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Product Description

As its name suggests, the RODE Podcaster microphone was specifically designed for computer recording applications where wide frequency response and low distortion are demanded. The Podcaster makes digital recording "plug and play" easy with its built-in A/D conversion and USB connection. The RODE Podcaster is based on their popular Broadcaster microphone - winner of the Radio World/US National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) "What's Cool" award. The Broadcaster has become an industry standard when studio sound quality is required for on-air applications. Now the Podcaster makes this quality microphone available in a super-convenient USB version for the current generation of computer recording applications.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2727 in Musical Instruments
• Brand: Rode
• Model: PODCASTER
• Dimensions: 5.00 pounds

Features

• Dynamic mic with USB connection
• Cardioid polar pattern with high 180-degree rejection
• Voice tailored low-cut filter
• Internal pop filter
• Rugged stainless steel body

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Customer Reviews

great sound, great features, built like a tank
For recording my voice (baritone), it does a great job. For extra warmth that means close-miking, which in turn means not popping your p's, etc. If you hold it close to your mouth but don't directly face it end-on, that's easily done (or get a pop filter). [...].

The microphone electronics are extremely quiet - the audio is sampled at 18 bits.

It comes with a warranty which is easily extended to 10 years for free.

The real-time headphone monitoring is a great idea and works well.

It's a bit heavy (part of being built like a tank), and you need to think a little about how you're going to mount it, since some cheap desktop stands can barely manage it.

Some things to keep in mind are:
1) It likes close-miking (at least for male voices)
2) It is USB-only
3) It is a on the bit large and heavy side.

If those don't bother you, and the price is in your range, then you will probably like it a lot.

Surprisingly good -- selling my Heil PR-40 now.
I picked up the R0DE Podcaster a few days ago, and it sounds great -- much better than I expected. I honestly expected it to sound cheesier because it's USB instead of XLR. I made a couple of test recordings and gave them to my wife, who is always saying that I don't sound like myself in my recordings. She said that this is the best-sounding mic I've ever used, and that I sound just like myself. My background in audio is a couple of years in podcasting and some live interviews. Equipment I've used in the past includes the Audio Technica 4033a, Heil Pro PR-40, Symetrix 528e, Zoom H-4, and the M-Audio MobilePre.

Pros:
Sounds great.
Very competitive price when compared to decent XLR mics.
Direct to USB (computer sees it as a sound card).
Headphone jack built in for direct, live monitoring (huge plus), with volume control (which does not effect recording volume).
Allows remote recordings to a laptop (with all the nice software) without lugging around extra devices to convert a "real" mic to USB or Firewire.
Works automatically on a Mac.
Feels very solid and sturdy -- very well made.
Front-firing cardiod-pattern dynamic mic (helps reduce most "background" noise).
Completely USB-powered.

Cons:
Direct to USB: No possibility of using a hardware mixer or voice processor, and you can't use more than one at a time (except maybe with special software).
Large and heavy. Not really a big deal if you keep it on a mic stand like I do, but you need a real stand -- not a cheap one.
Doesn't come with any kind of padded box for storage/travel like pro mics. It's probably not meant for travel, but its functionality and all-in-one design certainly encourage it.
White plastic body and white USB cable. Sure, it matches my MacBook, but for some reason it feels a little weird that it's not silver or black. Personal taste, and I couldn't find much else to complain about.

All in all, it exceeds my current needs, and I'm selling my "pro" equipment to fund my other hobbies. I would recommend this to any podcaster who doesn't need multiple mics or a hardware mixer. If you just want to sound great on Skype, this'll do the trick, although it will probably be overkill.

Heavy
Ok - this is one heavy mic! I'm using it to create podcasts and training video's. The sound quality is excellent - studio quality. I had to purchase On Stage DS7200B Adjustable Desk Microphone Stand, Black to keep it from falling over. The problem is the the mic must mount from the rear, so all the weight is hanging over. I also strongly suggest Rode PSM1 Shockmount. It serves a few purposes; 1) it changes the center of gravity when mounting the mic since it attaches to the mic stand in the middle and allows the mic to hang more rearward and it provides a shock absorber. Using it on a MAC with VM - has no issues being recognized by XP and OS X. Overall, very happy with the mic.