Rode Podmic vs Rode Procaster Comparison (Versus Series)

Today we compare two podcast / broadcast microphones from Rode, the Podmic & Procaster to find out which is best and which you should buy. I test how they sound for spoken word, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and singing. Which mic do you like best?

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Rode Podmic

Rode Procaster

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen) (Affiliate Link)

00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Testing Parameters
00:34 - Build Quality Differences
01:12 - Podmic Spoken Word & Specs
01:44 - Procaster Spoken Word & Specs
02:07 - Podmic Polar Pattern Test
02:27 - Procaster Polar Pattern Test
02:47 - Plosive Test
03:11 - Proximity Effect / Distance Test
03:25 - Keyboard Background Noise Test
03:59 - Music Test (Electric / Acoustic / Singing)
05:23 - Winner
05:32 - Why the Pod Mic Specs Are Wrong
06:18 - Specifications Analysis
06:32 - Frequency Response Analysis
06:51 - Use Case Analysis
08:17 - Overall Tone
08:45 - Summary
09:22 - Outro

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[bluezklewz]

Does anyone else lowkey just watch these for the guitar portion? Its always so good

[TrishJonesTV]

To think, I was about to purchase the Podmic. Found your review and I didn't even have to wait for you to select a winner, I just loved the smoother sound of the Procaster. Thanks for the quality review.

[danielfort]

Nice
Oh man, I watched you in the past a lot, now I came back and noticed how much have your channel grown - 100k finally there! Congrats!

[oatmeal]

I agree. The procaster just had a deeper, richer sound to me.

[scoremoore]

the Rode Procaster won fair and square, However I think when it comes to a small space environment, I feel like the Podmic would be very useful. great Review as always.

[DdoneTTV]

Honestly, even with the differences going for the procaster the entire time, I'm probably going for the podmic because I think it was close enough for me with the price difference to be a great value overall still. Thanks so much for the comparison!

[alexanderlyon]

Man, I love your channel. I don't even want these mics. I just like watching. Really happy for you and the success of your channel.

[Calle]

Great to see a video which fits perfectly my confirmation bias <3 In all seriousness I purchased the Procaster last week after intensive research (mostly watching your videos). I got the mic second hand and paid about 90$ total for Procaster and WS2 windscreen. I think the deal was pretty good, and I also think that Procaster was the clear winner here. I absolutely love the smooth, creamy sound of this mic. Oh, and I also love your channel. I've learned so much and gained extremely valuable information during the time I've been watching your vids. Thanks Bandrew!

[MarkPatten]

Hey there. I too have the Rodecaster Pro and the Procaster. However, I (after Podecastage ep), added a Cloudlifer to the Procaster as well as the Shure SM7b (which I LOVE - thanks Podcastage). I looked at the Poemic, but decided against it on the viewing of some other reviewers. This comparison video just nailed the coffin shut. LOL. I love Rode stuff and have quite a few of their mics. I was a performer in another existence before retiring. Then my mics were Sennnheiser radio mics. Love your channel mate. Keep 'em coming...

[BlàckÐèàth]

Agree on all fronts. Procaster is one of my all time favs.

[Raul-lcgh]

SOME PODMIC TIPS FROM FROM HERE, OTHER CHANNELS, AND REDDIT: (specifically for use in two person podcasting):
1. Get a windscreen. It will improve your sound quality drastically. Rode WS2 windscreen is $20. Off-brand $15
2. Get a mic booster (pre-amp): Cloudlifter is $150! Yikes. Buy the Klark Teknik CT 1, CM1, or CM2. $30, $50, or $70 respectively.
Currently out of stock everywhere. Apparently, they are amazing for the price.
3. Audio interface: Lots of good budget options. Reddit really seemed pumped on the Motu M2, then the Scarlett 2i2. Yes, the Rodecaster pro comes with everything, but it's very expensive. You can make adjustments in post to improve it or make it sound (kinda) like the Shure SM7B.
4. These are heavy. Cheap swivel arm boom desk mounts won't work. Buy the $100 ones or (less expensive) desk stand with a heavy-ish base.
5. Cables not included.

This setup would probably give you one of the the best mid-high level podcast setup for the money. Both sound & looks.
Not counting cables & stand it would come out to $470 new with two mics, Motu M2, two CT 1's, and two windscreens.
You could also just buy the mics and audio interface and decide if you actually need the windscreens & mic booster later.
Many of the budget interfaces worked well without the mic booster, but some where pushing max mic gain and apparently sounded a bit quiet.
Might be best to wait and see if you actually need it.

Granted, if you are just starting your podcast just buy a USB Microphone and save hundreds. The Samson Q2U (silver) is $60 at B&H. It includes, usb cables, Xlr cables, and a cheap mic stand. Total $120. Thats +$350 in savings. Remember at the beginning your content is more important.
If you start gaining traction and followers, then reward yourself buy upgrading one day. Just my two cents.

Disclaimer: I have not used any of these mics or equipment.
I just spent too many hours researching two person podcast mic setups today and I wanted to share what I learned.

[SinisterSkip]

For the Podmic, I'd have to roll it through an EQ for streaming (more low end). The Procaster doesn't need EQ. That's a BIG plus for streaming imo. Saves me from either running an EQ app or buying an EQ rack. --- P.S.: As different as both mics are EQ'd, they both sound GREAT for the acoustic guitar!

[meetpetesweet]

So glad I stumbled onto your channel. I've been watching equip reviews for days for my podcast setup and I find your clarity, thorough, even approach and humor to be utterly trust inspiring and delightful. Thank you!

[MaximumMindPower]

I don't know why but Rode podmic sounds clearer and more natural to me.

[jaydinshingletonmusic]

What a great review ! From Speaking to Gamers to music and singing! Perfect, you've just made the hard decision for me. Ill head off and get me a Procaster. Thank you!

[GhostlyCop]

I personally use the RODE Broadcaster, however, I do have the PodMic on order for travel situations. I agree with you that the Procaster has a better sound, but to save space, the PodMic is a better choice for me. If you have the room, absolutely, the Procaster. Great job! Thank you.

[StarrTouch]

This review is AWESOME on so many levels. I have the procaster, and pod mic on order. Can't wait!

[carlswansontv]

I came for the mic comparisons, left waiting for a full on guitar album!

[nobodyhaslogin]

Elite gamers and Point and click cyber athletes both like Procaster better. I agree, Bandrew, with your decision there. Procaster sounds more natural, less sharp.

[larrycom]

You're not a dog. I agree with almost everything you're saying, except for acoustic guitar which I think the PodMic sounds better on. Just my 4 cents.