RODE NT-USB Mini USB Microphone Review
We've aggregated 16 high-signal reviews and 2 live retailer prices below.
Our editorial take on the RODE NT-USB Mini USB Microphone
The RODE NT-USB Mini has firmly established itself as a benchmark for compact USB microphones, delivering audio quality that genuinely punches above its weight. It consistently produces the warm, rich sound characteristic of RODE's studio heritage, making it a stellar choice for vocals. The build quality is excellent, with a reassuring heft, and the clever magnetic desk stand offers both stability and easy angle adjustments. For creators looking for an immediate and noticeable audio upgrade, its plug-and-play simplicity is a major advantage.
Where the NT-USB Mini truly distinguishes itself from the competition is through the RODE Connect software. This free application unlocks the ability to use up to four of these microphones simultaneously on a single computer, complete with channel mixing and processing. This feature transforms the mic from a simple solo device into the core of a scalable, multi-person podcasting or streaming setup, a capability that is almost unheard of in this category. While it is a condenser microphone and will naturally pick up more ambient room sound than a dynamic alternative, its performance is remarkably clean for most desktop applications.
It's a straightforward, high-performing microphone that solves a lot of problems for content creators. The combination of pristine audio, a thoughtful design, and the powerful software ecosystem makes the NT-USB Mini an exceptional value. It's a product that not only delivers on its promises out of the box but also provides a clear and affordable upgrade path for growing creators.
- Excellent, broadcast-quality audio for the price
- Compact, rugged build with a clever magnetic desk stand
- Simple plug-and-play USB-C operation
- Rode Connect software enables powerful multi-mic recording setups
- Integrated pop filter works well to reduce plosives
- Zero-latency headphone monitoring
- Single cardioid polar pattern limits recording flexibility
- Sensitivity to background noise in untreated rooms
Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.
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Given that Rode added compatibility for Connect, and the USB option makes it phone and tablet-friendly, suddenly the VideoMic Go II could very well be a good all-rounder for the price. A mic that has video chops but can also do double duty as a podcast mic (and, therefore an all-purpose computer mic) there appears to be a lot of bang for the veritable buck.
Rode’s new app, Rode Connect, lets you record multitrack or mixed stereo audio when plugging up to four USB microphones into your computer. There’s one big catch, though: for now, you can only do this with one model of USB microphone — Rode’s $99 NT-USB Mini.
This lightweight and compact 18mm f/8 shift lens from AstrHori allows photographers plus or minus 6mm of panning shift and a rotation of 360 degrees to better capture cramped spaces or vast landscapes.
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My primary use case for the NT-USB Mini is for streaming. Beyond streaming, RØDE is touting the mic as being great for gamers, podcasters and business professionals and I have no reason not to believe that.
This mic isn’t a “re-hash” of their popular Podcaster. The capsule itself has been designed from the ground up, and manufactured to specifications as a Cardioid condenser, while the podcaster is a dynamic mic. This simply means that the NT-USB would be ideal for picking up more sound nuance and detail.
One of the best-selling USB podcast mics on the market is the RODE NT-USB Mini, and it’s probably the best performing and most reliable model in this echelon. In addition to being able to deliver Hi-Res audio, the sonic character of the microphone is warm and rich, lending gravitas to any voice.
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About this product
The RODE NT-USB Mini is a USB microphone designed for high-quality podcasting and streaming. It works with computers and tablets, featuring a capsule tuned for spoken word and a built-in pop filter and isolation stand. With free RODE Connect software, up to four NT-USB Mini mics can be used simultaneously.
Specs
- Pad
- No
- Color
- Black
- Weight
- 1.29 lb / 585 g (Microphone, Stand)
- Controls
- Headphone Volume
- Wireless
- No
- Dimensions
- ø: 3.52H: 5.59 x W: 2.15" / ø: 89.3H: 141.9 x W: 54.5 mm (Base, Microphone) ø: 3.52H: 0.46" / ø: 89.3H: 11.6 mm (Base)
- Maximum SPL
- 121 dB (1% THD)
- Orientation
- Side Address
- Sample Rate
- 48 kHz
- Sound Field
- Mono
- Element Type
- Electret Condenser
- Analog Output
- No
- Polar Pattern
- Cardioid
- Power Sources
- USB Power
- A/D Conversion
- 24-Bit
- Microphone Type
- Large Diaphragm
- OS Compatibility
- Windows macOS
- Operating Voltage
- 5 V
- Frequency Response
- 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- USB/Digital Output
- 1x USB-C Female
- Mounting Thread Size
- 5/8"-27 Female (3/8"-16 Female with Included Adapter)
- Mobile App Compatible
- No
- Analog Output Connector
- No
- Digital Signal Processing & FX
- Compressor, EQ (via Software)
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