RØDEBroadcaster End-address Condenser Microphone for Podcasting, Broadcasting, Streaming, Gaming, Music Production, Vocal and Instrument Recording

This is a superb dynamic mic that is a serious alternative to the Shure SM7b. Whilst the SM7b has some advantages like better internal shock mounting, I prefer my voice on the Procaster.As many people have pointed out, this mic needs a lot of gain and +50dB without hiss is a lot of ask of many interfaces, hence the advice to use a Fethead or CloudLifter. An interesting, albeit slightly more expensive alternative is to get a dbx286s. This is a slim 1U rackmountable unit that gives you a lot of clean gain, it also includes a de-esser, a gate you can use to hide background noise, along with a low frequency control that gives you that "radio voice" and a high frequency alternative that adds a pleasant crispness. Now you could do some of those things in post-production if you are recording, but it is a great option if you are live (or like me have a huge problem with external noise from the street). I realise I'm in danger of reviewing the dbx rather than the Rode, but they make such a perfect combination for live streaming I think it is worth mentioning. This setup really brings out the best in the Rode mic.The Procaster itself is incredibly solid. I think it benefits from the Rode shockmount and boom arm, but that's a personal choice depending on how you intend to use it. I think it needs some sort of pop filter, you can get 3rd party alternatives to the Rode foam pop filter, which is a bit expensive. A more visually attractive option is the metal grill available from Roxdon. It is expensive but custom made for the Procaster. If your mic is in shot then it looks really nice.It is great for use in untreated rooms or noisy environments, so a very forgiving choice if you are recording or streaming from a room you cannot treat for sound. To some extent this would be true of any dynamic mic, but this has a large diaphragm to capture a full rendition of your voice and rejects lots of sound from the sides and behind.Naturally the Procaster will work better with some voices than others e.g. I'm not a singer, but if I were I'd be a light tenor. I use some breathing exercises so I am speaking from my diaphragm and not my throat, which would have a more constricted sound. So while this mic is good out of the box, you can also learn to sound better on it e.g. finding the sweet spot in terms of distance.BTW if you literally just want to record straight onto your computer and avoid all XLR type stuff then there is the Rode Podcaster, which is basically the same mic but with USB and a socket for your headphones. XLR mics give you more options for the future, but I appreciate some people might want to just plug it in and record.

This is a professional, quality mic. I use my for streaming and the sound quality is superb. Please be aware though that if you are plugging this mic in to a PC then you will most likely need a small amp (with USB out) such as a Scarlet Solo which will add significantly to the price. Please be aware, because this is a processional recording mic, it does not have a USB output. You will also need to get yourself an XLR cable to plug the Mic in to the Scarlet (or similar) USB amp. I purchased a quality, "No Bull" premium cable for just over £6.This mic is heavy (quality heavy), so if you are going to be using a mic boom make sure it can handle the weight. I use a TONOR Adjustable Suspension Boom Scissor which currently cost around £24. You could buy the RODE arm which will cost around 3 times more but doesn't seem to add anything that I can see that the TONOR arm doesn't so I recommend that you save yourself around £40.Oh, the gold metal dot that you will find on the mic indicates where the front of the mic is. Have this facing you when talking in to the mic. The areas to the left and right of this dot will also have good pick up.In summary, for a PC setup I use the following with this mic which should give you a good start in knowing what you will need to look for:- RODE Procaster Mic- Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface (amp)- No Bull Premium XLR Cable (2m)(High Quality Balanced Male to Female Microphone Lead)- TONOR Microphone Arm Stand(Adjustable Suspension Boom Scissor Mic Stand with Pop Filter, 3/8" to 5/8" Adapter, Mic Clip, Upgraded Heavy Duty Clamp)

Excellent quality mic. I have only used it for a streaming radio show but it is a vast improvement on what I have before. I fed it into my DJ mixer and had the gain about 2/3rds of the maximum and it was fine.....didn;t feel like it needed the high level of gain as what many have said, but perhaps the pre-amps in my mixer are really good (for £3.5k I should hope so!) The build quality feels great, it is reassuringly heavy. The sound quality is excellent and very natural sounding.I am waiting on the Røde PSA1+ arm as the existing arm I have is not solid enough for this weighty beast.Very happy with it, like I am with all of the Røde products I have.