In this article, we’ll show you how to set up the Rode PodMic with the Rode Rodecaster Pro 2 Audio Mixer. We will show you everything you need, and what you do not need as well as the best tips and tricks for success with this combination.
Quick Answer: This is an easy setup that doesn’t need any inline preamp. First, mount the Rode PodMic to the Rode PSA1+ boom arm. Position the mic 2″-3″ away from the mouth at an off-axis angle. Use an XLR cable to connect the PodMic to the Rodecaster Pro 2. For mic settings, select the PodMic preset. Ensure that the level is at 50 dB and that post-processing is turned on.
Pricing & Specs
- Rode PodMic: https://currentprice.io/rode_podmic
- Rode Rodecaster Pro 2: https://currentprice.io/rodecaster2
In-Line Preamp / Cloudlifter
No in-line preamp is needed in this setup!
In the previous version of the Rodecaster Pro, you needed a mic booster for the Rode PodMic. That is no longer the case because the preamps in the Rodecaster Pro 2 are powerful enough to deliver clean gain to the Rode PodMic.
Rode PodMic
When you buy a Rode PodMic you will only get the microphone. Nothing else.
Boom Arm & Stand
You have two options when choosing a stand for the Rode PodMic: a table stand or a boom arm.
Table stand
They are:
- Durable – we’ve used them for 10 years
- Inexpensive
- Portable – can easily fit in a backpack
The two things we don’t like about them are:
- They do not offer sound isolation. They let in taps from the table into the mic. This is a problem considering that the Rode PodMic does not have a lot of sound isolation.
- They take up valuable table space and end up competing on the available real estate as your audio mixer, laptop, notes, and whatever is on your table.
Boom arm
Mount the Rode PodMic on the Rode PSA1+ boom arm by screwing it in.
A boom arm is a wonderful solution as it does not take much of the needed table space.
We recommend the Rode PSA 1+ for the following reasons:
- It provides sound isolation through its design. The arm is wrapped in a neoprene material that helps in dampening sounds like taps from the table.
- It holds the PodMic in position. Despite it being a heavy microphone, the stand will stay exactly where you leave it.
- No tools are required. Unlike other stands, no tools are needed for tightening or loosening the stand as you orient it around.
- It has a cable management system that makes it easier for you to run neat connections.
Connect PodMic to Rodecaster Pro 2
Rode PodMic > XLR Cable > Rodecaster Pro 2
Connect the XLR cable to the Rode PodMic.
Connect the other end of the cable to the first mic input on the Rodecaster Pro 2.
We will use an XLR cable to connect the microphone to the audio mixer.
We recommend the Canare star-quad XLR cable, which has black connectors and can come in various colors. Despite having four cables inside, the XLR cable is still flexible.
Rode PodMic Position
Position the Rode PodMic 2”-3” away from the mouth.
Position it slightly off-axis.
We want the mic to be a fist away from our mouth because it is susceptible to plosives. For best results, we prefer to have it at an off-axis angle so that it does not obstruct our mouth as we speak on-camera.
Rodecaster Pro 2 Setup
Select the first channel.
Scroll the menu and select Rode PodMic.
The default setting is dynamic. To get the same results as us, select the Rode PodMic because it is geared toward the microphone.
Level Setup
Make sure the level is set at 50dB.
You will notice that the level is at 50dB once you select the Rode PodMic preset. This is where you ought to be as you speak.
You will also notice that as you speak into the microphone, your voice is hitting the lower end of the green bar. This is where you need to be.
When you speak loudly, you need to be within the green bar. Once you are in the red zone, the audio will start to clip and distort.
Post Processing & FX
Post-processing
Keep post-processing turned on.
Open presets and select podcast studio.
Post-processing is turned on by default. When you turn it off, you will get unprocessed and natural sound that comes from your microphone. For this setup, we keep post-processing turned on.
There are three in-built post-processing presets on the Rodecaster Pro 2:
Neutral – The audio will have a slight enhancement to it. Though not as noticeable you will get audio that has a little EQ, some de-essing, and some compression.
Podcast Studio – Compared to the neutral setting, the audio will sound a bit more aggressive and solid. You can even notice the compression added to it. We chose this for our setup.
Broadcast – The audio is more compressed, warmer, less lively, and a little drier.
The advantage of the Rodecaster Pro 2 compared to other audio mixers is that the post-processing presets are not technical and can be easily used by the majority of people.
FX
Select the advanced tab to access the effects.
This is for more technical users. The advanced tab comes with eight variables including the high pass filter, de-esser, compressor, panning, and others that you can tweak around for your audio.
For this setup, we do not need to use this advanced tab.
Foam Windscreen & Plosives
We recommend using an optional windscreen.
So far, the Rode PodMic sounds good. However, as you speak into it, you will notice that the microphone blows out the /p/ and /b/ sounds. This is despite Rode mentioning that the microphone comes with built-in protection from those plosive sounds.
Using a third-party windscreen will prevent plosives and help the mic sound better only for a couple of bucks.
When you speak into the mic after covering it, you will notice fewer plosives which makes your recording more consistent.
Headphones
You need a set of high-quality headphones to complete this setup.
We recommend the Beyerdynamic DT990 PRO headphones because they are comfortable, open back, and lightweight.
We also recommend the closed-back version, the DT770.
Rode has released the NT100s that you can pair in this setup. They sound pretty good. However, they’re quick and heavy, and so we don’t like wearing them for long periods.
Rodecaster Pro 2 & Rode Podmic | Setup & Demo | Price & Specs
- Rode PodMic: https://currentprice.io/rode_podmic
- Rode PodMic Foam Windscreen: https://currentprice.io/podmic_foam
- Rode Rodecaster Pro 2: https://currentprice.io/rodecaster2
- Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro Headphones: https://currentprice.io/beyer_dt_990
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
- TRS Cable: https://currentprice.io/trs_cable
- Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
- Rode PSA1+ Boom Arm: https://currentprice.io/psa1_plus
Rodecaster Pro 2 & Rode Podmic | Setup & Demo | Topics
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:18 – Pricing & Specs
- 0:35 – Equipment Setup
- 0:50 – In-Line Preamp / Cloudlifter
- 1:11 – Rode PodMic
- 1:21 – Boom Arm & Stand
- 2:54 – Connect PodMic to Rodecaster Pro 2
- 3:48 – Rode PodMic Position
- 4:15 – Rodecaster Pro 2 Setup
- 4:30 – Level Setup
- 5:18 – Post Processing & FX
- 6:51 – Foam Windscreen & Plosives
- 8:04 – Headphones
- 8:32 – Final Thoughts