Røde has announced the Røde X streaming and gaming division, dedicated to developing high-performance audio solutions specifically for streamers and gamers.
The new division has a dedicated streaming and gaming R&D department focused on developing a new line, of which the first three products are now available – Unify, a virtual mixing solution custom-designed for streaming and gaming, and the XDM-100 dynamic and XCM-50 condenser USB microphones.
Designed to be ‘the ultimate audio software for streamers and gamers’, Unify consolidates functionality that would otherwise require multiple applications. This includes routing and mixing up to four USB microphones or other audio devices, and up to six virtual audio sources (including game, chat, music and browser applications); creating independent submixes for different outputs, including a livestream, headphones and chat; adding studio-grade audio processing to microphone channels; triggering on-the-fly voice and sound effects; and multitrack recording.
The software comes free with all Røde X products or is available for purchase as a monthly or yearly subscription for use with any other USB audio product.
‘Unify is a huge step forward for streaming and gaming audio technology,’ says Senior Product Manager, Chris Beech. ‘Throughout development, we spent countless hours researching exactly what streamers and gamers need from audio software and worked tirelessly to implement every feature while ensuring it is as simple to use as possible. From professional streamers with complex technical requirements to casual gamers who want to take their audio to the next level, Unify is the perfect solution.’
Alongside Unify, the XDM-100 is a professional dynamic USB microphone for streaming and gaming using Røde’s ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp and high-resolution 96kHz, 24-bit analogue/digital conversion. dynamic capsule and tight cardioid polar pattern offer clarity with rejection of room noise and keyboard or mouse clicks, and it comes with a high-quality pop shield and shockmount. A high-power headphone output provides flawless zero-latency audio monitoring and playback, with hands-on level control and mic mute.
The XCM-50 is also optimised for streaming and gaming. It too features a high-power headphone output with a level control and mute button, and an internal pop shield and capsule shockmount. The XCM-50 comes with a desktop tripod and features an integrated 360° swing mount for flexible mic positioning.
Both microphones feature internal DSP, which can be unlocked using Unify. This allows users to add Aphex audio processing to their voice – including a compressor, noise gate, high-pass filter, and the Aural Exciter and Big Bottom effects – with full granular control over every parameter for crafting their own s.
These products are the first in the Røde X range, with more slated for release in 2023 and beyond. ‘The launch of Røde X marks an exciting new era for Røde,’ says Røde CEO, Damien Wilson. ‘In addition to these two incredible microphones and Unify, we have a suite of groundbreaking products currently in development that are going to shape the future of audio for streaming and gaming. This is just the beginning.’
More: https://rodex.com/en
