ya lookin to catch some noise short of a cooee, then it's not right for ya. That's my John Dory. If ya doing easy recording, no worries, mate, she'll be right. ...Dang! I better turn this thing off.