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Comparisons / USB microphones / PodMic USB vs Wave Neo

RØDE PodMic USB (Black) vs Elgato Wave Neo

RØDE PodMic USB (Black) also has an XLR output for an audio interface; Elgato Wave Neo connects over USB only. RØDE PodMic USB (Black) is dynamic, which picks up less of the room; Elgato Wave Neo is a condenser, which suits a quiet room.

From each maker’s own specifications; neither model was tested by this site.

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RØDE PodMic USB (Black)

A USB and XLR microphone: a computer now, a mixer later.

Check price on Amazon ↗

Elgato Wave Neo

A plug-in USB microphone for a simple desk.

Check price on Amazon ↗

On the makers’ own sites:

Before you choose

RØDE PodMic USB (Black)

The catch: Choose a mount that supports the microphone’s documented weight. Use USB for its onboard processing, or plan processing and monitoring separately on the XLR route.

You need:

  • A microphone stand or boom arm

Check first:

  • For USB: a USB cable

Elgato Wave Neo

The catch: Choose it for one direct USB speaking position and use its headphone jack to monitor your voice. For two separately controlled speakers, plan two microphones and an interface with two inputs.

Check first:

  • A USB-A port on your computer

Everything to check before you buy

Where they differ

SpecsRØDE PodMic USB (Black)Elgato Wave Neo
ConnectionUSB and XLRUSB
RØDE PodMic USB (Black) also has an XLR output for an audio interface; Elgato Wave Neo connects over USB only.
CapsuleDynamicCondenser
RØDE PodMic USB (Black) is dynamic, which picks up less of the room; Elgato Wave Neo is a condenser, which suits a quiet room.
Stand in the boxNoYes
Elgato Wave Neo comes with a desk stand; RØDE PodMic USB (Black) needs a stand or boom arm.
Best USB recording format24-bit, 48 kHz24-bit, 96 kHz
Over USB, RØDE PodMic USB (Black) records up to 24-bit, 48 kHz and Elgato Wave Neo up to 24-bit, 96 kHz. Both are more than a stream carries (Twitch takes AAC audio at up to 160 kbps), so the difference matters for recordings you edit.
Processing on the microphoneYesNone listed
RØDE PodMic USB (Black) processes your voice on the microphone over USB; for Elgato Wave Neo you add filters in OBS.

Where they are the same

Pickup patterns
Cardioid
Headphone socket
Yes

Not enough data to compare

We haven’t confirmed a figure for one or both models on: Preamp gain needed, XLR cable in the box, USB cable in the box. The site leaves these out rather than guess.

What else each needs

RØDE PodMic USB (Black)

PodMic USB
For USB: a USB cable
For XLR: an audio interface or mixer with an XLR microphone input
For XLR: an XLR cable
A microphone stand or boom arm
Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug
  • Check first: For USB: a USB cable. Our record of the box lists no USB cable. Check the box before you plan the connection.
  • Optional: For XLR: an audio interface or mixer with an XLR microphone input. A computer has no XLR input. The interface’s preamp raises the microphone’s signal and sends it to the computer over USB.
  • Optional: For XLR: an XLR cable. None comes in the box.
  • You need: A microphone stand or boom arm. No stand comes in the box.
  • Optional: Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug. Its headphone socket lets you hear yourself straight from the microphone, before the computer adds delay.

Elgato Wave Neo

Wave Neo
A USB-A port on your computer
A boom arm, if you want it closer
Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug
  • Check first: A USB-A port on your computer. The cable in the box is USB-C to USB-A. If your computer only has USB-C ports, use a USB-C to USB-C cable instead.
  • Optional: A boom arm, if you want it closer. A desk stand is in the box. An arm lets you bring the microphone nearer your mouth without it sitting in the camera shot; check the arm fits its 1/4-inch, 5/8-inch or 3/8-inch thread.
  • Optional: Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug. Its headphone socket lets you hear yourself straight from the microphone, before the computer adds delay.

Next step

Put either model into the setup builder to check it against your computer and the rest of your gear, or see all 27 side by side in USB microphones for streaming compared. Test your microphone before you go live.

Full profiles: RØDE PodMic USB (Black) and Elgato Wave Neo.

Sources