Looking to upgrade your audio set-up with a new microphone? Whether it is for podcasting, streaming, or simply just chatting, a great-quality mic is a no-brainer. With the new HyperX ProCast Microphone, you will be able to upgrade your audio communication experience for the price of $250. Branching off from the previous USB condenser mic, the HyperX ProCast is an XLR microphone that is geared towards bringing a professional quality audio performance. 

Technical Specs 

Connector: XLR 
Mount: Permanent shock mount with 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch female threading 
Pick-up pattern: Cardioid 
Capsule type: Large diaphragm condenser  
Element: Gold-sputtered externally-polarized condenser 
Frequency response: 20Hz~20kHz 
Onboard controls: -10Db gain toggle, 80Hz high-pass toggle 
Power requirements: 48V Phantom power  
Output impedance: 160 Ohm 

Regarding what actually comes with the mic, a shock mount and mount adapter is already attached to the microphone. The shock mount is screwed into the microphone and there isn’t much of a reason to take it off. It does feel like the shock mount adds a sturdiness to the microphone while it also allows the microphone to rotate in it. The other accessory included is the pop filter. Instead of a typical black foam pop filter, the ProCast includes a curved metal pop filter. I found this quite useful as it could attach to the microphone easily and block any irritating, hard consonant sounds. This also relieved the need to have to buy a separate pop filter to accompany the mic. I am pretty satisfied with how the pop filter does not get in the way or feel like a hinderance when I record. The microphone can still pick up some breathing if you are very up close next to the mic, but in most situations, that shouldn’t be the case for recording. 

Compared to HyperX’s popular microphone, the HyperX QuadCast S, there are some notable differences. Unlike the preceding mic, the ProCast lacks the RGB element. Though it is just an aesthetic difference, the ProCast makes up for it with its gorgeous, gold-sputtered condenser. Another difference would be that the ProCast only has the cardioid pattern of audio pick-up. The optimization works for streamers and content creators because it is meant for a single person talking directly to the microphone. The biggest difference compared to previous HyperX microphones is the XLR component. In contrast to a simple USB connection, the XLR requires you to run the cable through a XLR interface to connect to your computer. The connectivity that comes from the XLR is very solid and produced no issues at all. The ProCast did not come with a packaged XLR cord so I used my own.

Setting up the ProCast is a very straight forward experience with it being very plug and play given you have the equipment. I used the Komplete Audio USB Interface to connect the XLR to my pc and had no issues with Audacity and Adobe Audition. The only flaw that this microphone has from a usability standpoint is that you need to speak close to it in order to get the best audio quality. I would have to make sure I was talking straight into the microphone or else I would need to adjust the position or adjust the gain. This could be an issue for some streamers that don't want to have a microphone in their face. 

As expected for its premium price, the audio quality of this microphone is phenomenal. When recording, I did not have to worry about background noise being picked up thanks to the cardioid capsule. And this can all be adjusted to by repositioning the microphone or adjusting the settings in an interface. As for in-game chat, the microphone is fantastically clear. I would not have to worry about the quality of my audio input being too “muddy” as the tones of my voice would be able to carry through with no problems.

For solely voice chat, this microphone is overkill especially if no one is going to see it but the argument can be made for streamers. $250 is a high price for just a discord microphone but for streamers, this could be a good investment. There are not that many high quality XLR microphones that have that "RGB" style so it would be hard to find an alternative to the ProCast if that is what you're looking for other than HyperX's own QuadCast. Another factor to consider is for folk new to audio hardware, they would need to get XLR cables, an XLR interface, and even a mount for the mic which would add to the price tag.  

The HyperX ProCast is definitely worth the praise for being a professional-grade microphone. But, of course, that does not mean it is a necessity. Especially for content creators who are just starting out, this microphone should not be your first priority. There are probably tons XLR microphones that have similar performance for cheaper but they won't have the Twitch Streamer aesthetic. This microphone is meant for people who are willing to spend $250 to upgrade their setup to bring that extra quality to stand out.