Rode PodMic USB and PSA1+ review: ultra premium, and high quality with the price to match
Table of Contents
As a well-established name in the audio industry, RØDE offers a wide range of hardware across various budgets and setup types. The company continues to expand the capabilities of its products, such as the PodMic USB. The second-generation version of this dynamic broadcast microphone – designed for podcasting, streaming, gaming, and more – adds a USB-C connection, enhancing its flexibility and compatibility.
This additional functionality makes the microphone more accessible to users who may not be highly experienced with audio setups. However, it also comes with a higher price, reflecting the added features and versatility, which may put it out of reach for some.
I tested the PodMic USB alongside the PSA1+ mounting arm, going through the unboxing process and setup, finished by real-world testing and actual usage. Here’s how they performed.
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Prices correct as of September 21st, 2026.
- Connectors: XLR, USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Acoustic Principle: Dynamic
- Address type: End
- Frequency range: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Weight: 900g
A great out-of-the-box experience with versatility to its connection, the PodMic USB is a great bit of kit. But that addition of USB-CÂ – alongside other extra features – pushes it well above its predecessor and out of the price range of many. So, as solid as it is for a professional setup, it is an investment.
- USB-C and XLR connections
- Excellent build quality and reassuringly heavy
- Included pop filter fits nicely
- Offers onboard monitoring and processing
- Doesn’t include a stand that’s needed for the mic
- Can’t use both outputs at the same time
- Expensive and much more than standard PodMic
Specs and box contents
Below you can find the full spec sheet of the Rode PodMic USB. Outlining the variety of technical details to know when you want to maximize the hardware utilization, and just know what it is capable of.
| Category | Specification | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustic & Electrical | Acoustic Principle | Dynamic |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid | |
| Address Type | End-address | |
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | |
| Output Impedance | 460 Ω (XLR) | |
| Maximum SPL | 148 dB SPL | |
| Equivalent Noise (A-weighted) | Analogue: 26 dBA | |
| Digital: 19 dBA | ||
| Sensitivity | −57 dB re 1 V/Pa (1.4 mV @ 94 dB SPL) | |
| Sensitivity Tolerance | ±3 dB | |
| Analogue Output Connectors | 3-pin XLR | |
| 3.5 mm headphone jack | ||
| Digital | Digital Power Requirements | USB: 5 V @ 100 mA |
| Output Connection | USB-C | |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit | |
| Sampling Rate | 48 kHz | |
| Processing | APHEX® processing | |
| System Requirements | Windows | Windows 10 |
| macOS | macOS 10.15 | |
| Mechanical | Weight | 900 g |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 172 × 107 × 62 mm | |
| Compatibility | Compatible RØDE Accessories | Pop Filter |
| SC29 – 3 m USB-C Cable | ||
| Software | Included Software | RØDE Central |
| RØDE Connect | ||
| RØDE Unify | ||
| RØDE Reporter | ||
| RØDE Central Mobile | ||
| RØDE Capture |
The key things to be aware of on the dynamic microphone are that it is an end-address microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern. That certainly narrows down how you set up the mic and how you want it oriented, limiting it to one way in which it can face, as it’s designed for one-person or instrument use from one direction.
It also highlights the difference between using XLR and USB-C with the microphone. Switching to the USB-C connection reduces noise by around 7 dBA, thanks to the digital signal. At the same time, the USB connection greatly expands where you can use the mic, including compatibility with mobile devices.
There is also the onboard digital signal processing (DSP), which can clear up the audio directly on the mic to output a more improved quality.
RODE Audio PodMic USB, Image by PC Guide
RODE Audio PodMic USB box angled, Image by PC Guide
RODE Audio PodMic USB inside box, Image by PC Guide
RODE Audio PodMic USB box contents, Image by PC Guide
The microphone packaging isn’t particularly large, but it’s packed with information. The front prominently displays the microphone itself, while the other sides are covered with detailed specs and features. Inside, there’s a secondary, more understated box with a simpler, colorless design that continues to outline the microphone’s capabilities.
RØDE has clearly put thought into the unboxing experience. The process is straightforward and guided, with each layer revealing the next – almost like opening a set of Russian dolls, as the components are nested within multiple sections.
This attention to detail adds to the premium feel of the brand, even though the box doesn’t include many accessories. Alongside the microphone, you get a well-fitting pop filter that mirrors the microphone’s design in plastic and foam, a sturdy 2-meter SC29 USB-C cable, and a few booklets. One of these is a basic manual, which feels somewhat unnecessary given that it mainly instructs you to mount the mic and plug it in.
Design and setup
What immediately struck me about the PodMic USB was just how heavy it is. As soon as I took it out of the box, even though it’s so small and weighs 900g, it was surprisingly hefty. With much of the weight concentrated in the base and swivel arm, the distribution is noticeably lopsided. This is an important factor to consider, as the opposite end is largely made up of a metal mesh housing the capsule inside.
For the design and build, it definitely gives that premium feeling from the get-go. With its smoothly sloped and subtly curved metal shell, the microphone is pleasant to handle, visually appealing, and looks great on camera. The main body features a wide metal housing with minimal detailing – just a logo on the underside – which extends into a ribcage-like frame surrounding two layers of metal mesh of varying sizes that protect the capsule inside.
The included pop filter reflects that same design, but replaces the metal with lighter-weight plastic and mesh with foam instead. A very useful and pretty much necessary accessory, but surprisingly, it isn’t just a basic foam cover; it puts some thought into the design. It slides over the end and fits snugly over the metal, without making it look too far off from its natural, unadorned appearance.
RODE Audio PodMic USB XLR uncovered, Image by PC Guide
RODE Audio PodMic USB standing, Image by PC Guide
RODE Audio PodMic USB Stand mount, Image by PC Guide
RODE Audio PodMic USB side on, Image by PC Guide
RODE Audio PodMic USB end on, Image by PC Guide
RODE Audio PodMic USB bottom connectors, Image by PC Guide
The opposite end houses all of the connectors and controls. Building on the standard PodMic design, it includes an XLR output, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB-C port, and a dedicated volume dial for the headphone output. One of the more appealing design touches is the rubber cover for the XLR port, which neatly conceals the gold pins and complements the gold-accented volume dial. It’s not just visually pleasing either—the knurled texture and smooth rotation of the dial add to the PodMic’s premium feel.
The swing arm is secured using two large fasteners, making it easy to adjust and reposition by hand. Supported by a sturdy mounting structure along the sides, it terminates in a threaded base that allows the microphone to be securely attached to a mounting arm.
Features and usability
With two connection options available, the microphone offers plenty of flexibility in how it can be used. I tested it both via XLR connected to the RØDECaster Duo and directly to a PC using USB-C. This setup allows you to record either onboard the mixer or directly through software such as RØDECaster or RØDE Central, depending on your workflow.
Rode PodMic USB in Central Processing, Image by PC Guide
Rode PodMic USB in Central device details, Image by PC Guide
Rode PodMic USB in Central update firmware, Image by PC Guide
Rode PodMic USB in Central Audio, Image by PC Guide
Both are effective ways of using the microphone and are rather versatile in their connection options. The benefit of using it with Rode’s own mixer is that it has preset levels for the PodMic. With the gains and processing put in the right place for the microphone, it’s a much easier plug-and-use situation if you’re using the XLR connection.
That method does mean you have to monitor through the deck too, as the audio output doesn’t work without the USB power and connection. Using that instead, you can still set up the onboard processing of the microphone via the software and use it as an audio output too, enabling you to hear yourself and the PC sounds.
Using via USB-C was rather a handy way to get your audio control right at your microphone, and I was surprised by how high the volume could go. Immediately being able to turn down the whole output made it very convenient and saved my ears from the deafening noise.
The software controls from the Rode Central do give a decent amount of play to the sound and input of the mic as well. Adjusting the enhancements and input level does mean you don’t have to deafen your audience or voice chat at the core level, rather than adjusting in every other software individually.
RODE Audio setup overview, Image by PC Guide
RODE Audio setup mic, Image by PC Guide
RODE Audio setup mic stand, Image by PC Guide
The PSA1+ mic arm
- Weight: 1.52kg
- Supported weight: 0.94-1.2kg
- Dimension (collapsed) WxLxH: 65x500x180mm
- Dimension (extended) WxLxH: 65x940x100mm
- Compatible desk depth: 70mm (clamped), 55mm (threaded)
- A good range of motion and adjustments
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Premium build quality
- Includes cable management
- A rather expensive piece of kit
- No locking at base leaves it swinging on occasion
One of the key necessities for setting up the Rode microphone is an arm for it, since it doesn’t come with a stand or anything, just a mount. So the PSA1+ is the one I got to mount the PodMic USB on. With the rather long and large box, it was an equally great unboxing experience.
RODE Audio PSA1+ box back, Image by PC Guide
RODE Audio PSA1+ box contents, Image by PC Guide
RODE Audio PSA1+ box insides, Image by PC Guide
RODE Audio PSA1+ box, Image by PC Guide
RODE Audio PSA1+ inner box, Image by PC Guide
With the instructions printed on the cardboard, Rode ensures you follow the steps correctly to not damage the equipment or yourself, seeing as it is a spring-loaded arm. However, it uses damped springs, which means it doesn’t move as freely or as easily as you might expect.
Most of the arm comes ready to use right out of the box, with the included instructions guiding you through the final setup steps. The arm can be attached to your desk in two ways: using a standard C-clamp or a grommet mount designed for 50–80mm holes, commonly found on desks with built-in cable management.
Setting up the PSA1+ was quick and straightforward, and the microphone threads onto the end with ease. With its premium design and solid build, it feels like a clean, high-quality addition to any desk. The arms are neatly sleeved, concealing the internal mechanisms for safety while maintaining a tidy, professional look.
The thick sleeving also has a practical purpose: it includes small cable clamps for managing microphone wires, helping create a professional setup with minimal clutter. The arm’s moving grooves make it easy to adjust placement across a long reach, and it operates smoothly and silently, with no squeaks or creaks that could interfere with recordings. That said, it remains to be seen how well it will hold up over years of use.
One minor drawback I noticed is that the arm can drift slightly when extended. Because the entire arm pivots from a single point, lowering it toward my mouth sometimes caused it to slowly move back, especially on an uneven desk surface.
Overall, the PSA1+ is excellent for mounting and using the microphone. While I tested the black version, RØDE offers a surprising variety of colors—six more options beyond the standard black or white. This adds a touch of personality to a setup, though the colored cables may not perfectly match the microphone itself, which could make them stand out.
RODE Audio PSA1+ cable management, Image by PC Guide
RODE Audio PSA1+ cabling, Image by PC Guide
RODE Audio setup clamp, Image by PC Guide
Audio tests
Below, I recorded a couple of tests of the Rode PodMic USB in both XLR and USB modes. Recording with Audacity, it gives you a sample of the two different sound profiles the microphone comes with by default, as set by the RodeCaster Duo and Rode Central.
As you can hear, the microphone delivers very clear audio, regardless of which connection you use. It does require a fair amount of gain – RØDE Central sets it at +40dB by default – but the result is crisp, full-bodied sound. That said, it does pick up some breath noise, which may require adjustment or simply moving the mic slightly farther away to make it less prominent.
Prices
With the high quality and premium build of Rode products, they certainly don’t come cheap. In the case of the PodMic USB, you can find it for $209/£229, which is significantly more than the standard XLR version that costs $99/£73. So it might not be worth it if you’re going to be utilizing the USB connection of the microphone.
The PSA1+ is on the more expensive side, too, for just an accessory. It costs $139/£119, and is a step up from the PSA1 too. Definitely a costlier option than what you can find out there as basic ranges go, but similar top brands price their mic arms similarly, such as Elgato and its Wave Mic Arm at $99.99.
- Connectors: XLR, USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Acoustic Principle: Dynamic
- Address type: End
- Frequency range: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Weight: 900g
Conclusion
Overall, the RØDE PodMic USB is a well-rounded microphone. Its dual connection options provide flexibility: the XLR connection suits professional setups, while USB-C offers a convenient plug-and-play solution. Combined with onboard processing and software features, it delivers high-quality audio for a variety of use cases.
The PSA1+ mount complements it well. While it could benefit from slightly stronger reinforcement, its finished sleeves and integrated cable management give it a polished, professional feel. The main drawback for both products is their price – they’re solid, high-end choices, but not an easy investment for everyone.
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