Rode Procaster

Around Rode Procaster

The Rode Procaster has been around for a while. It is a popular microphone and the reference among podcasters, and audio enthusiasts. You can very well pass as a professional without having to spend a small fortune. Rode's Procaster mic is designed to deliver exceptional performance in a broadcast environment.

It's a relatively inexpensive microphone, but also among the professional-quality sound recording It has a very fluid and pleasant sound reproduction. This is what makes it ideal for recording. Procaster is a very versatile microphone . He can handle any type of voice you throw at him. To optimize sound quality, it is recommended to use a low cut.

Very classy and robust design of the Rode Procaster

The Rode Procaster is shaped like a shotgun microphone . It is a microphone that is much larger and heavier than standard microphones.

It incorporates a case cut from a very solid metal. To take advantage of the advantages of the Rode Procaster microphone, you must mount it with a microphone stand capable of supporting its weight.

Its weight should not be a handicap for its use. Like most dynamic microphones, it is robust and can withstand shocks without damaging it.

What is included in the purchase

When you purchase the microphone, you will receive a pouch with it to protect it when not in use. A mounting ring and internal pop filter also come with the microphone. The mounting ring will allow you to attach it to a tripod, a microphone boom, or a microphone stand.

Technical specifications of the Rode Procaster

The Rode Procaster is a very good quality dynamic microphone . As a dynamic transducer, its operation is based on the movement of a voice coil.

Its bandwidth is 75 Hz to 18,000 Hz. Around 10,000 Hz, its frequency curve presents a slight bump. With an output impedance of 320 Ohm, the microphone has a sensitivity of -56.0 dB at 1 kHz.

The long, slender body of the Rode Procaster is designed for solo recordings . Speaking straight up, the cardioid polar pattern places the presenter center stage. Noises from the sides and rear are significantly reduced, making it ideal even for noisy environments.

Additionally, the device's capsule provides better audio quality and reduces unwanted background noise while recording.

With a net weight of 695 g, the Procaster microphone from Rode is one of the heavy microphones. Indeed, it is a very robust microphone that is made to last .

If you want to use a microphone stand, there's nothing better than a good Rode PS1A. It will perfectly support the weight of the Rode Procaster and will give you greater freedom of maneuver.

It is still important to note that as a dynamic microphone, the Rode Procaster microphone does not need either phantom power or an external power supply to function properly.

However, it is a power-hungry microphone . Unlike its brother, the USB-compatible Rode Podcaster microphone , the Procaster requires a little more gain. You can then use your mixer or preamp to make it work.

The result is even better. The recordings are clear and punchy, with no post-processing editing.

Summary of the characteristics of the Rode Procaster

• Very sturdy metal body
• Shows strong rejection of magnetic inductions
• Internal capsule mounted on suspension
• High quality Broadcast sound
• Acoustic principle: dynamic (neodymium) 28 mm
• Polar curve: Cardioid
• Frequency response: 40 Hz – 14 kHz
• Output impedance: 600 Ohms
• Signal-to-noise ratio > 78 dB
• Maximum SPL: 115 dB
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kOhm: -51 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (2.8 mV/Pa @ 94 dB SPL) +/ – 3 dB at 1kOhm
• Output connector: XLR 3 pin F
• Gross weight: 695 g
• Dimensions: 215 mm x ø 56 mm

Small Note : Also discover the AKG C214 condenser microphone . This guide presents you with a complete test of this microphone, the accessories delivered with the microphone, its specificities, and opinions on this condenser microphone for studio.

Rode Procaster and noisy environments

Busy environments aren't always the best place to record your shows. Some podcasters like to record episodes on location. And that's exactly where they need a good microphone like the Rode Procaster.

Many microphones tend to pick up a lot of background noise, which is not the case with Rode's Procaster mic. Its cardioid polarization is the main reason for this.

It virtually ignores all noise from the rear and sides. This makes the microphone capable of filtering noise from a distance. This type of dynamic microphone is ideal for environments that are not processed by sound.

We can mention bedrooms, offices and even cafes. This is what makes the Rode Procaster the tool of choice for podcasters around the world .

As a directional microphone, the Rode Procaster condenser mic incorporates an internal pop filter as an additional layer of protection.

This allows for a crisp sound that doesn't get confused with pops and plosives. The Rode Procaster mic can also be considered a professional recording equipment designed to capture vocals.

The Rode Procaster and sound quality

Despite being a dynamic microphone, the Procaster does a good job of picking up all the nuances you'll often find in sensitive condenser mics . Indeed, for optimal results, it is recommended to use the microphone less than 5 cm away.

The integrated dynamic capsule also offers a high output level and delivers a low impedance which is perfectly suited to radio and voice-cover jacks.

The response curve of the Rode Procaster is optimized for vocals. Indeed, it is full, smooth and transparent. The microphone has a flat midrange, clarity enhancement with a very smooth transition.

We don't notice any bumps or hollows. When you don't activate the low-cut filter, the sound produced by Rode's Procaster microphone is unappealing. Once the nuance is taken into account, the mic begins to shine.

The sound then becomes crisper and clearer with silky smooth highs. The low frequencies of the Rode Procaster are a little too warm and rich, but this does not affect the sound quality of the mic.

It remains simply impeccable. The sound reproduction remains very natural and the whole thing is also very pleasant to the ear. All its characteristics are the result of a very well adjusted bandwidth.

The Rode Procaster and the proximity effect

Some microphones like the EV RE20 are known for their proximity effect reduction. It has become a standard for most broadcasters. It provides clear sound even when you need to change microphone position.

The SM7B is also known for its proximity effect and it uses it to its advantage. The closer you get to the microphone, the more the proximity effect is felt.

This feature of the Shure SM7B has made it the standard with most hip-hop and rock singers. Compared to these two microphones, Rode's Procaster mic falls somewhere in between the two mics. It has a proximity effect, but the latter is not very present like that of the SM7B.

My verdict on the Rode Procaster

First, there's a reason why the Rode Procaster is so well regarded. Next, it should be noted that high-end audio from a mid-range mic is rare, but the Procaster passed the muster perfectly. It is a dynamic broadcast microphone equipped with a cardioid polar pattern.

It is less sensitive than a condenser microphone, certainly, but it is surgically precise . Finally, we can say that with the Rode, we can capture perfect sound, without hiss, and without inaudible sentences.

It records all sound sources placed in front of it up to a distance of approximately 70 cm. It was designed for vocals, but it can be applied for recording some acoustic instruments. The result remains very good. Once you have tested the Rode Procaster, its presence in your recording studio is no longer to be proven.

One of the specific features of the microphone is the fact that it performs much better in outdoor applications . Typically, microphones suffer in poor recording environments, but that's not the case with Rode's Procaster mic. It sounds much better in a soundproof room. This makes it a suitable microphone for the home studio.

Want a much more affordable microphone? You can always opt for Rode Podcaster USB or the Blue Yeti USB , but the price difference is less. The Rode Procaster targets people who are in broadcasting as well as voice-over and podcast enthusiasts. It is also aimed at people wanting to improve its sound quality and configuration. To meet these needs, it offers unbeatable value for money.

Indeed, for the price offered, you won't find another microphone that adapts perfectly to most recording environments. Whether in a recording studio, in a coffee shop or in the middle of a storm, the Rode Procaster mic is unstoppable. This is a powerful and premium microphone. The only downside remains the fact that it is energy hungry and needs increased levels to function properly.

 Our opinion of the Rode Procaster

The Rode Procaster is no exception to the Rode brand microphones. It is a dynamic instrument designed specifically for recording vocals. It can also be used to capture sounds other than vocals. In short, it is a versatile microphone in every way. It stands out for its clarity, sharpness, and rejection of ambient noise even in extreme conditions. Basically, it is an ideal recording equipment for recording studios.

Rode Procaster Demo

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