Great video and especially as I have similar use cases for the device as you do - I am not a gamer but use the streamer X for vlogs and Zoom meetings. I did buy the Streamer X because I do not have a video capture card nor a audio interface and this single device did both jobs. It is great at these basics. Then I started to explore Rode Unify to control the device and wow - so complex and I was just scratching the surface but this takes the device to a whole other level.
i usually avoid 1st gen consumer tech because of the limitations you mentioned, but i like it! i would just need to unload my rodecaster pro, rodecaster pro II, motu audio interface, and some other audio gear first (the GAS is real). thanks for the review cat! 😉
Hey Cat! I had two of these and had issues and had to send them back. One thing I didn't figure out when I had it because I couldn't get my XLR mics to come in. But when you set it up and you quit the software, does it store your settings ON the device or do you have to run the software always when using it? Thank you! :)
I watched a lot of videos on this product ... none of which answered questions like you addressed. Excellent job! I am on a lot of business calls and have a Sony ZV1 and Rode Wireless Go II with a RODE lavalier mic and use OBS to adjust video and sound. One question .. does the video from the X output go to the monitor or to the computer?
That was a fantastic overview, thank you! - I'd like to know if it's possible to connect an iPhone to the Rode Streamer X using either a USB-C or mini jack connection ? 😊 - I'm wondering if it's feasible to record a phone call without the need for an external microphone, solely relying on the internal microphone of the iPhone ? 😅
Thanks for the great review, Cat. Always appreciate your top shelf content! I’ve been trying to determine if the video input is in sync with the audio in the Streamer X? I currently use RCP2 and Camlink and there is always a certain amount of fiddling to achieve sync either in the RCP2 or Ecamm. Not sure I would switch because I often need more audio inputs, but for some use cases the simple setup with easy sync may prove a worthy solution to add this bit of kit. Kind regards
It's a worthwhile question! Before the Streamer X, I did have to play around with audio and capture card ports (hub vs direct). With the Streamer X, since both the camera and mic are coming in on one cable, those are in sync. However, when I feed the camera into Ecamm before going into Zoom, then I noticed a video delay when my mic was direct to Zoom. So now I use the Ecamm virtual camera and virtual mic. At the end of the day, you could try it and return it if it doesn't sync well.
if you were to use BOTH head phone plugs 3.5mm and the 1/4 will both show up on rode connect/unify??? for routing/volume adjustment purposes. when you showed the app i only 1 but im assuming you only were using 1 (headset) for example i would use the 1/4 inch for my headset and use the other headset 3.5mm as a trrs line out but want to make sure i can control both within the connect/unify app.
I have the Streamer X, and I like it better than getting out the Rode Procaster II. The hum is a problem with all of the Rode devices. The Rode headphone jack needs improving. l disagree with your comment that there are a 'lot' of good USB mic out there but understand I run a sound board for 5 decades so not interested in the Blue Yeti's of the world. But you do one of the best job of explaining the Streamer X than about any review I've seen so well done!
Great Video. Thank you very much? I am fascinated by the "All in one" solution with Capture Card AND Audio Interface. Does the smart pads in presentation mode also work with Canva presentations?
Canva isn't listed, but if you look at the programming, you can see they assign keys to the pad. So for Canva, the slide forward and backwards keys would work, and the Esc key to end the presentation would also work. The Black key would Blur the screen. I am not aware of any keyboard shortcut to start a Canva presentation, but if you get it started manually, then you can use the smart pads to control your slides, blur, and end the presentation.
It definitely has limits. It reminds me of when I bought a 15-key Stream Deck despite being warned many users eventually switch the to XL (at least, those who are live streaming). But, with the RCP, I went the other direction and bought way more than I needed, and still haven't grown into it 🙈
I'm not entirely convinced about how necessary this device actually is. If I have understood correctly, you can do the same things with having an audio interface (~100 eur), a camera capture card (~25 eur), and a Stream Deck (~150 eur). Sure, that's three separate devices, but much more versatile and also upgradable when the time comes.
All the important stuff you had no time to go into detail 😭😭😭 btw looking at your setup , you did an amzing Job the only thing i would change is the pop filter on the Shure MV7 swap it for the pop filter of the shure SM7B it will fit and its 100% better .
I brought this and very quickly returned it. The video quality from the Elgato Camlink is FAR superior when using with my Sony A7iv. Audio lag when using with Ecamm live is also a pain trying to sync…. For some people I’m sure it’s great, for me sadly I wanted to smash it within 30 minutes
@@CatMulvihill same as the Rodecaster Pro 2 when that was first released. It’s sorted now but initially it was a pain. Rode do love pushing out products quickly and it always comes back and bites them on their more complex products. I’m sure it will be awesome….eventually.
Hi Cat, great video! I’m curious if you know if when connecting the streamer x to a macbook pro does it need to be a direct connection into the laptop or could I plug it into a docking station? Only reason i’m asking is because my docking station takes up all my thunderbolt ports. Thank you!
Useful if you have an XLR, but honestly I would get an Elgato Streamdeck+ and use their WaveLink software - which this seems to imitate to a degree. However, that said this is a great and informative video :)
Yeah if you already have a capture card, the SD+ would be great, but if not this is an all in one and with the StreamerX, you can just as Unify which is just like WaveLink.
All what a person needs, specialy, if always connected..work or leisure! I have the Rodecaster (1), and is enough, maybe overkill in size..but..is what it is..i have room though..
I don't have the Streamer X, but I do have a Rodecaster Duo. It, too, has a low level hum with my IEMs. I did some testing around this and found that the hum is present with all of the IEMs we have (includes low end & mid-range units). Using or not using an extension cable with the IEMs didn't affect the hum. But interestingly, there is no hum when I use an over the ear headset. Seems to me like it's not a per unit fault but instead something in the specs to do with certain headsets. Guessing, though. Perhaps I need to send in a support ticket and get Rode's thoughts.
@@CatMulvihill Could this be related to to the Streamer X headphone output being optimized for a native differential (balanced) vs unbalanced internal? Maybe the over the ear was native Balanced, or maybe it is looking for a high impedance load vs the IEM? Would be interesting to know.
@CharlotteDrewJD What was the Brand and Model of the Headset that was used? What connection type was being used for the IEM and for the headset? Maybe the specifications can give us a clue.
Bought the Streamer X, however I am wondering if I should let it go. I use a RØDE NT USB Mini mic and an Insta360 LINK camera for video conferencing and of course, neither works with the Streamer X. The only use case that I can see for me, would be giving a lecture, when I could have my Keynote on my MacBook Pro and an HDMI connected camera pointing at something that I might be demonstrating and I was wearing a RØDE Wireless Go 2 mic. It feels like I am desperately trying to find a problem to a solution, rather than the other way around.
Based on your setup, I would agree with your assessment about finding a problem to a solution. I think it's common with tech & gear to want to fit something to our setup (I've seen this a lot with the ATEM).
Cat, I’ve been watching the way you breathe and noticed you breathe into the upper part of your lungs. That causes you to runout of breath and you will increase your fight or flight, adrenaline and anxiety. I’ve been to breathing physio therapy for this myself and you need to practice diaphragmatic breathing. You will feel so much better.
Is a tehnical product so the audio specific setings ar very important. You totaly miss the point of prezenting a simpal and very compact product. In the audio video word beeing tehnical is a important cuality and condition. Ve have real an big and very complex audio and video mixers and ther prezentations ar complex and complet and in the same time posible. OIn dis simple product vith only 1 audio channel and 1 video channel with a simple eq , the most simple audio compresor possible an reverb preset in my opinion youtotali miss the point of a prezentation.
A waste of time and your talent. The definition of insanity is repeating the same action and expecting a different outcome. (Another stress break in your future?)
This was super helpful, thank you!
Great video and especially as I have similar use cases for the device as you do - I am not a gamer but use the streamer X for vlogs and Zoom meetings. I did buy the Streamer X because I do not have a video capture card nor a audio interface and this single device did both jobs. It is great at these basics. Then I started to explore Rode Unify to control the device and wow - so complex and I was just scratching the surface but this takes the device to a whole other level.
i usually avoid 1st gen consumer tech because of the limitations you mentioned, but i like it! i would just need to unload my rodecaster pro, rodecaster pro II, motu audio interface, and some other audio gear first (the GAS is real).
thanks for the review cat! 😉
Yeah, always a risk with first gen! But now I can unload the beast that is the RCP.
Sounds like you have more GAS than me 🤣
You have a very nice and clean desk setup. I like your review and the device, but I wish Rode had included a small display to show audio levels.
This is an amazing video. Thank you very much 🙂
Hey Cat! I had two of these and had issues and had to send them back. One thing I didn't figure out when I had it because I couldn't get my XLR mics to come in. But when you set it up and you quit the software, does it store your settings ON the device or do you have to run the software always when using it? Thank you! :)
I watched a lot of videos on this product ... none of which answered questions like you addressed. Excellent job! I am on a lot of business calls and have a Sony ZV1 and Rode Wireless Go II with a RODE lavalier mic and use OBS to adjust video and sound. One question .. does the video from the X output go to the monitor or to the computer?
Very happy you make such videos again Cat ❤
Thank you 😊
Turn on original sound in ecamm? I’ve never heard of that. Great video!
This is helpful. I have been debating on getting one. I dont stream but I would like to add some video's with commentary. Thanks.
That was a fantastic overview, thank you! - I'd like to know if it's possible to connect an iPhone to the Rode Streamer X using either a USB-C or mini jack connection ? 😊
- I'm wondering if it's feasible to record a phone call without the need for an external microphone, solely relying on the internal microphone of the iPhone ? 😅
YOU'RE SO GORGEOUS!!!... WOW... THANKS FOR THE INFO. GREAT HELP...
Thanks for the great review, Cat. Always appreciate your top shelf content! I’ve been trying to determine if the video input is in sync with the audio in the Streamer X? I currently use RCP2 and Camlink and there is always a certain amount of fiddling to achieve sync either in the RCP2 or Ecamm. Not sure I would switch because I often need more audio inputs, but for some use cases the simple setup with easy sync may prove a worthy solution to add this bit of kit. Kind regards
It's a worthwhile question! Before the Streamer X, I did have to play around with audio and capture card ports (hub vs direct). With the Streamer X, since both the camera and mic are coming in on one cable, those are in sync.
However, when I feed the camera into Ecamm before going into Zoom, then I noticed a video delay when my mic was direct to Zoom. So now I use the Ecamm virtual camera and virtual mic. At the end of the day, you could try it and return it if it doesn't sync well.
if you were to use BOTH head phone plugs 3.5mm and the 1/4 will both show up on rode connect/unify??? for routing/volume adjustment purposes. when you showed the app i only 1 but im assuming you only were using 1 (headset) for example i would use the 1/4 inch for my headset and use the other headset 3.5mm as a trrs line out but want to make sure i can control both within the connect/unify app.
WHAT! I literally JUST ordered one of these an hour ago, then opened up TH-cam and you're on my homepage 😀
You know what they say... 'great minds' 😉
(or, the internet is spying on you)
I have the Streamer X, and I like it better than getting out the Rode Procaster II. The hum is a problem with all of the Rode devices. The Rode headphone jack needs improving. l disagree with your comment that there are a 'lot' of good USB mic out there but understand I run a sound board for 5 decades so not interested in the Blue Yeti's of the world. But you do one of the best job of explaining the Streamer X than about any review I've seen so well done!
Great Video. Thank you very much? I am fascinated by the "All in one" solution with Capture Card AND Audio Interface.
Does the smart pads in presentation mode also work with Canva presentations?
Canva isn't listed, but if you look at the programming, you can see they assign keys to the pad. So for Canva, the slide forward and backwards keys would work, and the Esc key to end the presentation would also work. The Black key would Blur the screen. I am not aware of any keyboard shortcut to start a Canva presentation, but if you get it started manually, then you can use the smart pads to control your slides, blur, and end the presentation.
@@CatMulvihill Thank you very much. This helps.
If you use this for video - do you still use the elgato camlink for anything?
I would love an update follow-up to this 6 months in
Is it possible to use the streamer x without the unify/central programs?
Wonderful video and very informative--thank you. While a viable entry level option, I suspect one might outgrow its limited functionality over time.
It definitely has limits. It reminds me of when I bought a 15-key Stream Deck despite being warned many users eventually switch the to XL (at least, those who are live streaming). But, with the RCP, I went the other direction and bought way more than I needed, and still haven't grown into it 🙈
I have Adobe Premier. Is that the software that I would send this data "into"?
is this rode works with usb mic like blue yeti?
I'm not entirely convinced about how necessary this device actually is. If I have understood correctly, you can do the same things with having an audio interface (~100 eur), a camera capture card (~25 eur), and a Stream Deck (~150 eur). Sure, that's three separate devices, but much more versatile and also upgradable when the time comes.
Can a webcam be used with the usb C port?
All the important stuff you had no time to go into detail 😭😭😭 btw looking at your setup , you did an amzing Job the only thing i would change is the pop filter on the Shure MV7 swap it for the pop filter of the shure SM7B it will fit and its 100% better .
I brought this and very quickly returned it. The video quality from the Elgato Camlink is FAR superior when using with my Sony A7iv. Audio lag when using with Ecamm live is also a pain trying to sync…. For some people I’m sure it’s great, for me sadly I wanted to smash it within 30 minutes
You are not the first person I've heard this from. I love the concept, but I'm getting the impression it's not where it needs to be yet.
@@CatMulvihill same as the Rodecaster Pro 2 when that was first released. It’s sorted now but initially it was a pain. Rode do love pushing out products quickly and it always comes back and bites them on their more complex products. I’m sure it will be awesome….eventually.
Hi Cat, great video! I’m curious if you know if when connecting the streamer x to a macbook pro does it need to be a direct connection into the laptop or could I plug it into a docking station? Only reason i’m asking is because my docking station takes up all my thunderbolt ports. Thank you!
I didn't test my dock, but I believe Alec from Take One Tech used his through dock: www.youtube.com/@TakeOneTech
Not including the option to connect a USB mic (any manufacturer) is a huge miss for sure. Thanks for the video.
14:55 wait you cant even connect the Rode usb mics? I thought connectivity within the brand worked?!
Useful if you have an XLR, but honestly I would get an Elgato Streamdeck+ and use their WaveLink software - which this seems to imitate to a degree. However, that said this is a great and informative video :)
Yeah if you already have a capture card, the SD+ would be great, but if not this is an all in one and with the StreamerX, you can just as Unify which is just like WaveLink.
WaveLink with the Stream Deck+ definitely has more granular control at your fingertips, which is really nice.
All what a person needs, specialy, if always connected..work or leisure! I have the Rodecaster (1), and is enough, maybe overkill in size..but..is what it is..i have room though..
I don't have the Streamer X, but I do have a Rodecaster Duo. It, too, has a low level hum with my IEMs. I did some testing around this and found that the hum is present with all of the IEMs we have (includes low end & mid-range units). Using or not using an extension cable with the IEMs didn't affect the hum. But interestingly, there is no hum when I use an over the ear headset. Seems to me like it's not a per unit fault but instead something in the specs to do with certain headsets. Guessing, though. Perhaps I need to send in a support ticket and get Rode's thoughts.
Thank you so much, Charlotte! That's incredibly useful feedback 😊
I'll test a couple of other sets (over-ear, too) and see how that goes.
@@CatMulvihill Could this be related to to the Streamer X headphone output being optimized for a native differential (balanced) vs unbalanced internal? Maybe the over the ear was native Balanced, or maybe it is looking for a high impedance load vs the IEM? Would be interesting to know.
@CharlotteDrewJD What was the Brand and Model of the Headset that was used? What connection type was being used for the IEM and for the headset? Maybe the specifications can give us a clue.
So how did the test go?
More Pads just like streamdecknxl need more buttons for a big soundboard
Beautiful….
Hi! Can i use an USB mic like the Rode video mic go 2 with the streamer X?
It's one of the limitations I mention in the video-It doesn't have an input for USB mics.
Bought the Streamer X, however I am wondering if I should let it go. I use a RØDE NT USB Mini mic and an Insta360 LINK camera for video conferencing and of course, neither works with the Streamer X. The only use case that I can see for me, would be giving a lecture, when I could have my Keynote on my MacBook Pro and an HDMI connected camera pointing at something that I might be demonstrating and I was wearing a RØDE Wireless Go 2 mic. It feels like I am desperately trying to find a problem to a solution, rather than the other way around.
Based on your setup, I would agree with your assessment about finding a problem to a solution.
I think it's common with tech & gear to want to fit something to our setup (I've seen this a lot with the ATEM).
I like unifi
ive got a wireless mic from Syncho & a USB mic from Neewer .. Rode doesn't want my business obviously ???
Cat, I’ve been watching the way you breathe and noticed you breathe into the upper part of your lungs. That causes you to runout of breath and you will increase your fight or flight, adrenaline and anxiety. I’ve been to breathing physio therapy for this myself and you need to practice diaphragmatic breathing. You will feel so much better.
Is a tehnical product so the audio specific setings ar very important. You totaly miss the point of prezenting a simpal and very compact product. In the audio video word beeing tehnical is a important cuality and condition. Ve have real an big and very complex audio and video mixers and ther prezentations ar complex and complet and in the same time posible. OIn dis simple product vith only 1 audio channel and 1 video channel with a simple eq , the most simple audio compresor possible an reverb preset in my opinion youtotali miss the point of a prezentation.
Why make this video if you don't have time for so many important details. Smh 😒 also you cant turn it off there is no on & off switch.
A waste of time and your talent. The definition of insanity is repeating the same action and expecting a different outcome. (Another stress break in your future?)
I'm genuinely curious about your intention writing this message and what you thought I would feel when reading it.