HyperX is no stranger to the world of gaming microphones.this is HyperX Quadcast Currently at the top of our list best gaming micand since then released multiple iterations as Quadcast S When duo castIt was only a matter of time before HyperX experimented with XLR mics, targeting streamers and content creators looking for a more professional audio solution.
The time has finally come. I’ve been using his XLR-powered HyperX ProCast for the last two weeks. This is a side-address cardioid condenser microphone designed for serious creators. It features a rich, natural sound, rugged construction, a built-in high-pass filter and -10dB pad, and handy accessories like shock mounts and pop filters. It’s a decent mic, but $249 is too much to really recommend buying.
HyperX ProCast Specifications
| connectivity | XLR |
| frequency response | 20Hz to 20,000Hz |
| Type of microphone | condenser |
| polar pattern | cardioid |
| sensitivity | -38dBV/Pa |
| Maximum input sound level | 140dB |
| Noise (RMS) | -118dBV |
| dynamic range | 123dB |
| signal-to-noise ratio | 75dB |
| Size | 5.3 x 4.0 x 8.2 inches |
| Weight (with shock mount) | 0.83 pounds |
HyperX ProCast Design
ProCast is instantly recognizable as a HyperX mic. Like the QuadCast and QuadCast S, it features a tall cylindrical design with a honeycomb grill that dominates the majority of the top half. It’s missing some of the visual flashiness of those mics, lacking colored lighting (which is impossible with XLR), or lacking a lot of color outside the shock mount’s red suspension band. Honestly, it’s kind of boring.
The mic feels solid in the hand thanks to its all-metal body, but I doubt it will survive a drop. The internal capsule floats on a thin stem and can be easily damaged by a bang. Designed to sit on a stand (sold separately) and stay there.
I don’t often do gymnastics with XLR mics, so technology really matters. inside chassis. ProCast is a large diaphragm condenser microphone. (The diaphragm is actually a circular disc mounted inside the grill. capture sound). Large diaphragms are more expensive to manufacture, but they produce better, richer recordings and are used in recording studios around the world. Side by side, the ProCast offers a noticeably richer sound than the small diaphragm. blue yetifor example.
In terms of specifications, the capsule is able to capture the full range of human hearing (20Hz to 20,000Hz). It is very quiet with a SNR of 75dB and has a wide dynamic range of 123dB. The maximum audio input level is 140dB, loud enough if you need earplugs to prevent hearing loss. However, it has a sensitivity of -38 dbV/Pa and will pick up almost any ambient noise in the room.
It uses a cardioid pickup pattern and is built for side address. That means you’re speaking into the end of the cylinder, like a traditional broadcast mic. This polar pattern focuses the pickup directly in front of the mic, so sounds coming from the back and sides are quieter and thinner. It’s not great for recording interviews or multiple hosts talking across the table, but it’s great for a single host’s podcast and streaming to his Twitch and YouTube.
One of the advantages ProCast offers is a very natural and lifelike sound. To achieve that, it is tuned to be highly sensitive to ambient noise. Keyboards and noisy roommates aren’t as loud as yours, but they’re still audible and pop into your streams and podcasts. Most people don’t have to worry about processing room sound with this mic, but if there are a lot of reflective surfaces, or if the recording space is naturally reflective, the chances are that reflections will enter the mic. there is.
HyperX includes a pair of switches behind the mic that adjust the sound and sensitivity of the ProCast capsule. One switch acts as a -10dB ‘pad’. This is audio speak to reduce volume. When turned on, loud sources are instantly silenced by -10dB.
The second switch enables an 80Hz high pass filter that cuts low frequencies below 80Hz. If you have a deep voice by nature, it can help remove any extra boominess you may be experiencing. , had no effect on the PC’s fan.
At $249, it’s an expensive gaming mic, but HyperX makes it worthwhile by offering a shock mount and pop filter inside the box. The shock mount screws directly onto the mic and does a very good job of isolating the mic from slight vibrations and bumps. Very suitable.
The ProCast does not come with a stand like HyperX’s other mics and must be purchased separately. The shock mount has a 5/8″ thread, but does not include a 5/8 to 3/8″ adapter and may not work with all stands. Most aftermarket mounts include one in the box so it shouldn’t be an issue, but it’s a good idea to double check fitment before ordering a desk stand or boom arm .
And like all XLR mics, you’ll need an audio interface to connect to your PC. For my purposes, I used an Elgato Wave XLR and it worked fine with my RodeCaster Pro 2 and Presonus Studio 26c. He needs 48V phantom power for the mic to work, but he won’t go hungry, so any budget-friendly audio interface should work just fine.
HyperX ProCast Audio Quality
ProCast sound is the star of the show. HyperX mics have always impressed with their recording quality. In the two weeks I’ve spent with it, I’ve tested it on everything from isolated test recordings in Audacity, to games with friends, Discord calls, virtual conference calls, and even recording acoustic guitars. , and it sounded good through it all.
The large diaphragm did a great job of picking up the low frequencies in my voice. Here I was able to sit a few inches back and still get the full, natural sound I needed for my recording job. It was never boomy.
I was surprised that the high pass filter had an audible effect on my voice without thinning it out. .
Pads, on the other hand, weren’t very useful. The normal recording setup for streaming didn’t do much. Adjusting the volume on the interface is enough, pads are no longer needed. it works. A test with Audacity revealed it. So if you’re using guitar cabinets or drum set mics, it adds a lot of value.
I was also impressed with how quiet the mic sounded. When I set the level to capture my own voice at the standard -12dB, I could barely hear any audible noise. Become.
What was not so good was the off-axis noise rejection. A cardioid pattern attempts to isolate sound coming directly in front of the mic (a very small window behind the mic due to how the technology works). The sound from the back and sides is thinner and a little quieter, but still very easy to get through.
This design is good if you don’t want the mic directly in front of your mouth. Slight misalignment is common when streaming, but ProCast tolerates it. At the same time, all mouse clicks and keyboard clicks were reflected in the recording. The same was true for my case fans, especially when his CPU cooler went into high gear during benchmarks.
The ProCast is a great-sounding mic, but it works best in very quiet environments.
HyperX ProCast sound samples
Listen to the sound below.
HyperX ProCast never loses a point on sound quality. There, as well as his original QuadCast, it’s impressive.the problem is that it doesn’t work enough To justify the $249 entry cost. At its current suggested retail price, it faces stiff competition from the following devices: Also Provides excellent recording quality.
The first mic that came to mind when doing this review was Neat King Bee IIFor $170, it offers even better sound quality, more robust construction, and a much more unique look.of Blue Spark SL (opens in new tab) It sounds just as good as the ProCast, is more premium, and costs $50 less. If you don’t mind swapping out for a dynamic mic (which is probably the better choice for most home streamers), Sure MV7 (opens in new tab) is another great alternative that offers far Other features: USB or XLR connectivity, touch controls, automatic gain sensing, app support, excellent noise rejection.
With all that in mind, HyperX ProCast isn’t bad. It’s a little bland and feels too light in the hand. I need premium. I’m not sure why, but at $150 or $180, this mic is worth considering. At $250, it’s not.
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