RØDE X Streamer X Professional Integrated Audio Interface and 4K Video Capture Card with XLR, HDMI and TRRS Connectivity for Streaming, Gaming and Content Creation

I do instructional videos and voiceovers, pulling output from an XLR mic, a Canon R6 MK II and graphics and music tracks from my Mac.Once selected as the input source, audio output from X Streamer tracked perfectly in Logic Pro, Adobe Audition, TwistedWave, OBS, QuickTime and Final Cut Pro (and I suspect most DAW software). Using a HDMI cable, I was able to record 4K/30 R6 MK II video into OBS and Final Cut Pro. Saves time by syncing multiple sources and not having to constantly stick the camera SD in a reader.Beyond settings and firmware updates, you don't have to touch Rode's software. Rode’s free starter software—Connect (podcasts) and Unify (streaming)—are for people unwilling to invest in professional software and mainly do network gaming, streaming, etc. My advise is to buy your own production software. If you already have software, you can keep using it!I really like the small form factor of the X Streamer. Using the tripod socket, I mounted it on a Manfrotto Magic Arm next to my Mac. O placed the control surface at 90 degree angle so easy to see and inputs are along the top edge, making for fast and easy connections. I hate it when the ports face backwards…I originally plugged the X Streamer direct into a USB-C port on my Mac, but disliked the X Streamer running 24/7—has no on/off switch. My USB-C hub has individual on/off switches so plugged in the X Streamer and it worked perfectly and I can switch it off at the touch of a button. The power hub has plenty power for the X Streamer (no power adapter needed).I didn’t find many gotchas other than avoiding Rode’s software. The X Streamer works great for me as a video capture card and XLR mic input. And, surprisingly was compatible with all my normal work software. I wish it had real audio level meters—not just an illuminated dial and flashing LEDs. Being able to use USB mics seems like a missed opportunity.All in all a great combo of video capture, XLR audio and control interface. Highly recommended!

I bought this device for work. Specifically to use my mirrorless camera and an XLR microphone in my Zoom meetings and presentations.The Streamer X was great in my initial testing. The audio interface was amazing. The video output looked great.However, I found myself having issues with it relatively quickly. Some of the audio devices would disappear from the list of audio options in Zoom, and the device would get stuck. I used the airhorn coming through the headphones as a quick test, and no audio would come out -- the red pad would light up, so I knew it got the signal. Once the device locked up, I'd have to disconnect and reconnect it to get it to work again. This caused a couple of additional problems: the device would lose all settings when restarted (gain, selected microphone, output volume); and it would require restarting Zoom too in order to get the audio devices to show up again. Me typing "brb" in the Zoom chat and leaving/rejoining became a common occurrence.I opened up a ticket with Rode's Support. They say they have seen reports of the device getting locked up when the computer (Mac) wakes from sleep. That tracks with my experience. However, there is another review reporting the same issue in Windows. Rode's support mentioned that they were "hoping" they could fix it with a firmware update.Ultimately, Rode offered an RMA, which would require me to send the device for investigation. That would leave me without an interface for the time being. They didn't offer a loaner or anything like that. With my return window closing, I chose to just return the device to Amazon for a refund. I may try it again if they fix the issues in the future.

It works fine as long as you avoid their half-baked mixer software, which feels like a study in bad engineering. The other Rode software, Rode Central, is fine, and can be used to control most functions of the device. Otherwise, it's stable; I used it in production for hours at a time (OBS Studio) with no crashes or hiccups. Negligible CPU usage and power draw from host computer.It captures stereo sound from HDMI, which a lot of video capture cards do in mono only. If you have separate audio tracks at your source, the Rode will bring them into your computer properly, as separate tracks, as opposed to downmixing to mono like most other HDMI capture devices.

TLDR: Mac users beware. Solid RODE equipment, RODE Central handles basic functionality, but you need to use Unify if you like more control of your audio channels. There is no released version of Unify for Mac, so people utilizing their M2 or M1 encoders will need to look elsewhere if they use lots of audio sources within OBS. I'm waiting to see how long it takes to get access to the beta version of Unify for Mac, if it looks like it'll be over a week then I'll probably return this.Material: High quality construction, I'm not sure if it's metal , it doesn't feel like it, but it does feel durable. I'd be willing to bet I could use it as a hammer and It'd still work afterwards.Hardware: Dials feel nice to use. While they don't have a ticking feel as you increment gain, they do have an LED which indicates levels pretty well. The led light above the mic indicates which input is being used.Software: Comes in two flavors. RODE Central or Rode Unify. Rode Unify being the more advanced of the two, and doesn't support Mac (yet, you have to sign up to get access to the Unify beta).Sound: No issues with it, I hear game audio from the secondary input.Video Input: No issues with it, if you have issues make sure you're using the OG cable it comes with for the streaming PC.Video Output: Haven't tested it, as I'm just duplicating the output of the gaming PC. I did notice they stated it accepts 1440p144hz as input but only 120hz/60hz for recording. I don't believe that recording limitation applies to the output to the monitor but I have yet to test it.