RODE X Streamer X Audio Features Review
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- Опубликовано: 5 авг 2024
- In this episode we take a detailed look at the highlights of the audio features available on RODE X’s Streamer X, and compare the quality of the Streamer X’s mic preamps to the preamps of two other popular podcast/livestream mixers. Then we recommend some recording tips and tricks that will help you make the most of these preamps’ high-quality sound.
Check out our recent livestream using the Streamer X right here: • Sound for Video Sessio...
If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX. school.learnlightandsound.com
Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com ko-fi.com/curtisjudd
Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:
- RODEX Streamer X integrated audio interface and capture card - B&H, Amazon geni.us/YW3LpSV
- Mackie DLZ Creator Digital Mixer for Podcasting, Streaming, and RUclips - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/42KrX0
- RODECaster Pro II Podcast and Streaming Production Studio - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/iFlEMB
- Earthworks Ethos XLR Broadcast microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/8G8UdBB
- SHURE SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/GYU7dHy
- RODE NT1 5th Generation Large Diaphragm Condenser Studio Microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/WR4dk
- Amaran 200x S LED light - B&H, Amazon, Aputure geni.us/y6ym5V
- Aputure Light Dome II soft box - Aputure, B&H, Amazon geni.us/AuMKRr
- Aputure Spotlight Mount - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon geni.us/kfAj
- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender - B&H geni.us/GWKt
- Canon C70 Cinema Camera - B&H geni.us/ABYB
- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens - B&H, Amazon geni.us/qwsEs
- Panasonic GH5 camera - B&H, Amazon geni.us/InspOl
- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens - B&H, Amazon geni.us/gr47
The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: geni.us/G7by
Copyright 2023, Curtis Judd
#RODE #StreamerX #Preamp
Index
00:00 Summary
00:10 Intro + signal chain
00:52 Preamp quality
01:40 Testing self-noise
03:50 Other considerations
05:33 Inbuilt processing
06:10 RODE Unify app
06:24 Brief mention of video capabilities
06:56 UI overview
08:13 Headphone amplifier
09:44 More on Unify + OBS
10:20 My Take
11:20 Please buy my courses
Thanks for another impeccably presented and useful review. Always a pleasure to be kept up-to-date on the audio-visual world at large.
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THX Curtis, again as allways great review about the Rode streamer , dude you are so good in explaining
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Thanks Curtis, great video. When I started live streaming during COVID, there was hardly any great just for podcasters. Now, there is so much.
I am very happy with my set-up but if I was starting out today, it would be with this unit. Very simple, yet more than enough for a start-up. 🎉
Yes, nice all-in-one for simple streams. 👍
Great review, Curtis! I can always count on you to do a really in-depth review of products like this. One thing i found about the Streamer X is that if your camera has HDMI delay (panasonic cameras, specifically) your audio/video won't sync up. I've reached out to Rode about this and suggested adding a delay in Rode Central or Unify. Hopefully they do it. Otherwise, a solution i found was using something like Loopback or Ground Control where you can apply delay in frames, which is a great workaround
Or this using OBS: ruclips.net/video/ZkYr1e9xTcE/видео.html
Another insightful video as always !! Thank you!
Thanks!
Fantastic review as usual. Thank you so much sir.
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That's a great product overview Curtis. Sounds like a great piece of hardware with a fantastic software app.
Good hardware and the software is shaping up nicely so far. 👍
That's a handy device!
Thanks for the video, Curtis!
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Awesome indepth review! Thank you so much! 🙏🙏
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I don't need one, but I enjoyed watching the excellent review, and learning that such devices are available if the need arises. I use a Tascam 102i and a separate capture card for Zoom calls now, no RUclips live streams or OBS sessions...yet.
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I have the streamer x for work meetings, my work PC is pretty locked down so I can’t run the rode software. What I can do though is set it up including all effects on my private PC and then use it driverless on my work PC. Pretty cool. Everything works including using my mirrorless camera as webcam with good sound, all fully in sync. I have no real complaints - but as usual with Rode, the product will get better over time with firmware and software updates. Not ideal but good to know. By the way, you don’t need to use unify to set u0 the device, you can do a lot with rode central. Some of the mixer and sub mixer functions though are not available then but pretty much everything else.
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Nice one, thank you Curtis.
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All the info I need is within the first second of the vid, but I’ll still watch to hear it all laid out!
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🎙 Always exciting when they release new toys 😉 I moved away from Rode products after having problems with three RØDECASTER PRO units! I ended up using a ZOOM PodTrak P8 which I do love. However, I have been thinking I would like to try the RØDECASTER PRO II. The main problem I was having with RØDECASTER PRO was recording something for 30 minutes, and the unit would scramble all the recordings. I could never identify a pattern. They replaced the unit and let me keep the faulty unit, which was pretty amazing. However, the next unit I received was buckled and wouldn't sit flat on my desk. So, I returned that one and got another buckled unit that also wouldn't sit flat on my desk. I ended up selling both of them. 🎧
Glad the P8 works for you. 👍
9:20 Is the delay system wide or just the microphone monitoring i.e. there is delay on the real-time monitoring of the microphone, but not on other audio sources such as the PC?
Confused since you said headphone amplifier and not the monitoring, so wondering if it is all audio or just the mic monitoring
Hi Curtis! I’m thinking of getting the Streamer X to upgrade my Zoom Podtrak P4, for my interview show on radio/Facebook. Can I also input audio from my phone to the Streamer X for phone interviews?
excellent video. I have a quick question - if we have the Schiit Audio Amp & DAC combo, can we still use the StreamerX to route the mic through so that I can livestream with the sound coming through the amp/dac but mic connected to the StreamerX instead of the Schiit Audio gear? How would that work?
You could but I'd expect too much latency for it to be practical.
Hey mate! Do you know if the unit can send the mic signal to pc1 and pc2 simultaneously? So you can use one mic between 2 pc’s (streaming Pc and gaming pc)
Curtis, I need your stellar advice as usual.
I have an RE20 and I need an interface/mixer to drive it with clean pre amps, but I’d also like some of the features you find on these podcast mixers as small podcasts and livestreams may be in my future.
I really wanted the Rodecaster Duo, but the headphone monitoring latency has really put me off.
Are you able to provide any recommendations for my use case?
I’m looking for under $700.
Thank you.
Focusrite Vocaster, perhaps?
Can you apply the same presets as the rode caster pro ie the preset for the rodepodmic?
Great review! Any chance you are familiar with the Roland UVC-02 and how it might compare?
Thanks! No, haven’t used the Roland.
Good afternoon Curtis from a very sunny island of Tenerife, I wonder if you could let me know if it would be possible to connect two RØDE wireless go TX units to the StreamerX or is there a hardware limitation? I just need them in merged mode.
I believe it is just one and that'd likely be a hardware limitation, but best to contact RODE support to confirm.
Nice & Thanks :)
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The headphone amp should NOT be noticeably noisy on any device over $100. That is a solved problem, and there is no excuse on a $400 device. I hope Rode does a hardware revision to fix it.
Excellent work as always by C.JUDD!
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Thanks! 😀😀😀😀
Thanks so much!
hi, what mount is it? you had on your table where you mount your microphone?
This is the On-stage Stands desk stand: bhpho.to/3PVy8vZ
This is an affiliate link. I earn from qualifying purchases and you pay the same price.
Great review Curtis thanks 🙏🏼
I can’t find the answer, is it possible to do 4K monitoring with QuickTime on Mac OS.
It would be awesome on latest MacBook Pro
I believe the USB feed is full HD.
Hey Curtis, I have a two-camera shoot I need to live stream in December. Can you recommend a piece of hardware to do that?
ATEM Mini Pro.
Very good! BTW "Mute Botton". - what a concept. A Tricaster + control surface for $$$$$$$ = no mute button, you need to setup a macro for that. Because hey if you're an "actual" professional you dont need a mute button. LOL eye roll.
LOL!
So, if you had to choose between the vocaster 2 and the streamer x for a video podcast which one would you choose?
If you need video capture and one XLR input is all you need, than I’d choose Streamer X.
Is there any way to De-ess streaming sound? With software / hardware, somehow?
Absolutely. A dbx286s, for example.
Wow great stuff. Do you by any chance know of a similar device that would have close to zero latency real time mic monitoring?
No, the low latency silicon is quite a bit more expensive and generally used in more expensive mixers (that don’t have a capture card)
Great review. Thanks. It's strange that reviewers don't compare it to Yamaha ZG01, a similar but better and cheaper streaming audio/video mixer. Everybody act as if Rode made the first device of its kind while Yamaha sells it for some time already.
I believe the ZG01 only extracts HDMI *audio,* and does not function as a video capture device. In that sense, they’re not identical in functionality.
The ZG01 has a video capture card? I didn’t know that.
@@Xerpocalypse_ - indeed, Streamer X does function as a video capture device.
@@curtisjudd My bad. It doesn't. Still requires a video capture card.
@@Xerpocalypse_ It has both XLR and 3,5 mm mic inputs.
I think I've seen this before at some Fisher-Price store 😁🤣 ...
Having knobs and/or buttons rather than a mouse with screen, it's very handy. IMO, a 3 or 4 modules 500 series could be the ideal for a mic, but I've seen people using tablets in addition to the computer to control the audio; DAW plugins are a really great thing.
😃 I do find the smart pads quite useful.
Just watched again (3X now) as my capture card took a break from working...I am thinking this could be what I replace the capture card with and maybe remove something else from my desk. Thank you!
👍 Happy streaming, Carlos!
Hi, how do I connect 3.5mm mic without adapter?
I'm interesting in getting one myself. Do you know if the Streamer X audio input receives a stereo input? Like, if I record from a stereo mic (let's say for example an asmr mic) and patch it in to the streamer X, will the left and right channels show up as individual levers on the same audio track, or will the streamer x auto mix the stereo L and R to be a mono master on both L and R?
The inputs are mono.
Damn, what a shame. But I still think other than that specific luxury, it still seems pretty worth it. Thank you so much for the concise answer, that's all I was looking for.@@curtisjudd
thank you
Welcome!
Hello, can someone please tell me if I could use all 3 microphones simultaneously (and be able to manage the gain on each separately) if the streamers x is connected just to an external power bank and not a laptop? I will be very happy if someone answers?
I believe the answer is no, but contact RODE support to confirm.
What a hero
LOL!
As an audio interface, is it better than wave XLR? Is Rode software better than elgato wave link?
Not sure, I don’t have experience with either of those.
Curtis, I noticed when you were doing your self noise test the video shows one issue I’m having with the Steamer X. It constantly switches to the headset position. You were adjusting volume all the way up but not on the XLR setting. Please check this.
It seems to default to the headset when it is powered on. Two presses of the gain knob get it to the XLR input, yes.
@@curtisjudd Thanks, Curtis. I'm using a Mac which means I'm on the beta software (Unify) and it will switch to the headset option (even though I have nothing plugged into that port) when I start/stop Zoom, etc. I constantly have to watch it. I guess my question was did that happen when you did your self-noise test? In other words, your video shows turning up the gain for the headset, not the xlr but this might have just been b-roll. Wanted to help you see that / confirm your testing was accurate.
This or Motu M2/M4, which one has less driver issues or bugs and more stable and cleaner DAC and MIC output?
Probably M2/M4
Is it possible to use a usb mic like rode videomic 2 with the streamer x?
Not yet, but they just added that feature to the RODECaster Pro and Duo, so maybe the Streamer X is next? Not sure. Here's the info on the RODECaster and USB mics: ruclips.net/video/aWvTbfSryOU/видео.html
Does the Duo or Pro 2 have the same static in the headphone amplifier
I prefer low impedence IEMs
They are not the cleanest headphone amps in the world if that’s what you mean by static.
@@curtisjuddYou mentioned during the headphone section that the streamer x has a hiss when used with low impedance headphones and later that the real-time monitoring had a sub 10 ms latency that you’ve found in the Duo or Pro 2 too. I’m wondering since they have the same latency if they use the same headphone amplifier and hence also have a hiss when using low impedance headphones? Though thinking about it more the latency probably has more to do with the audio processing.
You mentioned that there was a sub 10 ms latency around 9:20 when talking about the real-time monitoring, but said headphone amplifier which made me question as to the scope of the delay. Is the delay only present to the mic monitoring or is all audio playback from the headphone jack delayed i.e. PC sounds too?
@@chradon. I would expect the same amount of self-noise from the Streamer X as the RCP2, yes. Also, I only tested input to output latency on the headphone and output jacks, not computer sound so I'm not sure on that.
Speaking of headphones. What's the best over ear headphone that should be used for pros outside in the field? Im trying to get a way to get the Apple version through Bluetooth connection. Im waiting for the version 2 before I jump on a $700 set of blutooth headphones. I don't need wireless, Im just thinking wireless would be nice for the sound bag.
I don’t know of any pros who use Bluetooth headphones for location or production sound - too much latency. Also there isn’t a “best” but the most common in my experience are a variety of Sennheiser, Sony (MDR7506), and I use Beyerdynamic DT770.
Thank you Curtis.
@@curtisjudd
Another question, best all around radio/podcasting microphones. What would you recommend as for quality. Im not looking for the cheapest. Something that's going to give me the best range so I have more control in post for later Im thinking.
@@northislandnow8858 Lots of people use the Shure SM7b. But I prefer the Earthworks ETHOS for my voice.
Hi Curtis, does this do green screen like atem ? pic or video ?
btw, thanks a ton for your videos.
No, it isn’t that advanced.
Hello, streamer x will work good with Beyerdynamic Dt 700/900 ?
Yes
Can a webcam be used with the usb C port?
No, that’s to connect to your computer.
Does this work for using audio and video into a corporate laptop where software is restricted? E.g., If the RODE software can't be installed due to corporate policy?
Yes. You can use an unrestricted PC to set the settings and then connect it to the restricted PC.
how do you know how much gain reduction that compressor gives you.. that is a weird graph or what not that shows you what ist doing, never used a compressor plugin what that type of GUI. Great video, its a cool little gadget
That's one part of the software that I'm hoping they'll address in the final release.
@@curtisjuddthanks, hopefully they get enough feedback on this, it's hard to really dial-in what you want when it's not showing you exactly what you're getting, thanks for the reply
I’ve found the software controls on the podmic usb to be equally frustrating. Returned the mic as a result.
Did you test it with the Rode Wireless Go?
Yes, it works
I have returned mine as the Steamer X is in BETA status, if not Alpha. Especially the Software is unusable. I recommend the Review of David Foster how has a very different take on the Streamer X and made the same bad experience as I did.
Interesting. The hardware seems fine to me, and Unify for Mac didn’t give me any issues. What did you run into?
I have found it a very satisfying experience. The software has been great. Albeit, used here in a Windows 11 environment.
Your Videos are very informative and educative. Thank you!
I am looking for a 2 channel Mic input preamp with Compressor and Limiter for my Home Studio, of course, just to improve Voice Quality before recording in Audacity.
Can you kindly help me with your suggestions. Thanks
I like the Universal Audio Volt 276. It has just a compressor but is dead simple and sounds great.
@@curtisjudd Thank you for your suggestion. Since I was badly looking for the right interface in a hurry, I just bought Rodecaster Duo a couple of days back. Of course, I have seen your video on Rodecaster (Pro2?) wherein you have brought features well and thus, I decided for Rodecaster Duo. It is doing very well and am happy whereas Universal Audio 276 would have saved some money for me!
@@EnlightenAstro Congrats and happy recording!
Thank you!@@curtisjudd
Thank you, Curtis!
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I purchased a Streamer X online from Sweetwater a few days ago, I received the shipment before Thanksgiving, and the shipment was fast. But looks like I was sent a defective item, I am in the process of returning it or getting a replacement. Out of the box it is not working, I have an M1 Mac Mini and when I use it with Rode Central or Unify, I receive a synchronization error. It also asks me to update the firmware and when I attempt to update Streamer X firmware it keeps giving me an error it says, "Could Not Update" and a yellow "RETRY" button appears. I have attempted this several times still no progress, I even attempted to do a factory reset and it would not. I connected everything directly to my M1 Mac Mini using the brick and the cable from Rode. At this point I do not know what else to troubleshoot, it shouldn't be like this. Did anyone have similar issues that they were able to get it to resolve?
No, but sounds like you’ll need an exchange. Sweetwater should take care of this for you.
listening on my audio-technia bt50's the audio sounded bassy /dull low end and could do with a 40 or even 80 high-pass.
That was my first thought as soon as Curtis started talking.
Which you can do with this 👍
Please compare this unit to the Roland Bridgecaster. I want to see which is a better value. $400 for this and the Roland Bridgecater coming soon at $500.00. Im very interested.
Thanks for the tip, hadn't heard about the bridge cast.
Great review, Curtis. Can we have 5 to 10 sec of scientific pitch shifted goodness from now on? That was glorious!
Coming soon 🤣 How to do Audio for Cartoons 😉
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sending love and peace to everyone...
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I would like to see an SDI version.
👍 I’d like to see a multi-HDMI input version or a mix of SDI and HDMI.
@@curtisjudd omg talk dirty to me..
Lol
I have an issue with my audio recording - I always have an echo in my audio and am not able to remove this. Any tips&tricks on how to do so are appreciated.
I’d figure out where it’s coming from first and address the problem there. Are you recording in a particularly reverberant room?
Can I use it without any rode software?
Yes
@@curtisjudd incredible! Thank you for the reply!
Why only 48k sample rate on all these podcast and streaming devices? Almost all other audio interfaces support all the common ones and automatically switch between them to match the incoming digital audio.
For streaming, what is the use case for higher sample rates?
@@curtisjudd Not just higher, what about 44.1 ? Does it have to translate that on the fly? That can’t be good. Some with the Tascam, Boss, Rode, you name it all these devices only support one sample rate at a hardware clock level.
@@frankcoffey The video standard for decades has been 48kHz audio sample rate. Seems like the right choice to stick with that.
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Either I am crazy or the Ethos has ALWAYS been harsh sounding in the highs, not the same as the 10k boost like most mics. I think that is also the reason they slash the price by so much.
You’re not crazy, you just have a preference. 👍
@@curtisjudd words of wisdom. Often mistake my preference with truth. HOWEVER FOR THE SAKE OF MY SANITY I AM GOING TO STICK WITH THE MIC IS BROKEN :p
I really like the device for the most part. But they really dropped the ball on the headphone output.
They may be working on that…
@@curtisjudd Ever since Firmware version 1.1.7 released it got a lot better. The noise is still there on low impedance headphones but its a way more quiet now. The device is also not freezing nearly as often now.
@@d.b.c.t1m059 That's great news!
@9:56 Nope, you can not use a wireless go. us first time buyers were screwed, no firmware updates, no additional features, NOTHING. they should have trade in, cause i feel ripped off, and there still selling it.
Planned obsolescence is, unfortunately, common in tech.
For 150 yes, 400 price is obscene
You’ll have to go with a knockoff to get that price.
Yah but $400 price tag and 3.5/5 star rating on Amazon?! I'll pass Curtis but thanks for the great review.
I passed, too. Still, good option for certain workflows.
What a shame they didn't check the headphone hiss before release. Unacceptable.
Yes. Unfortunate.
@@curtisjudd Thanks for the excellent review
Offhand does anyone know if the Rodecaster Duo has the same issue as the Streamer X?
does it kind of overpriced
Depends on what you need.
I got a Streamer X out of curiosity and tested it with a number of mostly RØDE mics: NT1A, Podcaster USB, NTG5 and NTG3, M5, NT5, M2. For streaming I found little advantage for using 4k video and found that my best audio was a Sound Devices MixPre 6 Mkii with Noise Assist. For video I prefer Insta360 LINK and just use a RØDE Podmic USB. Simple setup, but effective. I understand that the Streamer X adds sound pads and dual USB C connections, but I found that I was trying to create a use case to justify using the device. So now it just sits in the cupboard. If anyone in Australia would like to buy it, just let me know. :)
ps: The Wireless Go2 sounded very subpar to my ears.
Yes, if it doesn’t fit your workflow, I agree. Stick with what works best 👍