The Rode ProCaster Dynamic Broadcast Microphone.
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There is something about a good microphone that really catches my ear.
The instant gratification of knowing, right away, just what you have. Connect, set the levels and it’s all there with just a few words.
When I heard about the Rode ProCaster, I first thought it was a very clever name. Then my inquisitive side kicked in. We just had to try it out on New Media Gear.
Still warm off the truck, I unboxed the ProCaster. Very nice in appearance, the ProCaster is matte black and very business looking. At slightly over 1.5 pounds, it is quite hefty with a very solid feel.
Of course, the real test is to mate the ProCaster to a waiting XLR. No phantom power needed since this is a dynamic.
After adjusting levels, the ProCaster came to life. I immediately noticed that the audio was as crisp as a cookie. The comfort of a smooth, quality dynamic that isn’t afraid to take on high frequencies.
As I reached closer to the mic, I noticed the warm proximity effect take place. The ProCaster definitely needs to be worked on-axis. The cardioid pickup appears to be nice and tight, keeping the talent sounding great while rejecting side and back pickup.
As with most microphones, the ProCaster has a unique tone and a nice “bite” that works very well at cutting voiceovers. Sometimes a voice can get lost in the backing tracks with a dynamic, but not with the ProCaster. Again, that signature crispness lended an almost movie-trailer type sound to my work.
The ProCaster lives up to its name. Whether for netcasting, broadcasting or podcasting …you may want to check out the ProCaster from Rode.
Listen in as I try out the ProCaster. From start to finish, this mic doesn’t leave the boom.
Street Price for the The Rode ProCaster: $229 at record time
Best,
MarkJensen
