Most podcasters are accustom to using mixers and audio interfaces. Although, some people prefer software over tactile buttons and knobs, especially if the recording space is limited or you are a constant traveler. What if you could download free software that is a slim version of the Rodecaster Pro to handle all your basic needs? That’s where the Rode NT-USB Mini Mic Bundle and Rode Connect step in.
Rode is one of today’s most innovative audio companies. With cutting-edge, precision-quality microphones and accessories, Rode continues to create new products and inspire millions of people to realize their creative vision. Rode started in Australia but now is a household name worldwide, especially when it comes to podcasting and content creation. Let’s take a closer look at this Rode bundle.
Key Features of the Rode NT-USB Mini Mic Bundle:
- 2x NT-USB Mini Microphones
- USB-C to A Cables
- 2x Rode COLORS Colored Caps and Cable Clips
- 2x Broadcast Arm with Internal Springs
- Rode 2 Year Limited Warranty
- 2x H&A Studio Monitor Headphones
NT-USB Mini
The NT-USB Mini offers the same audio quality as its bigger brother — the NT-USB — but is considerably smaller. This is ideal for mobile users who want to record wherever they are. The mic is made from steel and reinforced nylon resin with a matte black finish. Despite its small size, it still looks and feels professional. It has a solid weight and doesn’t feel flimsy.
On the front of the device is a single dial that adjusts the headphone level. On the back is a USB-C and 3.5mm headphone jack. In order to help absorb any accidental bumps of the table while recording, the desktop stand is weighted. Magnetically attached to a 360-degree swiveling mount, the microphone stand can be easily detached and mounted on a mic stand or boom arm. You can adjust the mic’s position by rotating the mount until you find the sweet spot.
It has a built-in pop filter that will help soften room reverberation and reduce plosives. The NT-USB Mini’s directional cardioid pickup pattern picks up sounds directly in front of it. Although it cuts down on background noise, it does not eliminate it completely.
Rode’s NT-USB Mini makes recording easy. Plug it into a USB port on your laptop or computer — and that’s it. When the Mini is connected, it will work immediately with any computer or tablet. No drivers are needed and any firmware updates can be done through Rode Connect.
Microphone Arms, H&A Headphones
Using a well-built microphone arm is a good decision for most podcasters. In this bundle, there are two pairs that can mount to flat surfaces like desks or tables. Swing it towards you when you are ready to record, and then out of the way once you have finished. Besides freeing up some space on your desk, it also looks much more professional. In addition to that, its multiple orientations allow you to find the best microphone placement.
The H&A Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones offer a fine and balanced sound while maintaining comfort when wearing them for long periods of time. The housing prevents any sound from escaping while also giving you an enhanced bass response. You can also expect impressive isolation from outside noise which is helpful when monitoring or editing your mix. It can make you feel as if you are in the studio with the subject.
Rode Connect
Rode Connect is a free app for Windows and macOS that was clearly created for any podcaster. It lets you record and stream via the input from multiple microphones at once — all on a single computer. It’s only compatible with the Rode NT-USB Mini Mic, which makes this bundle that much better.
Key Features of Rode Connect:
- Connect up to four podcasters to one computer without complex routing
- Onboard processing: noise gate, compressor, APHEX Aural Exciter, Big Bottom
- Full-featured recording interface, including faders, meters, and mute buttons
- Seamlessly connect remote guests, integrate streaming apps, add music beds
- Ensure crystal clear sound with automatic mix-minus on every channel
- Complete sound pad section with three playback styles and eight banks of sounds
The Rode Connect UI integrates multiple audio devices without requiring additional hardware. From a single screen, you can control the volume levels of up to four NT-USB Mini microphones. Additionally, podcast hosts will likely appreciate the addition of fades and compression, as well as the ability to set up separate channels for “Virtual” and “System.”
You can use these to simultaneously record music and sound pad clips from the same computer, as well as stream your phone’s audio over Skype or Zoom. Controls for microphones can be applied by hosts just like for local microphones via the fader control. The System channel allows you to play any audio directly from your computer from sources such as YouTube or Spotify. The Virtual channel for video chats is a great feature for all sorts of creators.
There is also a trash talk and swear feature on the sound pad. Using the swear button mutes all sources and outputs the classic beep sound, and the trash talk feature will mute your virtual sources so any dial-in participants cannot hear you. In the most recent software update, a solo feature was added to allow whoever is assigned microphone 1 to isolate and monitor individual sources during recording.
Onboard controls in app
The onboard controls allow you to get instant setup and take care of the processes that can normally be done in post production. If you don’t have the time to spend there, these are excellent to have at your fingertips to save you tons of time down the line. Simply get people to start talking through their mics, make individual adjustments to each guest’s gain and volume levels, and decide if you want to add compression.
In spite of the lack of audio editing, the app enables single and multi-track recording. You can export the files as .mp3 and .wav files, with a sample rate of up to 48kHz. It is sufficient for taking the recordings into a DAW for post-processing. You can send it straight to Spotify when you’re done recording via your linked accounts which are optimized for individual streaming platforms. The optimization includes file format and appropriate loudness measurement, so you might be able to get by without doing mastering loudness in a separate DAW.
My experience using the Rode NT-USB Mini Mic Bundle
Having never used Rode Connect before, I had no idea what to expect. As for the initial setup, downloading from Rode’s official website was a breeze. Program set-up and start-up were quick. It barely took a second to boot up. After updating the firmware on the NT-USB Mini so it could be used with the software, dragging the microphone icon to the track of my choice, and configuring both the system and virtual audio, I was ready to go. It took me less than three minutes until I was ready to hit Record.
The UI is simple, clean, easy to navigate, and easy to use. I started a talking head test recording by pressing the Record button at the top of the panel and checking my levels, adjusting faders, and playing with the compressor, exciter, and big bottom to get the sound I wanted from my voice. It’s important to keep in mind that the NT-USB Mini can only be pushed so far. It does, however, produce a clean sound and low-end bump that is more than sufficient for most. Playing with the onboard sound pads with pre-installed sounds was a lot of fun, and integrating to Zoom was a breeze.
After recording, there are a variety of drop-down menus to choose from. You also have options on file formats. I selected a .wav export at -16lufs and downloaded it to my DAW of choice — Logic Pro. It was just like importing any other file. After I played back the recording, I found no glitches or artifacts. Since the audio was already mastered for -16lufs when exporting from Rode Connect, I only had a few edits to make. This saved me back-end time mastering the loudness.
Wrapping Up
Besides being free, Rode Connect is a full-featured program that will get the job done. For years, the entry barrier for podcasting was difficult and expensive. Now that Rode has released Rode Connect and the Rode NT-USB Mini Mic Bundle, it’s easier than ever before.
The Rode NT-USB Mini Mic Bundle coupled with the free Rode Connect software is a pretty incredible offering for new podcasters, content creators, and streamers. Anyone will benefit from dedicated output controls for streaming apps. It has everything you need to start podcasting right out of the box, including two microphones, two pairs of H&A Studio Monitor Headphones, and two broadcast arms.
