RODE Microphones PODCASTER User manual

USB MICROPHONE
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(EMC, LVD)
Instruction manual

Thank you for investing in the Podcaster, the world’s rst
broadcast sound quality USB microphone.
Those of you who are rst 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.
When looking at and listening to our microphones, many people ask “How
can achieve this level of quality and performance and at such
reasonable prices when others can’t?” The answer is simple and logical.
spends millions of dollars on Research and Development. We have
the best automated machinery and implement 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 nd a detailed description of the features of
the Podcaster, as well as a step-by-step instruction for its setup.
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 you will nd our contact details.
Peter Freedman,
President
Rode Microphones
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Specifications
Acoustic Principle:
Dynamic (neodymium) 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 (neodymium) 28 mm.
• 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 the 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 the 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 downloaded 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 the 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 your sound
recording software on your PC .
4. Go to www.rodepodcaster.com for information on various
recording software programs and to view the tutorials for further
setup instructions.
These tutorial can be found at www.rodepodcaster.com/tutorials
Fig. 5

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Using the 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 downloaded from the
podcaster website.
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 the 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 your Podcaster through your sound
recording software on your PC .
4. Go to www.rodepodcaster.com for information on various
recording software programs and to view the tutorials for further
setup instructions.
These tutorial can be found at www.rodepodcaster.com/tutorials