RODE Microphones PODCASTER Manual

USB MICROPHONE
USB MICROPHONE
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(EMC, LVD)
Instruction Manual

Thank you for investing in the Podcaster, the world first broadcast
sound quality USB microphone.
Those of you who are first time customers, you may be interested
to know that we are one of the largest and most respected professional
microphone companies in the world. Our studio microphones are the ‘tone’
behind some of the biggest hits of the last decade and our award winning
live performance microphones are on tour daily throughout the world.
When looking and listening to our microphones many people ask “How
can achieve this level of quality and performance at such
reasonable prices when others can’t?” The answer is simple and logical.
spends millions of dollars on R&D. We have the best automated
machinery and incorporate high volume production technologies. When
you invest as we do, the costs drop dramatically. We pass on these
savings to our customers and have been doing this with our studio
microphones since 1992. This philosophy has seen us win multiple
national and international awards for performance and quality and is why
stands alone in the industry for an unbeatable combination of
quality performance and price.
The Podcaster has been designed for any application where
recorded voice clarity and direct digital connection is demanded.
Designed with Podcasting as a main use, this revolutionary microphone is
also perfect for adding voice-overs while editing digital video, and for the
‘on location’ reporter who can quickly record on a laptop and then simply
e-mail this to the studio for instant broadcast.
Just plug in the Podcaster with the supplied USB cable, launch
your recording or video editing program and begin. It is that simple. For
expanded control, download the Podcaster software (available from
www.rodepodcaster.com).
In the following pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features
of the Podcaster, as well as step-by-step instructions for its setup,
and full product specifications.
As a Podcaster owner you now have full access to the site
www.rodepodcaster.com. This site offers hosting as well as other
interesting podcasting information.
If you have any questions or comments, you can log onto our website:
www.rodemic.com where there are answers to frequently asked queries
as well as our contact details.
Peter Freedman,
President of Rode Microphones
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Specifications
Acoustic Principle:
Dynamic 28 mm
Active Electronics:
Analogue signal conditioning + A/D and USB interface.
Pickup Pattern:
Cardioid.
Frequency Response:
40 Hz ~ 14 kHz.
Sensitivity:
-51 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (2.8 mV @ 94dB SPL) +/- 3 dB
Maximum SPL:
115 dB
Signal/Noise:
> 78 dB
Analogue Output I/F:
Headphone audio output for monitoring.
Drives150mW into 32Ω. Output level adjust.
Digital Output Interface:
USB
Resolution:
18 bits
Audio Control I/F:
AC97
Power Requirements:
Power supplied from USB port.
Weight:
610g (21.5 oz)
Packed Weight:
1025g (36 oz)
Dimensions:
Length: 215mm (8 ”)
Height: 56mm (2 ”)
Width: 52mm (2 ”)

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Specifications cont.
Frequency range:
40 Hz - 14kHz
Features
• High quality broadcast sound.
• Dynamic capsule.
• 18-Bit Resolution, 8KHz to 48KHz sampling.
• Windows and Mac compatible.
• Tight Cardioid pattern for superior off axis sound
rejection.
• Powered from USB Bus.
• Includes Microphone Stand Mount and a 3m (40”) USB
cable.
• Internal capsule shock mounting.
• 3.5mm stereo headphone jack output with volume control.
• Designed & manufactured in Australia.
• Full 10 year guarantee* (Conditions apply, see page 17)
dB re 1 V./Pa
20
10
0
-10
-20
40 Hz 100 1000 10 000 20 000
0˚
90˚ 270˚
180˚
0.0
-2.0
-4.0
-6.0
-8.0
-10.0
-12.0
-14.0
-16.0
-18.0
-20.0
-22.0
-24.0 -25.0
dB rel. 1V/Pa
+5.0

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Podcaster layout
STATUS
LED
LOCKING
COLLAR
USB
CONNECTION
HEADPHONE
VOLUME
CONTROL
HEADPHONE
OUTPUT
Fig. 2

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Installing the Podcaster
There are two ways that you can install your Podcaster depending
on how much control you wish to have over your recording.
As your Podcaster is USB compliant, by simply connecting your
USB cable to the microphone and your PC or MAC, you will be
able to record through your Podcaster by using the standard audio
interface controls in your operating system.
However, if you would prefer a more professional level of
recording control, please read the following instructions on how
to install and operate the software.
This software will enable everyone from a first timer to a
seasoned professional to quickly fine tune their recording
environment and improve their sound.
Using Podcaster on a MAC OS X
using existing MAC software
1. Plug one end of the
USB cable into the
microphone and the
other end into your
USB port on the MAC.
The LED will flash red
and then go green to
indicate that everything is
functioning correctly with
USB power. The MAC will
recognise the USB audio
device and automatically
install a universal driver.
2. To select the Podcaster as the computer’s new audio input,
open the ‘System Preferences’ from the dock or the main Apple
Menu (figure 3).
Fig. 3

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Using Podcaster on a MAC OS X
using existing MAC software cont.
3. Next open the ‘Sound Preference’ and click the ‘Input’ tab and
select ‘Røde Podcaster’ (figure 4). This will allow you to use your
Podcaster through the existing sound recording software on your
MAC. To enhance the features of your Podcaster we recommend
you install the additional software which can be download from
the podcaster web site.
Go to: www.rodepodcaster.com for more information.
To download and install this software, please refer to the
‘Installing and using Podcaster software” section of this manual.
Fig. 4

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Using Podcaster on a Windows XP system
using existing XP software
The following example is for setting up the Podcaster in Windows
XP with Service Pack 2. Other versions may vary slightly.
1. Plug one end of the USB cable into the microphone and the
other end into your PC. The LED should flash red and then go
green to indicate that everything is functioning correctly with
USB power. The PC will recognise the USB audio device and
automatically install a universal driver.
2. Access ‘Sounds and Audio Devices’ through the Control Panel.
This is usually done by going to Start/Control Panel and selecting
the ‘Sounds and Audio Devices’ icon. Click on the ‘Audio’ tab
which will bring up 3 options. Under the ‘Sound Recording’
option, you should now be able to select ‘Røde Podcaster’ as your
default device (figure 5).
3. This will allow you to use your Podcaster through the sound
recording software on your PC (go to www.rodepodcaster.com for
information on various recording software programs). To check
that you have the Podcaster set as your recording device, go to
Edit/Audio/Properties, and check that ‘Røde Podcaster’ or ‘USB
Audio Device’ is showing up under ‘Sound Recording’.
Fig. 5

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Using Podcaster on a Windows XP system
using existing XP software cont.
To adjust the recording level, click the ‘Volume’ button under
‘Sound Recording’.
To enhance the features of your Podcaster we recommend you
install the additional software which can be download from the
podcaster web site.
Go to: www.rodepodcaster.com for more information.
To download and install this software, please refer to the
‘Installing and using Podcaster software’ section of this manual.
Using Podcaster on a Windows 98 system using
existing Windows software
1. Plug one end of the USB cable into the microphone and the
other end into your PC. The LED should flash red and then go
green to indicate that everything is functioning correctly with
USB power. The PC will recognise the USB audio device and
automatically install a universal driver.
2. Access ‘Sounds and Multimedia’ through the Control Panel. This
is usually done by going to Start/Settings/Control Panel/Sounds
and Multimedia/Audio. This should then bring up 3 options. Under
the ‘Sound Recording’ option, you should now be able to select
either ‘USB Audio Device’ or Røde Podcaster’.
3. This will allow you to use the Podcaster through your sound
recording software on your PC (go to www.rodepodcaster.com for
information on various recording software programs). To check
that you have the Podcaster set as your recording device, go to
Edit/Audio Properties, and check that ‘Røde Podcaster’ or ‘USB
Audio Device’ is showing up under ‘Sound Recording’. To adjust
the recording level, click the ‘Volume’ button under ‘Sound
Recording’.

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Using Podcaster on a Windows 98 system using
existing Windows software cont.
To enhance the features of your Podcaster we recommend you
install the additional software which can be download from the
podcaster web site.
Go to: www.rodepodcaster.com for more information.
To download and install this software, please refer to the
“Installing and using Podcaster software” section of this manual.
Installing and using Podcaster software
To use the Podcaster as a simple recording microphone it is
merely a matter of connecting it to your computer. If you want
to explore, enhance and control your recordings then we have
created additional software which will allow you to do this.
You can download this software free of charge from the Podcaster
website (www.rodepodcaster.com).
Once you have download
the file to your computer,
double click on the icon to get
started. Your computer should
automatically come up with
a ‘Podcaster Install’ window.
Follow the instructions to
install your new software.
Once you have the Podcaster
software installed you can
now run the Podcaster
software and setup your
recording environment.
When you run the software,
the ‘Podcaster’ window will
appear (figure 6).
Fig. 6

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Installing and using Podcaster software cont.
The Podcaster software window contains the following
information.
Recording Volume.
The ‘Recording Volume Control’ slider, (located on the left hand
side of the pannel), allows you to adjust your recording level.
LED Level Meter.
The LED Level Meter, located on the right, visually displays the
mic’s input signal. The louder the signal the more LED Level bars
will light up.
Mute Button.
The ‘Mute Button’, located at the bottom of the window, allows
you to mute the mic’s input signal when you are playing back your
recordings.
Getting the Sound Level Right
The first step in setting up your recording environment is to get
a good ‘Sound Level’ on your equipment. This is done to ensure
that you do not exceed the level of sound that your equipment
can handle before it distorts the signal and at the same time,
ensuring that the sound is not too low and indistinguishable.
By adjusting the Recording Volume Slider you should be able to
set a reasonable level very quickly.
The way to do this is to set the Podcaster up in front of you
and raise the slider control while you are speaking at the same
level you will use when recording. The LED Level meter on your
computer will show green; and then when it starts to reach
its limit, orange indicators will activate. If the red indicator
activates, you have exceeded the limits of the input and the
signal will distort. At this stage you should turn the level control
down until the indicator only lights up a steady green and the
occasional flash on the orange.
Your recording will now be set at a useful level. Experimentation
with this will allow you to fine tune your recordings over time.

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Operating and Powering the Podcaster
The Podcaster is powered through the USB port and eliminates
any need for an extra external power source.
When the Podcaster is first connected to the computers USB
port, you will notice that the light on the Podcaster will turn Red
for a fraction of a second and then it will turn to green and it
should stay green until you disconnect your Podcaster. The green
indicates that the Podcaster is powered and active and ready to
be used for your recording purposes.
Talking into your Podcaster
The Podcaster is an end address microphone. This simply means
that to get the clearest sound, you must talk directly into
the front of the microphone. When you are talking into the
microphone you should be able to clearly see the green status
LED. (Refer figure 7).
The capsule in the microphone has what is classed as a ‘cardioid’
pickup or polar pattern. This means that it will predominately
pick up the sound in front of the capsule, however if the sound
source was coming from the side, it would also pick up that
sound, but the sound would be faint and ‘washed out’ compared
to the sound coming in directly from front of the capsule.
Fig. 7

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Where to Place my Podcaster?
You will find that where you position your Podcaster, will alter
the quality of the sound.
Environment and background noise will vary every time a
microphone is moved to a different location. The most successful
method to optimise the sound you want is to try various positions
and isolate the recording environment from external noise
sources as much as possible.
The proximity effect causes an increased base response when you
are closer to the microphone. This can be used in a positive way
to enhance the quality of your voice.
If you would like to learn more on how to setup your podcaster
visit the podcsater website (www.rodepodcaster.com) and
view the online tutorials.
Connecting Headphones to your Podcaster
One of the cool features of your Podcaster is an in-built, high
level, headphone amplifier.
Simply connect the 3.5mm jack from your headphones, and
adjust the volume control on the microphone and you have direct
monitoring of the sound from the microphone.
The advantage of connecting the headphones directly to the
microphone is that you are able to ‘hear’ exactly what you are
recording before the recording software. This allows for more
accurate fine tuning and should reduce the need to re-record as
problems can be detected earlier in the recording preocess.

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Mounting your Podcaster
The Podcaster comes with a stand mount that will allow you to
connect it to a microphone stand.
The mount comes with a 3/8” brass insert that can be removed.
Once removed the internal thread of the mount is a 5/8” thread.
This allows the mount to be used on either a US 5/8” stand or
pole or a Euro 3/8” stand or pole.
Also on the mount is a thumb screw which when loosened will
allow the mount to rotate to enable you to angle your microphone
to the most appropriate direction.
To mount the microphone into the clip follow the steps below.
1. Remove the locking collar from the base of the microphone.
2. Slide the base of the microphone into the hole in the stand
mount (figure 8).
3. Screw the locking collar back onto position, carefully secure
the Podcaster to the mount (figure 9).
4. Now, loosen the thumbscrew on the stand mount and adjust
the microphone to the desired angle. Once set, tighten the
thumbscrew to secure the microphone in place.
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

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Using the Optional PSM1 Shock-Mount
For additional isolation the Podcaster can be fitted on the
optional PSM1 ‘spider’ shock mount. These are recommended and
are a useful addition to any recording facility as they significantly
reduce unwanted noise transmission to the microphone. If you have
the optional PSM1 shock mount, then follow the steps below to
install the PSM1.
1. First screw the PSM1 shock mount onto your mic stand or boom
arm. If you’re using a US 5/8” mic stand or boom, remove the
3/8” insert.
2. Remove the locking collar from the base of the Podcaster and
store it away in a safe place where it will not get lost.
3. Install the Podcaster into the PSM1 by fitting the microphone
into the center of the web and onto the bottom mounting plate
(figure 10). There is a captive locking collar in the centre of the
shock mount which will screw onto the thread on the bottom of
the Podcaster.
4. Rotate the captive locking collar to secure the Podcaster firmly
in the shock mount (figure 11).
5. Loosen the thumb screw on the PSM1 shock mount to adjust the
angle of the Podcaster and position it to the desired location. Once
set, tighten the thumbscrew to secure the Podcaster in place.
Note: Be careful not to over tighten the thumbscrew as this could
cause cross threading and the mount will not maintain the correct
angle if this occurs.
Fig. 10 Fig. 11

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Warranty Service
The PODCASTER comes standard with a 1 year
warranty from the date of purchase. You can extend that
to a FULL TEN YEARS if you register online at www.
rodepodcaster.com.
The warranty covers parts and labour that may be required
to repair the microphone during the warranty period.
The warranty excludes defects caused by normal wear
and tear, modification, shipping damage, conforming to
mandatory standards or failure to use the microphone as
per the instruction guide.
If you experience any problems or have any questions
regarding your microphone, first contact the dealer
who sold it to you. If the microphone requires factory
authorised service, that dealer will organise a return.
We have an extensive distributor/dealer network but if
you have difficulty getting the advice or assistance you
require, do not hesitate to contact us directly or contact
your local distributor.

International:
Microphones.
Unit 2/107 Carnarvon Street
Silverwater NSW 2128 Australia
Ph: 61 2 9648 5855
Fax: [phone]
USA:
P.O. 4189
Santa Barbara, CA 93140-4189
Ph: 805 566 7777
Fax: [phone]
Technical Support:
For information and technical support
questions contact:
[email protected]
In the United States and Puerto Rico, contact:
[email protected]
Ph: 805 566 7777
In Australia, contact:
[email protected]
or call: [phone]
Anywhere except Australia, the United States
and Puerto Rico, contact:
[email protected]
Australia: 61 2 9648 5855
www.rodemic.com