Ultimate Guide: Rode XDM-100 USB Dynamic Microphone
Rode’s growing reputation in the consumer market has mostly been built on XLR-based audio gear, including the budget-friendly Pod Mic and the still-affordable Procaster microphone.
Many people think analog and XLR are the best options for getting the best audio quality, greatest flexibility, and most professional results.
Sound
However, because they offer quick and affordable connections at the price of sound quality, USB microphones are sometimes seen as the last-resort option. The performance of the XDM-100 effectively disproves these assumptions.
Overview
A USB-C microphone called the Rode X XDM-100 is intended for usage in streaming and gaming. It has an integrated high-gain preamp and powerful DSP. The microphone's dynamic capsule should be close to the thing being recorded. The XDM-100 is a great choice for use in untreated rooms and home studios because it absorbs less unwanted noise and room reflections from a farther distance.
Also, the cardioid polar pattern concentrates sound pickup in front of the microphone and absorbs less sound from the sides and back of the device. This makes the voice clearer and more pure.
To be clear, the company’s new chapter began with the introduction of Rode X, its gaming-focused sub-brand, which includes this microphone and its excellent sister, the Rode X XCM-50. Here, Rode tries to combine its famously high-quality sound with the convenience and lower cost of USB connections instead of XLR connectors. By any stretch of the imagination, convincing clients that anything like that is conceivable is no easy task.
Design and Features
This microphone is on an entirely different level in terms of both manufacturing and sound quality. The XDM-100 has a fairly great design, and everything about it screams “luxury” when you first glance at it. From the appealing black and red color scheme to the Pop Shield that comes with it, everything about it is fancy for a good cause.
On the back of the microphone are the USB-C connector, the mute button, and the level control. For monitoring reasons, there is also a headphone output. There is no desk support because the XDM-100 is meant to be worn on the arm. Since neither the cable nor the adapter are included in the package, you will need to buy a separate USB-C to USB-A cable if your computer doesn't have a USB-C port.
The included USB-C cable is pretty long, but if your table is as long as mine and the boom arm is facing away from where your computer is, it won’t be quite long enough. But if worse comes to worst, you can always move your boom arm, and for neater cable management, you can buy a USB-C extension cable. You have the choice of either of these options.
As an end-address microphone, the XDM-100 requires that users speak into the upper part of the gadget. Condenser microphones pick up less background noise than other types of microphones, allowing you to sound more distinct. The provided pop shield should be worn at all times because it can cut down on plosive sounds a lot. In addition, it has a high-end aesthetic, and the clear LED on the XDM-100 can still be seen through the perforations.
A high-gain Revolution preamp with ultra-low noise and high-resolution conversion at 24-bit and 48kHz is a feature of the RODE X XDM-100. When you play or stream games, the sound quality is fantastic.
Build and Performance
In terms of construction, the XDM-100 is comparable to the Rode Procaster described earlier. However, it differs from the Rode Procaster by having a black finish with red accents. This gives the device enough flash to be identified as a gaming tool, but red is a fashionable enough hue to look right at home on high-end camera equipment.
The XDM-100 maintains the same high level of construction as the XDM-200, which it replaced. Despite this, it is a larger device with a total weight of 700 grams. To stop this enormous person from moving, you will need a strong boom arm. You can use the shock mount that Rode gives to help you on your mission.
Rode X XDM-100 Software
The built-in UNIFY software gives you complete control over all of your audio inputs and outputs and arranges everything into a simple mixer.
Rode wants to do more with their gaming microphone than just make hardware. They have made a full virtual audio mixer.
You can also improve your audio with the help of "Aphex," a powerful processor that comes with Unify. It has presets and a noise gate. These tools are important for getting rid of distracting background noise, and the app does a good job of doing that.
No-setup USB-C connectivity that supports headphone monitoring
The ultralow-noise and high-gain Revolution preamp from Rode is included in the XDM-100 and is driven by the USB-C bus connection, ensuring a stable signal level for the integrated 24-bit and 48-kHz analog-to-digital converter.
You can listen to your audio in real-time thanks to a zero-latency 3.5 mm headphone connector with volume control and a mute mic button. You will be able to hear exactly what the microphone capsule picks up thanks to this.
Takeaway
The RODE X XDM-100, which is a high-end dynamic microphone with more features, is part of the set. It provides the finest and cleanest sound you can imagine with audio that is 24-bit and 48 kHz. On its own, the microphone is absolutely amazing. But the business has taken this to a whole new level for streamers and professional video creators by adding the functionality of RODE's UNIFY program.
PROS & CONS
- Excellent audio quality
- One pickup pattern
- Excellent construction
- It’s a little difficult to crank the on-device knob
- Sleek style
- Not included is a USB-A to USB-C cable
