Rode X XCM-50

Are you looking for a microphone for gaming or streaming ? If you want to play the simplicity card, you will find what you are looking for by opting for a USB microphone like the Rode X XCM-50. No need for an audio interface to use this type of microphone. You simply have to connect it to your computer or smartphone and that's it.

, XCM 50 from Rode the audio quality is there. Added to this is its exceptional design quality. You want to know more ? Discover through this article the complete test of the Rode X XCM-50.

Focus on the Rode brand and its Rode X branch dedicated to gaming

Founded in 1967 in Sydney by the Freedman couple, the Rode company specializes in the design of audio equipment . This Australian brand offers the best studio microphones, audio interfaces, mixing consoles and audio processing software.

Products adorned with the Rode logo are now sold in 118 countries around the world. A look back at the history of this brand before diving into the test of the Rode X XCM-50.

The Rode brand is part of the Freedman Electronics . Here are Rode's notable dates:

• 1967: creation of the Rode brand by Henry and Astrid Freedman
• 1990: takeover of the company by Peter Freedman, the son of Henry Freedman
• 1990: launch of the Rode NT1 , a cardioid condenser microphone that has become iconic
• 1992: launch of a new, more versatile condenser microphone model: the Rode NT2. This is a microphone offering 3 different directivities.
• 2004: launch of the Rode VideoMic, a shotgun microphone for on-camera sound recording
• 2007: release of the brand's first USB microphone, the Rode Podcaster

After the great success of the Rode Podcaster USB microphone , Rode launched other series of microphones of this type. Of these, arguably the most popular with content creators, gamers, and musicians is the Rode NT-USB . Moreover, we have already had the privilege of testing this famous microphone as well as its mini version, the Rode NT-USB mini .

In 2022, the manufacturer launched a sub-brand called Rode X. This new branch aims in particular to satisfy the needs of gamers and streamers in terms of audio equipment. At the time of writing, the Rode X sub-brand offers 3 products, namely:

• A virtual mixing software called Unify
• A dynamic USB microphone : the XDM-100
• A USB condenser microphone : the XCM-50

In this article, it is the latter that interests us. Without further ado, here is the review of the Rode X XCM-50.

Rode X XCM-50 Microphone Overview

The Rode X XCM-50 is a USB microphone just like the Blue Yeti and the Superlux E205U and the Blue Microphones Snowball. These microphones have the advantage of being easy to use compared to other types of microphones.

For example, if you're using a regular condenser microphone, you'll need phantom power and a sound card or mixing board. On the other hand, with a USB mic, no additional studio equipment is required. To make it work, simply plug it directly into your PC , tablet or phone. In the jargon, this system is called “ Plug & Play ”.

The Rode X XCM-50 belongs to the condenser microphone family . By the way, the letter “C” in XCM stands for “capacitor”. For information, please note that Rode X also offers another model of micro USB called XDM-100 . However, the latter is a dynamic microphone (D for dynamic) like the Shure MV7.

The XCM-50 is a lightweight model that is ideal for mobile users. It weighs only 495g. So you can easily carry it when traveling. In addition, it does not take up much space on a desk with its 63 mm in length and 120 mm in height.

On the back of the microphone, we find the following elements:

• A USB Type-C connector
• A headphone output

On its front, we can see the RODE X logo which perfectly embellishes its black steel case. There is also a red rotary knob to adjust the headphone output level .

Accessories delivered with the Rode X XCM-50

The Rode X XCM-50 does not come alone in its box. It comes with several practical accessories:

• A tripod
• An extension cable for the headset
• A USB-C cable

The tripod supplied with the XCM-50 is a high-end model very popular with fans of the Rode brand. This is the Tripod 2 . This device will be useful for stabilizing the XCM 50 on a table . This is also adjustable in height, which allows you to easily find the ideal positioning.

The other advantage of the Tripod 2 lies in its versatility . Indeed, this accessory is not designed only for the XCM-50. It can also accommodate other models of USB or other microphones, as well as cameras.

The headset extension cable is 3m long , allowing you to use an articulating microphone arm without problem.

As for the USB-C cable , this allows you to connect the microphone to your computer, your phone or your tablet. Just make sure your device supports this type of cable.

Unify software to optimize the sound reproduction of the Rode X XCM-50

By purchasing the Rode X XCM-50, you can download Unify , a virtual mixing software, for free. Using this tool allows gamers and streamers to achieve professional quality audio .

It is important to emphasize that the Rode brand is used to offering this type of offer. For example, if you purchase a Rode NT-USB mini microphone , you will be entitled to free access to the Rode Connect software .

With its ergonomic interface, Unify is easy to use . This tool provides you with several features to optimize the quality of your recordings . Here are some examples of tasks you can perform with this software:

• Mix up to 4 USB microphones simultaneously
• Mix up to 6 virtual audio devices from Discord, Spotify or other sources
• Add sound effects
• Adjust microphone volume
• Reduce background noise with Noise Gate
• Attenuate low frequencies and let high frequencies through by activating the high-pass filter
• Access the Aphex Aural Exciter processor

Areas of application for the Rode X XCM-50

Rode​​ However, nothing stops you from using it for other uses. Here are some examples:

• Podcasting
• Sound recording of YouTube videos
• Recording a singer's voice
• Voice off
• Meetings on Skype or Zoom

To record the voice of a singer or acoustic instruments (acoustic guitar, piano, etc.), you will have a better result with an XLR microphone .

If you have a plan to capture your electric guitar's amp, the XCM-50 would not be the mic for you. Instead, opt for a microphone dedicated to this use (see our guide: The microphone for guitar recording ). This is particularly the case with the Sennheiser E609 hypercardioid microphone.

Furthermore, if you plan to record a chorale, consider looking for a microphone that has omnidirectional polar pattern . With this kind of polar pattern, the mic will be able to capture sound in a room from all directions equally. Which seems perfect for capturing the vibe of the studio.

There are several microphone models that offer an omnidirectional polar pattern . These include the Telefunken TF-47 microphone , the Neumann M149 and the SE Electronics sE2200a II.

Zoom on the sound quality of the Rode X XCM-50

Our first observation about the Rode X XCM-50: this studio microphone is very sensitive . No need to be glued to the mic to get decent sound. Even at 15 cm, you will still have a natural and clean sound . It must be said that this is a particularity that it shares with the majority of condenser microphones.

Another sonic advantage of this microphone : it reproduces the voice with great detail whether in the high frequencies or in the low frequencies.

This model is ideal for use in a home studio since it effectively reduces background noise . This is linked to its cardioid polar pattern which makes it sensitive only to sounds in front of it. This is why it hardly picks up the sounds of a keyboard or the clicks of a mouse.

This microphone captures the entire range of frequencies audible to our ears, from 20 to 20,000 Hz . It can withstand loud sound sources since its maximum SPL is 121 dB .

Just like Rode's NT-USB mini, the XCM-50's chassis also includes a pop filter. Thanks to this integrated device, this microphone effectively suppresses plosives.

The technical characteristics of the Rode X XCM-50

• Mic Type: USB Condenser Microphone
• Directivity: cardioid
• Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Swivel body
• Built-in pop filter
• Digital conversion: 24 bits / 48 kHz
• Integrated DSP chip with low-cut filter, noise gate, compressor and Aphex
• Maximum sound pressure level (SPL): 121 dB
• Stereo headphone output with latency monitoring on 3.5 mm mini jack
• Headphone output level control
• Connector: USB-C
• Dimensions (L x DxH): 63 mm x 44 mm x 120 mm
• Weight: 495g
• Accessories included: 1 tripod, 1 3 m headphone extension, 1 3 m cable (USB-C to USB-C), 1 license for Unify software

Our opinion on the Rode X XCM-50 microphone

Modern and elegant look, easy installation, impressive sound quality, the Rode X XCM-50 has everything to please video game enthusiasts. If you're looking for a microphone for gaming, this is the device for you.

Its design quality is a real feast for the eyes. Its elegant design will go perfectly with any home studio. Although this model is compact, it benefits from a metal body which is resistant to shocks.

This model would be a perfect choice for beginners since its installation is not rocket science. Simply plug the included USB cable into your computer's port to start recording your voice.

The sound quality of this microphone is just incredible. Its performance is significantly superior to entry-level USB microphones on the market. This model delivers sound with unrivaled clarity.

Another point that makes buying the Rode X XCM-50 a profitable investment is the included accessories. The Australian manufacturer accompanies the microphone with a solid tripod and 2 cables (one for the headset and another for connecting to the PC). Everything is there to make home studio recordings in optimal conditions. No need to invest in other equipment to start using it.

Unify software is the icing on the cake. This solution is of great use in optimizing audio quality. Note that this is only free for buyers of a Rode X microphone like the XCM-50. Otherwise, you have to pay a subscription of 5 euros per month to benefit from it.

Most :

• Good sound quality
• Robust design
• Compact design
• Free mixing software
• Several practical accessories included
• Effective pop filter

The lessers :

• Limited area of ​​application (it is mainly made for gaming and streaming)

Our verdict on the Rode X XCM-50: It's a good USB microphone that offers excellent value for money. We recommend this model to all streaming and gaming enthusiasts who want to enjoy professional sound.

Special Offer at Rode 🔥