RODE Microphones PODCASTER User manual

(EMC, LVD)
Podcaster
Instruction Manual
www.rodemic.com

- 2 -
Introduction
Thank you for investing in the Podcaster, the
world’s first broadcast sound quality USB microphone.
Those of you who are first time customers, 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 in 52 countries.
The Podcaster has been designed for any
application where recorded voice clarity and direct
digital connection is demanded. Designed with
Podcastingasa main use,thisrevolutionary 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.
In the following pages, you’ll find a detailed description
of the features of the Podcaster, as well as a
step-by-step instruction for its setup.
Please take the time to visit www.rodemic.com and
register your microphone for a full ten year warranty.
While there you can view studio tips and techniques, as
well as browse the comprehensive range of accessories
for the Podcaster and other microphones.
Peter Freedman
Microphones
Sydney, Australia

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Specifications
Acoustic
Principle:
Dynamic (neodymium) 28mm
Active
Electronics:
Analogue signal conditioning +
A/D and USB interface
Directional
Pattern:
Cardioid
Frequency
Range:
40Hz ~ 14kHz
(see graph)
Sensitivity: -51dB re 1V/Pa @ 1kHz
(2.8mV @ 94dB SPL)
±3dB @ 1kHz
Maximum SPL: 115dB
Signal/Noise: >78dB
Analogue
Output I/F:
Headphone audio output for
monitoring. Drives 150mW into
32 Ω. Output level adjustment.
Resolution: 18bits
Audio Control
I/F:
AC97
Power
Requirement:
Power supplied via USB port
Output
Connection:
USB Digital Interface
Net Weight: 610g (21.5oz)
Packed Weight: 1025g (36oz)
Dimensions 215 x 56 x 52mm
8.5 x 2.2 x 2”

- 4 -
Specifications
Features
Frequency Response
Polar Response
• High quality broadcast sound
• Dynamic capsule (neodymium) 28mm
• 18-bit Resolution, 8kHz to 48kHz sampling
• Windows and Mac compatible
• Tight cardioid pattern for superior off-axis sound
rejection
• Powered by USB bus
• Includes microphone mount and 3m (40”) USB
cable
• 3.5mm stereo headphone jack output with volume
control
• Designed and manufactured in Australia
• Full 10 year guarantee*
*Online product registration required.

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Mic Layout
Status LED
Integrated windshield
Locking collar
USB Connection
Headphone
Output
Headphone
Volume
Control

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The RØDE Podcaster is designed for native support in
Windows XP, Vista and Mac OS X operating systems.
Installing the Podcaster on Mac OS X
• 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.
• To select the Podcaster as the computer’s new
audio input, open the ‘System Preferences’ from
the dock or the main Apple Menu.
Next open the ‘Sound’ preference and click
the ‘Input’ tab. Select ‘RØDE Podcaster’.
This will allow you to use your Podcaster
through the existing sound recording
software on your Mac.
• The ‘Input Volume’ slider can be used to
adjust the sensitivity of the Podcaster.
Installing the Podcaster

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The following example is for setting up the Podcaster
in Windows XP Service Pack 2. Other versions may
vary slightly.
Installing the Podcaster on Windows XP
• 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.
• To select the Podcaster as the computer’s new
audio input, open ‘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, and under the ‘Sound
Recording’ option, you should now be able
to select ‘RØDE Podcaster’ as your default
device.
This will allow you to use your Podcaster
through the existing sound recording
software on your PC.
• The level slider under ‘Volume’ can be used to
adjust the sensitivity of the Podcaster.
Installing the Podcaster

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Setting up the Podcaster
Setting the sound level correctly
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. (see pages 6 & 7 for operating
system control, or refer to your application
documentation for native instruction).
If your slider control features a graphic level
you will be able to gauge an appropriate level
slightly below where the level reaches an
overload (typically red).
Your recording will now be set at a useful level.
Experimentation with this will allow you to fine
tune your recordings over time.
Talking in to 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 as shown below. When you are
talking into the microphone you should be able
to clearly see the green status LED.

- 9 -
Setting up the Podcaster
Positioning your 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.
Proximity effect is an increased bass response
which happens when you are close to the
microphone. This can be used in a positive way
to enhance the quality of your voice, but be
careful as being too close may increase the bass
response too much which will distort the sound.
Connecting headphones to your Podcaster
A unique feature of your Podcaster is the
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 it
is recorded. This allows for more accurate fine
tuning and should reduce the need to re-record
as problems can be detected earlier in the
recording process.

- 10 -
Setting up the Podcaster
Mounting the Podcaster
The Podcaster comes with a stand mount that
will allow you to connect it to a microphone
stand or ‘Anglepoise® style’ arm such as the
RØDE PSA-1.
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.
• Remove the locking collar from the base of
the microphone.
• Slide the base of the microphone into the
hole in the stand mount.
• Screw the locking collar back into position to
carefully secure the Podcaster to the mount.
• 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.