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Head-to-head · Best USB-C Microphones For Podcasting

Rode NT-USB Mini vs Shure MV7+

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Rode NT-USB Mini and Shure MV7+ score essentially the same (4.2 vs 4.2). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Rode NT-USB Mini
Ranked #4 in Best USB-C Microphones For Podcasting
Rode NT-USB Mini
1 source

The Rode NT-USB Mini is a studio-quality condenser microphone built for home recording and podcasting. Reviewers credit the large-diaphragm design with professional audio performance, and the USB-C interface connects straight to a computer with no external audio interface in the chain. It is small enough to live on a desk, and a pop filter is built in to cut noise. Content creators and podcasters who want studio-grade audio in a compact body are the buyers here.

Strengths
  • — USB-C interface provides direct computer connection without additional audio interface
  • — Compact desktop footprint ideal for home studios and content creators
  • — Includes built-in pop filter for reduced plosive noise
Watch-outs
    Buy at bhphotovideo.comFull review →
    Shure MV7+
    Ranked #3 in Best USB-C Microphones For Podcasting
    Shure MV7+
    2 sources$299as of Oct 11

    The Shure MV7+ is a dynamic podcast microphone that carries both an XLR output and a USB-C port in one body, so it can feed a laptop directly or drop into an interface-based rig later. The cardioid capsule, built-in pop filter and onboard gain, high-pass and pad controls are aimed at spoken word rather than music. At $299 it costs several times what a basic USB condenser does, and the XLR side only earns its keep once an interface is in the chain.

    Strengths
    • — XLR and USB connectivity in a single microphone design
    • — Built-in pop filter reduces plosive sounds
    • — Includes a desktop stand in the bundle version
    Watch-outs
    • — Requires a computer or audio interface for full XLR functionality
    $299 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

    How they stack up

    Rode NT-USB Mini

    The Rode NT-USB Mini is a condenser microphone, where the Samson Q2U, the Rode PodMic and the Shure MV7+ are all dynamic. It connects over USB-C only, while the Q2U and the MV7+ also have an XLR output and the PodMic is XLR only. Like the PodMic and the MV7+ it has a built-in pop filter, and it includes a magnetic desk stand.

    Shure MV7+

    The Shure MV7+ offers both XLR and USB-C, as the Samson Q2U offers XLR and USB, but it costs far more. It has a built-in pop filter and onboard gain, high-pass and pad controls. The Rode PodMic is XLR only and the Rode NT-USB Mini is USB-C only, so the MV7+ covers both connection paths in one microphone.

    Specs side-by-side

    SpecRode NT-USB MiniShure MV7+
    Microphone TypeCondenserDynamic
    ConnectivityUSB-CXLR and USB-C
    Polar PatternCardioidCardioid
    Frequency Response20Hz-20kHz20 Hz to 20 kHz
    Sensitivity-32 dBV/Pa-55dBV (XLR)
    Weight1.3 lb (585 g, with stand)1.1 lb
    Included AccessoriesUSB-C to USB-A cable, magnetic desk stand, thread adapterUSB-C to USB-C cable
    Impedance—150 ohms
    ← See the full ranking of best usb-c microphones for podcasting