First look at the new Rode NT USB MINI Microphone

Get a first look at the new Rode NT-USB Mini Microphone. Hear sound samples to compare it to the original Rode NT-USB mic and hear for yourself whether it stands up to the likes of the Blue Yeti and the Blue Yeti Nano.

In this video, I unbox the NT-USB Mini and then run through a sound test, comparing the NT-USB Mini to the original NT-USB Microphone. Finally, I share my thoughts on the sound quality and whether it's a worthy microphone to buy at $99.

As a disclaimer, Rode provided the NT-USB Mini microphone for free to review. I purchased my original Rode NT-USB microphone and use it as the primary microphone on my YouTube channel.

[sanketss]

Thanks a lot the near and far test was exactly what i was looking for.

[Zero]

I just got one, but how to setting together with Røde arm?😓🥴

[Nightcore]

2 questions. (1) Why the audio sounds terrible for 10 seconds at 6:00? At this part of 10 seconds did you use the Mini? (2) How do you adjust the audio between microphone output and desktop output? There's only one bottom one the Mini compare to original Rode NT-USB where there're two bottom, one for adjusting volume and another for balancing micro/desktop output. Thank in advance.

[jimshaw]

​ Kevin Stratvert Yeah. That might be the worst location for recording I've heard recently. Just some moving blankets fastened to the nearby walls would provide a better solution.
Thanks for the early look at this device; I see one in my future, mainly because I trust Rode's quality and life expectancy. And yes, the NT-USB sounds marginally better than the mini, but size matters.

[truphotos]

Thanks for this review! Quick question, can the mic be removed from the swinging arms? Or can they be tightened when the come loose?

[sunnyhu]

Great presentation. You've got a good voice.

[JacReviewsStuff]

Have you tried using a male to male 3.5mm cable to connect the monitor
port of the Rode NT Usb and a Dslr to shoot video?
Does the "Volume" knob become like a gain control then? Would it work?

[TheYakuzo]

Do you see any sound difference ? 😯 Go buy the Mini

[beatzdrop]

Gavind sound recording problems with my Røde NT Usb Mini on my Windows 10 PC. Anyone can help? Trying to record gameplsy in OBS, but the microphone sounds different like I'm speaking without a microphone in my bedroom. Hard to explain, the sound of the recording says everything. :))

[keepingitneat]

Loved video. I think the Mini has its place for a budget and for up close use only. The drop off quality seemed significant at medium range and at far it was definetly noticeable and degraded. After this video I will not be buying a mini as I already have the Rode NT-USB and was looking for another mic but not this one. Thank you for the video!

[atulisrockin]

The NT USB sounds more natural with better bass sound. And much better at longer distances compared to the mini. The mini is still pretty decent sounding.

[mozexy]

Hi there Kevin,
thanks a lot for your review! I'm having some problems with my Rode NT-USB Mini, saying the recording volume is really low even though I am really close to the mic. Did you change any settings for the NT-USB Mini (e.g. adding some db)? Would really appreaciate your help :)
Best regards

[sorayastar]

What’s better for singing do you think?

[johnnguyen]

Hi Kevin, does this work with an android phone? thanks

[Modern_NostalgiaEnt]

This mic is amazing!!!! But I have a question... can I run it from my phone like I can my iPad??

[govindvaidya]

Sir, Thanks for a detailed reply, but i have confusion :
Please tell me,

-Type of USB Port provided on “ RODE NT USB Mini” itself.
- Each end of the cable provided by RODE has which USB type ( is it that both ends of cable has Usb-C)

Thanks and Regards
Dilip, India

[MaZEEZaM]

I have the NT-USB, I am very happy with it, I need another mic for another computer so am curious as to whether I should get the mini or buy another NT-USB. Thanks for the comparison.

[Reachland]

I regret buying this thing. When I recorded there were a lot of windy noise.

[SibaNL]

Can I listen to my desktop audio through the NT-USB Mini?

[gnostie]

Well, I bought the Mini, and that was a mistake. Unless you have a boom arm, you'd better be a very, very short person to bring this mic to your face. If you are too far from the mic, the sound quality is really poor. I've now sent the Mini back and will get the non-mini Rode NT - which I should have bought to begin with, to be frank. Ymmv, of course, I'm just reporting how things worked out for me.