HyperX ProCast
The HyperX ProCast is aiming for a competitive segment of the market, dominated by microphones sold by reputation as much as quality. While it may lack some features, it does still manage to deliver a level of sound quality approaching that of other condenser microphones. It's not perfect, it won't become the next market leader, but it's not the worst choice for an XLR microphone.
Release date
October 17, 2022

Price
$249.99

Dimensions
‎134 x 102 x 209 mm

Weight
376 grams

Model Number
‎699Z0AA

What we like
Sturdy build quality
Large diaphragm condenser
Included shock mount
What we don't like
No included microphone stand
Sparse features
High price
The HyperX ProCast microphone is HyperX’s entry into the newest wave of prosumer XLR microphones. Unlike other microphones this one eschews expansive features and other gimmicks to focus entirely on sound and build quality. It’s up against established microphones from the likes of Audio-Technica and Rode, but can it compete?

Editor’s note: this is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

About this HyperX ProCast review: We tested the HyperX ProCast over a period of one week. The company provided the unit for this review.
Who is the HyperX ProCast for?
The HyperX ProCast is targeted pretty squarely at the prosumer market. HyperX’s usual focus on gaming products means that this microphone may be attractive to gamers, but nothing about the design or build of this microphone really reflects it being a gaming product. It’s a basic microphone that suits anyone with an audio interface and the right budget.

What’s it like to use the HyperX ProCast?
The HyperX ProCast sits on a wooden service
The shock mount provides a little splash of color.
The HyperX ProCast is a really well built microphone, most clearly designed for single source voice applications like podcasting and streaming. It has a sturdy metal frame, and comes with an elastic-suspended shock mount for reducing vibrations, which needs a microphone stand (not included). It’s designed for on any common microphone stand, and compatible with the standard 5/8-inch and 3/8-inch screw sizes. It also comes with a detachable metal plate designed to serve as a pop filter, though it lacks any actual foam or other material that might handle this task better. Overall it’s a hefty and substantial microphone, and the price reflects that—it’s at least on par with something like the AT2020, but with an included suspension mount.

The HyperX ProCast is pretty clearly aimed at the same market as other mid-to-high end XLR microphones meant for streaming or podcasting. This includes premium options such as the Shure SM7B. The HyperX ProCast does certainly earn its price tag in terms of build quality, but it may have a hard time competing against the other microphones in this category that justify their price tag just as much through prestige and familiarity for sound engineers as they do through build quality.

How do you control the HyperX ProCast?
The HyperX ProCast is sparse when it comes to controls. Since it’s an XLR microphone it has no way to communicate via software with your computer. There are two controls on the unit itself: a pair of DIP-like switches close to the output. There’s a low cut switch to remove some of the lowest frequencies from the signal, as well as a -10dB pad designed to lower the signal by 10dB. These features are adequate, but the lack of options for different pickup patterns or any other controls limit the ProCast’s versatility. You won’t be able to swap between polar patterns like with the HyperX QuadCast S.

How does the HyperX ProCast connect?