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Aug 20, 2023Rode NT
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The cardioid Rode NT-USB+ microphone ($169) produces a clear signal that’s ideal for vocals. The included pop filter is also of high quality and we like Rode’s software, which includes adjustable digital signal processing (DSP) settings. That said, there are enough competitors in this price range that the omission of a gain knob and an unsteady desktop stand are more notable than they otherwise might be. For the same price, the Blue Yeti X ($169.99) offers a gain knob, a sturdy stand, several more recording patterns, and equally useful companion software, making it a better buy.
The NT-USB+ is available only in black and features the company logo on just about every surface, including the add-on filter. The cardioid, side-address condenser microphone measures roughly 7.2 by 2.4 by 2.0 inches (HWD) and weighs either 1.2 or 1.6 pounds, depending on whether you attach the pop filter and stand. If you opt to use the desktop stand, just be aware that the combined height approaches 12 inches and that the width is just under 6 inches. The capsule has a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz and records up to 24-bit/48kHz audio.
The mic has two built-in control knobs on the right side—the bottom knob controls the master volume for headphones, while the top knob sets the mic’s volume relative to your computer's audio. One important distinction for the latter is that it leaves the computer audio level static. We would prefer the ability to choose between a full range of mix levels. Regardless of whatever level you set here, the overall mic output remains identical. That makes sense because you wouldn't want this type of adjustment to impact the recording level.
We would also prefer a discrete gain knob. Yes, most recording software, including the Rode Connect and Rode Central apps, let you adjust the gain, but some competitors like the aforementioned Blue Yeti let you do this directly on the mic itself.
Below the knobs, a zero-latency headphone jack allows you to monitor your levels in real time. There's also a USB-C port for connecting the device to a computer or phone (you get a 10-foot USB-C-to-USB-C cable in the box, but no USB-A adapter). When you do plug it into either type of device, the lights behind the front grille glow blue.
A pop filter and a tripod desktop stand round out the included accessories. You screw the mic into this mount using a built-in ring adjuster to secure whatever angle and rotational position is ideal. The all-plastic tripod stand feels a little cheap and lacks any shock mount-style material for reducing vibrations that could cause undesirable rumbles in recordings. Therefore, make sure to place the mount on top of a surface that's not prone to accidental contact. The stand's low weight is another problem because a quick movement or a snagged cable can easily cause the whole setup to topple. Rubber tips on the bottom of the legs help somewhat with stability, but you're better off buying a sturdier mic stand or a studio arm (like the $129 Rode PSA1) that works with this device's removable 1/4-to-5/6-inch thread ring mount.
Rode offers a whole suite of apps (Rode Central, Rode Connect, and Rode Reporter) for mobile and desktop platforms that work with most of its products, including the NT-USB+. None of the apps are necessary to use the mic, but Rode Central is worth downloading because it lets you install firmware updates and, more importantly, adjust various DSP settings. For instance, you can change the gain, add a high-pass-filter (75Hz or 150Hz), introduce a noise gate (which decreases the ambient background noise level), or enable the compressor setting (this has no parameters and is best to leave off if you want a transparent recording). Aural Exciter (which adds in some high-mids and highs for effect, along with some subtle harmonic distortion) and Big Bottom (which adds some bass depth) are also options, though they can only be toggled on or off.
If you’re going for a transparent recording, we recommend only using the high-pass filter and the noise gate because those are both fairly standard processing effects that simply allow the mic to zero in on the voice and eliminate hiss. In practice, we found both of these settings useful (despite the inability to adjust the noise gate's threshold).
Rode Central is available for computers with at least macOS 10.15 or Windows 10, as well as phones with iOS 14 and Android 9.0. We tested it on a Mac, so our descriptions apply to the desktop version. Note that any settings you manually save in this app stay with the mic, regardless of what recording suite or digital audio workstation you use.
Meanwhile, Rode Connect offers all the same DSP settings as Rode Central along with the ability to record several Rode mics simultaneously. It's available for PCs running at least macOS 10.13 or Windows 10. The Rode Reporter app (available for Android and iOS) simply enables you to record via your phone or tablet. The USB-C port on the mic makes for easy compatibility with Android handsets and recent iPads, though iPhone owners need to get a USB-C-to-Lighting adapter (not included) or cable. You might find this mic a bit too large to use comfortably on the go, however.
For the best experience, we recommend that you download the Rode Central app, adjust the various DSP parameters to taste, and then use whatever recording platform you prefer, rather than Rode Connect.
In testing at default settings, the NT-USB+ captures both solid low-end from closeup vocals and a pleasing amount of crispness from farther away. The cardioid recording pattern is suitable for everything from an acoustic guitar to a guitar amp, but it is clearly most at home with people singing or speaking conversationally.
With no active effects, the mic provides a clean signal with plenty of detail. However, the high-pass filter and noise gate options can certainly be handy. The high-pass filter has only a subtle effect in the 75Hz mode but can tamp down some lower-frequency background noise. Meanwhile, the 150Hz mode has a more noticeable impact on deep vocals—it dials back lows you might not want from performers who either have a deep voice or position themselves too close to the mic. Your subject and the recording environment will help you define which mode is right. As for the noise gate, it's particularly helpful if a simple frequency-based filter can't get rid of offending background sounds.
The included curved pop filter protects the entire front grille of the mic and successfully prevents any obvious plosives from sneaking into our test recordings. The frame is also quite sturdy, unlike the desktop stand.
The cardioid Rode NT-USB+ microphone delivers vocals with excellent clarity and works just as well for some instrumental setups. We also like the high-quality pop filter that ships in the package and the adjustable DSP effects. That said, the Blue Yeti X has a gain knob, a sturdier stand, and a more comprehensive set of recording patterns for the same price. And if you want to spend less, check out the Rode NT-USB Mini ($99), which captures a similarly crisp signal without the flexibility of DSP adjustments.
The Rode NT-USB+ microphone delivers a quality signal for podcasts and vocal work at a reasonable price.
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