HyperX
HyperX QuadCast 2 S
Condenser · USB-C · Cardioid, Omni, Bidirectional, Stereo
8.4
$150Nov 9
RØDE PodMic USB
The PodMic's dynamic sound with USB-C and XLR on one body, though the convenience costs extra.
- Dynamic
- USB-C, XLR
- Cardioid
PCPR score
8.0
Great
Best price we’ve seen
$199MSRP
List price from the maker. Street prices may be higher.
R1
The short version
The PodMic USB is a cardioid dynamic broadcast microphone with both USB-C and XLR outputs, a 24-bit/48 kHz digital path, onboard DSP via RØDE's apps and a zero-latency headphone output. Tom's Hardware likes the sturdy build and included pop filter but notes it costs far more than the original PodMic, has no on-mic controls and needs a separately bought stand, and MusicRadar likes how easily it fits a desk setup while still sounding strong. It suits creators who want USB simplicity now with an XLR path for later.
Pros
- USB-C and XLR outputs on one microphone
- 24-bit/48 kHz USB path with onboard DSP through RØDE's apps
- Zero-latency headphone output for monitoring
- Sturdy build with an included pop filter, per Tom's Hardware
Cons
- About twice the price of the original PodMic at launch (Tom's Hardware)
- No on-mic controls, and USB and XLR cannot be used at the same time
- Stand or arm is not included, per Tom's Hardware
Best for
- Creators who want USB now and XLR later
- Streamers who need direct USB with broadcast tuning
J3
Full specifications
Core
- Type
- Dynamic
Connectivity
- Connection
- USB-C, XLR
Performance
- Pickup patterns
- Cardioid
- Max sample rate
- 48 kHz
- Bit depth
- 24 bit
Fit
- Needs interface
- No
Features
- Mute control
- No
- Headphone monitoring
- Yes
Compatibility notes
- USB-C connects directly to a computer or phone; XLR connects to an interface or mixer.
- Tom's Hardware notes XLR and USB cannot be used at the same time.
P1
Where to buy
- Buy from the maker
RØDE official page
Direct link
- Check price on Amazon
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- See it at Best Buy
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- See it at B&H
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AV1
Video reviews
Mixed · Review
Rode Podmic USB Review / Test (vs. SM7b, NT-USB, Procaster, Q2u)
Podcastage
Podcastage reviews the Rode PodMic USB dynamic mic, comparing its sound against the SM7b, NT-USB, Procaster, and Q2u.
Positive · Review
RODE HAS PERFECTED THE USB/XLR MIC!! | PODMIC USB REVIEW
Dark Corner Studios
Dark Corner Studios reviews the Rode PodMic USB hybrid XLR/USB microphone, with the title suggesting Rode perfected the format.
Positive · Review
PodMic USB is BETTER than you think!
nexgen
Nexgen reviews the Rode PodMic USB, arguing it offers better value than many think despite its $200 price tag.
AV2
What reviewers and owners say
Tom's Hardware
MixedApproves of the sturdy design and the choice of USB-C or XLR, but says the steep price jump over the original narrows its audience and notes there are no controls on the mic.
Review
Read the sourceMusicRadar
PositiveFinds it a broadcast-style dynamic that sits well on a desk and sounds strong over USB, with the option of moving to an XLR chain later.
Review
Read the source
Summaries are written in our words. Follow the links for each source’s own review.
R9
Common questions
Can the PodMic USB work without an audio interface?
Yes. Its USB-C output connects directly to a computer, while the XLR output is there for use with an interface or mixer.
Does it have a mute button?
Tom's Hardware reports no controls on the mic itself, so muting is handled in software or at your interface.
Can I use USB and XLR at the same time?
No. Tom's Hardware notes the two outputs cannot be used simultaneously.
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