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.
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.
because that's the tendency of people looking for good sounding mics. They look at the clear mid high boosted mics like podmic, but it's not as smooth as procaster. Podmic has some distorted highs on it which sounded little bad. Please listen to it one more time and you'll see for sure. Bandrew didn't test the sudden peak on the sound source but i bet that is when the procaster will shine with it's much smoother, consistent, and warmer sound.
Believe me guys, when you start to post process a track with a brighter mic (in this case the podmic) you will encounter a lot of things you will struggle with. The smoother sounding tracks will take EQ really well while the harsh sounding tracks won't. When you mix multiple tracks, these differences are crucial.
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!
I went with PodMic too now regret it. I can't find a shock mount for it and with some boom arms (not all) it picks up an unglodly amount of desk noise..not sure why.
@@NewYears1978 They make a flat circular shock mount for the MV7 for $20. The PodMic is a bit heavy but so far the MV7 shock mount has worked very well for me.
@@NewYears1978 Sadly Podmic doesn't support any external shockmounts (it has one built into it), all you can do is either replace it to microphone which supports shockmounts, getting decent boom arm (like Rode PSA-1) or mic pre-amp with compressor, expander and gate (like DBX 286s or Behringer UV1). Also just putting thick rubber ring between the boom arms and microphones connector threads might fix the issue. Most likely reason why it might pickup desk noise from certain boom arms is because the boom arm has springs (or any freely moving parts) and hollow metal parts (easy to test, just pull and release the spring on the arm or shake it a bit.) For that reason alone, you really should invest money on boom arm or stand which has no springs and is completely solid. Shockmounts won't eliminate sounds when you have attached them to a boom arm or stand that has hollow parts and springs, you might not hear anything because the gain isn't high enough, but the noise is there.
I really think it just comes down to preference. I seemed to feel that the high end was more crisp with the Podmic and that could really suit an acoustic steel string in some genres. My preference though is with the warmer sounding Procaster as a general sound.... again, though, it comes down to preference
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.
There is no need whatsoever to get a cloudlifter or similar inline preamp if you are using an interface with sufficiently low EIN. The Motu M2, Komplete Audio 1 or 2, or any Scarlett interface will be quiet enough that an inline preamp will not reduce noise in any significant fashion -- perhaps a difference of 1 or 2 dB at most if you buy a high-quality one, which is certainly not worth the price.
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!
Again with different voices your mileage may vary. I run my PodMic through a Mackie USB mixer, but for me I notch up almost to 1 o'clock for a slight boost on the treble and cut the bass almost down to 11 o'clock. It does require a bit of gain up to about 2 o'clock but the Mackie handles it and stays quiet. Three or four clicks of compression makes it sweet heaven. On other gear it might benefit from a cloudlifter or fethead mic activator.
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.
The only thing I dislike about the Procaster is its propensity for picking up plosive P's popping. It is something which I hear regularly on many podcasts/radio shows where they use Procasters without pop filters. It is a pity that they don't seem to ship with a good pop filter.
Excellent comparison/review as always!! No question, the podcaster big daddy mic souunds much better to my ears...kinda similar to an EV RE20 at 1/3 the price!!!
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.
Good to see the two next to each other. Pretty much what I expected--the Procaster is better but the Podmic holds value. Now that a comparison based on segment (large-diaphragm dynamic) is done, I wonder how a comparison based on price ($100) would go for the Podmic, as in SM57/58. As long as the Podmic would excel over those mics in even one category (broadcasting/podcasting/spoken word), it's delivering on its intended market. But if the SM57/58 were better for the same price... Podmic's in trouble. Also, as far as the doubt of the frequency chart goes, like I said on the previous Podmic video, Rode changed the specs on the chart a few months after first releasing that chart (originally 50Hz ~ 13kHz) after doubters on RU-vid comments/Reddit questioned the usefulness of that range. I'm not certain if they actually changed the hardware before release (which might make for some different early review mics), or if the original chart was wrong/they doctored the new one. In any case, thanks for the good review/comparison.
Have had the pod mic on my radar for my channel for a while now. Seems like a pretty great value when compared to more expensive mic’s like the Shure SM7B… i also really like how it looks
I liked the PodMic to be honest. Again, the difference in price is worth going with the PodMIC in my opinion. Now, pair it with the RodeCaster Pro and it rocks.
It can’t just be me that find the Procaster to muddy? It sounds like everyone who uses it talks with a rag in front of their mouth compared to the crisper Podmic. I own both of them but the Procaster just collects dust and my Podmic see daily use. Each to their own I guess 🤷♂️
I pre-ordered the Podmic as my first mic I will be using. For 100$ it seems like one of the best options. In the future I will upgrade to the Procaster or Shure SM7B. Great review, and shows why 130$ makes a difference.
Yo, are you playing any song when you're using the guitar or you just stringing randomly? Because that sounds amazing tbh. You should be a musician haha I mean I guess you are or like to play music in your free time. It sounded fantastic.
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...
Stellar review. Having both of these mics, plus several other Rodes, I was curious to see your results. Right now the Procaster is my go-to mic for live broadcasts. Although there were some nice moments with the guitars and the Podmic too (PS, beauty Ernie Ball there!!), Procaster still wins I think. I have not yet used either the Podmic or Procaster for micing guitar cabs or acoustic. But love an NT1 on a 4x12. Great review man, hope to chat soon!
I enjoyed the video however I think a better comparison would be microphones of the same or similar price. I'm not surprised that a more expensive microphone sounds better.
i know of a channel with 2 voice over pros that teaches these Techniques, but I don't know if podcastage wants to make one of his own, so I can't share the channel. However if you want the the best sound quality, turn your mic upside down, and put it to your ears level, this will also stop you from wasting YOUR MONEY on a pop filter. hope this help can't provide more.
Try the Podmic with a cloud lifter. I was surprised by how much it “opened up” the mic, making it sound very close to a Shure SM7B. For less than an Shure SM7B you can get a PODMIC, CL1 cloudlifter, and the Rode PSA-1 arm.
@@Kou69 Thanks man, yeah i was looking at it. I saw that the Rodecaster Pro now can give to the mic the same power...would you agree with that? I mean by the rodecaster pro instead of the cloudlifter.
@@MartinBenesCreative I'm not sure but isn't the rodecaster pro like 600$? It's cheaper if you buy like a scarlett which is 100$ and a cloudlifter. But yeah sorry cant help you with that
Great assessment, have to agree completely, although I will buy the PodMic...unbeatable price. Bandrew I would be interested to hear your take on the Senal brand Mic’s, 600, 660 or MC24-EL.
I have heard a lot of reviews saying that the procaster needs a cloud lift to boost the signal. Is there any merit for this? I assume you would've said something if you used one. Your volume seemed fine and the gain and boost you used weren't that much different
Procaster may be better, but for the difference in price where i live, i will buy 2 Podmics! And i m highly satisfied wth the results, its so much better than the ATR-2100 & XM-8500 especially if u hv a bassy voice, that clarity in the podmic is much welcome especially for podcasting and some voiceovers!
For me the podmic is the winner by a landslide. People arent going to ask for your microphone's specs and they both sound almost identical so for $130 cheaper its gotta be the podmic
Thoughts on the Pod mic vs Q2U? I love the sound of the Q2U, it continues to amaze me for what it cost, but at 100 bucks the pod mic is interesting. It definitely looks cooler.
@@ghostedsuicide I don't disagree. Truthfully I have quite a few mics, several costing significantly more than the Q2U but its easily the best sounding on my voice, especially when plugged into a preamp. I was curious more than anything, but the podmic does look slick and sounded decent.
Possibly stupid question, but here we are: is it safe to assume that if the Procaster can do a good job at recording a distorted electric guitar, as it seems, it can also do an equally good job at recording death metal growling vocals? Cheers for the good job with this channel, by the way. Really enjoyable content.
The Podmic needs a foam cover/pop filter as the built in pop filter is insufficient. Changes the low end and eliminate much of the plosives. It can be adjusted to improve the sound. Check other comparisons. Selling for $99 now.
First off, love your content!! I have a question for you, I am VERY new to audio and was interested in a Rode Podmic. I am hearing however that I would need a cloudlifter or fethead as it is fairly gain hungry. I would be running through a Scarlett 2i2 gen 3, will this provide enough gain or are the other accessories completely necessary? Thanks for the help and keep up the awesome work!
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!
Personally I would buy a nice condenser mic for recording acoustic guitar but when it comes to pod casting id' save the money and on the size of the mic by going with the Podmic and adjusting the EQ accordingly
Things I have due to Podcastage reviews. Shure SM58 mics, Scarlet 2i2, Cathedral Pipes Durham gain boosters, Audio Technica BPHS1 headset broadcast mics, an overdrawn bank account. I love your reviews. Thank so much
Podmic is worse than an SM58 on all sources, I think. I have an Audix F50 i got used for 20 bucks and it sounds better than the Podmic. Procaster sounds GREAT.
I just bought the Procaster and put it through my Scarlett 2i2 3rd gen. I had the gain just backed off full. I consistently got a crackle that made it impossible to continue with. I haven't sent it back yet. Any ideas what I can do to stop the crackle? Thanks.
An excellent review thx, the differences between the two mics are very noticeable, and while the Procaster did sound a little darker on acoustic guitar, this is easily fixed in post, whereas adjusting the peaky eq of the podcast mic for the same recording in post would be more problematic.
No doubts, procaster is better, but it's at least TWICE the price, and in my opnion it's not TWICE beter. How I'm not rich I bought podmic and a great audio interface and cable. Probably I'm going to change for the procaster, maybe in one year. Podmic may be more than enough for 99% of people
Interesting comparison. I use the Procaster for work and I'm feeling the Podmic might suit me a little better. I have a very boomy voice and the Podmic looks like it's been 'EQ'd' just for me. I would concur that the Procaster is superior in all instrument tests though.
Hi Bandrew. I hope you're well. While I agree that the Procaster sounds more smooth, I prefer the clarity of the Podmic overall. I also thought the Procaster had a lot of distortion in the low end on electric guitar.
Now if they could include a high pass filter on the procaster, to remove some of that low end for added clarity, that’d be great. You could get the smoothness of the procaster but it would be a bit more pleasing. Than the podmic! I do agree the podmic is much clearer because it seems to cut a lot more of the low end out (which oddly enough isn’t reflected in the graph), and that might be better for someone who doesn’t want to have to worry about eq-ing in post to clear up some of the sub 100 frequencies.
Digging the Podmic for better plosives and proximity, vs the smoother Procaster lows. Prefer it for the guitars, too, as the Procaster loses clarity. Also..AAAALSO…Podmic + Scarlett 2i2 for the same cost as Procaster + pop filter.
Thanks for the video. For what its worth I think a lot of mic specs are bogus. What's going to happen to them for publishing fantasy specs? Will there be an international tribunal for crimes against our ears? Not likely, so they will just keep on getting away with it. I'm also seeing a lot of hype from those claiming they are the new Neumann when in realty they just contracted a white label manufacturer to rebrand a Behringer design (compare the specs, lol) which was ripped off from another design. Rode makes good products. The PodMic works for my deeper voice, quite well. I also have their NT1. I'm not moving up until I feel the need for a TLM 103 and a Sennheiser MKH 416, if ever.
Best mic vs mic on RU-vid!... awesome!.. helped me choose which one fits what I’m looking for! In my opinion and after listening to this video on several audio sources the podcast wins for me.
I have three of each. -I got a Procaster in the beginning and loved it, but the cost was high. I bought a set of Podmics with the plan of using an equalizer to smooth out their 'grittiness'. That works to a degree, but I could never get them sounding as smooth or rich as the Procaster. Then I saw a deal on eBay for a pair of Procasters and couldn't resist. I'm not at all sorry I did, except for the fact that I could have saved a couple hundred bucks if I'd just bitten the bullet at the start. It seems to go that way with audio equipment.
The RODE Procaster is the better microphone. The Podmic is missing the lower frequencies. Instead of the Podmic, there are many other microphones in its price range that would do a better job - like the Shure SM58.
You have a five year old video with the procaster where it sounds like you're talking from under a blanket but here you sound amazing. What did you change to bring fullness to your voice? Just EQ?
The Podmic sounds pretty "tinny" on the high end. That's too bad as I was thinking of buying one but it sounds more "tinny" than even the SM-48. I was disappointed with the high end boost on the e834 with the D5 sounding a bit better on the bottom and more "natural." Then there's the $30 D8000M from AKG which surprisingly isn't that bad though not as good as the D5 or the old D880.
Procaster is now regularly around the $170 price point... The PodMic is getting harder to sell if you can allocate a little more money for a more robust sound
With the Procaster @pdcastage do you recommend a shock mount? I can't quite work out how you've got it rigged to your stand? Does it come with the adapter?
yeah the ProCaster Definitely won this round and I ended up buying it too. the PodMic wasn't that far behind but the Procaster to me had a fuller sound.
