RØDE introduces the NT-USB studio-grade microphone with built-in USB connectivity, fully compatible with Windows, Mac and iOS.

UPDATE: 6 July 2016 - This microphone has won the top spot in the Gearank guide to the Top 10 Best USB Microphones!

The company's first USB microphone, the Podcaster, was released in 2007 for broadcast-quality voice recording, thanks to its end-address configuration. With the NT-USB, a USB mic with side-address configuration, ideal for recording musical performances. This will serve as the brand's entry into the USB recording microphone market.

This new mic features a condenser capsule that has the same quality as the company's other studio-grade microphones. According to the official description, they designed the mic for "superlative performance across vocals, musical instruments, voice over and podcasting."

Having worked with a variety of USB microphones, I know that real-time monitoring while recording can be a challenge if you don't have a powerful sound card. Thankfully RØDE equipped this mic with a zero-latency stereo headphone monitoring jack (3.5mm), which means you can listen in while recording by plugging in your headphones straight into the mic. It comes complete with level and mix knobs so you can adjust your monitoring levels accordingly. Note that the mix knob lets you blend the computer audio with the microphone input.

For convenient plug-and-play performance out of the box, NT-USB is bundled with a special pop-filter that fits onto the base of the mic. It is designed to sit in an ideal position that will minimize plosives like the hard ‘B’, ‘T’ or ‘P’ sounds that produce a harsh sound when singing or talking into the microphone. The mic also comes with a mount that utilizes standard 3/8” thread, desktop tripod stand that allows the NT-USB to sit at a comfortable height on a tabletop, and a pouch for storage of the microphone when not in use.

Both Mac OS and Windows based computers are compatible with the mic, and it will work with all popular recording and DAW software that accepts external microphones. You can also connect it with your iPad via an Apple Camera Connection Kit.

Check out the official video demo below:

The NT-USB is currently retailing for $169. Visit Rode Music for more information about this new USB condenser mic.

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