Look at the look and feel of Rode’s new Unify software next to the new XDM-100 microphone designed to work with it. Rode
You’ve probably seen a lot of Rode products, even if you didn’t necessarily realize it. Rode’s name appears on many microphones, microphone stands, or other audio devices while quietly sitting in front of your favorite celebrity or broadcaster while doing the work of capturing audio at a high level. professionally.
This is the company’s first sub-brand. Rode
The fact that Rode has also come up with some great, affordable options in recent years means that its gear has been on the tables of many high-end streamers and professional gamers.
Now, Rode has decided to tap into the lingering thirst for gaming hardware by launching an entire sub-brand that produces software and hardware for gaming.
Dubbed Rode X, the new division launched with a trio of products: two microphones and a new software platform called Unify. The company describes Unify as a “custom-designed virtual mixing solution for streaming and gaming.”
It aims to consolidate the functionality of multiple applications into one package. This includes mixing the inputs of up to four USB microphones or other audio devices with up to six virtual audio sources, such as game audio, voice chat, and music.
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Unify also supports creating independent sub-mixes for different outputs, adding “studio-grade” audio processing for individual microphone channels, sound effects, multi-track recording, and more. The software will ship for free with all Rode X products and is also available through a monthly subscription.
The XDM-100 is being used in conjunction with the Unify software. Rode
To harness Unify’s capabilities, Rode X will also launch to the world with two new microphones.
The first of these, the XDM-100, resembles the Rode Procaster microphone that I recently praised in a review, but with a red-and-black gamer aesthetic and reliance on a USB-C connection instead of an XLR output.
Dynamic microphones feature Rode’s “ultra-low-noise, high-gain Preamp Revolution” and “high-resolution 24-bit/48 kHz analog-to-digital conversion” technology. The audio equipment manufacturer claims this will ensure “pristine sound quality.”
The XDM-100 includes a built-in zero latency monitoring port so you can get your own live feed of audio. Rode
Other features include an unusual pop shield with a built-in rubber exoskeleton, an included shock mount and a lag-free 3.5mm jack for monitoring your audio .
The XCM-50 is much smaller in size and designed to provide a warm sound with its condenser housing. Rode
Along with the larger microphone, Rode also launched the compact XCM-50, a condenser microphone designed for “highly detailed voice reproduction with incredible warmth and presence thanks to its full frequency response. it.” It also includes a zero-latency monitoring port along with its USB-C output, but relies on an internal pop-up shield and a shockproof capsule to block out unwanted noises.
The desktop tripod can double-duty for your camera when you’re not using it with the XCM-50. Rode
Where the XDM-100 requires a swing arm or stand for it, the XCM-50 comes with a tabletop tripod.
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We’ve got both the XDM-100 and XCM-50 in-house for testing, so stay tuned for full reviews of both microphones and how they work using Rode’s new Unify software.
In the more distant future, Rode also plans to launch additional Rode X devices in 2023 and beyond. Rode CEO Damien Wilson stated that there are “groundbreaking products currently in development that will shape the future of audio for streaming and gaming.”
