Can RØDE conquer the USD 99 market with the NT-USB Mini microphone?
RØDE microphones has launched a new USB C microphone, the NT-USB Mini. The usual target audience of gamers, podcasters, musicians, streamers and other content creators is treated to a condenser capsule, promising the brand’s trademark professional sound.
The microphone has a directional cardioid polar pattern in an effort to optimise the condenser for focus on the subject and reduction of room/ambient sound. A built-in pop filter reduces plosives while an integrated 360-degree swing mount allows easy positioning on desktops, mic stands and studio arms, RØDE says.
Also of note is the detachable magnetic desk stand which is easy to work with and isolates from knocks and bumps. The NT-USB Mini is class-compliant with computers and tablets, requiring no drivers or specialized software. There’s a headphone output for monitoring, driven by a “studio-quality” headphone amplifier.
The microphone is made out of steel and reinforced nylon resin and comes in matte black. Looking at the specs, a frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz, 24-bit/48kHz sample rate, and 121dB max input sound pressure level are all sensible metrics providing ample headroom for voice recording as well as clear digital audio.
Price and availability
Priced USD 99, the NT-USB ought to be a top-list choice for a USB microphone in the entry-level price segment. It is available now from the manufacturer and its dealers worldwide. There is healthy competition from the M-Audio Uber Mic and by manufacturers like Blue, Marantz, Superlux, and the t.bone. However, given a blind choice, I’d go RØDE for USD 99 – simply because of the manufacturer’s great warranty policy and track record of making high quality microphones of all kinds.
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