Rode introduced the launch of its streaming and gaming division, Rode X. Rode is a world-renowned audio model for content material creators, podcasters, and studio musicians. The idea behind Rode X is a division of the corporate devoted to growing high-performance audio options particularly for streamers and avid gamers. That is the primary sub-brand ever created by the audio tech big, and one streamers and avid gamers needs to be enthusiastic about.Â
Together with the launch of Rode X, the corporate introduced a brand new Unify audio-mixing software that enables for mixing audio from a number of sources.Â
Rode wasn’t carried out with Unify; the corporate introduced the discharge of the XDM-100 and the XCM-50 USB-C skilled microphones which can be styled to catch the attention of avid gamers and streamers whereas producing skilled studio-quality audio. Let’s have a peek at what Rode X is bringing to content material creators.Â
Rode X Unify
Rode X’s Unify is a digital audio-mixing answer that is custom-designed for streaming and gaming. Unify comes with the flexibility to intuitively combine and edit audio from as much as 4 USB mics and as much as six different audio sources, which is unprecedented until you are utilizing a bodily mixing board.Â
Unify is supposed to consolidate the performance requiring a number of functions into one easy-to-use answer. Unify permits for the routing and mixing of microphones and different audio sources, enabling customers to create unbiased sub-mixes for various outputs. This contains their livestream, headphones, and chat; including studio-grade audio processing to microphone channels; triggering on-the-fly voice and sound results; multitrack recording, and extra.Â
“Unify is a large step ahead for streaming and gaming audio expertise. All through improvement, we spent numerous hours researching precisely what streamers and avid gamers want from audio software program,” stated Rode X Senior Product Supervisor Chris Beech.
Beech continues: “We labored tirelessly to implement each function whereas making certain it was as easy to make use of as potential. From skilled streamers with advanced technical necessities to informal avid gamers who need to take their audio to the subsequent degree, Unify is the proper answer.”
The software program comes free with all Rode X merchandise or is on the market for buy as a month-to-month ($5) or yearly ($45) subscription to be used with every other USB audio product.
Let’s take a look on the mics. Â
Rode X XDM100
Rode X XDM 100 specs
Polar Sample: Capsule: Cardioid DynamicÂ
Frequency Vary: 20Hz – 20kHzÂ
Connectivity: USB-CÂ
Analog Outputs: 3.5mm Headphone Output Â
Pattern Price: 48 kHzÂ
Bit Depth: 24-bitÂ
OS Necessities: macOS 10.12 / Home windows 10Â
Internet Weight: 1.54 kilos
Dimensions: 2.04 x  8.83 inches
Included Equipment: PSM1 Shock Mount, SC29 USB-C to USB-C cable, 3m Headphone Extension Cable, Pop Defend
The XDM100 ($249) is a professional-level dynamic USB microphone that delivers wealthy, broadcast audio supreme for streaming and gaming. The black with crimson accents of the USB mic has that “gamer vibe” that is positive to be widespread with streamers all over the place.
It options Rode’s ultra-low noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp, and high-resolution 24-bit/48kHz analog-digital conversion — making certain pristine audio high quality. The XDM 100 comes with a studio-grade dynamic capsule and tight cardioid polar sample providing glorious readability and superior rejection of room noise and keyboard or mouse clicks. It has a high-quality pop protect and shock mount to mitigate undesirable pops, knocks, and bumps.Â
Our XDM 100 assessment unit simply arrived, so keep tuned for an upcoming assessment.Â
Rode X XCM-50
Rode X XCM 50 specs
Polar Sample: CardioidÂ
Capsule: CondenserÂ
Frequency Vary: 20Hz – 20kHzÂ
Connectivity: USB-CÂ
Analog Outputs: 3.5mm Headphone Output Â
Pattern Price: 48 kHzÂ
Bit Depth: 24-bitÂ
OS Necessities: MacOS 10.12 Home windows 10Â
Internet Weight: 1.08 kilosÂ
Dimensions: 2.4 x 1.65 x 4.64 inches
Included Equipment: Tripod 2, SC29 USB-C to USB-C cable, 3m Headphone Extension Cable
At first look, the XCM 50 ($149) will remind you of the Rode NT USB mini mic we reviewed, which is not dangerous. Rode X designed the XCM-50 as an expert condenser USB microphone that is optimized for streaming and gaming. It has a zero-latency headphone output with degree management and mute performance, a 360-degree swing mount for simple positioning, and comes with a tripod desktop mount.Â
The XCM-50 additionally comes with a free obtain of Unify digital mixing software program, which unlocks superior audio processing powered by inner DSP. Just like the XDM 100, the general design is supposed to entice avid gamers, streamers, and content material creators with its all-black with crimson accents model. Each mics mixed with the Unify software program ought to make creating superb content material straightforward.
We additionally bought a assessment unit of the XCM 50, so watch this website. We’ll see if both of the brand new Rode X mics will land on our finest USB mics checklist.Â
