I’ve messed with tons of microphones over the last few years. I started with an online radio show, then a podcast, then video cast, and each few months I bought a new microphone. Well, I’m at it again, a few computer, new setup and a new microphone is needed. I want to upgrade to something that will give me excellent voice quality, and is easy to use. So this time, as I went on a search and I found this Rode Mic. I decided to write a review of what I found.
MXL USB006 USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone
This microphone records high quality audio on your computer and allows you to easily upload the audio files to any online location, a blog, website or storage area. This was created by combining a studio dynamic microphone with A/D converters. The Rode Podcaster can easily be plugged into any computer using a USB cable.
No more fiddling with in/out boxes or computer pre-amplifiers or mixers. You might have to load a driver or change some preferences, but otherwise, it’s not a big problem. If you’re using a Mac, you can connect it to one of the built-in USB ports or into a USB hub and you’re good to go.
The microphone comes with a 15-foot long USB cable and a mic stand adapter. It is necessary to have your own mic stand because the Podcaster is a little heavy at 610 grams. An accessory you can choose to use with this mic is the suspension shock mount by Rode that’s perfect for the Podcaster. ( see below) It features a clear tailored-for-voice frequency response but it has no conventional high pass filter unless you are using Windows and install a software switch yourself.
This self-powered dynamic mic is designed to pick up sound that is directly in front of it. That is the nature of all dynamic microphones so you’ll have to be careful about getting too close to the mic or pulling away from it while speaking. Typical of other USB mics, however, it also needs more volume gain. You will likely have to turn the mic input all the way up and bring your lips close to the mic to get the right volume you need. This can allow you to reduce self-noise effectively and produce a clean track.
The microphone includes a small LED ON light to indicate a successful USB connection and a built-in ⅛” headphone jack and volume out control on the side of the mic body so you can monitor your audio input directly. It is an ideal tool for a recording studio and is capable of professional sounding quality when used correctly. However, if your recording style involves a lot of moving around, condenser mics might be a more appropriate choices because they pick up sounds from moving targets much better.
The Rode Podcaster has been recognized with an Australian Design Award and provides a 10 year warranty. It also has a dedicated website that serves as a good source of tips on how to use it and provides free podcast hosting services.
This microphone Podcaster is definitely an useful gadget for anyone who wants to record audio–from podcasters, to students, teachers, journalists or even professionals who want to upload audio files to multimedia presentations or websites.
The Microphone on Amazon:
MXL USB006 USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone
There are some reviews on Amazon and elsewhere on the internet. Some examples:
………..For recording my voice (baritone), it does a great job. For extra warmth that means close-miking, which in turn means not popping your p’s, etc. If you hold it close to your mouth but don’t directly face it end-on, that’s easily done (or get a pop filter).
……….I picked up the R0DE Podcaster a few days ago, and it sounds great — much better than I expected. I honestly expected it to sound cheesier because it’s USB instead of XLR. I made a couple of test recordings and gave them to my wife, who is always saying that I don’t sound like myself in my recordings. She said that this is the best-sounding mic I’ve ever used, and that I sound just like myself. My background in audio is a couple of years in podcasting and some live interviews. Equipment I’ve used in the past includes the Audio Technica 4033a, Heil Pro PR-40, Symetrix 528e, Zoom H-4, and the M-Audio MobilePre.
MXL USB006 USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Well OK, I’m off to buy it now, if you purchase this item using the link above, I may make a small commission which is used in the support of doing interviews for authors, creating podcasts and everything I do to support marketing authors. Then, I’d love to know what you think, is this what you expected? Do you like this product?
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Michelle Vandepas started Talking Books TV as a site to help authors and their books get more exposure. She teaches authentic marketing for on and offline marketing campaigns and specializes in working with people who want to live their Conscious Livelihood (R). Find out more about how to work with Michelle on her site, MichelleVandepas.com 
