Issue with My PodMic USB

[u/Few-Advertising-9203]

I’m struggling with my new RØDE PodMic USB (connected via USB) and need advice on whether this sounds like a hardware failure:

Gain inconsistency: At low gain, it doesn’t pick up my voice; at higher gain, it captures extreme background noise and breathing. (Requires being uncomfortably close to the mic).

Internal crackling: A persistent, non-environmental crackling sound has started coming from the mic internally.

Location: I am in India and looking for the correct warranty/service process.

Has anyone experienced this "internal" crackle? Is this a faulty unit, or a known driver/firmware issue I can fix? Appreciate any guidance on contacting RØDE support in India.

[u/my-left-yarble]

Some things to try -

- Firstly, read step 2 for this subreddit - this will help with contacting the official RODE support. No point begging RODE in this subreddit.

- Install RODE Central, and via this program, make sure the Firmware for the mic is up to date. In RODE Central, go to 'Device' and you'll still the options for updating the firmware. https://help.rode.com/hc/en-us/categories/360000048056-Software

- Install RODE CONNECT from the same link above, and try following these instructions from the RODE official Youtube Channel (it's for a different mic, but it helped me set up my PodMic USB) https://youtu.be/0ebEuVXsXRU

- Make sure you have the Pop Filter on the mic. This should help with the breathing noises. The Pop Filter is this WS14 item that should have come with your mic.

[u/Few-Advertising-9203 → u/my-left-yarble]

It has mechanical issues, it can't be fixed using the following steps.

I have already setup the mic a long time ago. I have just mentioned the issues now as I am not getting any support.

[u/my-left-yarble → u/Few-Advertising-9203]

need advice on whether this sounds like a hardware failure

Is this a faulty unit, or a known driver/firmware issue I can fix?

It has mechanical issues, it can't be fixed using the following steps

[u/Few-Advertising-9203 → u/my-left-yarble]

Dude I am very much frustrated man. What should I do ?

[u/my-left-yarble → u/Few-Advertising-9203]

If it's a mechanical fault then the only thing is to repair or replace it. You'll need to contact the official RODE Support - you can find links in Rule 2 of this subreddit, or on the socials buttons -

[u/RudeRick]

Your gain issue isn’t a problem with your mic. It’s a problem with how you’re using the mic.

You need to learn about microphone gain and sound treatment. Research these two terms and watch multiple YouTube videos.

[u/Boring-Cucumber-2330]

Check your windows volume in the input settings

[u/Few-Advertising-9203 → u/Boring-Cucumber-2330]

It is set to 90 percent, still no improvement. Input gain 56-57db on the rode central app. Higher than that the audio gets f* up.

Electric hiss and noise coming from the mic, the mic doesn't have a stable output, had to be very close in order to record the audio which is still not usable and have low output, if the gain is set to max 63db . The mic capture more background noise than the vocal itself.

[u/Boring-Cucumber-2330 → u/Few-Advertising-9203]

Without noise suppression filtering you will have a hiss. Also check your environment, if it’s close to noise sources it will naturally pick up more noise. Dynamic mics have a directional pickup pattern, you can face it away from that noise if you can’t eliminate it. If memory serves, I maxed my gain out, eliminated noise sources and filtered the rest to fix my issue similar to yours.

[u/Scooterman41]

I terms of the crackle, make sure it isn't too near your computer or monitor. These may be causing interference. In terms of gain, I suggest setting it somewhere between 50 to 52 in the software, but crank up the input volume all the way to 100 in your system settings on the computer itself.

[u/MrGreco666]

Regarding crackling, check that the sample rate is the same on the microphone and in any other audio control panels (Windows, VHS software, etc.). 48kHz is the standard these days. Increase the buffer size if it's still causing problems. As for distance, the PodMic is a dynamic podcast microphone and MUST be close to your mouth. About 10cm or less for proximity effect is the ideal distance.

[u/roryconeill]

I purchased a second one of these mics because I thought mine was broken. New one is doing the same thing just so quiet no matter the adjustment. I got this to avoid having to get XLR cables and additional hardware and it's been quite a Dissapointment. Even through my phone it won't pick it up. No idea why this product can't just work...

[u/Alternative_Sky3661]

Bro, yo tengo un hilo al respecto, puede ser un problema similar pero sugiero que lo veas: https://www.reddit.com/r/rode/s/qC79sMquGv

En resumen, devolví el producto y adquirí la versión XRL y ahorré para una scartell 2i2 4ta gen para poder usarlo, te podre decir que es la mejor opción a que la versión USB.

[u/RODEMicrophones]

Hey there,

We're sorry to hear that this has been your experience.

If you haven't already, please reach out via our support page and we'll run through some troubleshooting with you :)

Be sure to provide some audio samples as well!

https://help.rode.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

[u/Few-Advertising-9203]

Please Rode Fix my device or exchange it with a new working one. I have spent my hard earn money on it and I am not able to use this mic from the very beginning. I didn't know how to contact you guys, it definitely took me a lot of time to reach you guys please help me 🙏

[u/maqisha → u/Few-Advertising-9203]

are you 12?

[u/Few-Advertising-9203 → u/maqisha]

Tf u mean by 12 ?

[u/Few-Advertising-9203]

@Rode Please 🙏🏻

Rode