A trolley full of new Rode

In recent months, there has been a veritable slew of new products released by RØDE.

Because we love a good list, here’s our attempt to rank the recent additions – by the level of staff excitement for each product.

#1 – AI Micro

A clear “number 1”, the tiny AI-Micro has taken function and flexibility for recording to another level.

In a nutshell, this tiny interface accepts one or two microphones (or a stereo microphone plugged into input 1), and connects to almost any device via the USB-C output.

Supplied USB-C output cables are Lightning, USB-C and USB-A, so AI-Micro will connect to tablets, phones, laptops and desktop computers. It is plug-and-play compatible with Mac, Windows, iOS and Android devices.

Back to those inputs – the 3.5mm inputs are ‘auto sensing’ to allow either a TRS input from something like a LAV GO (lavalier microphone) or a VideoMic GO (camera mic), or a TRRS that you’d find on the end of the popular RØDE SmartLav Plus.

This video explains things pretty clearly, including the headphone socket:

#2 – PSA1+

This was looking to be #1 on our list, but we waited a week to write this listicle, and then AI-Micro was released… which knocked this fabulous PSA1+ off the top perch.

Rode PSA1+ studio boom arm is not ‘just’ an update to the original PSA1 – it’s a serious level-up in stability and silence.

We’ve had the new PSA1+ clamped to our front counter for a few weeks now, so it gets played with a lot. It’s currently got an NTUSB Mini attached, and it is prone to be mindlessly fiddled with while conversations are taking place – somewhat akin to a tactile version of a doodle pad.

The thing is, this studio arm has stayed dead-silent, and it continues to impress with how smoothly it moves – with sure stability too.

Like we said – we are big fans and, if not for the AI-Micro swooping like a magpie in Spring, the PSA1+ would sit comfortably in our #1 spot.

Here’s the quick video advert from RØDE:

Oh, and if you really, really don’t like the big logo placement on the neoprene wrap (you’d prefer to fly under the radar), grab some Matte Gaffer and get it sorted!

#3 – TAK (Thread Adapter Kit)

At first glance, the TAK (universal thread adapter kit) is perhaps a little high up on a list like this, but what it lacks in the “ground breaking technology” department, it most certainly makes up for with “man, I wish we’d thought of this ages ago”.

It’s a really handy gadget to carry with you – especially if you’re walking into an unfamiliar shoot or a new gig with a new crew.

If you’re into 30 sec videos that hype a product up very well, check this one:

#4 – SC17, SC18 and SC19

Really? Cables?

Our interest in these cables is more of a reflection from the AI-Micro sitting in top spot.

Each one of these is 1.5m long, so if the cables that come standard with your AI-Micro are a little short (at 300mm) grab one of these while you’re thinking about it:

• SC17 – USB-C to USB-C
• SC18 – USB-C to USB-A
• SC19 – USB-C to Lightning

#5 – WS-Chroma

WS–Chroma is a set of two foam windshields (one blue, one green) to suit VideoMic NTG in a green or blue screen environment.

If you need to get your little VideoMic NTG shotgun a little closer to your talent, but don’t want to muck up your green/blue background for a live shoot (or post work), these little rippers will do nicely.

Anyway…against our better judgement, here’s a video that screams “we love green screens”

#6 – COLORS1

There is no doubt the NTUSB Mini has been an amazingly popular microphone.

A compact, easy-to-use, USB mic that is a seriously good performer. It’s little wonder that they have been snapped up by a combination of musicians and content creators, along with those wanting to improve their remote meeting setups.

So…if you’re plugging up to four of these into your computer, and live streaming or recording a podcast via the completely free RODE Connect software, these brightly coloured ID cable tags and microphone caps are super handy.

The caps fit nicely over the top of each NTUSB Mini, with cable clips that will slide over each end of your USB-C or USB-A cable.

Despite RODE being an Australian company that decided to roll with the American spelling (which very nearly bumped this down our list), COLORS1 is most certainly a more elegant ID solution than grabbing a few rolls of coloured NITTO.

#7 – Rode Cover Pro

If you’re looking to finish your podcasting space, the Rode Cover Pro is a nice product.

This polycarbonate cover for RØDECaster Pro is a perfect fit, and stops things getting dusty while you’re not actually using the nerve centre of your podcast studio.

Some of us like the old-school “chuck a bit of material over the gear” method, but the Rode Cover Pro is definitely a cleaner look. It looks nice, but it comes in at number 7 to round up the tail on our “new Rode product ranking” list.

Do we need a video? Here’s one anyway…

So that’s it.

Our trolley is full from the recent RØDE releases.