We’ll be taking a quick look at the Rode Streamer X. It’s a professional video capture card, audio interface and control deck integrated in to one compact device.
It’s designed for streaming, gaming, recording podcasts and content creation, and supports HDMI connections up to 4K30 streaming, and 4K60 pass-through, giving you incredible video quality.
It features an ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp, with studio-grade audio inputs for XLR microphones, musical instruments and headsets, as well as supporting RØDE’s wireless microphones.
On the back of the device, you’ll find a 5V power connector, 2 x USB-C, 1 x HDMI pass-through, 1 x HDMI input, a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, a larger 6.35mm headphone jack, 1 x XLR input and a P48 phantom power switch.
There are 4 x fully customisable SMART pads allowing you to trigger “on-the-fly” sound effects, as well as activating the unique integrated voice changer.
It’s one of the best all-in-one compact streaming devices you can get right now, for recording high-quality audio and 4K video.
Overview
Taken from Rode’s website.
The Streamer X is a professional video capture card, audio interface and control surface integrated in one compact device that makes creating incredible content incredibly easy. It features studio-grade audio inputs for XLR microphones and instruments, headsets and RØDE wireless microphones, with an ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp™ and powerful APHEX® audio processing delivering pristine sound quality. HDMI connections offer up to 4K30 streaming and 4K60 pass-through for incredible video quality in a wide range of applications, from streaming and gaming, to podcasting and content creation, to business presentations. Dual USB-C connections seamlessly accommodate dual PC setups, and four fully customisable SMART pads allow for on-the-fly triggering of sound or voice FX and other actions on a computer. The ultimate all-in-one streaming solution.
Features
- Professional audio interface, video capture card and control surface integrated in one compact, easy-to-use device
- Up to 4K30 video capture and 4K60 pass-through via HDMI
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support
- Neutrik® combo jack for connecting XLR microphones or instruments, with an ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp™ for pristine audio quality
- 3.5mm TRRS input for connecting headsets and 1/4-inch headphone output for zero-latency monitoring
- Integrated wireless receiver for connecting RØDE Series IV wireless microphones, including the Wireless PRO, Wireless GO II and Wireless ME
- Internal DSP for advanced audio processing powered by APHEX®
- Four fully customisable SMART pads for triggering sounds, voice effects and MIDI commands
- Dual USB-C interfaces for connecting to two computers or consoles
- Easy configuration and control via RØDE Central desktop companion app
- Compatible with free UNIFY streaming software for advanced audio routing, mixing and configuration
- Designed and made in RØDE’s precision manufacturing facilities in Sydney, Australia
Upgrade Your Stream with Pristine Audio and Flawless Video
Don’t compromise your audio or your video. With up to 4K30 video capture and 4K60 HDR, zero-latency pass-through, the Streamer X delivers incredible video quality for you and your audience. It also features our ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp™ for capturing pristine, studio-grade audio – no need for boosters or lifters – and with its advanced audio processing on-board, you can give your voice that rich, broadcast sheen.
Professional Microphone, Headset and Wireless Connectivity
With the Streamer X, you can connect a wide array of audio devices to stream with, including an XLR microphone, instrument, headset microphone or even a RØDE Series IV wireless transmitter like the Wireless PRO, Wireless GO II or Wireless ME . You can adjust your input and output levels and switch input sources with ease thanks to the hands-on control interface, or you can even use all inputs at the same time via the included UNIFY software.
Versatile Video Streaming and Recording
Whatever content you are creating, whatever your setup, Streamer X will take it up a level. Whether you need to capture crisp gameplay from a PC or console, connect a DSLR for capturing incredible IRL streams, meetings or presentations, or create a compact set-up that can be taken anywhere, Streamer X is the perfect solution.
Flexible Control On The Fly
The Streamer X gives you flexible, on-the-fly control of your video and audio. It features dedicated controls for mic and headphones levels, and large audio and video mute buttons. It also features four fully customisable SMART pads, with up to 64 accessible via bank switching. These can be configured to trigger audio playback, add voice FX, and even send MIDI messages to your computer, allowing you to trigger any keyboard shortcut with a single press of a pad – super useful for everything from changing slides on a presentation to switching scenes in your streaming software.
Simple, Sleek and Everything You Need
Replace a complicated, multi-device set-up with a single compact device that delivers better quality with far less complexity. Out of the box, you can connect XLR microphones, headsets, instruments, and even RØDE wireless systems, as well as cameras, computers and consoles to get your stream running in minutes. With an intuitive design that offers full control whilst taking up very little precious desk space, the Streamer X represents a new way to stream with incredible audio and video.
RØDE CENTRAL
RØDE Central is a companion app for the Streamer X, giving you access to the on-board audio processing, SMART pad customisation, mixer configuration, firmware updates and other advanced device settings.
UNIFY
The Streamer X integrates seamlessly with UNIFY, the ultimate virtual mixing solution for livestreaming that offers everything from audio processing to advanced mixing and routing.
Specifications
The Box and Packaging
Inside the box, there’s a 5V@3A power pack, USB-C cable, and the Rode Streamer X itself.
A Closer Look
There are a total of 4 customizable SMART pads, 2 dials – one for mic and one for headphones, a large mute button and a camera feed cut-off button and left/right pads for controlling the 4 SMART pads.
Underneath the device, you’ll find a standard 1/4″ camera thread for mounting on to tripods or camera arms.
On the back of the device, you’ll find a USB-C power connector, 2 x USB-C, 1 x HDMI pass-through, 1 x HDMI input, a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, a larger 6.35mm headphone jack, 1 x XLR input and a P48 phantom power switch.
The Software
RODE Streamer X in Action
The dials are are very robust and the SMART pads are nice and easy to use. All the cable connections are at the back of the device which is great so you get less clutter.
Conclusion & Verdict
I’ve been after a device like this for a long time. A device which incorporates a video capture card, audio interface and control deck all integrated in to one compact device. And finally I found it … the RODE Streamer X.
Before I found the RODE Streamer X, I created my own all-in-one DIY project called the Stream Box, you can check out the article here.
What I really like about the RODE Streamer X is the compact size. It’s small enough for me to carry this all-in-one device anywhere for streaming and recording podcasts.
The video quality is great, able to record and stream at 4K30 and pass-through at 4K60. While the audio recording is sublime thanks to its ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp.
The device includes the studio-grade audio inputs for XLR microphones, musical instruments and headsets, as well as supporting RØDE’s wireless microphones.
And I love the 4 fully customisable SMART pads allows you to play trigger “on-the-fly” sound effects, as well as activating the unique integrated voice changer.
The only thing I need to mention is that … there’s no power on/off switch. So you need to power it off at the mains or pull out the USB power cable. And also, the RODE Unify software seems to be a bit buggy. Let’s hope RODE fixes that with some software updates.
You can buy the RODE Streamer X for around USD $396 see links below …
- Rode’s webstore – https://brandstore.rode.com?sca_ref=4829077.ZiNy7AXS6h
- Amazon – https://amzn.to/3QTzdX3
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