For the longest time I wondered why RØDE hadn’t ventured into the gaming space with products designed for video game content creators. Not that its other products can’t satisfy the needs of those users, it’s just that the overall user experience could be improved if tailor-made for that demographic. Turns out, as they say, great minds think alike, with RØDE working hard behind closed doors on RØDE X – the company’s brand-new gaming subdivision. RØDE X launched late October with two microphones: the XDM-100 and the XCM-50, alongside the accompanying UNIFY software. I’ve been using both mics and the software for a little under two months, with the XDM-100 being used the bulk of the time, and it should come as no surprise that once again RØDE has proven itself one of the best in the business.
Straight off the bat, RØDE X offers a whole new look for the Australian company, with everything down to the packaging (which now sports a red and black design) getting a makeover to some degree. The design of the XDM-100 will look familiar to those who have used RØDE’s products before, with the XDM-100 sharing the same cylindrical chassis as the super popular (and excellent) Procaster. However, instead of the gunmetal grey colour scheme, the XDM-100 has a black finish with red highlights on the top of the mic and underneath the mesh. I actually quite like the black colour, which gives the mic an element of sleekness that other RØDE mics haven’t had, and it certainly gives it that gaming vibe that the company is going for.
Like all RØDE products, the craftsmanship and quality of the mic can’t be disputed, with the device having a solid weight to it (700g) and feeling like it could handle a beating – to use Australian slang: it’s built like a brick shithouse. Given its weight, one item that you will need to get the best out of the XDM-100 is a mic stand, with any of RØDE’s stands (such as the PSA1+ or PSA1) a perfect match. Furthermore, in the box, you’ll find a shock mount that the mic can sit in, which will give it a little extra support.
On one side of the device you’ll find a headphone jack and volume dial for those who want to monitor recordings directly, with the dial enabling mute functionality when pushed, while on the other side is a light that indicates when the mic is powered. If there’s one thing I hate about these sorts of products, it’s lights that can’t be adjusted or turned off. Annoyingly, the XDM-100’s blue light can reflect off of surfaces and show up in your video feed, which in my case was reflecting on my neck until I covered it with tape.
The most significant change that RØDE X introduces is USB-C connectivity, making it much easier to use and way more accessible than other RØDE mics, such as the PodMic or Procaster, that use an XLR input and require an interface. Simply plug the USB cable into your computer (Windows 10 and above) and Mac (MacOS 10.12 upwards) and you’re good to go. It also means that with no interface needed your desk will be less crowded, so if you are struggling for desk space it’s a win.
The stuff dreams are made of
As a dynamic cardioid mic, the XDM-100 is designed to pick up sound coming from directly in front, making it perfect for content creators, streamers and podcasters. The cardioid pattern also means that it’ll mitigate any background noise you might expect, such as mouse and keyboard clicks. When it comes to audio quality the XDM-100 yields the fantastic results that I’ve come to expect from RØDE products. On the tech specs, the XDM-100 has a frequency range of 20Hz–20kHz, which covers everything from bass sounds to higher pitches. My use was limited to podcast recording, but all of my audio files were crystal clear and captured the natural detail and sultry tones of my voice.
The mic’s pop filter also does an excellent job of blocking out the plosives while recording, however if you do find some slipping through and being picked up, there is a pop shield included that can be utilised for extra suppression.
Aside from the USB connectivity, the other major perk is the built-in mute button, which is an absolute godsend for those who need to cease audio coming through on the go. It’s been one of my grievances with other RØDE podcast mics where you need to use the interface to turn the input level down.
A new look all over for RØDE X
While the XDM-100 doesn’t need the Unify software to work, it is where you’ll receive updates for the mic, and it does give the user a ton of options to tinker with to find the best sound to suit your setup and style by playing with the Aphex voice processing options. But it’s not just that, with Unify containing recording functionality, as well as being able to act as a virtual mixer, and with all this it does become a very solid addition to the RØDE X package.
For our WellPlayed DLC Podcast recordings, I would record in Audacity but set the input to Unify as I was easily able to adjust the volume levels of my recording should I need to. Unify is free with any RØDE X purchase or those wishing to use the software with other mics can pay a monthly or yearly subscription fee (A$7.99/US$5 or A$69.99/US$45).
The biggest hurdle for most people to overcome is going to be the A$399/US$249 price point (although you can find it cheaper), which for a microphone isn’t cheap, especially given you can pick up a decent USB mic for around A$200. It means that the XDM-100 isn’t likely going to be for those starting out or dipping their toes into the waters (unless they have fat wallets), and instead for creatives who want to take their setup and gear to another level.
Unify is a more than handy software tool
Final Thoughts
I’ve used a handful of USB-powered mics from all the big brands and without a doubt the RØDE X XDM-100 is the best USB mic I have used. It’s got all the hallmarks of a RØDE microphone, such as fantastic audio and build quality, but with a sleek new look and solid software addition with Unify. Although the price may be on the higher end of the scale, regardless of your level of experience, the XDM-100 is a worthwhile investment for any content creator.
Review unit supplied by the manufacturer
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