When it comes to making a good podcast, one of the most important things that you can do to set yourself up for success is to make sure that you have the right equipment for the task at hand.
And, for podcasters, nothing is more important than having a good microphone ready for your podcast (also see , ‘Best Pocast Microphone‘)!
Since the explosion of podcasts that have become so popular in the last 10 to 15 years, there has also been an increase in the demand for good voice-capturing microphones to help newcomers who want the best tool for the job to get started.
Now, this explosion comes with both good and bad news.
The good news is that this means that there are more microphone options now than ever before.
The downside to this? Well, it’s that… there are more microphone options now than ever before.
If starting to purchase a professional microphone before was a difficult decision, then it can be next to impossible to decide on one now!
This is why we have created this guide to help you decide on the right microphone for you, by comparing two models here: The Rode Procaster, and the Rode Podcaster microphones, to see which is better, or at least, which might be better for your needs.
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| Primary Rating: 3.5 | Primary Rating: 3.5 |
| $164.99 | $229.00 |
How This Works
So, for this comparison piece, we are going to briefly outline what each of these products is, before directly comparing them on several topics or fields that allow us to directly compare them with each other, from sound quality, to ease of setup and use.
Rode Procaster
Firstly, we have the Rode Procaster (also see, ‘Rode Procaster Review‘).
This particular dynamic microphone is prided by its parent company for being a budget option that has plenty of the features that you would expect from a microphone at twice the price.
This Rode mic is considered very responsive that balances a crisp and clear audio response from everything that it picks up, while also being able to cancel out most background noises that may be taking place because of its internal pop filter (also see, ‘Microphone Pop Filter’).
Rode Podcaster
Moving on to its somewhat confusingly named competitor, the Rode Podcaster is a similarly marketed microphone that is offered by Rode (also see, ‘Rode Podcaster Review‘) .
The main distinction from the Procaster that the Podcaster has is that it is a USB microphone.
The main difference between these two setups is that the Procaster, being an XLR mic, needs to be used with dedicated sound equipment or audio interface, whereas the Podcaster can be plugged straight into a laptop or desktop computer setup to be used (also see, ‘USB Mic vs XLR‘).
So, with these introductions out of the way, we can start to discuss how the microphones compare to each other!
Sound Quality/Performance
This is a major aspect that will often be the defining factor in whether or not someone purchases a particular microphone model.
After all, if it can’t capture good sound quality, then what good is it?
So, how do these two stack up to one another?
Procaster
Well, the Procaster has often been considered a very good budget option when it comes to sound quality.
The frequency that this mic works provides a very smooth performance that works at a variety of ranges, although it seems to be better at picking up lower ranges in general.
One of the things that you’re going to have to get to grips with as a podcaster is a good position, both for your microphone, and where you are relative to it.
Learning to know when to cut off a range with a microphone is crucial, and a key step to becoming a better podcaster (not to be confused with a microphone of the same name).
In this regard, the Procaster can take some getting used to, as the low ranges that get picked up more easily mean that lows with a lower tone and register may need to be further away in front of the mic or require a pop filter or plosives.
However, when accounted for, your voice will come through smoothly and cleanly at any value.
Podcaster
So, how does the Podcaster compare to its XLR rival?
Well, voice capture at any range seems to be this mic’s bread and butter, so to speak, as it can feed through tones and voices at virtually any range.
However, we did notice that this mic is perfect for podcasters who don’t want to spend a ton of money on an XLR microphone.
The Podcaster is a great alternative and gives you all the features that you would expect from an expensive mic, but at a fraction of the cost.
It is a broadcast quality dynamic microphone that offers crisp sound quality with plenty of low-end bass response and clarity so your listeners can enjoy your podcast without any distortion.
Additionally, dynamic mics like this are designed to reduce background noise and static so that only your intended sounds are picked up.
Unlike a condenser mic (also see, ‘What Is A Condenser Microphone‘), a dynamic mic does not require any external power, which makes them great for live performances or just recording in your home studio.
It also has a better signal-to-noise ratio than a condenser microphone, making it ideal for speeches and other applications where clarity is essential.
Finally, dynamic microphones are generally more rugged and durable than condenser mics, making them ideal for travel or outdoor use. No matter what your needs are, a dynamic mic can help you get the cleanest sound possible from your recordings.
Overall, the Podcaster is a great choice for budget conscious podcasters who want an XLR-style microphone without breaking the bank. From crisp sound quality to ambient noise reduction, this mic has everything you need at an economical price point.
Whether you’re starting or expanding your podcasting career, the Podcaster will give you the results you need to take your project to the next level.
Verdict
In short, when it comes to overall sound quality, there isn’t too much that separates these two items in terms of quality.
If you’re looking for a mic that is better at capturing more ranges more quickly after setting it up, then the Podcaster may be your best bet as a starting point.
However, if you’re prepared to get to grips with some of the aspects that are related to microphone positioning and cutting off higher or lower tones, then the Procaster will serve you well.
However, both are still excellent options.
Durability
While you probably won’t be needing to use your microphone in any physically exerting or dangerous locations (these are not stage mics, after all), your microphone should certainly be built to last, rather than deteriorate and break after just a year or two.
Procaster
Generally speaking, Rode’s microphones tend to be made with metal chassis, so they tend to be quite sturdily pointed and unlikely to start deteriorating any time soon.
The Procaster is very similar in this category, with this microphone coming with a 10-year warranty if something does happen to it.
Podcaster
The podcaster is similarly made from a metal chassis, and can also be bought with a warranty.
Verdict
This is a complete draw between the two devices. Both are made to a similar quality level, with very little separating them.
Final Verdict
Overall, your choice of mics may come down to what equipment you have already.
If you already have some of the equipment, such as a sound box, you should go with the Procaster.
If you don’t, then maybe consider the USB-mic Podcaster.
