07Jan The Rode Procaster that didn’t work out
As I move forward with the Podcast initiative, I’ve been upgrading my gear and readying a small spot in the studio for a weekly (possibly bi-weekly show). The audio hasn’t been bad, but I figured it might be time to switch from the makeshift Audio Technica 4073 boom mic and the Tascam DR-60D (supported by boxes) to something a little nicer looking as the show moves to video.
I went ahead and ordered a Rode Procaster kit from Amazon thinking the adjustable arm and microphone mount would be a better option for the format. You’ll notice there is only a stand in the picture. That’s because the rest of the kit was missing from the Amazon shipment. I’m not sure what’s going on with Amazon right now, but this is the second time in the last 4 weeks that I’ve received a box from Amazon that was missing large portions of my order.
Unfortunately there isn’t really anyone to contact at Amazon about the problem. I suppose I’ll change directions and ordering something off ebay. The Electro Voice RE20 seems to be a popular podcasting mic right now, might have to give that a try.
Anyone else having trouble with Amazon orders?
UPDATE: Amazon issued a full refund and paid for return shipping, Thanks Amazon! I’ll be giving the Rode Procaster another shot later on in the month as the podcasting adventures continue.
January 7th, 2015 at 11:23 pm
Yes, I did.
I ordered some items for Christmas. Was at my local post office, but then they said the item was sent to the wrong address? So they sent to a post office in Ohio (?? – I am on the east coast) – Ok, so they send it back to Massachusetts, then route it back down to my location…but then it gets lost again! Additionally they said the mailing address was wrong. How? I just ordered stuff from Amazon recently and it came fine. Did someone hand write the address at Amazon?? Anyway, during Christmas when they sent me double of the same item, and charged me for one, I called it even 🙂
January 8th, 2015 at 7:12 am
Maybe it was just a Christmas issue. I suppose shipping and tracking gets pretty messy around december.
January 8th, 2015 at 6:36 am
The only problem I have had recently is two-day shipping that takes much longer than two days. There are multiple ways to contact them now, from email and instant chat to someone on the phone, I believe. I recently had to contact them when I discovered my one-click ordering was using expensive next-day shipping by default. There were very helpful about removing the shipping charges right away.
January 8th, 2015 at 7:13 am
That’s great Mike. I’ll have to look a little closer next time I have an issue. Had no idea you could call them up.
January 8th, 2015 at 3:27 pm
Use the live chat on their website, they are very helpful and have always fixed any problem with my orders in a matter of minutes.
January 8th, 2015 at 5:53 pm
They gave me a full refund and free shipping on the return. Would have liked them to simply send out the missing stuff. But what can you do.
January 8th, 2015 at 4:48 pm
The RE20 is a good standard for VO. You might also check out the Shure SM7b. A little cheaper but also very good. And it might sound better with your voice since it pushes more bass than the RE20.
January 8th, 2015 at 5:55 pm
I have a number of SM58 and SM57 mics laying around. Was thinking about giving them a try. So far though the audio technica 4073 boom mic has actually been doing a pretty decent job. Though it seems to make me sound a bit screechy. I’ll take a look at the SM7b, thanks for the recommendation!
January 11th, 2015 at 8:29 pm
The 57 mics sound great but you must use a good pop filter with them for close proximity voice use, I recommend the proprietary one made for the mic by sure the A2WS we use that one for all of our live on location interviews and it works quite well looks nice and stays on the mic as it attaches with a small set screw and aluminum ring.
The RE20 is an industry standard for radio broadcast and is known for its smooth sound as I am sure you know, and is def a great mic but it cost a lot more then a 57 the nice thing about the RE20 is that its internal filtering works quite well against plosives.
Really like the new show as well seems like your off to great start.
January 12th, 2015 at 5:19 am
Thanks DC! I’ll check out that filter, i also have a procaster (round two) on its way to try out. I have 6 or 7 57’s and sm58’s laying around from my studio years. So far my trusty audio-technica 4073 seems to be doing a pretty decent job, but it’s a little odd using a $800 boom mic for a podcast.
January 12th, 2015 at 12:46 am
If you’re willing to spring for the RE20, you may want to check out the Heil PR-40, a studio mic that’s highly regarded by podcasters and traditional broadcasters alike.
January 12th, 2015 at 5:22 am
I’ve been looking at the heil pr40 as well. I have a replacement procaster on the way, if that doesn’t work out, one of those two will be the next on my list.
January 12th, 2015 at 10:35 am
Out of curiosity, when you bought the mic on Amazon, was it sold by Amazon or a third-party merchant? I’ve never had any issues when buying directly from Amazon, even during the busy holiday season, but third-party merchants can be hit and miss.
January 12th, 2015 at 10:50 am
It was one of those solid by so and so “fulfilled by amazon” deals.
January 12th, 2015 at 11:24 am
Ah, yes, that’s a strange middle ground. Amazon just ships out the box as the merchant sent it to them (rather than directly from the manufacturer), so it is possible that you’ll get something different if the merchant messed up.
The good thing though is that when items are fulfilled by Amazon, at least you’re (usually) covered by Amazon’s standard return policy, which is really easy to deal with. I just go to the list of orders in my account and click the “Return or Replace Items” button for the order I’m having a problem with. When you indicate that the item you received was defective, a shipping label will be automatically generated and everything is ready to send back in just a few steps without even having to get on the phone or wait for a rep to chat with. Simple and quick.
January 12th, 2015 at 12:46 pm
Didn’t get the option to “replace”, had to return it. A bit of a hassle (no printer at the house), but everything else went smoothly.