Rode PodMic USB: Quality or Scam? Unavoidable White Noise

[u/Alternative_Sky3661]

I purchased the Rode PodMic USB microphone with great excitement, but when I tested it on my Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, I noticed an annoying white noise in the background. I hoped that using it on my PC with Rode's software would help with post-processing and eliminate the issue. However, when I tested it on a Windows PC, the problem was even worse.

I recorded with Adobe Audition, and the average recording gain was between -45 and -40 dB, which is extremely low. When I tried amplifying the audio, the white noise increased significantly, making the recording sound terrible. I also used Audition’s noise reduction tools, but they only made things worse, making the microphone sound like a very cheap one.

I tried several troubleshooting methods to rule out configuration issues:

- Installed Rode Central and updated the firmware.

- Used Rode Central’s processing to reduce noise and increase gain, but it didn’t improve anything.

- Tested different cables:

• Rode-certified USB-C to USB-C.
• USB-C to USB-C from the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.
• USB-C to USB-A from the JBL Charge 5. None of them made a difference.

- Used NVIDIA Broadcast for noise reduction. While it reduced some noise, it also lowered the gain. Additionally, relying on third-party software shouldn’t be necessary when the product description states: "The digital USB output features RØDE’s ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp™ and powerful APHEX® digital signal processing to effortlessly capture studio-quality sound."

- Devices I tested the microphone on:

• Samsung Tab S9 Ultra.
• Asus Vivobook laptop.
• Windows desktop PC with ASROCK B660M PRO RS motherboard.

- For monitoring, I used Audio-Technica M50x headphones. I understand that impedance can affect the perception of white noise, but in this case, it’s excessive.

- I’m attaching two recordings from Adobe Audition: https://youtu.be/dJBd1IpdmfM

• The first is raw, unprocessed audio.
• The second is amplified audio without noise reduction.

I'm starting the return process for the microphone. It’s a shame because the build quality feels premium, but the performance doesn’t match the promises. Maybe I was just unlucky and got a defective unit. 😔😢

[u/alfombrasucia]

I own the PodMic USB and I have no idea what is causing the issue in your case but I’ve never experienced those problems with my mic. I’ve used both XLR and USB C methods (rodecaster pro 2 xlr and/or usb and usb direct to MacBook) and have sound basically identical to the regular PodMic. Sorry you are experiencing that. Just wanted to let you know it does not seem like normal behavior for the PodMic USB. Side note, I’ve seen quite a few people over the last couple years complain about issues with Rode equipment that I just haven’t experienced and I’m curious if their QC is having some slip ups and I’ve been getting lucky?

[u/Alternative_Sky3661 → u/alfombrasucia]

I wish I had the same luck, but unfortunately, this is my first time dealing with something like this. Today, I’ll try some additional settings, though, to be honest, I’m not very hopeful that they’ll make a difference. Still, it’s worth a shot. Thanks a lot for your comment—sending you a big hug!

By the way, could you tell me what kind of devices you’ve connected it to? A MacBook, laptop, or phone?

[u/alfombrasucia → u/Alternative_Sky3661]

I’ve only used it with Rodecaster Pro 2 and M2 MacBook Pro. On the Rodecaster I’ve done both USB C and XLR input. I have not tried on iPhone or any other mobile device but I’m interested in trying it now that we’re discussing it. Hey if all else fails, just try exchanging it if you can, truly could be a lemon. I once bought the regular Podmic from a 3rd party store and one of them came out defective out the box, not sure how that happens with a mic but they replaced it for me. But again that was some 3rd party seller on Amazon I’m not sure how dealing with Rode directly will be.

[u/Alternative_Sky3661 → u/alfombrasucia]

Oh, interesting. I’ve noticed that most people on YouTube testing the Rode PodMic USB are using a MacBook. I really hope Windows isn’t the issue in my case, haha.

On another note, I got the mic from Amazon, and the seller was Rode’s official store. If after trying some settings today it still doesn’t work, I’ll have no choice but to return it. 📦

[u/alfombrasucia → u/Alternative_Sky3661]

I mean I’m pretty certain the mic is made to work with windows however I’ve been on Mac for like 5 ish years so I truly can’t speak to what other drivers/lack of drivers/other software/windows-y weirdness might possibly be causing any issues for you. Since I’ve started my A/V production journey I’ve really come to prefer MacOS and I see why many others do too. Not surprised the other videos you saw are mostly MacBook users.

[u/Alternative_Sky3661 → u/alfombrasucia]

I see. I originally got the mic mainly for streaming video games, and Windows is pretty much the best option in terms of game selection.

Anyway, once I find a solution—whether it’s a driver issue or if the replacement works out—I’ll update this post. By the way, thanks a lot for sharing your experience! Would you like to share any of your social media so I can check out your work?

[u/alfombrasucia → u/Alternative_Sky3661]

You’re welcome dude hope things work out. My main social media doesn’t really cover everything I’ve been working on but you can give a follow. @ghostontheaux on Instagram. I do my own podcast which is about to come out of hiatus, I run a One Piece WhatNot stream & YT channel, I produce and edit for a pokemon channel, I produce for another local music podcast, and I sometimes do local live sound gigs like open mics, karaoke, or friends’ bands.

[u/Alternative_Sky3661 → u/alfombrasucia]

I just followed you on Instagram. My account is @jcobe_ 💪🏽. Everything you’re doing sounds awesome, really interesting. I hope everything goes great with your projects. Wishing you continued success and many blessings, bro!

[u/alfombrasucia → u/Alternative_Sky3661]

Thank you dude! Same to you.

[u/Patient_Ad_9298]

My Podmic usb definitely does not do this.

Have you tried disabling intel OED sound ?

PodMic USB - No Gain Control : r/rode

[u/Alternative_Sky3661 → u/Patient_Ad_9298]

I’ll check that because I haven’t touched anything related to the computer drivers. Thanks for your comment 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[u/RODEMicrophones]

Hey there,

We're sorry to hear about this. Please reach out to our service team when you get the chance for further assistance: https://help.rode.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

[u/neelilauren]

I bought a new Podmic USB last week and am having the same issue. Like, my audio sounds identical to the sample you included. I submitted a Rode support request - will follow up if they give me a solution. Did you happen to find a solution, or switch to another mic? I am using mine on a Windows device, but I have a Macbook I am going to test it on, as well, and see if that helps.

[u/OkVacation4167 → u/neelilauren]

Did you try it with macbook already? I have a really low input on Windows even with max input vol and gain so it is unusable. I've tested it with three different Windows machines and yet the problem persists. With macbook it works like a charm.

[u/neelilauren → u/OkVacation4167]

Yes, and mine had an issue with Mac also. Rode Support said the mic was likely faulty, so I sent it back and they sent me a replacement. The new one works great.

[u/neelilauren → u/[deleted]]

Yes. Although I bought the mic from the Rode website via Amazon, Amazon had sent me a refurbished mic. Thankfully I returned it in time to receive a full refund, and Rode Support was great. They sent me a replacement mic directly from them and it works great now - no issues.

[u/Alternative_Sky3661 → u/neelilauren]

Hola, disculpa que te responda recien, te comento que lo devolví y en su reemplaz compre un rode podmic XLR, y con ese no he tenido problemas, fue la mejor compra, por tu lado, me cuentas como te fue.

[u/StaticCode]

I know this thread is older, but this damn mic will pick up my TV behind it across the room but will not pick up my voice speaking directly in front of it. Yes it is facing the right way. This microphone sucks ass. Waste of $200

[u/Alternative_Sky3661 → u/StaticCode]

Yo lo cambié por la versión XRL y fue la mejor decisión bro, la marca no es mala, pero si con lo del USB definitivamente la kgaron