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Quick verdict
Buy it if you want one mic that works over USB-C now and over XLR later. Skip it if you want something light or a tap-to-mute button. It ticks 8 of the 10 points on our spec-and-price checklist (how it's scored). That's a checklist score, not a sound test.
Pros and cons
What's good
- Both USB-C and XLR outputs, so it works with a computer, phone, interface or mixer [R1]
- Zero-latency headphone output with its own volume control [R1]
- On-board APHEX® processing (compressor, noise gate, high-pass filter, Aural Exciter™, Big Bottom™), set up in RØDE's free apps [R1]
- Internal pop filter and shock mount, plus an external pop filter in the box [R1][R2]
- RØDE says it has a five-year warranty, and it's made in Sydney [R1]
What's not
- 900 g, so it needs a sturdy arm or stand [R2]
- No physical mute button is listed in RØDE's features [R1]
- The APHEX processing is described as a feature of the USB output. Over XLR, you'll process the sound in your interface or mixer [R1]
- The included cable is USB-C to USB-C (SC29), so older USB-A computers need an adapter [R2]
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Get it if you…
- are starting a podcast or stream on USB but might add an audio interface later
- want a broadcast-style dynamic mic for talking (RØDE pitches it at speech)
- record on a USB-C Android phone or iPhone sometimes (RØDE lists iOS and Android support)
Skip it if you…
- want a light, grab-and-go mic (900 g)
- need a tap-to-mute control on the mic: look at the Shure MV7+
- mainly record singing or instruments in a quiet room: a condenser like the RØDE NT-USB+ is the usual pick there (our read, not a test)
Specs
| Type | Dynamic, cardioid, end-address [R2] |
|---|---|
| Outputs | 3-pin XLR, USB-C, 3.5 mm headphone [R2] |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz – 20 kHz [R2] |
| Digital resolution | 24-bit / 48 kHz [R2] |
| Max SPL | 148 dB SPL [R2] |
| Equivalent noise (A-weighted) | Analogue 26 dBA · Digital 19 dBA [R2] |
| Sensitivity | -57 dB re 1 V/Pa (1.4 mV @ 94 dB SPL) ±3 dB [R2] |
| Output impedance | 460 Ω (XLR) [R2] |
| USB power | 5 V @ 100 mA [R2] |
| Weight | 900 g [R2] |
| Dimensions | 172 × 107 × 62 mm (L × W × H) [R2] |
| In the box | PodMic USB, pop filter, SC29 3 m USB-C cable [R2] |
| Warranty | RØDE says five years [R1]. Mannys lists “Warranty: 1/yr*” [M1]. Check with RØDE. |
How it compares
 RØDE PodMic USBBest value |
 Shure MV7+Premium pick |
RØDE NT-USB+ USB condenser | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule | Dynamic [R2] | Dynamic [D1] | Condenser [R4] |
| USB-C | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| XLR | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ (USB only) |
| Headphone out | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mute on the mic | Not listed | Tap-to-mute LED panel | Not checked |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz–20 kHz | 50 Hz–16 kHz | Not checked |
| Weight | 900 g | 573.5 g | Not checked |
| AU price seen 31 Oct 2026 | A$289 Mannys [M1] | A$425 DJ City [D1] | A$309 JB Hi-Fi [J1] |
"Not checked" means we didn't verify that spec for this sample. We don't guess. Product photos are placeholders until we have licensed images.
Alternatives
Shure MV7+
USB-C and XLR, a tap-to-mute LED touch panel, a real-time denoiser and auto level. Lighter at 573.5 g.
RØDE NT-USB+
A studio condenser over USB-C, with a desktop stand and pop filter included. No XLR.
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How the Rundown score works
We haven't tested this mic. The Rundown score is a 10-point checklist built only from published specs and the price, so anyone can check it. Buyer ratings aren't part of the score.
| Checklist item | Points | PodMic USB |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C and XLR outputs | 2 | 2 ✓ [R2] |
| Zero-latency headphone output | 1 | 1 ✓ [R1] |
| On-board DSP with a free app | 1 | 1 ✓ [R1] |
| Phone compatibility (iOS/Android) | 1 | 1 ✓ [R1] |
| Pop filter and cable included | 1 | 1 ✓ [R2] |
| Physical mute control listed | 1 | 0 ✕ [R1] |
| Lowest AU retailer price seen ≤ A$300 | 1 | 1 ✓ A$289 [M1] |
| Manufacturer warranty ≥ 2 years | 1 | 1 ✓ five years [R1] |
| Weight ≤ 600 g | 1 | 0 ✕ 900 g [R2] |
| Total | 10 | 8 → 8.0 / 10 |
We recalculate the score when a price or spec changes. It says nothing about how the mic sounds.
FAQ
Do I need an audio interface?
No. Plug it into a computer over USB-C. The XLR output is there if you add an interface or mixer later [R1].
Does it work with my phone?
RØDE says it's compatible with iOS and Android devices [R1]. The included cable is USB-C to USB-C [R2], so check which port your phone has.
What recording quality does it support over USB?
24-bit / 48 kHz [R2].
Does the processing work over XLR?
RØDE describes the APHEX processing and Revolution Preamp™ as features of the digital USB output [R1]. Over XLR, process the sound in your interface or software.
How long is the warranty?
RØDE's product page says five years [R1]. Mannys lists 1 year [M1]. Confirm with RØDE before you rely on either.
Did The Rundowns test it?
No. This page is based on published specs and retailer prices, all linked below. If we ever test it hands-on, we'll say so clearly.
Sources
- [R1] RØDE, PodMic USB product page: rode.com/en/microphones/usb/podmic-usb (checked 31 Oct 2026).
- [R2] RØDE, PodMic USB datasheet (PDF): edge.rode.com/…/PodMic-USB_Datasheet_FA.pdf (checked 31 Oct 2026)
- [R3] RØDE Brand Store AU, PodMic USB, A$360: brandstore.rode.com/en-au/products/podmic-usb (checked 31 Oct 2026)
- [M1] Mannys, A$289, in stock: mannys.com.au (checked 31 Oct 2026)
- [D1] DJ City, Shure MV7+ (Black), A$425 (was A$469), with specs: djcity.com.au (checked 31 Oct 2026)
- [R4] RØDE, NT-USB+ product page: rode.com/en/microphones/usb/nt-usb-plus (checked 31 Oct 2026).
- [J1] JB Hi-Fi, RØDE NT-USB+, A$309: jbhifi.com.au (checked 31 Oct 2026)