Ultimate Guide: Rode XCM-50 USB Condenser Microphone
It is now easier than ever to start your broadcast utilizing a variety of tools and software because live streaming and video games have combined to produce a significant new medium. Rode is a well-known audio company that has been in business for a while and is renowned for its premium microphones and other gear. On the other side, it appeared in the past that they were focusing more on seasoned producers than emerging artists.
To cater to the growing customer base served by the organization’s recently founded streaming and gaming businesses, new microphones and an audio software suite dubbed Unify have been produced. Are the price differences between these gaming-specific Rode microphones and the standard Rode range worth it? Learn more by reading on.
Overview
A compact USB-C microphone with potent DSP capabilities is called the Rode X XCM-50. It was made to give streamers and gamers who want professional-quality sound with a simple plug-and-play setup accurate speech and voice reproduction. The cardioid polar pattern of the condenser mic capsule makes sure that everyone in the room can hear you well.
This pattern captures less background noise from the back and sides of the microphone because it focuses on the subject in front of the microphone. A yoke mount that enables a quick connection to a boom arm or mic stand is included in the box. Additionally, the mount’s 360-degree rotation makes it simple to choose the ideal spot for broadcasting and playing. Additionally, a tripod stand that may be placed on top of tables is included.
Effectiveness and Design
One of the Rode X debut devices is the XCM-50, which costs less than the other models. This places it in direct competition with technology that has been available for a while. In that conflict, it does rather well for itself.
The warm sound profile of the device, which can be heard in the video up top, works nicely with its aesthetic. Condenser technology gives it the "old-fashioned" warmth you'd expect from a device that looks like a futuristic version of a 1950s crooner's microphone.
Even though it's warm, it still has a high level of quality and uses the least amount of audio compression, which is one reason why gamers don't often use USB mics. One of the reasons some gamers shy away from using USB mics is due to this. It is unlikely that someone with a hearing impairment would mistake it for a high-end XLR device. On the other hand, if you bought the USB interface that this kind of microphone needs separately, it would definitely be the same price as this microphone.
Despite being very affordable, the build quality rivals that of more expensive Rode products. Even the included tripod support exudes the quality of expensive machinery. For mobile streamers and content creators who are constantly on the go, the fact that it doubles as a camera tripod is a terrific added bonus.
Monitoring using headphones and USB-C connectivity
The XCM-50 comes with sophisticated UNIFY audio software from Rode. With this software, you can use the extra functions of the microphone's DSP and mix up to four USB microphones at the same time for podcasting and streaming. The USB bus powers the XCM-50 and turns analog signals into digital signals at 24-bits and 48 kHz.
Thanks to a zero-latency 3.5mm headphone jack with volume control and a mute mic button, you can listen to your audio in real-time. You will be able to hear exactly what the microphone capsule picks up thanks to this. The 9.8-foot headphone extension line is provided so that you may move around freely while podcasting or winning your favorite game.
UNIFY Audio Software by Rode
UNIFY is Rode’s attempt to streamline the virtual mixing desk experience, something Elgato and other businesses have failed to do. Essentially, your computer installs a number of additional audio interfaces, all of which can be controlled from the UNIFY front end. These interfaces perform very similarly to the Rodecaster’s.
It works perfectly and lets you add games and conversations to your workflow along with a dedicated browser audio source. Because both microphones can be plugged in and used at the same time, it is ridiculously easy to use a virtual mixing console for podcasts or dual streaming. You can use both microphones at the same time.
Rode’s UNIFY is not a very transparent product in spite of this. It is fantastic at lowering entry barriers in specific industrial areas, but reading the manual is still necessary to fully understand what is happening. The vast majority of audio software, however, looks for some sort of instruction somewhere, so this is not a fault of the product.
Takeaway
A troublingly large percentage of companies believe that creating a “gaming” version of a product equates to turning it into a toy. Rode recognizes the fact that gamers are among the most technologically advanced and well-informed people alive today, thus, the business created the headset with this in mind, even with its cheaper model. In order to get RGB or polarizing looks that don't mean anything, they made a microphone that has great value without sacrificing the quality of its build.
Because of these design decisions, the XCM-50 is a great all-in-one starting point for streamers, gamers, and content producers that need a practical mic that can be set up on the go with the fold-away tripod stand that is included or permanently installed on a boom arm. This means that the XCM-50 can be used in either setting without the need for extra accessories.
PROS & CONS
- Compact style
- For beginners, software might be perplexing
- Access to the entire Unify audio program
- The built-in grille is prone to collecting dirt and particles.
- High-quality build
- The tripod mount takes up a lot of desk space
