The Rode Procaster is a broadcast microphone that is not overly pricey but still provides sound that is of a high calibre. It is perfect for recording because it responds in a highly controlled and smooth manner. The mic also reduces effects like popping and rejects a lot of background noise. Procaster is a highly adaptable microphone that can take on practically any kind of voice. However, some very fundamental EQ is required, especially low cut. Procaster is also durable and well-made, but in comparison to some other microphones, it feels a little awkward and requires a swivel arm with a spider mount.
Rode Procaster review: Design
The Procaster’s compact and sturdy design is the first thing you’ll notice. Then, you’ll see that it is made entirely of metal. Most microphones are typically delicate. As a result, the Procaster’s sturdy structure is useful for shielding its internal components from direct physical stress. This microphone’s use of a cardioid polar pattern sets it apart from other condenser mics designed with streamers in mind. It means it records sounds from the front and the sides to a certain extent. Then it dismisses sounds coming from behind. Even though it can seem constrained without an omnidirectional or stereo recording option, the majority of streamers and podcasters simply require cardioid. You’ll make use of it when recording yourself. Similar to that, there is a mild rejection of outside noise. This microphone is often intended for broadcast audiences who probably have the additional needed to connect it. In this group are interfaces or audio mixers. In order to ensure the best sound quality for broadcasting, it is also best to invest in a pop filter or shock mount. It is best suited for directional use because of the 180-degree rejection provided by its cardioid pickup pattern. Instead of multiple sounds at once, it effectively captures voices in front. This means that rather than speaking to the sides of the microphone, you must directly address it.
Features
In addition to the microphone head itself, the all-metal housing has a thick barrel body with machine-cut scored ridges. Despite not having the most eye-catching design, the mic has a very pleasant build. However, the Rode Procaster’s connection to desk supports and swing arms, such the PSA1+ or DS1 from the firm, is incredibly simple and convenient. In our testing, we chose the former, which was easy to install thanks to the box’s supplied mount that screws into the top of the arm. Thanks to the included accessory, if you’re already a part of the Rode community, you’ll feel right at home using this microphone, though it should work with a variety of different boom arms and microphone stands. you can read our article on Rode Procaster review. The Rode Procaster comes with a leather pouch to store it in when not in use, along with a gel pouch to shield your microphone from the elements. It’s a useful addition to keep the unit clean as well if you intend to travel with this piece of equipment.
Sound quality
As always, hearing it for yourself is the greatest way for you to comprehend the calibre of the sound that a microphone produces. Here is a video we took while utilizing a set-up intended to give the most accurate representation of the Procaster’s sound. Listen to it, then make your own decision. The sound quality is comparable to some of the priciest XLR models we’ve tried, including mics that cost far more, in our opinion. Even without a windscreen, there was never any unwelcome background noise, hiss, or crackle. Since the sound quality is on the warmer side, it has a broadcaster-like quality that many other manufacturers try to replicate through software post-processing. Nothing compares to the authentic quality of clear, warm sound coming directly from the hardware, although some of them manage a passable replica. The Procaster would be a great choice for any level of game streaming, video production, vocal music, and, of course, podcasting.
Rode Procaster review: Performance
Generally speaking, a dynamic microphone performs better than a standard condenser microphone at picking up louder sounds, such as vocals and guitar playing, and this is arguably the Rode Procaster’s strongest suit. You can find a microphone for singing, harsh vocals, and louder sounds here. As a metal musician, we put both the PodMic and this model to the test and discovered that the Procaster did sound the most accurate of the two. The Rode Procaster has no issues with background noise, in contrast to some less expensive dynamic XLR microphones we’ve used in the past. This is because the 75Hz to 18kHz frequency range and -56.0dB sensitivity allowed quieter speaking voices to be heard clearly on the same level as louder ones. As a result, you should be completely covered when live streaming through in various animated states. While the internal shock mount performs a fantastic job of isolating any rumbles or vibrations, we contend that if you’re going to use a boom arm, you should think about using a dedicated shock mount like the company’s PSM1. When in use, the Rode Procaster hangs a little lower than the PodMic due to its weight, and moving the device can cause some unwanted noise, no matter how slight. The PSM1 and PSA1+ are shown together in tandem in the company’s promotional materials for this microphone, so the additional cost here would lessen this minor issue. Reiterating that the slightest amount of noise in movement is unlikely to be noticed during operation, it is still important to be aware of. However, one thing is for certain above all else: the Rode Procaster’s sound profile is far superior to the USB microphones we used for comparison, including the Rode NT-USB, Blue Snowball, and Joby Wavo Pod. The benefits of this model are truly night and day for those looking to stand out in the online content creation industry, even though it may not be as convenient to set up since you’ll need a dedicated audio interface with at least one XLR input.
Noise cancellation
We are aware that when compared to condenser microphones, dynamic microphones are significantly less sensitive to noise that originates from a greater distance. By utilizing Rode Procaster, we discovered that it caches some of the keyboard noise we make while typing or playing video games, but they are not overly loud and are quite simple to delete from the audio. Apart from that, it excels at picking up our voice and ignoring the majority of background noises. Rode Procaster does a great job of eliminating background noise from our recordings, even if our neighbors are making a little noise or if our refrigerator in the adjacent room starts buzzing. also you will learn our article on Rode Procaster review. Additionally, we are not recording in a studio atmosphere with the Rode Procaster. When recording in a less-than-ideal home situation, we decided to use our regular microphone. Rode Procaster will attenuate some of that unwanted echo and noise much better than any condenser microphone because for the majority of us, that is precisely where we are recording.
Rode Procaster review: Price
Conclusion
A professional-grade microphone at a mid-range cost is the Rode Procaster. Although it isn’t the most affordable, we believe it to be an excellent fit for the great majority of streamers and podcasters in existence right now. The addition of the PodMic to Rode’s lineup makes it more difficult for streamers on a budget to justify purchasing one of their products. However, there is one significant caveat: if you don’t already own an audio interface, the USB-based Podcaster version makes the Podcaster one of the best-value, all-in-one broadcast USB mics available. A microphone purchase is an opinion. You must ascertain what suits your voice the most. The Procaster is now by far our favorite mic for us.
