The Australian company Rode is well-known for its array of microphones and other gear for content creators in media and at home. But now the company has launched a new sub-brand called Rode X with wares aimed straight at streamers and gamers.
So far you can get two new USB mics and software to go with them.
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New Rode X brands aims 2 new mics and Unify software at streamers and gamers
Rode said it gave the new Rode X division, three years in the making, its own team of developers and engineers.
Their first three products are the XDM-100 dynamic USB microphone, the XCM-50 condenser USB microphone and a virtual mixing software for streaming and gaming called Unify.
“We are incredibly excited about the launch of Rode X,” said Rode CEO Damien Wilson. “For more than three decades, Rode has been the go-to audio brand for the world’s creators. We have made it our mission to provide professional audio solutions to musicians, filmmakers, podcasters and broadcasters.”
“Listening to and learning from creators is what we do and has led to the development of groundbreaking products like the VideoMic, Rodecaster Pro and Wireless GO. Now we’re doing the same for streamers and gamers,” he added.
Rode X XDM-100 USB dynamic microphone
Anyone looking for “broadcast quality” performance for streaming and gaming could try the Rode X XDM-100 professional dynamic USB microphone (pictured above).
For top audio quality, it features an ultra-low noise, high-gain revolution preamp and high-resolution 24bit/48kHz analog-digital conversion.
In addition, other features isolate the voice while leaving out room noise like keyboard clacking. Those are a studio-grade dynamic capsule and a tight cardioid polar pattern on the mic. And an included pop shield and shock mount also help.
The mic features a headphone output for zero latency audio monitoring and playback, as well as level and mute controls.
The mic costs $249.
Where to buy: Amazon
Rode X XCM-50 USB condenser microphone
Photo: Rode
Rode X said its XCM-50 is a professional condenser USB microphone offering a full frequency response for both clear voice reproduction and warm tones.
Like the pricier XDM-100, it has a high-power headphone output, plus a level control and a mute button.
But for this one, the pop shield is internal and a capsule shock mount is included.
An included desktop tripod integrates a 360-degree swing mount for a lot of options for mic positioning.
The mic costs $149.
Where to buy: Amazon
Unify software
The internal digital signal processing (DSP) in both microphones can be controlled with the new software, Unify, designed for use with USB mics. It comes with both mics but can also be purchased separately. Unfortunately, it’s only for Windows currently.
Rode X offered Unify to give streamers and gamers one application so they don’t have to use several for tasks like creating sub mixes for different outputs.
In one simple interface, it lets you route and mix up to four audio devices, like USB microphones, and up to six virtual audio sources. Those could include browser, chat, game or music applications.
In Unify, users can apply APHEX audio processing to their voice. It features a compressor, noise gate, high-pass filter and popular effects like Big Bottom and Aural Exciter.
The software also allows multitrack recording and lets you use sound effects at will. The software is free with a Rode X product purchase. Or you can pay $7.99 monthly or $69.99 annually.
Where to download: Rode X
