Rode Broadcaster Condenser Mic Review / Test

Today we check out Rode’s “Broadcast” condenser microphone aptly named the Broadcaster. This thing has a full body in the low endand plenty of clarity which makes for a nice broadcast tone, especially when you throw on a compressor and de-esser. The mic does suffer from plosives, and does lean a bit on the sibilant side though, but all around it’s still a nice spoken word microphone. On the other hand, for music applications, I don’t think it stands out among the other options on the market.

Buy the Rode Broadcaster

Buy the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen)

00:00 - Intro
00:29 - Disclaimers / Price / Setup
00:41 - What’s in the Box
01:04 - Build Quality
01:39 - Specifications
02:05 - Polar Pattern Test
02:26 - Background Noise Test
02:35 - High Pass Filter Test
02:47 - Distance Test
02:55 - Plosive Test
03:04 - Music Test
03:38 - Pros & Cons
04:24 - Overall thoughts
05:25 - Conclusion / Recommendation
06:18 - Outro

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[redscott]

I've been a fan of this mic a long time for podcasting & streaming, notes about some of the big downsides:
1. Plosives: engaging the high pass filter helps a lot. The Rode WS2 gets rid of plosives entirely. If you don't like the foam look, the Roxdon HPF-1 pop filter works great and looks like it was made for the mic. I'd imagine the BSW RE27POP works as well.
2. Cost. People overlook this mic because it's in the same price range as the SM7B. But if you're looking at the used market (in the U.S.), unlike the SM7B you can find the Broadcaster at huge discounts. I've slowly purchased 3 of them for slightly over $200/each on average
This mic's got great noise rejection, it doesn't need a ton of gain, for my voice I like the sound better than the SM7B or the RE20, and it looks great on camera! Really an overlooked mic imo.

[johnheiser]

I bought mine last week on sale and was totally blown away. This mic is made specifically for the spoken word and that's it. And it does it exceptionally well.

[DarkPaadin]

Having you playing guitar and singing is always a treat!

[Dyon]

Here in the Netherlands EVERY radio station uses this mic, it's such an underrated microphone!

[GhostlyCop]

Great review! I use this Mic daily and I have to agree with you on the Compression. I use the Rode WS2 Windscreen and it works perfectly. Having a nice quiet area is a must, being that it will pick up ambient noise, although not as bad as some other Condenser Microphones. I do use the proximity effect when I want to get close and personal.
Great honest review of the Broadcaster. Keep up the good work. 👽🎤

[jdbrownradio]

At my first radio station, they had these in one of the three on-air studios, and one as our main voiceover mic in prod. They sounded terrific. Holds its own against the BCM-104 very well.

[redscott]

this is just a wildly underrated mic for spoken word

[badmiddens]

Excellent reviews and camera presence.  Thanks for not ruining your vids with cheesy background music.  It's always unfortunate to see what could be pretty decent content, being made unwatchable.  Ok, see you later at the sticker burnin.'

[Jay]

fast, to the point, informative, demonstrative.
new favourite channel

[WhiteWulfe]

Loved the review. Two questions....
- This one versus the Procaster for spoken word?
- You mention how it really comes together with compression and a de-esser, would it be possible to showcase such in a future video?

[Radio]

You're right towards the end of the review about the processing and compressing...
I think for podcast and radio use, there are priorities, the most important maybe (if you use more than one mic at the same time) is the rear and back rejection what might come as an issue.
Having said that, and after experimenting with many mics, once you start to tune the mic, tweak the EQ, gate, compressing and limiting, let's be honest, you can get similar results with many mics.
But, hey, like many audiophiles, they have their personal preferences, and you tend to attach to certain brands or models just because you feel more comfortable going live or podcasting with.

[nobodyhaslogin]

Where can I buy your pizza album?
What pizza do you accept as currency?

[TheMiddlemanPc]

This is the best you have ever sounded!

[MrNtr]

Can you do the rode broadcast vs the rode procaster

[mattfinish]

I like the mic reviews but I love the little songs that you sing. They are funny and sound great!

[flynnstrr]

Intro was corny, but funny! love ur channel dude!

[AustenAlexander]

Why did I laugh so hard at this video....GREAT REVIEW

[travelmanpodcast]

I use this mic as you know Bandrew and I love it. I sound good on it.

[antyvirusuk]

i have used this mic for podcasting & it is definately where it belongs

[dantheman_youtube]

I wish Rode made the Rode Broadcaster in Black - then I’d buy one !