New Podcast Gear R0de Procaster

To help battle some of the environmental challenges I decided to retire the Blue Yeti and replace it with a dynamic microphone from R0de called the Procaster.  The R0de Procaster is a broadcast quality microphone designed to reproduce vocals.

In terms of technology a condenser microphone like the Blue Yeti are based on solid state technology that requires power to operate.  They can vary in size, are relativity inexpensive and offer excellent frequency response throughout the audible range.  The downside is that they tend to be extremely sensitive and best suited for controlled studios and general purpose audio capture.  On the other hand a dynamic microphone is a mechanical device that responds to frequency vibrations.  They generate their own power and much like a loudspeaker it can be tuned to respond to certain frequencies better than others.   Because of this you will find that dynamic microphones are less sensitive and will often be used to amplify drums or used in places where there is a bunch of background noise like in a radio station or on the 50 yard line.

Unlike a condenser microphone a dynamic is designed for a specific purpose and opinions vary as to which is best.  In my research the decision was between the Heil PR40 and the R0de Procaster.  The PR40 offered a larger dynamic range and very popular amoung web casters however was designed as a drum mic whereas the Procaster was designed for vocals and responded best in the vocal range.

I've never worked with a shock mount before but the way it works you have two rings that are suspended together with a large elastic strap, similar to a small bungee cord.  The microphone attaches to the inner ring and will absorb any vibration so it isn't transmitted to the microphone. 

Basically it allows you to move the mic while you are recording.

The R0de Procaster is available in a kit that includes a Rode PSM1 shock mount and a Rode PSA-1 boom arm.  Considering that I was going to get all of that anyway I felt it was a good deal.