The new Podcast Pro from Sontronics was one of the many things we looked forward to seeing after the winter NAMM show. Now at the beginning of March 2020, we are starting to see that new gear and we now have one for testing. In a Production Expert exclusive, Technical Editor James Ivey takes a look at this new dynamic microphone and puts it through its audio paces.

The Sontronics Podcast Pro

The new Sontronics Podcast Pro is an end-fire dynamic microphone with a super-cardioid pick-up pattern designed primarily for spoken word applications such as voiceover, gaming and not surprisingly given the name, podcasting. However, long gone are the days when technicians in lab coats dictated what a mic was to be used on so as you might expect we have been trying the Podcast Pro on a number of non-vocal applications.

Less Need For A Pop Shield

The Podcast Pro has been designed with speed and ease of set up in mind. To that end, the mic has been preinstalled with layers of foam and tight woven metallic mesh of different thicknesses and densities. The result of all this extra mass is that you may not need to use a pop screen or filter with the new Podcast Pro. In most cases the pops and plosives don’t make it through the protective layers, even when you get up close for that very tight intimate sound.

Being a dynamic mic the Podcast Pro does not require 48v phantom power.

Check out our short video which shows off the Podcast Pro in what you might call its natural environment.

Design

The Sontronics Podcast Pro follows the classic design of yoke microphones, which have become very popular for podcasting and other voice applications. The mic is available in anodised red or black, has no switches or controls, just a solid XLR output on the bottom and two side thumbscrews to secure the angle of the yoke. It can be attached to a conventional UK or US threaded mic stand using the provided thread adaptor.

The Podcast Pro along with the majority of the Sontronics range of microphones are manufactured by hand in the UK. A real living breathing person has made sure that every Podcast Pro that leaves the Sontronics facility down in Poole in Dorset is tested and meets the highest standards.

Tech Specs

• Polar Pattern Super-Cardioid

• Frequency Response 50Hz - 15KHz

• Sensitivity -50dB +/-2dB

• Impedance 600 Ohms

Audio Testing

In the past year at Production Expert, we have put in place a series of standard tests that all new microphones go through. These included recording acoustic guitar, distorted electric guitar, spoken word, male rock vocal and snare drum top. Take a listen to the audio files below to hear how the Sontronics Podcast Pro sounds. Check out the video above to see how the instruments and voice were recorded.

As always in our tests, no EQ or tonal processing has been applied to the audio examples so what you heari is exactly what the mic hears.

The Sontronics Podcast Pro On Other Sources

As the name surgests, the the Sontronics Podcast Pro was designed with podcasts and spoken word in mind. However, we also had the opportunity to try this new mic on other non verbal sound sources. Check out the audio files below to hear the results.

Verdict

In my opinion, the new Sontronics Podcast Pro mic looks amazing, it’s built like a tank and sounds great. Not just on voice but for me, it really shines on electric guitar where it has helped me get a fat punchy tone. Now here comes the mind-blower. For a limited time, the Podcast Pro costs just £99. The price will be going up after a short introductory period (TBC) but I’m quite sure this mic is still going to represent excellent value for money. The Sontronics Podcast Pro is so much more than just a mic for Podcasters, it’s a true dynamic all-rounder.

For more information including up to date pricing and availability on the Podcast Pro and the full Sontronics range, check out their website.