Today, we’re writing our detailed RODE Procaster Microphone review to share the necessary information about this microphone. It’s a dynamic mic for recording vocals and is known for voice-over works and podcasting.
The Procaster from RODE is a broadcast-quality mic offering no-compromise performance for tasks like voice application.
This microphone was already around for a while, but it’s still a popular product among audio enthusiasts and podcasters. If you’re into these, you’re probably wondering if the mic lives up to its reputation or falls short in performance.
Our RODE Procaster Microphone review focuses on important aspects like its features, specs, design, performance, etc. But before getting more in-depth with the mic, let’s discuss its packaging and contents.
RODE Procaster Microphone Packaging
We’re always excited when products arrive for our reviews. And the mic for our RODE Procaster Microphone review is no exception.
It arrived in a sturdy and thick cardboard box with an image of the microphone in front. Above the picture on each opposite corner, you’ll see the product’s name and the company’s branding. The sides showcase the microphone’s name again, but with the addition of its key features.
Inside, you’ll find the Procaster, an RM2, and a ZP1. We appreciate RODE for including a pouch. It will help protect the Procaster from scratches when you aren’t using it.
Don’t worry because it isn’t a large pouch, but you’ll need an extra container to keep the cables. But overall, it is ideal for travel purposes.
There isn’t much in the package, but everything included will help you set up and use the mic immediately.
RODE Procaster Microphone Review – Design and Functionality
The first thing you’ll notice with the Procaster is its compact and robust form. Then, you’ll also note its all-metal build.
Many microphones are usually fragile. Because of that, the Procaster’s robust form is handy when protecting its internal parts from direct physical hits/force.
A primary difference between this microphone and other streamer-targeted condenser mics is it only utilises a cardioid polar pattern. It means it captures sounds in front and slightly on the sides. Then, it rejects sounds coming from the rear.
While it may sound limited without an omnidirectional/stereo recording mode, most streamers and podcasters only need cardioid anyway. It’s what you’ll utilise when recording yourself. Likewise, the rejection of outside noises is subtle.
Generally, this microphone is designed more for broadcast audiences who likely have the necessary extras for connecting it. These include audio mixers or interfaces. It’s also best to purchase a pop filter or shock mount to guarantee the best sound quality for broadcasting.
Its cardioid pickup pattern offers 180-degrees rejection, so it’s most suitable for directional use. It adequately captures voices in front instead of numerous sounds at a time. That means you need to speak directly at the top of the mic rather than the sides.
Here in this RODE Procaster Microphone review, we’ll also discuss what accessories you need to make the product work.
Since the Procaster is an XLR microphone, you’ll need extra equipment like a preamp, digital recorder, or mixer for it to work. Otherwise, it will not run. Unlike the Podcaster, it isn’t a USB microphone with a plug-and-play design.
Fortunately, the Podcaster works with any recording device that supports XLR inputs.
The Procaster also requires phantom power since it needs an additional device that provides a power source.
Additionally, you’ll need a boom arm or a desk mount when using the Procaster. Since it has an all-metal build, it’s heavy and not for hand-held use. You can also mount it to a mic stand with the RODE RM2 included in the Procaster’s package.
Another accessory you can use is RODE’s PSM1 for isolating the microphone from external vibrations. Using it is ideal and practical if you have a wobbly desk or mic stand.
Key Features of the RODE Procaster Microphone
The market has a lot of microphones to offer, but why does the Procaster remain popular? Let’s discuss its key features in our RODE Procaster Microphone review and find out.
Broadcast-quality Dynamic Microphone
The Procaster is a broadcast-grade dynamic microphone that performs excellently for voice applications like streaming, podcasting, voice-over, and radio broadcast. It’s primarily for vocal work, but it works with instruments too. This microphone excellently eliminates unnecessary background noise, while its shock mount and built-in pop filter reduce plosives and vibrations.
Using the Procaster will give you a rich and natural tone with overall cleaner audio. That’s why it’s also live streamers and podcasters’ established favourite.
Durable All-metal Body
When purchasing recording equipment, it’s best to go for a durable one that will last. The Procaster has a solid build, and its all-metal construction can withstand daily wear and tear in the studio.
Rejects Ambient Noise
The Procaster’s internal pop filter and integrated capsule shock mount can handle plosives. It also effectively rejects ambient noise with its tight polar pattern.
10-year warranty of the RODE Procaster Microphone
All of RODE’s microphones come with a one-year warranty from the date of purchase. That means registering your product at www.rodemic.com is vital to extend its warranty period to ten years.
Specifications
This part is where our RODE Procaster Microphone review focuses on the mic’s different specifications. The Procaster is a dynamic cardioid end-address mouse with a frequency range of 75Hz – 18kHz. It has an output impedance of 320Ω plus a -56.0dB re 1V/Pascal (1.60mV @ 94dB SPL) +/-2dB @ 1kHz.
The mic uses an XLR output connection. For its dimensions, the Procaster measures 214 x 53 x 53mm (HxWxD) and weighs 745g.
Additionally, RODE included a 1-year warranty for the product with a free extension to 10 years after your registration.
Hands-on with the RODE Procaster Microphone
This part of our RODE Procaster Microphone review discusses our hands-on experience with the microphone. We used it for a couple of weeks to see how it would fare during our tests.
It’s generally a dynamic mic that can deliver clear, quality, and professional-sounding vocals to any podcast or broadcast. Compared to condenser microphones designed for picking up even the most subtle sounds, dynamic mics concentrate on our voices. And these simultaneously provide a warming gloss, something we proved when using the Procaster.
It had a smooth and workable response that made it excellent for recording. And at the same time, it rejected a lot of room noise and decreased effects like popping.
The Procaster’s frequency response was smooth, solid, and transparent. Its midrange was flat and had an adequate clarity boost with seamless transition. There were no dents or bumps, and that was good.
The microphone sounds absolutely fantastic, and with a couple of tweaks here and there you can really have a microphone that is perfect for your needs and that rivals anything the competition can offer.
The low-end provides a good amount of base whilst keeping everything sounding nice and smooth and not muddy. The bass does not overpower the low midrange and mid-bass, in fact it accompanied them perfectly. Using the Procaster we were instantly surprised by the clarity and smooth highs.
As we mentioned, the Procaster has an integrated pop filter. When we tested the microphone, it did an excellent job eliminating plosives. It filtered some imperfections in our audio and had no popping or sibilance.
The pop filter also worked as a windscreen that improved audio quality while it kept its transparency.
Most importantly, it reduced the room and background noise to minimum levels. These unwanted noises were inaudible in our recording.
Numerous microphones tend to capture a lot of background noise, but these are different from the Procaster. It was able to refine noise from a distance, making it great for environments without sound treatment.
RODE Procaster Microphone Review Summary
Adding the Procaster to your studio setup is an easy recommendation, especially if you want overall improved sound quality. Although expensive, this broadcast-grade microphone is versatile and delivers excellent results.
During our tests for our RODE Procaster Microphone review, we noticed that this product has a smooth and easily manageable response. It’s ideal for recording since it rejects a lot of room noise and reduces unwanted effects like popping. Also, it can handle any voice type you throw at it.
Aside from broadcast-grade performance, it has a durable metal body that’s sturdy enough to last.
We highly recommend the Procaster if you’re looking for a high-quality microphone for any application that involves speech. Whether you’re doing podcasts, voice-overs, or streaming, this microphone delivers pleasing results.
Despite being an older model that’s heavyweight and requires additional accessories to work, it’s still a favourite among audio enthusiasts.
Learn more about the Procaster Microphone by visiting RODE’s official product page for additional details.
