Trying to find the best podcast microphone for the Roadcaster Pro? In this article, we’ll share our top 4 podcasting mic recommendations for this Rode audio mixer.
Quick Answer: The Electro-Voice RE20 is our favorite podcasting microphone due to its full, clear sound and great noise rejection. The SM7B is the most popular podcasting mic in the world, while the Shure MV7 is a less expensive USB/XLR hybrid option. We’d pick any of these over the Rode PodMic.
Rodecaster Pro Setup
In the accompanying video, you’ll be able to hear each of our top 4 podcasting microphones as recorded through the Rodecaster Pro.
We performed a factory reset before filming and turned off all signal processing features, except the compressor. Voice and tone were both set to medium. We kept all of these settings the same for each mic, only adjusting the level to get each mic into the Rodecaster’s level meter green zone.
Cloudlifter (Optional)
If you ever find yourself using a level higher than 40 on the Rodecaster Pro, we recommend using an inline preamp like the Cloudlifter. This is because we find there’s a noticeable hiss from the Rodecaster’s preamp above 40.
We haven’t used an inline preamp in this review as we were able to get enough volume from each mic with a level of 40 or less.
- Cloudlifter CL-1 Inline Preamp: https://currentprice.io/cloudlifter
- Fethead Inline Preamp: https://currentprice.io/fethead
- Dynamite Inline Preamp: https://currentprice.io/dynamite
- Coda Inline Preamp: https://currentprice.io/coda_stealth
Option 1 – Rode PodMic
We feel it’s a bit of a gray area as to whether or not the Rode PodMic actually belongs on this list. However, we thought it was important to include it based on how Rode markets this mic as the perfect companion for the Rodecaster Pro.
The PodMic is a budget-friendly option that looks like it belongs in a podcasting studio, but we do have some issues with it. It has a built-in high-pass filter that kicks in at 300 Hz. This does help it sound clean and bright, but it makes voices sound thin compared to the other mics on this list.
It’s also very sensitive to its environment, picking up even the slightest taps and knocks. This is due to poor internal shock mounting. Podcasts aren’t sterile environments, so there’s bound to be some fidgeting and tapping on tables from your guests.
Rodecaster Level Setting: 37
Pros
- Affordable entry-level price.
- Looks good.
Cons
- Poor response to lower frequencies due to the built-in high pass filter.
- Poor internal shock mounting.
Option 2 – Shure MV7
We think the Shure MV7 is a really cool microphone, thanks to its hybrid design. You can record 4 of them together with the Rodecaster Pro using XLR cables or take one home and use it as a USB mic with your computer.
It has a similar form factor to the rode PodMic, but we prefer the all-black finish and the more effective pop filter. It sounds better than the PodMic too, so we’d invest our money here if we had to choose from this pair.
Rodecaster Level Setting: 36
Pros
- Flexible XLR/USB design.
- Sounds better than the PodMic.
- Looks good on screen.
Option 3 – Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is another step up in sound quality over the Shure MV7. It’s notoriously hard to power, so we’re happy to report that we could get an acceptable level setting on the Rodecaster without using an inline preamp.
We think the SM7B looks better than the other mics we’ve featured so far on this list. It sounds fuller than the SM7 and PodMic, but we do feel it can sound a little woolly at times. That said, the SM7B does do a great job at rejecting background noise in your recording.
Rodecaster Level Setting: 40
Pros
- Full sound.
- Good noise rejection.
- Clean cable management.
- Looks great on screen.
- Good internal shock mounting.
Cons
- Some users will need an inline preamp.
- Can sound a little dark/woolly.
- More expensive.
Option 4 – Electro-Voice RE20
The final podcasting mic on our list is also our favorite. The Electro-Voice RE20 is the top-tier, end-game microphone everyone should aspire to own. The RE20 is more prevalent in the world of radio, while the SM7B has been a favorite with podcasters. However, the more recent black version has helped boost the RE20’s screen appeal.
In terms of sound, it has the full frequency response and excellent noise rejection characteristics of the Shure SM7B, but with added clarity. The RE20’s variable D technology also does a great job of managing proximity effect, giving you more freedom to move.
Rodecaster Level Setting: 36
Pros
- Full sound.
- More clarity than the SM7B
- Good noise rejection.
- Variable D technology.
Cons
- More expensive.
Check out our podcast equipment buyer’s guide for more podcast-specific gear recommendations.
Best Podcast Microphones For Rodecaster Pro Pricing
- Rode PodMic: https://currentprice.io/rode_podmic
- Shure MV7 Dynamic Mic: https://currentprice.io/shure_mv7x
- Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphone: https://currentprice.io/shure_sm7b
- EV RE20 Dynamic Microphone: https://currentprice.io/re20-black
- Rode Rodecaster Pro: https://currentprice.io/rodecaster_p
- Cloudlifter CL-1 Inline Preamp: https://currentprice.io/cloudlifter
- Fethead Inline Preamp: https://currentprice.io/fethead
- Dynamite Inline Preamp: https://currentprice.io/dynamite
- Coda Inline Preamp: https://currentprice.io/coda_stealth
- Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro Headphones: https://currentprice.io/beyer_dt_770
- Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro Headphones: https://currentprice.io/beyer_dt_990
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
- Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
- Rode PSA1 Boom Arm: https://currentprice.io/boom_arm
