Rode NT-USB Desktop Mic - Inexpensive, Awesome, Plug-and-play Solution?

The Rode NT-USB is the last desktop mic we're going to be taking a look at for a while... Is it the best one yet? We'll have to see...

Intro Screen Music Credit:
Title: Laszlo - Supernova

[imclueless]

been using this microphone for almost 5 years now and it has never had any problems or issues. Honestly one of the best and most affordable microphones ive ever used. Seriously recommend this microphone TO EVERYONE.

[GrimickVideos]

I got this mic about 6 months ago, and I have accidentally gone to using it for everything. It really is amazing. Highly recommended.

[Boatsman]

Have had this mic for over 2 years. Never had to worry about mic problems since.

[gbossman]

I've been using this mic for about a year and it's fantastic. My old Blue Yeti would pick up every sound in the room no matter what the gain was set at. The Rode-NT only picks up my voice. Highly recommend

[JaCornCobb]

🎶 On the Røde again... just can't wait to get on the Røde again... 🎶

[Wownerd]

They should really only let Luke review mics. How are we supposed to get an idea about the frequency response curve of a mic when Linus' voice literally has no bass?

[swica]

Linus, I love your videos on microphones. Please don't stop them assuming we are bored with them!

[jossdiim]

did not expected this video from 2015, when I'm comparing microphones from 2021 and this Rode still on competition, without any changes in design or functionality)

[MasakoX]

I'd be interested to see your take on the Apogee MIC 96k in the future. Nice review though!

[JG_]

To everyone complaining that this mic is not "inexpensive" what you have to realize is that there's a big difference between "inexpensive" and "budget." Compared to some of the other mics you can get this mic is actually priced decently. There are lots of mics out there that cost upwards of 300$, and that's not including the Audio Interface that you'd have to buy to be able to use the mic. Which would cost you around another 100 bucks if you wanted to get one that was not a piece of shit. What Linus is saying here is that this mic while on the higher end in terms of pricing as far as plug and play mics go, is competitively priced for someone who is just getting into doing podcasts ect. and are passionate enough that they wanna get a decent mic, but aren't ready to spend upwards of 400$ for just one mic. This is amplified by the fact that the mic comes with a free stand and free pop-filter that fits in with its sleek design. Allowing you to start recording as soon as you get the mic. If you're looking for a cheaper, more introductory level mic that will still deliver good audio quality I suggest the Blue Snowball Ice (make sure it's Ice because the Blue Snowball will charge you extra money for basically nothing of use) or if you're willing to pay about 20$ more there's the Samson Meteor.

[bradarnoldt]

I've had this mic for a while now and love it.  Warm sounding.  Great top and bottom end to it.  Great price.  Well done Rode.

[xXBiShOXx]

B-but Linus, you've already done the iOS vs. Android debate!

[mtfuser]

Man, I'm seeing this in 2020 and the video quality is so darn good

[AsoraXE]

Your microphone reviews are among my favourite reviews you produce, and I'll be super sad to see them go.

One of the issues I have with them is that you tend to use only condenser microphones. While condensers are great and all, for the kind of noisy/echoey environment you work in, I'd seriously recommend you look into some of the dynamics available. They'll cut the background noise in half (at least), but will likely require a dedicated boom/floor stand. A good start would be the Shure SM58 or SM57. These mics are both under $100. They do require XLR, although it appears the Seiren Pro Elite you're using has an XLR cable connected, so I doubt that'll be an issue.

[luckyluke]

The reason why I love Linus Tech Tips is because as soon as I come back from school there will always be a new video that I never saw online. Love your show :)

[EposVox]

Audio quality next to the monitor is always going to suck. I don't entirely see the value in comparing that, as that's not really a "correct" way of using the mic for normal recording.

[HerobrineHIWY]

I have recently bought this mic and the sound quality and build quality are just amazing!

[TheBerlinTwo]

Well, I think that the best mic for beginner podcasters or streamers is the t.bone SC 440. 
It's also a USB microphone and costs even with the popfilter and the stand almost 100$ less.

[varzam]

A delightful quality video, Linus. Love that you compared it to other microphones!

[TheWordImmanuel]

I love this Mic got one the other day highly suggest it considering it comes with a stand and a pop filter which would cost you around $40 separately, I personally think it's a better mic then the Blue Yeti plus it comes with a 20 foot USB cord :)