Rode NT-USB+ vs Samson G-Track Pro

Quick answer

Both are condenser microphones that connect over USB. Rode lists a condenser capsule with a cardioid polar pattern and USB-C connectivity, and Samson lists a dual back electret condenser with a USB digital output.

They differ in what they add to the microphone. Samson lists a choice of Cardioid (Unidirectional), Bidirectional (Figure-8) or Omnidirectional pickup, plus a 1/4″ (6.35mm) instrument input. Rode lists APHEX audio processing accessible via RØDE Connect, RØDE Central and RØDE Reporter, and support for iOS and Android devices.

So the question is whether you will plug a guitar or bass straight into the microphone, or record on a phone or tablet.

Choose Rode NT-USB+ if

• You record on a phone or tablet: Rode lists a class-compliant USB output that works with computers, smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android). Samson lists any Mac or PC device.
• You want processing options for your voice: Rode lists a noise gate, a compressor and a high-pass filter at 75Hz or 150Hz, plus the APHEX Aural Exciter and Big Bottom processors.
• You want a pop filter in the box: Rode lists a detachable pop filter and desktop stand as included.
• You want a separate monitor mix control for your headphones, next to the level control.

Choose Samson G-Track Pro if

• You want to plug in a guitar or bass: Samson lists a 1/4″ (6.35mm) instrument input with an impedance of 1MΩ.
• You want to record that instrument and your voice together: Samson lists Record Mic and Instrument input simultaneously.
• You want more than one pickup option: Samson lists Cardioid (Unidirectional), Bidirectional (Figure-8) and Omnidirectional.
• You want a die-cast zinc body on an integrated desktop base, which Samson lists.

By use case

Podcasting

Both makers name podcasting and streaming among the uses. Rode names recording music, podcasting and streaming, and Samson names podcasting, gaming/streaming and recording music.

Both have a headphone output with zero-latency monitoring. Rode lists a level control and a monitor mix control for it, and Samson lists a 1/8" stereo headphone output with level control.

If two people will talk on the show, plan for a second microphone, since either one is a single USB microphone on your desk.

Vocals

Rode lists 24-bit at 48 kHz, and Samson lists 16 or 24-bit. Samson's page in our sources does not state a sample rate in kHz.

Rode lists a max SPL of 118.0dB (as per IEC 60268), and Samson lists a max SPL of 120dB.

Rode lists a high-pass filter at 75Hz or 150Hz among its processing options. Samson's page in our sources does not list a high-pass filter.

Guitar

Samson lists a 1/4″ (6.35mm) instrument input, an instrument input impedance of 1MΩ, and Record Mic and Instrument input simultaneously.

Rode names recording music among the uses for its model, and lists a cardioid condenser capsule.

If you plan to record an acoustic guitar through the air, try a few positions and listen back before you record the full take.

What the specs do not tell you

Our sources for the NT-USB+ do not state its self-noise in dBA, its sensitivity or its output impedance, and they do not list an XLR analog output.

Our sources for the G-Track Pro do not state its self-noise, a sample rate in kHz, a pad, a high-pass filter or a warranty.

Rode lists a weight of 540g, and Samson lists 3.52lb / 1.6kg with dimensions of 116mm x 268.5mm diameter.

Desk space matters with a microphone that sits on a base, so measure the spot where it will stand before you buy.