Rode launches new microphones and software for streamers and gamers

Australian company Rode, already a well-known audio brand for content creators, has just launched a new streaming and gaming division Rode X which will feature two new USB microphones.

Rode X has been three years in the making with the goal of developing high performance audio solutions for streamers and gamers.

This new division has its own team of developers and engineers and they have come up with three products at launch including Unify – a virtual mixing solution designed for streaming and gaming and two pro level USB microphones – the XDM-100 dynamic USB microphone and XCM-50 condenser USB microphone.

“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.”

UNIFY 

The Unify software has been created to meet the needs of streamers and gamers and brings into one application the functionality which would normally require jumping between several different applications.

Unify allows users to route and mix up to four USB microphones or other audio devices and up to six virtual audio sources including a game, chat, music and browser applications in one intuitive interface.

It’s also possible to create independent sub mixes for different outputs including a live stream, headphones and chat as well as adding studio grade audio processing to microphone channels.

Unify can also trigger on-the-fly voice and sound effects and handle multitrack recording.

Unify is free when you purchase a Rode X product or on a monthly ($7.99) or yearly ($69.99) subscription for use with any other USB audio product.

RODE X XDM-100 – $439

The Rode X XDM-100 Is a professional dynamic USB microphone that offers broadcast quality that’s ideal for streaming and gaming.

Under the hood is Rode’s ultra-low noise, high gain revolution preamp and high resolution 24bit/48kHz analog-digital conversion to ensure superb audio quality.

Also onboard is a studio-grade dynamic capsule and tight cardioid polar pattern which offer stunning clarity with outstanding rejection of room noise and keyboard or mouse clicks.

The microphone also comes with a quality pop shield and shock mount to avoid any unwanted pops, knocks and sounds.

It also has a high-power headphone output for zero latency audio monitoring and playback with level control and mute functionality right there on the microphone.

RODE X XCM-50 – $259

The Rode X XCM-50 is a professional condenser USB microphone that offers accurate voice reproduction with impressive warmth thanks to its full frequency response.

It includes a high-power headphone output and a level control and mute button.

It also has an internal pop shield and capsule shock mount along with a desktop tripod which features an integrated 360-degree swing mount to give you even more flexibility for mic positioning.

Both the XDM-100 dynamic USB microphone and XCM-50 condenser USB microphone include internal digital signal processing (DSP) which can be unlocked using Unify.

This also allows users to add APHEX audio processing to their voice which includes a compressor, noise gate, high-pass filter and the popular AuralExciter and BigBottom effects.

That all adds up to full control over every part of your stream to create a signature sound.