Is the Rode NT-USB Mini good for podcasting and streaming?

Yes. Its cardioid capsule and warm tone suit spoken voice, and the headphone jack lets you monitor yourself without delay. It is a common pick for solo podcasters and streamers.

Does it need an audio interface or drivers?

No. It is class-compliant over USB, so it works with computers and laptops as soon as you plug it in. There is no XLR output, so it cannot feed a mixer or interface.

Can I hear myself while recording?

Yes. Plug headphones into the 3.5mm jack and use the volume dial to set the monitoring level. Monitoring is direct, so there is no latency.

What comes in the box?

The microphone, its desk stand, a USB cable and a 5/8-inch to 3/8-inch thread adapter for mounting on other stands.

How does it compare with the Blue Yeti?

The NT-USB Mini is smaller, simpler and has a tighter cardioid pattern that rejects room noise better. The Yeti offers multiple pickup patterns and a gain knob, but is bulkier and more complex to set up.

What resolution does it record at?

It records at 24-bit/48 kHz, which is broadcast quality for voice. That is fixed, with no higher-resolution mode.

Where is the Rode NT-USB Mini USB Microphone cheapest?

At Kenmore Camera, for $103.00, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Rode NT-USB Mini USB Microphone?

Rated 4 out of 4 from 1 ratings.

Where can I buy the Rode NT-USB Mini USB Microphone?

15 stores we checked sell it, including Kenmore Camera, Amazon, Music Store US, Techinn.com, Sweetwater.

Rode NT-USB Mini USB Microphone

Best price now

$103.00at Kenmore CameraChecked 43 min ago

Compared across 14 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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What reviewers say

Owners and reviewers rate the NT-USB Mini as one of the easiest ways to get broadcast-quality voice sound, praising its warm tone, solid build and simple setup. Common complaints are the single cardioid pattern, the lack of a gain knob and the low desk stand.

What people mention

Sound qualityPraisedReviewers describe a warm, clear voice tone that sounds broadcast-ready without tweaking.
SetupPraisedOwners say it works immediately when plugged in, with no drivers or interface needed.
BuildPraisedThe steel and reinforced nylon body and magnetic stand are called solid and well made.
Pickup patternCriticisedReviewers note the fixed cardioid pattern rules out stereo or omni recording.
Gain controlCriticisedUsers miss a gain knob and mute button, relying on software for level changes.
Stand heightMixedSome find the included stand sits too low on a desk, though it isolates vibrations well.

About the Rode NT-USB Mini USB Microphone

The Rode NT-USB Mini is a USB condenser microphone for gaming, streaming, podcasting and video work. It plugs straight into a computer or tablet and records without drivers or a separate audio interface. The output is class-compliant.

The microphone uses a condenser capsule with a cardioid pickup pattern. It focuses on sound directly in front of it and reduces room tone and other off-axis noise. A built-in pop filter reduces plosives. The frequency response is smooth.

The body is made of steel and reinforced nylon resin with a matte black finish. The included desk stand isolates the mic from structurally borne noise and vibration. A 360-degree swing mount allows positioning on a desktop, mic stand or studio arm.

Type

USB condenser microphone

Polar pattern

Cardioid

Audio quality

24-bit, 48 kHz

Connectivity

Class-compliant USB output; no drivers required

Headphone output

3.5mm jack with volume dial and switchable zero-latency monitoring

Pop filter

Built-in