RØDE Releases The NT-USB+ Professional Microphone

RØDE announced a new addition to its industry-leading range of USB microphones, the NT-USB+. Based on the legendary NT-USB, the NT-USB+ is a professional-grade USB microphone loaded with next-generation features. It is also compact, portable, and versatile, making it the ideal microphone for musicians, podcasters, streamers and professionals who want to capture studio-quality sound with ease.

The NT-USB+ is a professional USB microphone with next-generation features for recording studio-quality sound with ease.

KEY FEATURES OF THE NT-USB+:

Studio-grade condenser capsule and tight cardioid polar pattern, delivering pristine audio idea for recording vocals, speech, and instruments.

Ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp and high-resolution 24-bit/48kHz analog-to-digital conversion for professional sound quality with stunning clarity.

Internal DSP for advanced audio processing powered by APHEX – including a compressor, noise gate and legendary Aural Exciter and Big Bottom effects

High-power headphone output for zero-latency monitoring, complete with level and mix controls.

USB-C output for plug-and-play connectivity with computers, smartphones and tablets

Includes high-quality pop filter and desktop mount – an all-in-one solution for recording professional sound at home or on the go.

Designed and made in RØDE’s state-of-the-art facilities in Sydney, Australia

A LEGEND REBORN

The NT-USB+ is based on the original USB, which was released in 2014 and has long been an industry-standard professional USB microphone for musicians, podcasters, streamers, and other creators. Featuring the same iconic form factor and studio-quality sound as the original, the NT-USB+ builds on its legacy with a number of next-generation enhancements and is set to become a modern classic.

“The original NT-USB was an instant success when it launched almost a decade ago, setting a lofty standard for studio-quality USB microphones,” said RØDE CEO Damien Wilson. “With the NT-USB+, we are setting a new standard. We have kept the form factor and functionality that made the original such a success and introduced several new features, integrating cutting-edge technology for the next wave of creators. Plug-and-play USB audio has never sounded this good.”

STUDIO SOUND AT HOME OR ON THE GO

The NT-USB+ features a studio-grade condenser capsule that evokes the sound of a classic large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Delivering warmth and clarity with a full frequency response and tight cardioid polar pattern for clear, focused audio, it excels on everything from vocals and speech to acoustic guitar and other instruments.

The NT-USB+ features enhanced circuitry, with RØDE’s ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp technology – first introduced with the groundbreaking RØDECaster Pro II – as well as the upgraded high-resolution 24-bit/48kHz analog-to-digital conversion for pristine audio quality. It also features powerful internal DSP, which allows users to apply advanced APHEX processing to their audio.

This includes a high-pass filter for cutting out low-end rumble, a noise gate for eliminating background noise, a compressor for delivering punchy low-end rumble, a noise gate for eliminating background noise, a compressor for delivering punchy and balanced sound, and the legendary Aural Exciter and Big Bottom effects for rich, broadcast tone. This studio-quality processing can be activated via the companion app RØDE Central – available for desktop and mobile – for use with any other software or application. It is also available in RØDE’s free podcasting and streaming software, RØDE Connect.

SIMPLICITY, PORTABILITY AND VERSATILITY

Not only does the NT-USB+ sound amazing, but it is also incredibly easy to use, portable and versatile. It features a class-compliant USB-C output that is plug-and-play compatible with Mac and Windows computers; it is also fully compatible with any Android or iOS smartphone or tablet, making it an excellent portable recording studio.

It comes with a professional pop filter for minimizing plosives, as well as a tripod mount for perfect positioning on a desktop. It also features a zero-latency headphone output for monitoring audio with no distracting echo or delay, complete with level and monitor mix controls. With its plug-and-play connectivity, including extras and all-in-one design, the NT-USB+ is the ultimate microphone for anyone who wants to record professional sound effortlessly.

The NT-USB+ is shipping worldwide and available now for US$169.

Submit Your Tiny Podcast to My RØDE Cast Contest

RØDE has a contest called My RØDE Cast. Got an idea for a podcast? Submit a mini-episode to My RØDE Cast for a chance to win 1 of more than 100 podcasting prize packs. They are looking for “tiny podcasts with big ideas”. Entries close 10am (AEST) Wednesday 23rd of June, 2021.

How to Enter:

  • Create a mini podcast.
  • Upload and submit it to My RØDE Cast
  • RØDE will add it to their podcast page
  • Tell your friends to vote for you!

RØDE provided some information about what they are looking for in a mini podcast:

We’re looking for tiny podcasts with big ideas! Two minutes isn’t long, so make something that will hit us between the ears from the start. Your entry can be on any topic and in any style, as long as it is original and meets our submission guidelines. It can be a condensed version of an existing podcast, a teaser for a longer episode, or a snappy show.

Register for the competition or log in to access your starter pack. This includes all the details of the competition, and tips and ideas to get you inspired and more.

Prizes Include:

Major Prize Pack:
1 x RØDECaster Pro
4 x Procaster
4 x PSM1
4 x PSA1
4 x NT-USB Mini
1 x Wireless Go II
1 x COLORS
1 x Interview GO
1 x MagClip Go
1 x RØDECaster Pro Accessory Pack (SC9, DC-USB1, HJA-4, XLR-ID)

Runner Up: (6 winners)
1 x RØDECaster Pro
4 x PodMic
4 x PSA1
1 x RØDECaster Pro Accessory Pack (SC9, DC-USB1, HJA-4, XLR-ID)

People’s Choice (Most Votes Wins!)
1 x RØDECaster Pro
4 x PodMic
4 x PSA1
1 x RØDECaster Pro Accessory Pack (SC9, DC-USB1, HJA-4, XLR-ID)

Highly Recommended: (100 to be won)
4 x NT-USB Mini
1 x COLORS

RØDE Announced Winners of My RØDE Cast 2020

RØDE Microphones proudly announced the winners of their second annual podcasting competition, My RØDE Cast. These incredible podcasters will be taking home a share of $150,000 in prizes.

Launched in May, My RØDE Cast invited the world’s podcasters to submit a 1-2 minute episode showcasing their talents. The entries quickly surpassed last year’s total, with over 2000 podcasts being submitted from more than 60 countries worldwide.

The winners were chosen by three brilliant judges from the podcasting industry, Hrishikesh Hirway, Creator and Host of Song Exploder, Jacob Salamon, Co-Founder of WISECRACK, and Leah Harris, Australia’s Podcast Producer at Spotify.

The Winners:

Major Prize: A Latto Thought – CA Davis (USA)

A Latto Thought critically unpacks contemporary mixed race experiences in order to dismantle post-racial myths. Each episode asks a question about contemporary mixed race issues, misperceptions, and pop culture.

“The show’s concept is great,” says My RØDE Cast Judge Hrishikesh Hirway. “To be mixed means to be caught between worlds, and that provides a very specific perspective from which to examine the topic of race. Plus, the hosts have great voices and delivery, and the editing is sophisticated.

Runner Up Prize: Lidia’s Booktastic Podcast – LK Productions (Ireland)

Lidia’s Booktastic Podcast is a podcast from a young girl that tells other kids about the books she reads and what she likes about them (with a little help from her dad).

“Love the host choice and the interaction between daughter and dad,” says My RØDE Cast judge Leah Harris. “It would have a number of audience entry points for both kids and their parents. Warm and engaging, great use of guests.

People’s Choice Prize: Contemporary Issues – Nicholas Najar (Brazil)

Contemporary Issues is a podcast that tells the story of what appeared to be a typical day at work revealing itself to go beyond medical knowledge, enlightening the true meaning of care.

“The team and I are thrilled and honored to win this year’s My RØDE Cast competition!” says Major Prize winner CA Davis. “When my lead producer, Lex Ward, and I began formulating the show, I had no idea how to bring together creative sound design with a show that uses critical mixed race theory and analysis to unpack contemporary mixed race experiences. With RØDE’s help, we can continue to produce high-quality content that is detailed, engaging and takes our listeners on an educational and stereophonic journey. What a true, true honor.”

This year, we also opened My RØDE Cast to entries from China. The winners were chosen by a separate panel of judges, including Zhang Dong, Vice Director of the Sound of Music program on China National Radio and Chief Content Officer of Yunting; Yin Qiming, multiple National News Award winner, Vice President and Chief Editor of Himalaya FM (China’s biggest audio sharing platform) and Vice President of Copyright Society of China; and celebrated writer, director and actor Zhou Jianlong. The winning entries were City Guide Podcast, Nonsense, and Life Guide.

RØDE Microphones Contributes $2 Million of Podcasting Equipment to Schools

Australian pro audio powerhouse RØDE Microphones has announced that it will be donating $2 million worth of podcasting equipment to help New South Wales (NSW) schools impacted by COVID-19.

As teachers face the difficult task of overcoming disruptions to classes in the coming months, RØDE Founder and Chairman Peter Freedman AM has established a program that will give schools access to audio equipment they can use to deliver classes remotely via universally accepted podcast platforms.

From March 13, any NSW public high schools who want to take part and who have the capability to benefit from this initiative will be able to access an online portal on the RØDE website where they can order a complete podcasting kit, which includes RØDECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio, microphones and accessories. This will give them the opportunity to record course material remotely, in the event that their school is closed, and students are quarantined for an extended period of time.

“At the moment, Australia is scrambling to cope with the impact of COVID-19 across every aspect of day-to-day life,” says Peter Freedman AM. “We know that schools are already feeling that impact. These closures could be devastating for students, particularly those in Year 12 taking their HSC exams later in the year, and we are offering a practical solution to help teachers minimize disruptions to classes.”

He continues: “Podcasting is the number one media format being consumed by school students right now. It’s also an incredibly powerful teaching tool, and amidst the current crisis it’s really an ideal platform to give students easy access to class material that they can engage with, in a way that is simple for teachers to create, even if they aren’t audio experts.”

Schools that take advantage of the program will be able to keep their equipment, providing them with a valuable educational tool they can continue to use in the classroom once the COVID-19 threat has passed.

RØDECaster Pro Accessory Pack Now Available to Qualifying Customers

RØDE Microphones offered an accessory pack with every qualifying purchase of a RØDECaster Pro between November 1, 2019, and February 29, 2020. That promotion is now finished. RØDE will continue to accept valid claims until March 31, 2020.

The Pro Accessory Pack contains:

  •  A RØDE DC-USB1 USB to DC power cable, allowing you to power your RØDECaster Pro from any compatible port
  • A RØDE SC9 TRRS cable for easy and reliable connection of your smartphone
  • A set of high-quality 1/4” to 3.5mm headphone adapters, for flexibility in using any type of headphone
  • A high-quality power bank which, with the power cable, allows you to use your RØDECaster Pro anywhere without having to worry about finding a power source
  • A set of RØDE XLR-CR color-coordinated ring tags for your microphones, so you can easily keep track of your microphone channels.

To obtain your RØDECaster Pro, fill in the details, and pay the USD$20 shipping and handling fee, and RØDE will send you your accessory pack. Eligible customers can make their claim by clicking a button on the RØDE website.

To be clear, the RØDECaster Pro Accessory Pack is valid only for purchases of the RØDECaster Pro between November 2, 2019, to February 29, 2020. The purchase must have been from a participating RØDE dealer. The last day of making a claim is March 31, 2020.

The offer is conditional upon retaining your purchase receipt as proof of purchase of the product or products, and the date indicated on your receipt will be the date of purchase for the purposes of the offer.