HyperX microphones have come a long way since the launch of QuadCast in 2019. Since then, the company has created microphones suitable for nearly every type of content creator and offered them at an impressive yet affordable price. Now, HyperX is looking to capture the attention of users looking for professional-level sound by launching its first XLR microphone, the HyperX ProCast, for $249 (opens in new tab).

What sets the HyperX ProCast apart from higher-end USB mics is what's inside. It contains a large gold-plated diaphragm condenser capsule found in many XLR microphones used by professional musicians and podcasters. The result is deeper, richer vocals than a standard USB mic. Of course, $250 is a lot of money to spend on a microphone, but when compared to other large diaphragm condenser mics not marketed to streamers (open in new tab), you'll find that it's a competitive price point. I'm eager to get my hands on Elgato's new $100 XLR dynamic mic and see firsthand how it rates against ProCast, but the Elgato Wave DX (opens in new tab) already has a pretty good review.

One thing that surprised me is that it has fewer features and extras when compared to HyperX's other "cast" mics. The sound is good, however, and the ProCast delivers the great sound quality one would expect from an XLR.

At first glance, it follows the brand's clean, cylindrical design; the HyperX's visual flair is largely abandoned, save for the shock-mounted red-accented cord. I was also surprised by the lack of a mute tap, one of my favorite touches on a HyperX mic. But if you value style over substance, the QuadCast S (opens in new tab) and its wild RGB lighting may be more to your taste. Either way, ProCast is a sturdy, high-end piece of kit that looks like it belongs in a studio.

ProCast is an XLR mic, so you'll need an audio interface to connect it to your PC. I use a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, which costs about $170 on sale, and because of the cost of using an XLR mic, most people move away from XLR mics to USB mics. But once you use an XLR mic and hear the difference, the cost is worth it to level up your sound.

Below you can hear how the XLR HyperX sounds compared to the Quadcast S, the $150 HyperX high-end USB mic, and the now $225 Shure MV7 Hybrid XLR/USB podcasting mic. Immediately, my voice was loud, crisp, and clear, and even with Soundcloud upload compression, ProCast's sound quality trumped HyperX's best USB mic, the Quadcast S. Not even close. When compared to the Shure using an XLR cable, our current absolute favorite mic, they sound pretty close.

The clear, clean sound is perfect for content creators who talk a lot or need to use their voice professionally; if you just want to chat on Discord, there are cheaper alternatives like the HyperX SoloCast (open in new tab), but it still sounds pretty good. When I was playing Warzone 2.0 and Warhammer Darktide, I noticed a few people online asking if I was a streamer because my mic sounded so good, and it's nice to know that ProCast can be used for in-game chat as well! I was very impressed with the sound of the microphone. I never want to be the teammate whose microphone sounds like it's underwater, you know?

The only problem I have with the ProCast sound is that it is really sensitive, even with gain adjustment. It picks up background noise. If you are already using a decent podcasting setup with soundproofing and background noise has not been a problem before, it is not a major issue. Turning on the 80Hz filter will help suppress unwanted low-frequency noise.

ProCast does not come with a stand, so you'll also need a microphone boom arm (and an XLR cable). In fact, nothing is included except the microphone itself and a removable front pop filter. To be fair, many XLR mics do this. But it's still a bit disappointing, since HyperX's other streamer mics come with more accessories.

ProCast has the unfortunate pleasure of being compared to the best podcasting mic, the Shure M7 (open in new tab) The Shure M7 sells for $225 to $250 and is currently the gold standard in microphones because of its sound and flexibility. The Shure M7 is the gold standard in microphones today because of its sound and flexibility. Frankly, it spoils me because it is a hybrid XLR/USB mic; the ProCast sells for about the same price and is a straight XLR-only mic. But with this mic, your voice will sound great. If you're going to spend high-end money on a high-end mic, that's the biggest thing to consider.

The HyperX ProCast is a great sounding debut XLR mic that plays it safe in terms of design. In terms of sound quality, it is definitely worth what you paid for it. As long as you have the funds to purchase this mic and all the accessories, your voice will sound great. But if you already have them, the ProCast is a solid investment.