Based in Sydney, Australia RØDE is a premium audio brand that delivers high-quality recording, production equipment, and tools for those that are serious about broadcasting. And now, after three years of development and prep, the company is launching its new gaming division RØDE X. And with that, two impressive new USB microphones and a very cool bit of software in the form of Unify.

Designed for content creation, streaming, and podcasting, here's a look at the two new microphones.

RØDE X XCM-50

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Available for $259 AUD, the XCM-50 has professional written all over it, a condenser USB microphone with audiophile-grade bit-rate and sample rate. Best of all, like with the entire RØDE X range, it's USB-C connectivity is plug-and-play. On-mic controls cover levels and mute functionality, and the physical design allows for 360-degree positioning with the addition of a tripod desk-mount as part of the package. The XCM-50 also features an internal DSP which has been designed to work with the brand-new UNIFY software suite for powerful audio processing.

Specifications

Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Capsule: Condenser
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Connectivity: USB-C
Analog Outputs: 3.5mm Headphone Output
Sample Rate: 48 kHz
Bit Depth: 24-bit
OS Requirements: MacOS 10.12
Windows 10
Net Weight (g): 492g
Dimensions (mm): 62 (W) x 42 (D) x 118 (H)
Included Accessories: Tripod 2, SC29 USB-C to USB-C cable, 3m Headphone Extension Cable

RØDE X XDM-100

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Available for $439 AUD, the XDM-100 is the more premium entry in the new RØDE X line-up. A professional dynamic USB microphone that brings broadcast quality audio to streaming and content creation. From high-res sound to the the ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp, the XDM-100 is chock full of premium circuitry. Optimised for voice with noise cancellation it's also plug-and-play ready, with UNIFY software support.

Specifications

Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Capsule: Dynamic
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Connectivity: USB-C
Analog Outputs: 3.5mm Headphone Output
Sample Rate: 48 kHz
Bit Depth: 24-bit
OS Requirements: MacOS 10.12
Windows 10
Net Weight (g): 700g
Dimensions (mm): 52 (W) x 213 (H)
Included Accessories: PSM1 Shock Mount , SC29 USB-C to USB-C cable, 3m Headphone Extension Cable, Pop Shield

“We are incredibly excited about the launch of RØDE X,” said RØDE CEO Damien Wilson. “For more than three decades, RØDE has been the go-to audio brand for the world’s creators. We have made it our mission to provide professional audio solutions to musicians, filmmakers, podcasters and broadcasters. Listening to and learning from creators is what we do and has led to the development of groundbreaking products like the VideoMic, RØDECaster Pro and Wireless GO. Now we’re doing the same for streamers and gamers.”

Although it might sounds like RØDE X has two products available, the company puts its UNIFY software right alongside the XDM-100 and XCM-50. Which is awesome because good haredware is made better by good software, and RØDE has put a lot of effort into getting UNIFY right.

“UNIFY is a huge step forward for streaming and gaming audio technology,” said 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."

Stay tuned for our full impressions as we're going hands-on with both RØDE X and UNIFY.