RODE PodCaster

The advantage of USB microphones is that they are able to make the change from analogue to digital signal without the need for a computer. The result is clearer sound and less data to be transferred. You may not even realize the disadvantages of these devices until you see the significant improvement that the RODE USB microphone brings. USB devices always operate with a delay, or latency, between the real time you are speaking and the time the computer finishes processing the audio and sends it back to your headphones. Some devices don't even allow playback back to your headphones, which may seem like a significant drawback. However, an even bigger inconvenience would be hearing your voice in your headphones with a significant delay.

RODE's solution is ingenious: Build an analogue pass-through directly into the microphone body. Simply plug the headphones into the prepared microphone port, set the control to the desired listening volume level, and then just hear your voice without any delay or latency.

The shape of the Podcaster microphone is reminiscent of the popular EV R E20 and the specifications show a strong onset around 10 kHz, which should ensure a distinctive, clear sound. Since the microphone is cardiod, it significantly reduces the amount of ambient noise.