Rode NT-USB Mini Studio-Quality USB Microphone - With Headphones

2025-12-17T21:20:35

I purchased the RODE NT-USB Studio-Quality USB Microphone with Headphones to use when creating videos at my desk for YouTube. I have other audio sources that provide good sound, but I was hoping that I would get more "studio quality" sound with this rig which is plug-n-play with both Mac and PCs. I have a Mac Mini and I connected this mic with a USB-C to USB-C cable (not included) to the front of my Mini. It was immediately recognized. The headphones are 3.5mm with a larger adapter for home audio. They worked well for being able to dial in the right levels using the dial on the front of the mic. Once the levels were established, I removed the headset to use the mic and cleaned up audio using Tello for video production. The microphone comes with a magnetic stand, and there's a rubber gasket that can easily be removed so you can screw the microphone onto a mic boom, floor or desk microphone stand. (As shown in photo.) I was happy with the sound capture, but I don't know if it's me as the user or the mic - studio quality might be a stretch. Audio capture is clear and the reproduction is good, but not great. Maybe it's a matter of working with it for a bit to find just the right distance and tweaks? Maybe my expectations wre just too high? I think this is a good sub-hundred choice that's super-easy to setup and use for anyone wanting to vlog, stream while gaming, or similar. I like how heavy it is - it feels substantial. I like how easy it is to setup and use. I like that it's affordable for most users. I like that I can easily travel with it. What do I wish was better? The depth (richness) of sound without the need to supplement with audio tweaks. Noise cancelling could also be improved. I'd love to have a small case for it to protect it while traveling. I'd love a MUTE button on the mic. If you're not as picky as I am, get it. If you are, perhaps you should keep looking and pay a bit more. This is a compromise, but honestly, it's a good one.

Andrea P.

2025-11-17T07:53:23

After experiencing so many crappy USB microphones for simple virtual meetings, I finally got fed up and went with the Rode NT. No looking back now! The audio quality is super clear for virtual meetings and for recording voice-overs for quick video projects.

Kris D.

2022-12-07T19:00:00

I did a zencastr meeting without it and asked the other person if I sounded OK and they were polite about it and said yeah, and then I plugged this in and asked again and they said, oh yeah that's super crisp

Joe

Originally posted at

2022-01-27T08:28:57

I use a lot ZOOM for video conferences and tutorials. And I tried probably 10 different microphones. Until this thing appears to me in a search for the best usb mic. But not only the mic was the one who caught my attention, the free software is just amazing. This mic is absolutely a winner; size, appearance, weight, quality, in addition to the software. Then you have a professional microphone experience for 99 bucks.

Gerson R.

2021-05-12T08:51:45

One of the best MIC for the price. I have a lot of fun do voice recordings with this amazing mic.

LI H.

2021-04-19T10:18:43

It is okay. Plug in the USB adjust mic volume on the computer and go.

Levi S.

2021-03-18T13:41:10

This is a great mic. Ideal for podcasting. Really pleased with the quality. Not a huge fan of the form factor, but it delivers on the goods.

Dale H.

2021-03-07T16:11:19

The quality is good and the sound is fine. I used it on a table with my computer and haven't had significant sounds from tapping the table/computer.

WYN P.

2021-02-23T18:12:37

Best USB mic I have ever had. Blue microphones are garbage compared to this. Have had professional voiceovers comment on how clear it was and how true the audio sounded. I hope it lasts a long time because it is just right. I have used Rode for video camera mics, and have always been pleased, but they nailed it on this one.

JIM L.

2021-01-31T13:27:42

Excellent sound quality, attractive design and small size

CHUN L.

2021-01-19T08:10:20

This microphone looks and works as described by Adorama. It is compact, easy to store, and easy to use. The sound quality is quite good for voice - both speaking and singing. I am very satisfied!

TORI Y.

2021-01-17T10:35:39

It's a wonderful microphone, picks up everything with perfect clarity, and I can sound like I'm talking normally with anywhere I can put it on my desk. The USB is a nice touch, as well as the whole thing being super nice and heavy, built completely out of metal and high quality plastics. If you have 100 bucks laying around and need a new mic, go for this one.

TIMOTHY B.

2020-12-03T16:11:08

It produces the degree of quality I would expect from a microphone in its price range. It is an adequate consumer-grade microphone.

NATHAN O.

2020-11-13T08:10:21

I gave this to my wife as a present. She has not left me. She says the mic is compact, sturdy, streamlined, good looking and give her nice clean sound. The mic looks exactly as it does on the website.

Donald F.

2020-11-11T12:23:19

Works and sounds great!

Daniel G.

2020-11-05T07:35:22

absolutely dynamite for the money.

STEVEN W.

2020-11-04T20:35:02

It is a perfect choice! My school recommends this product for instrument students. At the beginning, I bought it at B&H. I waited for two months, no one told me how long should I waited. Finally, I gave up and chose Adorama. I picked up the product that afternoon. It's perfect experience! Thank you!

XINYU L.

2020-10-14T11:53:14

Your options for decent podcasting mics in this price range are anything but limited these days. But that doesn't stop the NT-USB Mini from finding its niche. If you've ever purchased or used a Rode product, you already know that they are made with love and attention to detail. No love was spared when designing this little champ of a mic, and in the short time I've been using it, the performance has so far upheld the Rode standard. That said, I will tell you that if you've been podcasting a while or you're looking for a more traditional broadcast sound, you might want to try a dynamic mic like the Rode Podmic or MXL BCD-1. The latter is a bit pricier but you can often find it on sale and, in my experience, has proven to suit a wide range of voices. Still, I'm thrilled with this new entry from Rode for two reasons. Firstly, many creators are familiar with another popular cardioid condenser mic called the Blue Yeti and I must say, for the money, I find the NT Mini comparable in every way, save for its lack of available polar patterns. With minimal post-processing, I managed to get a clean sound in a variety of different spaces as long as I kept the mic within 6 inches of my mouth (I don't recommend using the stand it comes with, despite the fact that it's adorable). And the use of USB-C is a welcome change from the nightmare that is the Yeti's mini USB port. This one feels much sturdier and connects much faster. Secondly, its compact size makes it a serious contender for the best entry-level on-the-go podcasting kit. I work with many hosts and guests who have little experience with recording equipment and need a quick, easy setup that can move with them. This, so far, fits the bill. I give this lil dude 5 stars with the caveat that, while it's not right for everyone, it excels at the few things it was meant to do.

Matthew C.

2020-10-04T16:54:59

Great sound while taking up little space! I highly recommend it!

Joseph O.

2020-10-03T11:22:43

Awesome starter mic, very easy to use, and I sound great!

LOUIS F.

2020-09-23T10:09:55

This microphone delivered more than I expected after thorough research. I wanted an improvement in sound quality, but the way it captures my voice is so impressive. For the best results, I have to position the microphone fairly close to my mouth, but that's like every other microphone I've tried. The budget I allotted for a microphone was very strict; so I stressed about getting the very best bang for my buck. I'm not sure if this is the very best option, but I no longer care because it has exceeded expectations.

HYATT D.

2020-07-26T12:00:01

I use the Rode Microphone NT–USB Mini for work zoom meetings and it works great! Very clear in sound for such a small device.

HANG C.

2020-07-26T10:02:51

Excelent microphone. Just connect to your computer and start using it.

Freddy J.

2020-07-26T08:52:50

If you're ready to launch your podcast to world, GET THIS MIC! My business partner and I did extensive research before making a purchasing decision. We kept coming back to the RODE Mini and we're so glad we pulled the trigger! It has a sleek design, the sound quality is magnificent and it's very compact thus easy to travel with. If you're a podcaster, THIS is your mic.

ALEXANDRIA A.

2020-07-26T08:06:46

Great product - recommend for any home warrior - very easy to set up and operate

DAVID M.

2020-07-23T10:59:13

i like it. it was tricky to use with my ATEM mini switcher (which needs a 3.5mm jack). but it all worked well!

steven j.

2020-07-20T09:00:34

Great starter mic!

David I.

2020-07-20T08:36:42

This usb microphone is awesome. Tiny but built so well. Did I mention it’s so easy to use! Highly highly recommend it!

PETER F.

2020-07-20T08:24:43

I'm in love with this little guy! I also have the larger NT-USB which is excellent, but I have to confess: I like this one better! The only negative is that the internal pop filter is simple not enough... you still need a pop filter ideally.

PETER L.

2020-07-20T03:56:25

This is good as expected. Solid built quality. It looks plasticity in the picture but actually come with metal body and arm. Feels a little heavier than it looks. You can feel durability from its weight. Easy and simple connection with Mac. Just connect USB A-C cable that contains in the package, then Mac recognizes without any special settings. USB C on the Mic side. I tried USB C-C cable and it also worked. Sound quality is good enough. I haven’t tried other USB Mics, this is not a opinion from comparison. But It’s very clean sound and pick up all range good balanced. And not noticeable pop noises without additional pop filter. Comparing sound quality with condenser mic connected though audio interface, this mic can’t win. But no serious disappointments for radio streaming use. Input level is significantly stronger than condenser mic. I don’t needed to turn up the input level to the all way up. About 60-70% input volume to be able to get the enough input.

KAZUAKI I.