Rode PodMic vs. Shure SM7B (with the Rodecaster Pro)!

Does great audio quality have to cost an arm and a leg? Rode recently released the PodMic, which is supposed to be able to compete with legendary mics like the Shure SM7B, which typically sells at four times the cost.

•To answer the most asked question about this video- here are the tabletop mic stands:
(I seriously didn't realize how much interest there would be in these, haha!)

•Rode PodMic:

•Shure SM7B:

•Rodecaster Pro:

Even though they’re not in the same price category, if you’re looking for a podcast/radio mic, you’ll likely find yourself researching the SM7B. It’s been the gold standard for many years…and with good reason! It’s an incredible microphone that’s built to last a lifetime.

Now of course it’s important to remember that you don’t NEED any of this to start a podcast. If you’ve got a phone with a voice recorder app, you’ve got more than you need to get started. The most important thing is to get your ideas out there, not to wait until you have the “perfect” setup, because realistically, it will never be perfect. There will always be an excuse to wait, so you might as well just dive in!

Episode 125: Rode PodMic vs. Shure SM7B

Time Markers:
0:00 - PodMic Overview
0:49 - Weight Comparison
1:55 - SM7B Overview
2:45 - Rodecaster Pro Settings
3:21 - Direct Mic Comparison
4:21 - SM7B Reputation vs. PodMic Reputation
4:49 - How the PodMic Beats the SM7B
6:25 - Directional Sound Pickup Comparison
7:52 - Why Compare These Two?
8:10 - You Don't Need Any of This
9:00 - My Rodecaster Pro Review

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

•Time Markers:
0:00 - PodMic Overview
0:49 - Weight Comparison
1:55 - SM7B Overview
2:45 - Rodecaster Pro Settings
3:21 - Direct Mic Comparison
4:21 - SM7B Reputation vs. PodMic Reputation
4:49 - How the PodMic Beats the SM7B
6:25 - Directional Sound Pickup Comparison
7:52 - Why Compare These Two?
8:10 - You Don't Need Any of This
9:00 - My Rodecaster Pro Review

———————————————————————
Affiliate links mean I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.
———————————————————————

——————————— CONNECT ———————————
Instagram & Twitter: @sodarntom

——————————— MUSIC ———————————

——————————— VIDEO GEAR ———————————

——————————— AUDIO GEAR ———————————

——————————— LIGHTS, TRIPODS, & GRIP GEAR ———————————

———————————————————————
– Who Am I? –

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.

———————————————————————
#podcasting #Rode #microphones #Shure
———————————————————————

[tombuck]

Time Markers:
0:00 - PodMic Overview
0:49 - Weight Comparison
1:55 - SM7B Overview
2:45 - Rodecaster Pro Settings
3:21 - Direct Mic Comparison
4:21 - SM7B Reputation vs. PodMic Reputation
4:49 - How the PodMic Beats the SM7B
6:25 - Directional Sound Pickup Comparison
7:52 - Why Compare These Two?
8:10 - You Don't Need Any of This
9:00 - My Rodecaster Pro Review

[TechDaddyFr]

For my ear the Shure SM7B sounds much better ... but not "4-times-the-price" better.

[curtisjudd]

Thanks for this comparison, Tom! I've noticed that the Podmic seems to be a bit more likely to capture plosives not just on your video though I'm sure that could be addressed with a pop filter. What an amazing option for $99.

[RiffsAndBeards]

That PodMic is really lovely sounding wow

[BennyValdesMusic]

The Shure mic sounds full. While the Rode mic sounds just tad bit flatter. Both great mics but I can definitely hear a difference.

[stevejhkhfda]

The bass is more extended on the Shure but for podcasting the Rode may actually be better because its less muddy and there is plenty of clarity...Its worth noting that it could be better to do a direct comparison with the dynamic setting on both mics rather than the podmic input setting...there may be some EQ effect making the Rode sound more different....

[thefilmpoets]

the sm7b has a warmth and richness to it that'd be hard to add in post with another mic. You can always brighten it up a touch, plus the windscreen you got on reduces the HF a lot. Great value on the Rode though.

[ChaseFreedomMusician]

The thing I notice is the pod mic has great highs and mids comparatively but it seems WAY more sensitive to minor movements so just the little bit of head movement was having a pretty big impact on volume compared the SM7B. Still, sounds like a great mic

[jeffostroff]

Exactly what I needed as I research preamping a Shure SM7B. BTW, very well produced videography and excellent use of Boceh

[markbenavides]

I love my SM7B and do think there is a difference. Just much smoother and natural but the Podmic is great and IMO the best under $100 mic. I do plan on getting a couple to replace my guest mics that are vocal mics. Great comparison video!

[StevieRichardsFitness]

I’m very impressed with the quality of the PodMic.

I have the SM7B and thought about comparing to the SM58. With that point, a comparison of the PodMic vs. SM58 would be interesting.

I love the Rodecaster Pro. Worth every penny.

[SuperSuchties]

Just watching the whole playlist! Just found you today searching for the rodecaster pro. You Sir, are doing a fantastic job! So easy to listen to and so informative.

[paochang]

I really love your mild and sweet smile and when you explain things. Thank you so much. So enjoyable and useful info!! Much appreciated!!

[RainbowCornet]

0:34 that's the coolest transition I've ever seen

[navarone]

"They wanted to make a mini sm7b"

It clearly looks like the Procasters baby brother what you talkin' bout!

[brandondithberry]

With EQ and Compression you can make any mic sound better than another. For the podmic it sounds like the 400-800 hz range is pronounced so all you’d need to make it sound better would be to lower frequencies. That’s the tin can/nasally area and most cheap mics have that issue.

[jeremybatchelor]

Your video work and general setup inspire me Tom. The b roll stuff is expert level.

[strfrmthacr]

"You really don't need any of this stuff to start a podcast"

Me. An audio engineer who mixes professional(studio) podcasts and ones done on anchor: do. You don't, but you do. Just know that ear fatigue is a thing, people. Yes, create. I encourage that, but invest. Please. I've gotten handed so many great and funny podcasts that sound like they're recorded in a moving car. Quality is subjective, yes, but good quality is preferred by all. Doesn't need to be great, but good will get the job done. 🤘🏼

[SavvyTurtle]

Great deal thanks for your video it helped us out knowing the difference also big thanks for your Reco links besides the podmic we been looking for the stand thanks a million, Savvy

[kaspars]

I've har podmic for a while now and I didn't know it was almost as great as sm7b, awesome vid!