Rode PodMic Dynamic Microphone
Rode PodMic Dynamic Microphone

In this review, we look at the Rode PodMic Dynamic Studio Microphone. The Rode PodMic is a dynamic cardioid end-address microphone designed to be used for podcasting, voice over, and spoken word.

Some of the key features of the Rode PodMic include:

  • A dual-layer mesh and an internal pop filter to help avoid plosives and sibilance.
  • An internal shock mount to help isolate against bumps and movement
  • Integrated swing yoke mount to further reduce vibrations

Related: Best Podcast Microphones

What’s In The Box?

 When you purchase the Rode PodMic, you can expect to find these things inside the box:

  • Rode PodMic
  • Getting Started Guide / Documentation

Rode PodMic Specs

Rode PodMic Specs
Connector
XLR
Transducer
Dynamic
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Impedance
32 Ohms
Sensitivity
-57 dB @ 1kHz
Weight
2.06 lb / 937g

Foam Windscreen / Pop Filter

We recommend using some type of foam windscreen or pop filter with the Rode PodMic. We do not think that the built in plosive protection is sufficient for the majority of users.

You can purchase a foam windscreen on Amazon for less than $20 here: https://currentprice.io/podmic_foam

Mic Activator / Inline Preamp

With a microphone sensitivity of -57 dB, we recommend using a mic activator or in line mic preamp for any preamp supplying less than 60 dB of gain. Having an inline microphone preamp like a Cloudlifter CL-1 will allow you to maintain some headroom on your preamp and avoid adding too much noise/hiss from working the preamp too hard.

You can check pricing of the Cloudlifter CL-1 here: https://currentprice.io/cloudlifter

Rode PodMic VS Shure SM58

When we compared the Rode PodMic to the Shure SM58, we found that the Shure SM58 had a more complete frequency response and did a better job with recording my voice at the same budget. We recommend the Shure SM58 over the Rode PodMic

Rode PodMic VS Shure SM7B

When we compared the Rode PodMic against the Shure SM7B, there was no doubt that the Shure SM7B beat it with frequency response, plosive protection, and internal shock mounting.

The big question with this comparison is wether or not you think the Shure SM7B is worth 4x the price of the Rode PodMic.

Rode PodMic Pricing

Topics Covered In The PodMic Review

  • 0:00 – Introduction
  • 0:49 – Price
  • 1:04 – What’s In The Box?
  • 1:18 – Specs
  • 1:40 – Proximity Effect
  • 2:01 – Distance Test
  • 2:14 – Plosive Test
  • 2:23 – Foam Windscreen
  • 2:40 – Directional Response
  • 2:54 – Background Noise Rejection
  • 3:14 – Bump Test
  • 3:22 – Mic Activator / Inline Preamp
  • 3:48 – Rode Podmic vs Shure SM58
  • 4:09 – Rode Podmic vs Shure SM7B
  • 4:24 – Rode Podmic (windscreen) vs Shure SM7B (windscreen)
  • 4:40 – Rode Podmic Pros
  • 6:09 – Rode Podmic Cons
  • 8:53 – Final Thoughts

Related: Best Podcasting Microphones