Using a reasonably good headphone, I can tell that the original does have a little richer sound and thus is better in terms of sound quality. However, if they are not compared side by side and it's not needed for professional use, the mini sounds 90-95% as good. For me, the compromise is minor in exchange for the min's far more compact form factor and I like that the mini is not so "in your face" as the original. Great comparison. Thanks for doing this.

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome and I agree with your analysis!

Appreciate the review! Thanks! That helped a lot. Considering the portability & quick-to-roll-out convenience, I'll be going ahead with the mini.

This was a really nice review, the comparison outside with everyday noise was especially helpful. Thank you very much.

@musiclab5127

4 жыл бұрын

no it does not require just connect to laptop

Excellent review, I'm looking at both of these with the intention to buy one so timely, I must admit as a result I do favour the original for the sound quality, thanks Gordon :) To add an update to my original comment, I actually got to look at them side by side and the physical dimensions mattered for my application so I decided on the mini which is very well built and does the job. You can always rely on Gordon's reviews.

Thanks, Gordon for such an honest and helpful review, the best I've seen so far. Great job!

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome!

Gordon, 4 years on, this is still a great review. I honestly don't know what I enjoyed more, the actual review or your personality! How hilarious, the readings close up, hahaha! Sending thank you from Canada. Cheers.

@cameralabs

26 күн бұрын

Thanks, happy to help! The NT USB full size and minis are still great sounding mics today

Thanks for the great demonstration Gordon. It is clearly evident that the original NT USB microphone sounded much crisper and captures more details than the mini. Mini seems to ignore the high pitch a little, it has got the bass as the original but not that refined treble as the original

The threaded adapter was supplied with my Rode arm - so now I have two of them. I really like the new mini: I can buy several of them and with the Rode software easily set up a roundtable type interview. It's a very practical microphone. What also surprised me was how hefty it was - solidly built and I found the sound recorded from it very pleasing indeed.

I trust this man for some reason

@cameralabs

4 жыл бұрын

Well hopefully not just for any reason, but because I've been testing gear and writing or filming reviews for over 25 years now! Glad you found my reviews!

@MakeKnowledgeFree

3 жыл бұрын

@@cameralabs ke 5PM mein bhi jalan 0hobutnol

@nadeemafzal8984

3 жыл бұрын

a Brighton man is always trust worthy !!!

Thank you - this was really helpful and helped me make the right decision for me. Great presentation style and info.

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Love the test at the station. I am sold!

hey thanks for the video. I believe you've convinced me to stick with my Mini, but wondering one thing, the additional dial on the side of the original -- that's for mixing the headphone out, correct? I thought that may be for setting the level going into the computer. If I got this right, neither mics have a way of setting the gain going into the computer?

Hi Gordon, great video. Just a quick question, does the rode nt usb mini work with earlier versions of Windows or just 10? Thanks for your time

In the train station, what were you recording into? What camera did you use? did you use a phone and connect the ntusb into your phone? did you bring a laptop?

I think with a few modifications on the audio track you can make them nearly identical to each other. The mini takes a little bit more high, but with a digital equalizer you can make the original and mini sound the same

Thanks, this was really helpful. I have the Rode Podcaster at the moment, but the Mini seems perfect for traveling. 👍

Hi Grodan. What do you prefer for VO especially for deep clear sound; the original or the mini ?

Fantastic review and really very useful, thank you

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Cool review. Looked like Marylebone station in the background.

I really want a Rode NT USB, but I can't find it anywhere, I've just seen the mini available and I just love the sound of the original. However this video was great and very helpful, thank you!

Hey!! Quick question does it work on your smartphone?

Great video , very happy with the Mini ! It's excellent for table top unboxing or demo style videos.

Great comparison thanks. I have the NT USB original and need another mic for my laptop and was considering the mini, yes its certainly mini but I prefer the sound of the original but...do I want the more compact design for my laptop...

Great comparsion! Thank you Gordon!

Test 1 mini 5:05 NT-USB 6:10 I think the NT-USB is a bit brighter.

That was interesting, I even plugged in the headphones! I have neither mic so a completely unbiased view, the old model was a cleaner sound, a bit more bass driven than the mini but not by much, and although Rode will not like this the old screen ‘pop’ filter did a better job.

@cameralabs

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, that's what I felt too.

Nice review Gordon - I was wondering if anyone would do a comparison once i saw this new mini usb mic had been released. As I have the nt-usb you've saved me the money of getting the newer one - though i couldn't really hear any difference even with headphones on. have you used/compared the likes of the zoom h1n and h2n which can also be used in usb mode too (I'll often record using these if i'm out on the road and then copy the file and sync in post when needed as I find a lav mic gives me even better audio - but - at the cost of having a lav on ). Be interested to hear your thought's on using those types of recorder in USB modes though.

@cameralabs

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Greg. I actually have an old H2N and really like it, although i've not used it as a USB mic, only a voice recorder.

Which would you choose for a deeper voice?

Excellent review sir. I have one doubt. Actually I'm searching for the mic for only singing with background music (Karaoke) from laptop . So pls tell me sir which mic is best for me.

I genuinely can’t hear any difference in quality between the two, and as a result have decided myself now to opt for the NT-USB Mini instead, due not only to its cute little size but the substantially cheaper price (well over 1/3 cheaper, £80 instead over £150). Delightful review, and exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome! They are very close.

It seems that the Rode NT-usb mini does have a mid-forward sound as opposed to the controlled bass and top end sparkle of the original.

I will buy the mini and do some eq and compressor settings

Excellent review Gordon, was that York station? Cheers sandy

@cameralabs

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! No, it was Brighton station!

@doktutor

3 жыл бұрын

Gordon is thomas friends?

is rode usb mini a better choice for vocals compared to it's elder?

Hello. I enjoyed this presentation very much. Have you tested the Elgato Wave 3 ? If so, what is the difference with the Rode NT-USB ?

@cameralabs

10 ай бұрын

Sorry I've not tested it

Really impressed how both handled being at the station, really nice! placed a order for the mini and cant wait to try it out for myself. Rhode makes some really great value stuff usually, though they did just release the XCM-50 which just by the looks of it is "a upgraded mini" but the sound quality is noticably worse from what ive seen so far and it costs 50% more which is disappointing, definitly took a step back there. Also what window curtains do you use i could use a new pair lol

@cameralabs

Жыл бұрын

My curtains are just heavy black velvet ones with a blackout material on the other side.

I prefer the sound of the OG NT USB as the Mini's built-in pop-filter doesn't sound as good. Also, as a VO, I will also appreciate the possibility of the Gain knob. If I needed something like the Mini, I would probably go for the ZOOM H2n. The price is right in the middle of the prices of the NT USBs, but it has a load of features and you don't need to have an extra device to record the sound on. So, if I were to change locations often or wanted to be discreet, ZOOM is my choice. Semi-permanent recording space/pro mic for travel, that's the original NT USB. Great review, thanks, Gordon! :)

Hello Gordon ! Thank you for this comparison. You mention that the lack of the mixing knob wasn't too problematic. What would you say is the mixing ratio on the Mini then ? Would you say it's appropriate ? Since we cannot change it, I hope it has been well tuned for most applications ...

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

TBH, I've only been using the NT USB since this review, so can't say.

Great review. Does the mic require additional devices like audio interface or apps or phantom power or pre-amp to work? Or simply plug and play. Would appreciate your valuable comments.

@tomduff89

4 жыл бұрын

I'm also looking into this mic but everything I've seen says its plug and play that's the benefit on usb mic

A great review. Looks to me I will keep my original NTUSB mic, even if it's a bit old and battered. Still works great. Keep the Camera Labs spirit alive Gordon!

Very useful comparsion, my personal choice is the Full NT_USB, the Mini is good, but in my opinion, the voice is deeper and "warmer" whit the full NT-USB

Hiya Gorgeous Gordon, Thanks for another great review 😎😎😎

@cameralabs

4 жыл бұрын

you're welcome Mike!

Need recommendation. I have been wanting to get a microphone for my ps4 and idk which one to get whether the HyperXQuadcast or buy this one. I dont stream(but may start soon) but i would love to sound really great!

@cadenmunoz5553

4 жыл бұрын

Omg same i have a youtube channel as well and i was thinking of the hyperx quad cast or rode nt usb i say go with what matches your room because they both sound great im going hyperx quad cast because my setup is red and black themed

can i connect this to rode wireless go 2 transmitter and use it wirelessly directly to my camera?

@cameralabs

2 жыл бұрын

sadly not, the WGo transmitter only works with 3.5mm analogue inputs and the NT USB only has a USB output.

I am going to have to go with the original for sound quality. It had a bit more bass in it, and sounded fuller. The right tool for the job though, a travel version makes perfect sense. Reading extracts from your book to test microphones is a genius idea :-)

@ITech2005

3 жыл бұрын

Tbh, as a usb mic i have no issues travelling with the first one.

Great review.

We plan to use a the mic for remote podcast recording. So, I need the podcaster to be able to monitor his own vocals AND the audio from the other presenter coming through the computer via Zoom or Skype. Can both of these mics do that or was it only the NT-USB?

@felixklimm7225

3 жыл бұрын

Podcast through Skype or zoom? lol

My Mac book Pro don't have USB port, so I need adapter. Can it keep the sound quality?

@AmuthanVethanayagam

3 жыл бұрын

NT-USB Mini comes with USB C

I sensed not much of a difference in the audio quality between the two microphones. Now, when it comes to music recording (playing instruments), which one would you recommend?

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

the big one

Awesome & Thanks :)

The original is much more thicker in sound. But post processing is there :D

Does mini have volume gain Nob or only headphone nob??

I already own the NT USB. I’ve had it it for sometime and love it. I do plan to get a couple of the NT USB Minis for my podcast station.

@qariislamhassan-4812

3 жыл бұрын

Is it good for vocal ?

@WisLockman

3 жыл бұрын

Qari Islam Hassan - إسلام حسن yes

what camera you used to record this part at 8:35?

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

As I recall, it was a Sony A6400 and E 24mm f1.8. I use it for most of my b-roll too.

Hi Gordon, is it possible to record both the Mini and the NT-USB on the same computer?

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

Two USB mics on one computer? I don't think so, not simultaneously, you'd need some kind of USB mixer I'm guessing.

@nl4537

3 жыл бұрын

I’m not completely sure, but would creating an aggregate device inside the DAW work? Great review btw! 👍

Hello Gordon and thank you so much for your Review. I got this little Mic and It´s Recording too much of my enviroment. Is there any software to reduce annoying background noises? In Germany the NT-USB Mini cost 120€ (around 130 Dollar).

@cameralabs

4 жыл бұрын

Noise reduction never works well, I'd recommend a quieter room or a different mic.

@JacReviewsStuff

4 жыл бұрын

get nearer your mic or speak louder ... to drown out the outside sounds

@RichardsWorld

4 жыл бұрын

You need a "dynamic" mic.

@JacReviewsStuff

4 жыл бұрын

@@RichardsWorld Well that also depends on what model. Dynamic mics do pick up room noise too. I recommend the dynamic mics that singers use on stage and at concerts. They have fantastic noise reduction, but you do have to speak loudly at them and have it near your mouth. 👍

My subscription to this channel is worth it.❤️❤️

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

Thankyou!

Which microphone do you recommend for voice-over and dubbing?

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

the NT USB, didn't I mention that?

@MertBurcu

3 жыл бұрын

@@cameralabs My mistake, sorry. Thanks for reply.

I see a 3.5mm hole there... dont tell me you cant connect that directly to the camera with 3.5mm male to male trs connector? (maybe turning it down to like 10%?)

@RichardsWorld

4 жыл бұрын

You should be able to.

Great review! Can you buy an attachment so you can plug it into an IPhone or Android smart phone?Thanks.

@cameralabs

4 жыл бұрын

it's a USB microphone, so if a device can use a USB mic, then it'll work. I don't know if phones support USB mics or not!

@TrulyCareAboutYou

4 жыл бұрын

@@cameralabs Can you buy and adaptor to connect to your phone?Thanks

@ULTRA5364

4 жыл бұрын

I guess we can do it by otg.

Great comparison. Is it possible to just edit the audio from mini to sound fuller like original?

@cameralabs

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, just add some bass EQ

@MaZEEZaM

4 жыл бұрын

@@cameralabs Bass EQ, is that live voice or post processing?

@cameralabs

4 жыл бұрын

@@MaZEEZaM that would be in post, as there's no tonal controls on it.

I prefer the sound of the original. The mini sounds... well “mini”...

@cameralabs

4 жыл бұрын

I agree, although it's still good...

@MaySpitfire

4 жыл бұрын

does it sound like $100?

@BenRockde

4 жыл бұрын

But the "original" will not be produced any more, the "mini" take that place. I got the "mini" and it does a very good job. Love that Gordon gives a very handsome review! Thanks mate!

@user-dc1ud6px3s

3 жыл бұрын

Reason not to just look at specs and actually experience the products when making comparisons.

@kowalewicz2554

3 жыл бұрын

The mini sounds... well, how about 100$ cheaper?

I was about t press the buy button for the Mini -- until I started hearing reviews comparing the NT-USB with this Mini. I cannot help myself-- the Mini sounds pretty shallow to me. The NT-USB sounds much more natural, both on the bottom end and the top. Enunciation comes through much clearer. The Mini sounds 'strangled'. I suspect the Mini's built-in pop filter causes that effect. Yet that Mini pop filter isn't as effective as I heard in your demo. The NT-USB (with the screen) is much more effective. I agree about the portability of the Mini -- the NT-USB really isn't a very portable mike. I'd class it as a 'studio' microphone. Put it on a boom or and arm and leave it at home. And I think the Audio Technica AT2020USB sounds just as good for less cost. (Also not very portable) The Mini's sound is strangled enough that any of fifty other microphones can do as well, and some are just as, or more portable. For portability and voice use, I'd stick with a dynamic mic -- especially as they can be a lot more rugged. [Don't try to use a condenser mic near a rain storm.] -Just One Man's view.

Gordon, Mate I am Glad I came across this comparison. Great review. As for me I am a retiree and everything I do is in my own Home Studio, which is my Study. I have pretty serious hearing loss and use Phonak Digital hearing aids. Unfortunately not compatible with my Apple MacPro or My iPad. With Covid, Zoom Meetings are an every day affair and I am struggling with the Built in Mic in the Mac as well as the built in speakers. Another favourite pass time of mine is Singing on a Mob Phone Application called Smule using my iPad. Now Can you tell me which will work with Both my Mac Pro and my iPad - NTY USB or NT USB Mini ? Some say both will work, others say I need an Interface like the Rode AI-1. I already use the IK Medias iRig Pro I/O Mob phone interface on my iPad with a dynamic AKG D5 Microphone. I also have the Rode Professional PSA 1 Boom arm. I am sitting on the fence as I am unable to go to the shops to check them out thanks to covid; so have to order on line. Look forward to your Professional advice Brother. Ram - Sydney

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

Hi there - both will work on your Mac and I'm pretty sure both will work on an iPad so long as it has a USB interface. Maybe the full size NT USB is a bit hungry for an iPad, so the Mini may be a better bet. OR for more mobility on your calls, how about using a Rode Wireless Go II, which is a wireless lav system which also doubles as a USB mic, allowing you to use it on your devices. I find it works really well for zoom calls and is better than having a big mic in the shot.

@Ramboaus

3 жыл бұрын

@@cameralabs Wow That was super fast response. No my iPad is 6th Gen iPad with a Lightning input not USB probably why a Rode AI-1 interface was recommended. Alternatively I could buy the USB NT1 Mini for Zoom sessions and buy a hand held Condenser Microphone to Sing on Smule using the iPad. The iRig Pro I/O, keeps the iPad 100% charged all the time and has a 48V phantom provision for condenser microphones. I am considering the Rode M2 or Shure SM 87 or similar, as I like to hold the mic in my hand. I need an interface as iPad does not recognise external microphones. Wish Rode had heir own little space for customers to check equipment and get expert advise before buying. Sadly It is all online these days and customer support quality questionable. I have gizmo worth over 1000 dollars sitting in boxes all of which did not do what I wanted . Cheers. Ram

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

@@Ramboaus I'm afraid I'm not going to be much more help as my iPads are either super-old or have USB C with mic support. You may have better luck in a rode forum?

Got the mini a few days ago and gave away a samson meteor. was debating getting the regular NT-USB but I'm only using it for voice chat really - the price difference can't justify the sound difference for this application. Feeling good about my choice now.

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you like it!

Gordon - not happy with you - your reviews have made me buy the RODE mini x 2 (due to size despite single location) and wireless go - absolute phenomenal microphones ..... quality quality quality ! exactly what i wanted --- and absolute top reviews mate - for those who are thinking of purchasing a microphone in today's COVID19 internet communication world - its an absolute no brainer purchase ..... dont waste money on blue yetis etc etc - those are mere toys in comparison re build quality, audio and convenience

You're great Gordon, thanx very much. Saludos de Peru.

@cameralabs

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers!

Which one do you recommend for game Streaming Mini or Bigger One ?

@elijahharing

4 жыл бұрын

If you have the money always go with the best you can. But with the mini you will still be pretty happy with it. Make sure you have a boom stick to get less keyboard and desk noise

Thank you 🙏 sir , very useful

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Rode nt usb is unavailable on Amazon from quite a long time now, will it ever return?

@cameralabs

4 жыл бұрын

It's probably low on stock as people were buying them for home web meetings - webcams and HDMI capture devices are also hard to get.

@kshitij260794

4 жыл бұрын

@@cameralabs do you suggest any alternative?

Thank you sir~~☆

Dear friend, Thanks for a useful demo on “RODE NT Usb & Mini microphone, Request your advice on: - are these Two mic compatible with Apple- iPad8-(2020).... & iPad Air4-(2020) Tablets, For my purpose of HOME recording of VOCAL (singing), which one of these TWO would you suggest in terms of Recorded SOUND Quality Thanks Dilip, India

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

They require an analogue mic input that's not on the iPad.

Perfect review

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Thanks for this Gordon. The built-in pop filter on the Mini is inferior.

Actually I didn't notice that much big difference between both of them.

Will the NT-USB (not mini!) fit onto a boom arm ok, and will it fit in a shock Mount?

@cameralabs

2 жыл бұрын

Yep

@danielthegeek4582

2 жыл бұрын

@@cameralabs Thank you!

The Rode NT-USB sound has more depth but the mini sounds good for a portable microphone.

I think that the comparison when u r close is not fair bcs of the pop filter with nt usb which limts u from geting exact same results and distance between u and microphones..

Sounds like the Rode NT-USB original has wider sound stage, a bit brighter and more airy.

imagine if they came out with an adaptor for the original, that allowed you to attack it to the minis stand.

Prefer the sound of the Mini, it sounds a little better for voice, a bit less highs that round of the S'es more. But that's raw output. The older does give more to work with for editing

Hi Gordon and everyone 👏. I’m a bit late, but I’ll try anyway. My son is doing some hip hop work, and needs a mic, so I automatically told him go for Rode, cause I have some of them for my camera and so on, like the NTG2 et ,,, so he wanted a USB mic, and I am willing to go and buy one, but at the same time when I watched this video, I’m wondering why I don’t go for both, as it’ll be practical if he can work with the original at home, as I have got him a while ago a sE electronic shield so he’ll get less noisy audio, and also when traveling for example he can use the mini as a back up, small mic for either Mac or iPad for working on his songs. Let me know if you have better suggestions please. Thanks in advance, and thank you for this nice and easy to comprehend comparison video👍

@cameralabs

Жыл бұрын

The original is definitely a bit better and often more discounted. I'd get whichever is cheaper. Or one of their latest shotgun mics which have both USB and analogue.

I liked the original one, tho in the end I opted for a real XLR mike (NT-1A) on a proper interface (Focusrite). Mostly using it at 48kHz, and saving as 24 bit uncompressed .wav files with -16LUFS from Ardour.

I made a big mistake, went and bought the razer seiren elite instead of researching more and finding this amazing microphones THAT ARE CHEAPER! Amazing review by the way.

@DonVFilmoraTutorials

4 жыл бұрын

Now I have to keep making videos using my old camera as a mic...

@iminh_x1705

3 жыл бұрын

DonV Filmora Tutorials what about your razer?

@DonVFilmoraTutorials

3 жыл бұрын

@@iminh_x1705 it just doesn't sound good at all, and picks up a lot of noise, tried different things still not happy with the results

Already bought last months huge blue yeti for more money 💵 🙄 maybe this was better and compact for me

@cameralabs

4 жыл бұрын

I hear the Blue Yeti is very good though.

The Rode NT-USB is out of production. I can't find it on Amazon. But I don't know why but the mini version doesn't convince me very much.

Listening this through Beyerdynamic DT-250 ...the NT-USB Mini sounds better to me, or at least smoother or softer. Then again, an external pop filter is always better than a built in ... at least in this case. The NT-USB Mini's pop up filter doesnt do that good job when you get closer. The NT-USB's sound gets better when you get closer, but i would go for the Mini. Thanks for the review :)

@cameralabs

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! I agree, you have to be careful with the Mini.

The USB Mini doesn't pick up as much as low frequencies as the NT-USB

the minis bracket reminds me of the new elgato mics.

Any opinion on Audio Technica atr2500x?

@cameralabs

2 жыл бұрын

No, not tried it

@thevijayraj34

2 жыл бұрын

@@cameralabs do you think it could be better than than this?

@cameralabs

2 жыл бұрын

@@thevijayraj34 I don't know, I've not tried it

The original one sounds more crispy in the mid tone

I got my NT-USB today, and the stupid thing about it is, it comes with a bag, that ISN'T big enough for the pop filter or stand.

It seems to me like the USB Mini sounds much more natural, like you're in the room, and prefer it to you using the NT-USB.

@cameralabs

4 жыл бұрын

I felt the NT USB was a bit crisper, but perhaps a bit harsher. I certainly like the Mini though...

I got the mini for zoom calls. If I’m one inch away from it I sound like I’m in my co workers ears lol. Just gonna get a stand for it or boom arm next. I thought the large version was gonna cover my face too much

A good review because most reviewers forget the great outdoors.

just press the button in mini and you can change to be mic control

While the older one has more top end, that's the only substantive difference I hear. When you factor in portability and ease of use it's a no brainer. With a little eq or ”air” if you will the mini is the winner.

@cameralabs

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, exactly EQ can be the great leveller here.

Does anyone know if the Mini can be connected to a DSLR with a 3.5mm male to male audio cable?

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

Sadly not, it's USB only. Rode are beginning to make more mics with USB and analogue outputs, such as the Wireless Go II, so hopefully it will come to a future NT USB model. But not this one.

@lana.9073

3 жыл бұрын

@@cameralabs Thanks so much for your reply Gordon 🙏

Is that york train station?

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

Brighton

Sir this mic suitable Android phones

@cameralabs

3 жыл бұрын

Only if your android device can support a large USB mic - it didn't woork for me.