How to Set Up the RØDE PodMic USB for Rap

The RØDE PodMic USB is a dynamic mic with both USB-C and XLR. It's made for speech, but it works fine for recording rap too. Here's how to set it up.

1. Record up close

The PodMic USB picks up sound at the end of the mic, not the side. So point the head straight at your mouth. Because it's a dynamic mic, RØDE says your voice sounds best up close, around 5 to 10 centimeters. Slide the included pop filter over the head too, against hard P and B sounds.

2. USB-C or XLR?

• USB-C: you connect it straight to your computer or phone. Then choose RØDE PodMic USB as the input on your computer and in your DAW.
• XLR: you connect it to an interface or mixer. Turn phantom power off there. According to RØDE, 48V affects the mic's output level. Also turn your gain all the way down before you plug in the cable.

3. Set gain and sound in RØDE Central

Using USB? Install RØDE Central. That's where you set the mic's input gain and find the built-in processing:

• VoxLab: three controls for Depth, Sparkle and Punch, to shape your sound quickly.
• Advanced: separate settings for a noise gate, compressor, high-pass filter and the APHEX Aural Exciter and Big Bottom.

According to RØDE, what you set here stays stored in the mic, even after you close RØDE Central. So it's in your USB signal, and in your recording too. Record a short test first and listen back. If you want to mix yourself later, keep the processing light.

Rap your loudest part and watch the meter in your DAW. Make sure you don't hit the red.

4. Hear yourself without delay

Plug your headphones into the 3.5 mm output on the back of the mic. Turn the volume knob to set the level. Press the knob to turn zero-latency monitoring on or off. If the light is green, you hear your mic directly, without delay. Red means it's off.

If zero-latency monitoring is on, turn off monitoring in your DAW. Otherwise you'll hear yourself twice.

More recording guides: how to set up the RØDE NT-USB+ and how to fix latency when recording.

FAQ

How close should I be to the PodMic USB?

According to RØDE, around 5 to 10 centimeters from your mouth. Keep the same distance every time, too.

Do I need 48V with XLR?

No. RØDE recommends turning phantom power off, because it affects the mic's output level.

Why do my settings stay active when RØDE Central is closed?

The PodMic USB stores the settings in the mic itself. That way they work in other software too.

Source: RØDE's PodMic USB user guide.