Over the last few years, podcasting has changed the way we interact with audio media. The entertainment for the daily commute has changed for a constantly increasing number of people. Everyone has their favourite podcast.
These days, the importance of creating content as musician has absolutely skyrocketed. To a large degree spurred on by the pandemic, musicians and artists of all types simply have to consider and explore every angle to reach their audiences.
Whether you’re interviewing collaborators, talking up your new releases, or just having a weekly conversation with your audience, the value of podcasting and audio media couldn’t possibly be overstated.
This can, of course, have some implications in terms of the gear required. But fortunately Rode understand the value of podcasting and have, over the past few years, developed a fantastic range of podcasting focused gear to make your setup as simple as possible. Let’s take a look at what Rode have on offer, and consider the two primary ways to go about recording your podcast audio – XLR or USB.
XLR vs USB
USB Mics
If you’re looking to dive into the world of podcasting, but you’re on a budget, and don’t already have any mics or audio interfaces lying around, USB microphones can be a great option. USB microphones can plug directly into your PC or laptop, keeping your setup incredibly simple.
You can purchase as many mics as you need, plug them in, and be on your way.
XLR Mics
If a more full-fledged, professional system is what you’re after, or you already have some mics or an interface lying around, building a full XLR-based podcasting studio can be a fantastic, and most importantly, expandable investment.
The NT-USB Mini
The NT-USB Mini brings the pristine sound quality of RØDE’s world-class studio mics to a compact, easy-to-use USB microphone. Designed to deliver crystal-clear, professional-quality audio direct to a computer or tablet, it’s the perfect microphone for gamers, podcasters, musicians, streamers, and content creators who want to be heard in full definition.
Like we mentioned earlier, this delivers a simple plug-and-play option to get your podcast live – and quick.
The RØDECaster Pro
The RØDECaster Pro is the flagship XLR-based podcasting unit from Rode. Their aim was to offer an all-in-one solution, and they achieved exactly that.
Whether you’re new at recording or a professional broadcaster, the RØDECaster Pro will be all you’ll ever need for great quality recordings.
What’s so unique about the RØDECaster Pro? It’s the first fully integrated podcast production studio.
With its 4 high-quality microphone channels, you can easily connect microphones for you and your guests because of the automatic level settings.
The RØDECaster Pro includes eight programmable sound effect pads. This allows you to have instant access to music, sound effects, jingles, and any other effects you need. Simply “drag and drop” the files you need from your computer using the software to begin recording audio directly to the programmable pads.
New Update Ads MIDI Control
The RØDECaster Pro firmware version 2.1.2 unlocks a number of new features on the RØDECaster Pro, including:
- USB MIDI Control, allowing the user to access DAW synchronization in multitrack recording sessions, vision switching capabilities, and much more
- New sound pad modes, including a ‘Swear Button’ for bleeping out audio on the fly and a ‘Trash Talk’ mode for muting the output to remote callers on the USB, smartphone, and Bluetooth channels
- ASIO driver for added stability on Windows
- New language options for the RØDECaster Pro and Companion app interfaces, including Chinese, Spanish, German, Italian, French, Japanese, and Korean.
Download version 2.1.2 now, and view all of the how-to guides at http://rockro.de/update-firmware-212
The Podcaster
The RØDE Podcaster is the ideal microphone for modern podcasting. Simply connect it to any computer via USB, and you will have broadcast-quality audio. That means that you can record with the RØDE Podcaster directly to a computer without the need for additional digital interfaces.
With the RØDE Podcaster you can do podcasting, vodcasting, and any production applications in need of a simple yet professional voice-over.
Its 48kHz sampling A/D converter allows the Podcaster to internally process all analogue-to-digital conversions by bypassing the computer’s low-quality onboard sound controller.
The Procaster
Offering no-compromise performance in the broadcast environment, the RØDE Procaster is the perfect dynamic microphone for professional recording.
The microphone is perfectly suited for those in need of superior ambient noise rejection because of its tailored-for-voice frequency response feature.
To prevent distorted audio output, the RØDE Procaster includes an internal pop filter. This feature helps minimise plosives sounds which could potentially overload the microphone capsule.
The PodMic
Designed and built for Podcasting, the PodMic is the ultimate broadcast-grade dynamic microphone that you’ve been waiting for. The PodMic is durable, flexible and perfect whether you’re reading delicate poetry or a sports commentator. The microphone will ensure you deliver a balanced vocal tone to your all your listeners.
The PodMic gives a rich, even sound for all your recordings with its built-in pop filter, ensuring your voice has that smooth, professional-quality sound you need for your recordings.
Although the PodMic can be used with any XLR interface, it’s best optimised to be used with the RØDECaster Pro.
