Rode Podmic: Reviewed and Compared

In this video I review and test the new Rode Podmic. I also compared it to the other Dynamic microphones I have, including the Shure SM7B.

[bigtb]

I would say that my ranking for the four mics tested in this video are as follows: First - Shure SM7B. Close second - Rode Podmic. Third - Shure SM57. Fourth - Samson Q2U. As I mentioned in the video, all are good, but that's how I'd rank them if I had to pick. How about you? What's your favorite?

[ThexAlien]

When you did the reading test between the SM7B and the Podmic I closed my eyes to listen to see if I heard a difference. To give reference I'm listening on Adam Audio studio monitors. I heard a slight difference between the two. The Podmic is a bit higher more of a mid punch during vocals. Whereas the SM7B is a deeper sounding microphone, they are very close and if you were to do a sound test between the two without swapping between them not many people would notice the difference. Even with this, you could probably process the Podmic to sound nearly identical to the SM7B. Honestly, with the new Rode microphone it almost makes the SM7B not worth what it's currently priced at. Thank you for the comparison.

[AlirioSilva]

Thank you so much for the great comparison test!!! Because of my budget, I ended up getting the Samson Q2U, and I'm very happy about it. I would still love to have the Shure SM7B, but I'm still very happy with my purchase. Awesome video, straight to the point!

[GhostlyCop]

The SM7B is a great Mic, however, unless you have to have a high level mic, I would go with the PodMic. I have the PODMIC and I love it. I use it as my travel Mic. I normally use the RODE BROADCASTER.
Great review!

[DjGoHamGaming]

You did a really good job comparing these mics! Already own the SM7B, but I think you just sold me on the PodMic as a secondary or alternate option! Thank you for the review!

[muzikyk]

Great review. I think you clearly demonstrated that paying the high price for the SM7B is really unnecessary. All of the mikes sounded great. It really comes down to your personal choice and your voice.

[backthesradio]

I have sold my sm7b and bought sm57 with the A81 WS foam windscreen and together with my audient iD14 and because I know how to master, no one can ever tell it's not the sm7b, and I still have some money left over! Don't go with the hype and follow the crowds. This is an excellent comparison video and shows how many mics can do the job. Save your money and sound the same as the sm7b... absolutely possible!

[andocombo]

Thanks a bunch for making this review. The comparisons are really helpful.

[cody]

Honestly the Rode Podmic is worth it for most people because the Shure SM7B really doesn't work as well without an expensive audio interface and possibly even a cloudlifter. All of that on top of the massive price. It is an iconic, brilliant microphone but for most people the balance of value and performance should be in favour of the Podmic. Not to mention you can adjust the Podmic to match pretty closely to the SM7B.

[TheHypeCom]

I love the look of the podmic, but sadly I had to go with the procaster, since I prefer the sound on there. I might still buy the pod mic one day, just so i have this beautiful thing at home. Thanks for the great review

[GaryDrumm]

I currently use the NT1. I ordered the Podmic to have good mic for guests for a fraction on the price. I also use the RodecasterPro, which a preset for Rode mics, including the Podmic and the NT1.

[iSpike]

VERY VERY good review. I have the SM7B & shall be receiving the RODE PodMic soon to go with my Rodecaster Pro mixer. Thank You for producing this great video 👍🏻

[jacobduggan]

The podmic has a bit of a higher tone which is easily fixed in Voicemeeter, which can make it sound pretty close to the sm7b.

[jbitas]

Just bought the Podmic for it's value, eventually i'll buy the SM7B. but for the price, build, and sound the Podmic will do. Thanks for the review and comparison :)

[MaximumMindPower]

Rode podmic sounds more natural and clearer to me, although sounds a little bit thin which can easily be fixed with equalization and Shure SM7B sounds more like radio broadcasting mic, which sounds warmer and soothing but not live kind of sound, it's just a personal preference.

[yoboverthetop]

The Podmic just doesn't have the same warm bottom end that the SM7B and SM57 both have. The Q2U sounds surprisingly good.

[hendaragravante]

Very, very clear, keen, smooth, listener friendly and unbiased review👍👍~

[joshuaharrover]

Personally, I think the Podmic sounds just as good as the SM7B, or it at least pretty damn close. Thank you for this review, sir. I am a Communications student from Florida, and I will be graduating this summer with my Bachelor's degree in that major, with a concentration in radio and audio production.

[JonnyBravo]

Listening to these mics, the SM7B was definitely warmer. The SM57 sounded muffled, but that's likely because of the giant wind sock you put on the end of it :P. The PodMic definitely has a presence boost, and would probably become sibilant on certain voice types (I'm thinking higher male and most female voices). However, for your voice, the added presence helped cut through and provided some good clarity. As I was listening to the Q2U, I kept asking myself, "what is it that I'm picking up here?". You described it perfectly - there's a slight "artificial-ness" to it. However, had I not been listening to it side-by-side with another mic, I probably wouldn't have picked it up as easily. Definitely a great sounding mic for the price point.

[christopherrichardson]

I would like to hear the "Podmic" with a Rode "Ws2 wind shield" screen on it against the "SM7B". These "wind sheilds" attenuate certain frequencies that I think comparing its natural curves with one mic having it and the other doesn't creates more debate.