Audio-Technica BP40 vs Rode Procaster
A side-by-side look at Audio-Technica BP40 and Rode Procaster for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Audio-Technica BP40
Large-diaphragm dynamic with a hypercardioid pattern for demanding broadcast environments
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Rode Procaster
Broadcast-born dynamic built to reject the room and capture the voice
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Audio-Technica BP40 | Rode Procaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Broadcast and radio-style podcasters who want the noise rejection of a dynamic with more diaphragm surface than a standard moving coil | Home studio podcasters in acoustically untreated rooms who need maximum noise rejection |
Key features
Audio-Technica BP40
- Frequency response 50 Hz to 16 kHz
- Large-diaphragm hypercardioid dynamic XLR, no phantom power required
- 37mm moving-coil capsule on internal flexible suspension
- Switchable 100 Hz low-frequency roll-off
- Output impedance 450 ohms, weight 632 g
- Deep null points at 120 and 240 degrees off-axis
Rode Procaster
- Dynamic cardioid XLR, no phantom power required
- Frequency response 75 Hz to 18 kHz
- Internal pop filter built into the capsule housing
- Output impedance 320 ohms, sensitivity -56 dB
- Heavy-duty all-metal body with RM2 stand mount included
- 10-year warranty from RODE
Pros and cons
Audio-Technica BP40
Pros
- Hypercardioid pattern provides exceptional off-axis rejection
- Large diaphragm dynamics capture more detail than small-capsule alternatives
- Internal mechanical shock isolation reduces stand vibration
- No phantom power required
Cons
- Hypercardioid sweet spot is narrow - off-axis coloration is significant
- Heavy at 632 g - requires a sturdy boom arm
- Needs a quality preamp with adequate gain for dynamic mic levels
Rode Procaster
Pros
- Tight polar pattern makes untreated rooms sound much better
- Internal pop filter eliminates plosives without external gear
- Broadcast-proven frequency curve - purpose-built for voice
- RODE's industry-leading 10-year warranty
Cons
- Needs a preamp with solid clean gain - low-output dynamic
- Narrowed frequency range means less versatility for instruments
- Heavier than many comparably-priced dynamics at 645 g
The verdict
Choose Audio-Technica BP40 if
Broadcast and radio-style podcasters who want the noise rejection of a dynamic with more diaphragm surface than a standard moving coil.
The BP40 is unusual - it gives you the noise rejection and simplicity of a dynamic microphone with a capsule size closer to a studio condenser. The hypercardioid pattern is tighter than the SM7B's supercardioid, which is a serious advantage…
Choose Rode Procaster if
Home studio podcasters in acoustically untreated rooms who need maximum noise rejection.
The Procaster is one of the best purpose-built podcast dynamics on the market. Rode stripped away everything that a broadcast voice mic does not need - wide frequency extension, multiple polar patterns, pads and filters - and built a tight,…