RØDE NT-USB+: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-19

Summary

The signal is clean and hiss-free, but the mic has no hardware gain knob, its included plastic desk stand is tippy, and the headphone output picks up static on some Windows setups. There are no consumables, and the only running costs are optional cables or a boom arm. At about $150–$170 it is a competent but contested buy against the Blue Yeti X; below about $130 it is stronger value.

Common problems and fixes

No hardware gain knob — gain is set only in software through RØDE Central, RØDE Connect, RØDE Reporter or the recording app; PCMag lists this as a con. [5]
Tippy all-plastic desk stand — PCMag, Windows Central and Home Brew Audio all call the stand light, tippy and free of shock isolation, and recommend a boom arm. Home Brew Audio says use a boom stand unless your mouth is 3–5 inches from the mic. [4][5][6]
Windows headphone static — some Windows desktops add static to the headphones that never reaches the recording; RØDE’s troubleshooting points at charging adapters, USB hubs and port type, and advises a direct connection. [6][10]
Fixed DSP parameters — the compressor has no adjustable parameters and the noise gate threshold cannot be changed, so the onboard processing is on/off only. [5]
iOS needs a separate cable — iOS use is not plug-and-play; it needs an Apple-certified USB-C-to-Lightning cable such as the SC19, sold separately, and PCMag calls the mic too large to use comfortably on the go. [1][5]
Mix knob does not change the recording — the mix knob blends mic and computer audio for the headphones only and does not alter the recorded level. [5]
No published self-noise figure — RØDE does not publish an equivalent self-noise number, so the ultra-low-noise claim has no published measurement behind it. [1]

Parts and consumables

SC18 USB-A to USB-C cable (1.5 m) — sold separately at about $15 for hosts without USB-C. [1][4]
SC19 USB-C to Lightning cable — sold separately for iOS use. [1]
Desktop stand — included, all-plastic and tippy; many owners replace it with a boom arm, which is not included. [4][5][6]
Adjustable ring mount with 1/4" to 5/8" thread adapter — included for mounting on a stand or arm. [4][5]
Detachable mesh pop filter — included and stops plosives with a sturdy frame. [4][5]
3 m USB-C to USB-C cable (RØDE SC29) — included in the box. [4][5]

No scheduled consumables; the condenser capsule is a studio-grade part and RØDE has guidance on safe storage. [12]

Yearly running cost

No mandatory annual cost: the companion apps are free and there are no consumables. The only spending is optional accessories such as the SC18 cable at about $15 or a boom arm, and power draw is 5 V at 500 mA over USB. [1][4]

When it is a good buy

RØDE set the MSRP at $169 at launch in 2022; PCMag saw it on the street at $166.90 in 2023, Windows Central found it at Sweetwater for $169 and Musician’s Friend for $179 in December 2022, and RØDE sells it direct for $179 (2026). An owner in a Twitch thread reported paying roughly $140 about eleven months before this check. [4][5][8]

At about $150–$170: competent but contested. PCMag preferred the Blue Yeti X at the same level for its gain knob, sturdier stand and extra polar patterns, while Windows Central preferred the NT-USB+ for its DSP and RØDE software. [4][5]
Below about $130: stronger value, because the included pop filter, 3 m cable and software set it apart from budget mics. [4][5]
Above about $180: weak, with multi-pattern rivals and RØDE’s own NT-USB Mini at about $99 bracketing it. [5]

[4][5][8]