With the NT-USB Mini, a desktop variant that is small and simple to use, Rode offers a straightforward USB microphone. For recording vocals or instruments, as well as for gaming, podcasting, and business conversations, its fixed cardioid pattern is helpful. Many professional microphones lack the EQ/DSP modes and adjustable mic patterns that some people find to be restrictive. also you will learn our article on Rode NT-USB Mini review. Because there is no DSP on the audio signal itself, the NT-USB Mini will likely appeal to users who are at least somewhat familiar with fundamental recording techniques and don’t require a lot of assistance from DSP presets. This makes it a good choice for those who want a more pure mic signal. The Rode NT-USB Mini is a fantastic-sounding, simple-to-use USB microphone with software that addresses a common issue for seasoned podcasters. Its $100 price puts it squarely in the middle of an already extremely crowded field of inexpensive microphones that sound better than their weight class, but its superior audio sets it apart from the competition.
Design
The NT-USB Mini can best be described as “short and stocky.” It has a minimalistic style and is entirely matte black. It has a single, enormous knob up front that controls the headphone gain, and it has a USB Type-C port and a headphone jack on the rear. The NT-USB Mini is a big microphone that is also somewhat heavy. You can tell you are holding something more professional because the plastic and metal structure feels wonderful in your hand. On a mount that can swivel 360 degrees, the microphone floats. This gives the Rode NT-USB a tonne of versatility because it can be mounted on practically any stand, from a straightforward desk mount to an overhead arm. The NT-USB Mini’s included stand is adequate. Its sturdy base magnetically attaches to the microphone. Unfortunately, you have to shift yourself toward the mic rather than the other way around due to its flat, non-adjustable base. It’s unfortunate that Rode does not include a carrying case; in fact, there isn’t even one offered for sale separately. This is because the Rode NT-USB Mini might be used by travelling podcasters or musicians. It would have been nice if Rode had adopted that strategy for the NT-USB Mini as well, even though the company does make cases for its other microphones. Unlike the Blue Yeti Nano or the QuadCast S, the NT-USB’s design may not stand out in terms of color, but Rode does sell colour identification accessories that can be used to distinguish different microphones in a podcasting space.
Rode NT-USB Mini review: Connectivity
It’s a good addition to have the new Rode Connect software. It has a noise gate, compressor, exciter, huge bottom, multi-channel volume control, and muting. Additionally, recording is integrated. Even significant events that you might want to change later can have markings placed. It has a lot fewer options than the Elgato Wave software, but since USB microphones rarely come with any kind of control software, the few features it does have give it a competitive advantage over the majority of its rivals. This software seems more geared at users who want to use it for an edited final result, such as podcasters, than it is for those who broadcast or create other live video.
Sound quality
The NT-USB Mini generally does a respectable job of recording. Although it can’t match the more powerful studio microphones that go via an audio interface, the resulting audio is acceptable for what it is. It obviously outperforms a set of headphones or an iPhone’s built-in microphone. We brought the NT-USB Mini on a lengthy trip as a podcaster. It was simple to set up. All that was needed was a USB Type-C cable plugged into our Surface Pro 5. As soon as Windows detected the device, we were able to begin recording. For added functionality, the podcasting and streaming software Rode Connect is also available for download. Our producer would bemoan the high gain the NT-USB Mini provided our voice, despite the fact that it was good. Rode lost an opportunity by not including a gain slider on the microphone itself; software adjustments weren’t very effective, either. The base recording sound profile Rode has implemented tries to serve too many masters because the NT-USB Mini is trying to be a condenser mic for spoken word, singing, and music recording at the same time. you can read our article on Rode NT-USB Mini review. Even though we recorded in a soundproofed attic, the Rode microphone gave our voice a somewhat hollow tone, as if we were speaking in a small sound booth. The built-in headphone monitoring jack did a poor job of letting us hear how our voice sounded when recording, which is a shame. We were concerned that a door opening down the hallway would also be being recorded because the monitoring system picked up so much minute surrounding sounds. Thankfully, it wasn’t the situation. But that does raise the question of why the microphone was transmitting sounds to us that would not be captured on tape. We were fortunate to have a producer on present who could serve as a second set of ears, but not all podcasters are as fortunate. Although it wasn’t ideal, the NT-USB Mini’s integrated pop filter did an excellent job of suppressing any popping noises. Sometimes certain phrases would still sound awkward.
Rode NT-USB Mini review: Software
The ability to plug and play without having to download any additional drivers is always a plus. With Mac and Windows 11 systems, the Rode NT-USB Mini simply functions and is enjoyable to use. However, the Rode Connect programme is available for free download if you’re seeking for additional customization. You may connect up to four NT-USB Minis or two Wireless GO mics to this small digital mixing suite, which is user-friendly and offers you a variety of options, including the ability to control them all from your computer. It’s like having access to a studio mixer. Additionally, the NT-USB Mini’s compact size makes it possible to record your podcast or other audio pretty much anywhere you want by packing a few in a laptop bag. What’s the big deal about this? Because most sound cards are not designed to support multiple audio recording sources, using more than one USB microphone has historically been challenging. Although many mics may be supported by methods and software, the quality wasn’t always guaranteed. Rode has come the closest to accomplishing this. Users now have access to a recording interface with a wealth of features, including broadcast-style faders, level meters, and mute buttons on their computers, as well as the option to mix in some preloaded sound effects like applause, laughter, and intro/outro music, thanks to the Rode Connect app. Additionally, users have access to the Aphex Aural Exciter, Big Bottom, and powerful digital processing tools like noise gate, as well as gain control.
Rode NT-USB Mini review: Performance
Of course, the interior of the microphone is the most crucial component. The NT-USB Mini has exactly one mic pattern, a cardioid polar pattern that is sensitive to audio in front of the mic and rejects audio to the side and rear, unlike all-purpose microphones like the Blue Yeti that have multiple capsules. Rode’s engineers undoubtedly used a higher-quality mic in the NT-USB Mini because they didn’t have to worry about putting two or three capsules under the hood because it only has one pattern. That is supported by its technical specifications, which include 24-bit recording, a 20Hz–20kHz frequency response, and 121dB SPL at 1% THD. Primarily as a speech mic for podcasting, we put the mic through its paces. Our primary microphone is a Blue Yeti, which we keep mounted in front of the mic and housed in an open box with baffling. Because Rode built a filter into the NT-USB Mini, one is not necessary. In fact, it effectively prevented plosives, always producing incredibly smooth audio recordings. Unfortunately, the basic idea behind the microphone quickly made a severe issue apparent. Using it was, well, a real pain in the neck because it only sits about 5 inches high. The NT-USB Mini appears to operate best when you’re about 3–4 inches away from it, which is about where you should be to practically devour a mic. The warm, rich tone of vocal audio abruptly disappears at even a foot’s distance, giving way to a thin sound devoid of bass and mids. You must be close to this microphone. However, how can you achieve this with a microphone that is just 5 inches high? It was difficult to fit it in our baffle box even after we supported it with books and cartons. The bottom line: Despite how cute the mic is and how small it is, we can’t use it without mounting it on a boom arm so we can place it precisely where we need it. Once the NT-USB Mini’s mini-ness was overcome, it operated excellently. As we hinted before, the audio is warm and full, with a good midrange that enhances the vocal audio. However, you must remain close because the mic’s reaction sharply decreases when you get close to the east and west coordinates. It also hears almost nothing from behind. This is helpful if you’re recording alone in a space where there may be background noise that is out of your control. However, if you have to conduct in-person interviews, a single NT-USB Mini won’t cut it. Another drawback is that the microphone lacks a mute button, which we didn’t appreciate how much until we started using the Rode. If the app you’re using to record has a software mute option, you’ll need to use it.
Price and availability
At $79 and $139, respectively, the NT-USB Mini is priced between the Blue Yeti Nano and the HyperX QuadCast. The only significant difference between it and the HyperX QuadCast S, which costs $159, is that it comes with RGB lights. also you will check our article on the Rode NT-USB Mini review.
Conclusion
The Rode NT-USB Mini is an excellent choice if you’re searching for a small microphone that may deliver excellent sound quality for the money. The smaller form size makes it more usable for online meetings and video conferences in addition to being fantastic for voiceovers and recording instruments. By registering the microphone on the Rode website, the microphone’s one-year warranty can be increased to two years.
