Rode XDM-100 USB Microphone Specifications & Price

by Chinedu Okeke

RODE microphones are known for their clarity and ability to capture sound accurately. They come in a variety of models, including the RODE NT1-A, which is considered to be one of the best studio microphones on the market.

Podcasting and otherwise recording audio is now easier than ever — meaning that you can start a podcast, a YouTube streaming channel, or any number of other kinds of media, with little effort.

But doing so still requires a decent microphone — and that’s given rise to a series of USB microphones that allow anyone to get started recording. One of the latest of these is the new Rode XDM-100.

Rode XDM-100 USB Microphone Review Nigeriantech.com.ng
The XDM-100 is built to be on the higher end of home microphones. It works through USB, to be sure, but it also offers a larger build, a suspension mount, and more. And, it’s a bit more expensive than some of the competition, coming in at almost $250. To be fair, in the audio industry that’s not necessarily expensive — but as far as home microphones go, it’s not cheap either.

Rode XDM-100 Design

The first thing you’ll notice about the Rode XDM-100 is its design, it’s a premium and professional-looking microphone. It has a sleek black-and-red color scheme, making it stand out from other USB microphones out there. It’s a little larger than many other microphones, but you’ll get used to the size and incorporate it into your workflow.

It also has a headphone jack on the front, with a dial to control volume. That essentially turns the microphone into a kind of audio interface. That’s great, because it can help cut down on having to run long cables back and forth, and it gives you quick and easy control over the volume without needing to be near your microphone.

In the box, there’s a suspension mount, a very nice USB-C cable, and a headphone extension cable. There’s also a pop filter that fits on the top of the microphone. The only thing really missing is a microphone stand, which you’ll have to buy separately. Any standard microphone stand should work, but of course, Rode sells its own desk-mount stand.

Generally, the design of the Rode XDM-100 is great — but many people will need to consider the larger size.

Rode Unify software

Because the X-Series microphones are built for streaming and other similar tasks, Rode couples it with a software tool called Unify — which works quite well. Unfortunately, the software is currently only available for Windows. That doesn’t mean that the microphone won’t work on Mac — it just means that you won’t be able to control it with the Unify software.

If you do use the microphone with Windows, you’ll be able to mix the microphone, game volume, different microphones, and more.

Rode XDM-100 sound

The Rode XDM-100 has a cardioid polar pattern, which basically means it rejects audio from the back — which is what you would want from a microphone like this. It supports a sample rate of up to 48kHz, which is enough for most casual users, though purists, in a music studio situation, may want something higher.

Generally, the sound is great. It’s nice and full, with a good amount of bass, and enough clarity at the upper frequencies for spoken voice. It’s a bit warmer than some other options, which is nice, especially for spoken voice.

A good sound out of the box is helpful for a microphone like this, as it means that you don’t have to do a ton of tweaking or EQing in order to get a good sound — you can just be sure to set it up properly and you’re off to a good start. This microphone generally sounds better than most of the other streaming-focused options, which aren’t necessarily built by audio companies.

Wrapping Up

The Rode XDM-100 is an excellent USB microphone for anyone looking for high-quality sound for streaming and podcasting. The design and build quality are great, and it’s able to produce a great sound right out of the box. The headphone jack is a nice touch, as it helps cut down on the need to run cables back and forth. And, the higher price tag is fair, given the quality of the microphone.

That said, not everyone will want to spend this much on a USB option. If you have the money and want a higher-quality option it’s a great choice — but if you’re just starting out it may be worth saving your money.

Rode XDM-100 USB Microphone Price

The device is on sale for the price of US$248.90

What is the frequency response of RODE XDM 100?

The XDM-100 is a dynamic microphone with an end-address cardioid pickup pattern. While writing our RODE X XDM-100 Dynamic Microphone Review, we saw it has a 20Hx -20kHz frequency range. Plus, it uses a USB-C for its connection. This mic has a zero-latency 3.5mm analogue headphone output and a bit depth of 24-bit.

How do I know if my mic is loud enough?

And then, just to make sure it’s the right mic, you’ll want to do a recording and listen back. During that sound recording, tap gently on your USB mic. Then, when listening back, if you can hear that tap nice and loud, you’ve got the right one selected!

What makes a mic sound better?

Set your microphone input level to 75%.

Remember that, when it comes to microphones, less is more. Don’t keep your microphone’s input set to the maximum level. Instead, lower it to around ¾ of the original level. If you’re looking for a more technical measurement, try adjusting your input levels to read -12 dB.

Which microphone is better dynamic or condenser?

Dynamic mics can handle sound pressures better than condenser mics: If a mike preamp can handle all the juice coming out of the mic, a condenser mic can handle high sound pressure just as well as any microphone. Condenser mics feed more easily than dynamic mics: It boils down to selecting the right microphone.

How far should my mic be from my face?

Keep the microphone element about 1 to 3 inches away from your mouth. Point the front of the microphone toward your mouth. Don’t talk into the side of it. Be careful not to move the microphone or your head suddenly.

Is the Rode NT-USB good for vocals?

Perfect for any vocals, and really gives a professional sound to your recordings. And, because it has a balanced response, it just works well out of the box without needing any post-EQ.