Make Your Rode PodMic Sound Like a Shure SM7B for $20

While the Rode PodMic is an awesome tool, the legendary Shure SM7B is still one the most highly regarded mics in the world. But I’ve found an inexpensive windscreen that instantly helps the PodMic sound closer to the SM7B.

I should also mention that the PodMic has its own "voice" that I think sounds terrific. The benefit of trying to match it to the SM7B is that it makes it easier to pair the two when needed.

•Rode WS 2 Windscreen for PodMic:

•Rode PodMic:

•Shure SM7B:

•Tall Tabletop Mic Stand:

•Short Tabletop Mic Stand:

•Blue XLR Cable:

•Time Markers-
0:00 - PodMic vs. SM7B
0:34 - Test Settings
1:42 - Remove Noise with Adobe Audition
2:13 - PodMic Sound Test
3:46 - SM7B Sound Test
4:42 - Solve the PodMic Plosive Problem
5:03 - PodMic with WS2 Windscreen
6:01 - Windscreen Comparison
7:19 - Why Make this Comparison?
7:59 - Using EQ to Match the Mics
9:40 - The SM7B’s Special Windscreen
11:15 - My Consolation Prize from Rode

» Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, my step-by-step DIY course to help you launch your show!

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Hi! My name is Tom Buck. As a lifelong A/V nerd, I’m here to help you level up the audio and video quality of your streams, podcasts, puns, and videos. I was a high school Digital Media teacher for 11 years, and I started this channel in 2017 as a project to share my enthusiasm for digital media and teaching others while having fun along the way.

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Episode 202: Make the Rode PodMic Sound like an SM7B for $20
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#Rode #Shure #Microphones #Podcasting
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[thedoodler]

"if you're not SHURE which RODE to go down" LOL. nice one.

[john_kelley]

I think the PodMic actually sounds more natural. If you're someone who just really wants to sound manly, the SM7B is a beast. Heck, it's a beast period, but if you're comparing the two, I like the sound of the PodMic better. I need to get the wind screen, though. Great video!

[strfrmthacr]

I bought these for my co-hosts and before they even spoke into them I made sure the ws2 was on. They not only help with plosives, but they help lower back ground noise just a little. I think this is one of the most slept on mics in the market right now. Especially since it's only $100.

[inancgumus]

Podmic with windscreen sounds very natural. Shure SM7B is very boomy, hurts my ears.

[JabbyMayo]

That windscreen makes the podmic sound even better than it already does. Like you said though, it takes away one of my favorite things about the mic - the aesthetic.

[mo_venegas]

You talked about the insane bass on the SM7b, which I do agree with, but you didn't mention or test the built in high-pass filter on the back of the SM7b under the cover. I would have liked to hear the comparison between the two with that high-pass filter turned on, and maybe with the presence boost built in turned on as well, I just find that stuff interesting

[tombuck]

Thanks to everyone who recommended the Shure A81WS windscreen! I got one and it REALLY makes the SM57 sound almost identical to the SM7B.
Time Markers-
0:00 - PodMic vs. SM7B
0:34 - Test Settings
1:42 - Remove Noise with Adobe Audition
2:13 - PodMic Sound Test
3:46 - SM7B Sound Test
4:42 - Solve the PodMic Plosive Problem
5:03 - PodMic with WS2 Windscreen
6:01 - Windscreen Comparison
7:19 - Why Make this Comparison?
7:59 - Using EQ to Match the Mics
9:40 - The SM7B’s Special Windscreen
11:15 - My Consolation Prize from Rode

[BarryKassab]

SM7B got 2 switches on the back under the back cover (protected by 2 screws), one is a high frequency boost, and high-pass filter that helps tame the low end. those should help make all the options you mentioned

[Szystedt]

Wow, with the bass boost on the podmic I actually prefer its sound! Thank you for showing!

[BeardedDrums]

Based on your videos and recommendations I purchased two Podmics when starting my podcast and couldn’t be happier. From what I have heard here on YouTube I actually prefer the slightly less boomy sound of the Rode. I think the next purchase will definitely be a couple of these windscreens to deal with plosives. I appreciate your reviews and leading me to the Podmic, especially considering I purchased two of these for less than the price of one Shure SM7B.

[arthurw]

Wow, awesome review. I had scratched the Podmic off my list, but the WS2 does two things: besides helping with plosives it gives a "rounder", fuller and richer sound with less harshness up top. I am now a potential fan of this $99 dynamic. Thanks!

[rdna]

Whenever it comes to speaking, the podmic brings out the mid range and highs so it’s very clear and good for use in “pod”casts. Don’t get me wrong the sm7b is a beast but when it comes to speaking and clarity, it has way more lower end making it harder to understand. Both still very useable. Podmic is a steal!

[martinangel]

wow
sm7b has huge portions of the base! I was willing to buy Podmic for a tight budget and now so confirmed about it
btw cause both are dynamic, basically it supposed to be a more based-sound no matter if we compare or not

[ScaryAF_Entertainment]

Just ordered! Thank you for this, I noticed my plosives have been tough to clean up with my setup!

[PvtDamion]

I came across this channel a while back when I thought I was in the market for a new mic and/or mixer, I still am very interested in all the tech, the breakdowns and opinions, but I'm mostly here for the puns and dad jokes. Please keep doing what you're doing!

[StressLessCamping]

That tip for Audition was worth the price of admission alone. Thanks! But I also just ordered a couple of those mic condoms, er, windscreens. Thanks for that tip too.

We use the Rodeaster Pro with two PodMics for our own podcast about RVs and travel and I have been very happy with this rig.

[RihamJarjour]

Love my RODE which was already TOO expensive for me and my dear friend carried it from Scotland all the way here to EGYPT :) Thanks for the great video.

[silverhairedguyindubai]

Thanks, Tom! Love your work. Grew up with a dad who would say things like; " I'd call you son...but you're really not that bright!" Puts a grin on my face to hear you go all corny humor. It's most certainly YOUR thing! Keep rockin' it!

[CalmingAnxiety]

Went from an AT2020 to the Rode Podmic and can not see my changing ever. The Podmic works perfectly for my voice and that is the most important factor.
My Podcast is a very specific niche and my voice is my brand.

[rascalpanda]

I don't know. To me the PodMic sounds more natural. The Shure SM7B sounds muffled with the lows turned way up and highs/mids way down. But I'm certainly no audio expert.