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RØDE PodMic USB

Works on Windows and Mac over USB, or XLR through an interface, with a headphone jack to hear yourself; no console maker statement.

USB + XLRA dynamic mic with USB and XLR: plug it into your PC today, or into an interface or mixer later

Check this setup

Maker price $209.00 at RØDE ↗ · checked Nov 2, 2026

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Photo: Amazon · black PODMICUSB USB-C/XLR model

Platform connections

“Works” means the maker lists that platform for the connection shown; “Maker doesn't say” means it doesn't mention it either way. On a headset, it also depends on the edition you pick.

RØDE PodMic USB: how it connects and what you can adjust

Over USB

  1. RØDE PodMic USB
  2. USB data cable
  3. PC or console
  4. Chat input

Over XLR

  1. RØDE PodMic USB
  2. XLR cable + interface
  3. USB to computer
  4. Chat input

Over XLR, your headphones and hearing yourself go through the interface. The mic’s USB mute and voice processing may not work.

Connections
USB-C · 3-pin XLR · 3.5 mm headphone
Mute
Not listed by the maker
Hear yourself
Yes

Choose it if…

  • You want a direct USB computer input without a separate audio interface.
  • You want to hear your own voice through headphones while you play.
  • You can match your stand or arm to Integrated swing mount.

Before choosing this model

  • At 900 g it needs a sturdy arm or stand.
  • The onboard voice processing is for USB; on XLR, plan processing and hearing yourself on your interface.
  • USB and XLR have different controls: over XLR, the mic's USB mute and voice processing may not work. Pick the connection you'll use in the checker.
  • Check the stand, thread and desk position before ordering a mount. Include attached shock mounts and adapters in the total weight. Arms rated for this mic →
  • Use the cable in the box; you only need an adapter if your computer lacks that port.

Others like it

All RØDE models compared →

Controls and specifications

Windows 10+ · macOS 10.15+ · iOS · Android. Software: Not listed by the maker.

Connections, controls and fit
Connections USB-C · 3-pin XLR · 3.5 mm headphone
Microphone mute Not listed by the maker
Monitoring Yes
Chat controls Not listed by the maker
Mounts Integrated swing mount
Dimensions 172 x 107 x 62 mm
In the box and parts
Included parts PodMic USB · External pop filter · SC29 USB-C cable
Additional parts Depends on how you connect it and the headphones you use.
Manufacturer specifications for RØDE PodMic USB.
Connections USB-C · 3-pin XLR · 3.5 mm headphone
Audio outputs USB · XLR
Microphone type dynamic
Phantom power needed No
Direct monitoring Yes
Microphone connection USB/XLR
Operating systems Windows 10+ · macOS 10.15+ · iOS · Android
Pickup pattern Cardioid end-address
Frequency response 20 Hz-20 kHz
Sample rate 48 kHz
Bit depth 24-bit
Maximum sound pressure level 148 dB SPL
Sensitivity -57 dBV/Pa
Output impedance 460 ohms over XLR
Audio processing High-pass filter · Noise gate · Compressor · Aural Exciter · Big Bottom
Mounting threads Integrated swing mount
Dimensions 172 x 107 x 62 mm
Weight 900 g
In the box PodMic USB · External pop filter · SC29 USB-C cable
Internal protection Internal pop filter · Internal shock mount

USB or XLR: what each connection controls

The same mic works differently on each cable. This is what RØDE's own manual or product page says; where it says nothing, test that control yourself. Every USB/XLR mic in one table

What changes with the cable, as RØDE documents it
ConnectionMuteGainProcessing and app featuresHear yourself on the micUSB and XLR at the same timeSources
USB Only in RØDE Connect or UNIFY: pressing the headphone dial mutes the channel there; otherwise it switches monitoring on or offIn RØDE Central, RØDE Connect or UNIFYHigh-pass filter, noise gate, compressor, APHEX Aural Exciter and APHEX Big BottomYes, from the mic's headphone jack (press the headphone dial to switch it on or off)Unknown: RØDE's guide covers USB and XLR separately and doesn't say whether both work at once RØDE: How to mute the PodMic USB · RØDE: PodMic USB user guide
XLR No: RØDE says the headphone-dial mute can't mute XLROn your interface or mixerNone: the processing works over USB onlyUnknown: RØDE documents no headphone monitoring on the mic over XLR; listen through your interfaceUnknown: RØDE doesn't say RØDE: How to mute the PodMic USB · RØDE: PodMic USB user guide

Questions about the RØDE PodMic USB

Does the RØDE PodMic USB need an audio interface?

No, not over USB: it plugs straight into a computer. Its XLR output needs an interface or mixer, and over XLR the interface takes over gain and headphone monitoring.

Can I hear myself through the RØDE PodMic USB?

Yes: plug headphones into it and you hear your own voice with no computer delay.

Does the RØDE PodMic USB work on PS5?

RØDE doesn't say. The PS5 takes many USB mics, but we only mark a model as working when its maker states it.

Will the RØDE PodMic USB fit a boom arm?

Its mount: Integrated swing mount. It weighs about 900 g as its maker lists it; add a shock mount if you use one and compare with the arm's limit.

Set it up for game chat.

  1. Connect the parts shown in the diagram. If you use XLR, connect the microphone to the interface before selecting it in your app.

  2. Choose the intended input in the operating system. Run the Discord input check or use your console’s microphone test.

  3. Check speaking level and mute with headphones on. Change only one gain, sensitivity or suppression control between tests.

References