Thank you for watching! It can become challenging to communicate online and work from home. Make sure to try Grammarly Premium’s tone rewrite suggestions now! Sign up for an account and get 20% off Grammarly Premium: grammarly.com/shortcircuit

I love how fast Dan was accepted by the LMG audience and how LMG ACTUALLY GAVE THE AUDIENCE WHAT THEY WANTED

I love dan as a host personality because of how politely abrasive his comments can be. Its an absolute treat as a viewer!

Being an actual user of the software, it is really confusing. Why it doesn't work is because you have to assign your other software's output to the RODE virtual speakers. Then you will not be able to hear your other software's sound because it is fed to the RODE one. Now the only way to let you hear it would be adding the virtual speakers as a mix inside the software. So for example, if you wanna add a "game mix" in the RODE software, you have to assign your game to output to a virtual speaker called something like "RODE Game Output", then when you add the "game mix" inside the software, you can hear your games now. They have added a simple one click button for you to access the output changing tab for Windows, but there is absolutely no guide to tell you what you should do. I also thought my software was broken and reinstalled it several times. But at last I find out. That is not what I was expecting when I heard about this software and I believe Dan also expected the same as me.

as someone who struggled to learn all sorts of audio info in the past, I find Dan's knowledge and manner of presentation to be an absolute treasure

Dan exudes pure chaos in every video he's in and I need more

Professional Sound Engineer here, dynamic mics are essentially a reverse speaker. There is a coil moving past a magnet to produce the audio signal. This means they typically will have a higher noise floor and require more gain, but due to their simplicity they are more robust and are more forgiving. Condensers use a charged backplate and a conductive diaphragm to measure the impedance between the two. This requires an external power source, commonly provided by the interface or mixer in the form of phantom power. These are obviously more complex, but because they are measuring impedance differences rather than a coil moving past a magnet, they are much more sensative allowing you to capture softer sounds and finer details, but they are not happy with any sort of moving wind, like breathing or plosives like "P" or "B" sounds. The falloff that he was experiencing has to do with something called the proximity effect, with most microphones the closer you get the more of a boost you will get in the low end. Most broadcast mics like the RE20 and SM7B that he mentioned combat this by moving the capsule really far into the mic, so the area that you are speaking into is actually about 4 inches away from the mic capsule. The Rode mics don't look like that have that much space so they will be more suseptible to the proximity effect. The proximity effect also plays hand in hand with the inverse square law, which simply put, for every doubling of distance you get a quarter the amount of output. Because the RE20 and SM7B put so much distance between their mic grill an their capsule, the area of forgiveness is much wider than the XDM-100. My recommendation if you are looking to get a USB mic that's in the $250 price range, go with the Shure MV7. It's the little cousin to the SM7B, not quite as nice but going in the right direction. It also comes with both XLR and USB outputs.

Maybe I’m underestimating Harbor Freight here, but I feel like Behringer is a better analogy in the pro audio world. Rode makes some REALLY good stuff for the price.

HI, and thanks for this review! Unfortunately, it seems Dan made some basic errors when setting up UNIFY which caused him problems. It's important to understand how virtual audio mixing software such as UNIFY works - you connect the sound sources (eg mics, browser audio, chat, game etc) to UNIFY, and then route the output of UNIFY to your streaming platform (eg OBS). What Dan has done is first connect the mic to OBS. There is no need to do this - the audio goes Mic->UNIFY->OBS. Because OBS (unusually) captures exclusive use of USB devices, if you route the mic directly to OBS, UNIFY will not be able to connect to it. This is exactly what is happening in this video. Rather, Dan should have set the Stream Output of UNIFY as the audio input to OBS. This is the only audio setting you need to make in OBS; then you control all your sounds from UNIFY. There are a bunch is simple walk-through guides on the RODE X website that explain this, and show the simple steps to get everything working properly. If anyone is having issues, they can also reach out to us on social, or to our friendly service team - check the 'contact us' link on the RODE website.

Dan is quickly becoming one of my favourite hosts for LLT vids, second only to Anthony at this point.

This is interesting, I’m an audio “professional” (it’s my full time living but I’m still learning 😊) and I never considered RODE to be “entry level” at all. It’s not the highest end for sure but RODE mics make their way into lots of live audio applications, professional video applications, and even many commercial music studios!

Did he just call Rode the Harbor Freight of Audio equipment? lol I've never heard that before, what did rode do to you Dan, its okay you can tell us ;)

Buddy, Behringer is the Harbour Freight/Princess Auto of audio .. are you kidding me ?

10:01 - This is exactly it. The issue when I first started freelancing as a photo & video guy in 2012, was wireless mic setups. At the time, it was basically Sennheiser and that was it - but most people starting up simply cannot drop that level of cash. When Rode brought out their wireless packs, even though they weren’t not as robust or had interference / range issues, it allowed me to get that ball rolling. It’s the same with all production kit. You just have to make it work, even though it may not be the best... until you can afford the upgrades to make your work better.

At around 8:47 you can see that 0 db of gain has been assigned the mic and thus explains why you can visibily see the monitoring in OBS where you have probably added digital makeup gain for it to become audible, resulting in the noisy output you hear. The handle in RodeX you tried to adjust is just the mixer fader, will only adjust up of down of the gain stage added to the mic. The RodeX software might not have good software, but it seems this reviews does not do the mic real justice due to not adding any gain to the mic in its native DSP. OBS is the culprit, not the mic 👎🏻

5:58 The volume knob there is probably just for direct monitoring when you connect your headphones to the mic directly, so it doesn't actually adjust any gain.

Idk, I think Behringer is closer to Harbor Freight than Rode

You could get a very good Sudotack mic with stand or arm included for under 100 bucks, and it'll sounds pretty damn good even without any additional software.

That editing. 👌 Loved the loading screens from games as Dan mentioned them.

Greetings thanks for the video. Is it possible to use this microphone with your phone or tablet can help friends with knowledge?

_But you know who WONT have a critical flaw? Our sponsor!_

I have a Rode Podmic feeding into an Elgato wave XLR and that is the best setup I've ever used for a hobbyist/prosumer setup since the wave link software you get from Elgato is leaps and bounds ahead of what rode has. But maybe they'll iron out the issues as they go.

Dan has been the most delightful addition to the on-camera lineup. Pure, manic goodness for all to enjoy.

Have a bunch of Rode mics and accessories. And only had one device I thought didn’t live up to expectations. Their support has been outstanding though. And they are local (Australia).

Focusrite Scarlet Solo + Shure SM58. $200. All the software side stuff rode is offering can be had for free. Pedalboard 2, VAC, and a bunch of free VST plugins are what I use.

It's easier to say that something sucks than watch a 5-minute tutorial and learn how the virtual mixer works. Mr Expert.

I'm a little bit disappointed there was no comparison or even a mentioning of the Rode Procaster and the Rode Podcaster. Especially as this seems to be nearly the same capsule

I'd listen to a Dan podcast talking about the various shapes and sizes of things

We have fundamentally different ideas about what an entry-level cheap microphone setup is. The condenser mic setup I currently use cost about 100€ overall (as much as the mic arm where you said it's nicely cheap), including: mic, popfilter, arm, a cool red cable and a USB mixer. It still works great after 3 years and people keep telling me how good my mic sounds.

what laptop were they using? Looks pretty cool.

I bought a Behringer U-Phoria UMC 22 audio interface about three years ago. To my peasant ears, it's decent. It has a phantom power supply to drive a decent DIY Alice microphone that I built wtith a handfull of parts and a chinese 25mm condenser capsule. It would be interesting to see something like a DIY alternative sometimes. I spent somewhere around 60 dollars on the whole setup and it's actually good. Learned a few things as well.

"You can put lipstick on a pig, but just because something looks nice, doesn't mean it's functional." ~ Dan Besser, 2022

Always great to have dan for an audio video.

Were you using the actual mic (hardware) as your obs source or the mic software as your source? I looked like you were using the hardware as the ibs source when it should have been the software. You have to use it correctly.

I love the explosions and noises they ad. It subtle and funny.

What is his recommendations for microphones? Interested.

We need a Dan audio channel. Also some of the rode stuff if good for live (NT-5s)

Do you have to use the headphone out on the microphone or can you separate audio out from your pc I ask this because I bought this mic haven't used it yet and want use my pc audio out with my headphone dac amp combo

Damn when Dan unbox some things in ShortCircuit it always hit the cyberpunk theme pc in the back😅

I got a cheap Maono condensor mic and it's been doing the job. The mic arm's stand holdy bit (technical term) snapped in half after a few months, so i bought a new arm. Pretty cheap and seemingly high quality arm from Aremor. Love that arm. Disclaimer: I have only ever owned this one mic and and 2 arms.

Another great video. You guys intend to review the Rodecaster Pro 2 anytime soon? Would love to see that too

To be fair, is anyone buying a fancy dynamic mic and then _using_ the prepackaged software? I don't really understand why manufacturers create these bespoke solutions when anyone buying a microphone like this is gonna have their own complex signal chain in their own software of choice...

This is why i say get a shure mv7x microphone. it just works. They have a non usb vs for cheaper if you have a device already. other good choice for a Xlr mic is the Podmic for $99

Love to see more audio gear videos

didn't know 100$ for a stand was cheap. got a condenser mic + stand from AliExpress ages ago for like 20$ , works like a charm. at the time i also found a focusrite 2i2 (2nd gen i think) used for like half price.

I have the older stand from them, and I wish I could extend it higher from the desk so it can go across the desk at a higher angle.

Because of Dan, I want to delve deeper into audio equipment for personal use and media consumption. Can Dan do more? like newbie intro stuff for mics, and headsets?

would be nice and interessting to see more microphones :)

So what microphone were you using to record this video?

Well, I have the same duo for review and the soft is working fine. And it is amaaaaaazing (try to read it with aussie timbre). You just have to change the sound output from the PC.

I really hope videos with the addition of the price will perform at least as well if not better than videos without. It's a trend i love and want to see stay! I'm liking all videos I see from ShortCircuit with the price of items!

If you close OBS or at least make sure that nothing else is using the xdm100 on its own, the signal should then come through unify if you re-add the mic to your inputs ;)

You could angle the mic 30° of axis from your mouth. While that still requires some pretty consistent head position it help with the field of view. @Podcastage has some pretty nice stuff about mic position.

I'm actually surprised he didn't recognize the RØDE mic arm. The PSA-1 is an industry standard....

Does the mic work without software ??

1:36 vigorously shakes the box "seems to handle shock" Dan exudes passive aggressive energy too well

dan is such a valuable host for these videos.

Cant take this man seriously after he called Rode Harbor Freight quality.

Also slightly confused on the Rode view - their stuff generally covers the upper end of consumer rather than Behringer that covers the low end.

Been using the NT1 with the AI-1 for 2 years now and I have no regets. Rode is a great entry level brand indeed.

I have almost zero interest in getting a desk mounted microphone. But its Dan so you bet I'm going to watch the whole thing!

RODE may have entry level stuff, but I've had my NT1-A for over 10 years, and my M1 for probably close to 10 at this point. Heck I know of instances where RODE has outright replaced stuff that has died that was certainly not covered by warranty. But I avoid USB mics at the best of times anyway.

It might be the color calibration on my monitor, but is the brand's colors just like LLT? :D

As someone who has used Rode microphones in studios for the last 20 years, I don't get the "cheap" tag.

Comparing Rode to Harbor Freight in the first 20 seconds is downright savage

The way to go is a cheap XLR interface (eg. behringer umc22) with Midas Amps and a XLR Mic that fits the budget. I got the RODE Procaster and the GoXLR Mini.

6:04 wow, that's some nice Dan ASMR

6:35 oh no. It sounds quite muffled on my pxc550's as well. In stark contrast to what ever you use on set.

for that mic costing 250 and hearing it. From an audio technicians perspective just get a sm58 wth a behringer UM2 or a focusrite interface. It sounds wayy batter. Gives you a larger upgrade path and a lil plus you get a cable that you an connect to itself to extend its length called an XLR cable. Also the sm58 is a mic that can handle a strong beating and any somehwat decent second hand mic from ebay or craigslist will sound just as good as a brand new one.

I like the honest take on it. Dan’s a great presenter

can anyone explain the part where he says "dynamic microphone for loud things and a condenser for soft things" . I see people using both for streaming / podcasting

I would be interested in what his best solution if someone is standing up and talking and using obs as I have so struggled with obs and audio

I mean isn’t this just a USB version or the Røde Procaster dynamic mic?

At least the actual hardware is good, so they’re partway there.

Rode certainly isn't entry level. Behringer is

holy shit a mic review! Finally! Dan has been my favorite addition to LMG

i have my doubts any usb mic is ever a good investment just purely because of the poor software support and limited longevity due to drivers. i have an XLR mic from 1971 still alive and kicking and useful but an audio interface from 2011 that no longer works because they never made a functioning windows 10 driver for it.

I have an NW700 by Neewer And I've had it for a couple of years. It's a condenser microphone and that thing can pick up me from all the way across the house or hear every fart I make. Once I learned more about how they work and how I should talk around it, it's not too bad, the clarity is much higher It doesn't sound like I'm talking with a Linus tech tips hoodie over my face. Best thing, the microphone and stand and phantom power supply was 80 bucks

Both of these mics are reskins/improvements of their older mics the dynamic is a reskin of the rode procaster and the usb mic is a reskin of the Rode nt usb mini

I'm amazed that some people are amazed that 4 bars of metal "only" cost $100. I got miy mic stand with a shock absorber mount for $10 but hey, to each his own.

6:05 Dan's "SNL parody's NPR" impression is comedy gold.😆😂

The amount of chaos during the unboxing was beautiful. Dan's super quickly become a great presence for LTT. Cool to see higher end USB mics, but I'd imagine this is a tough sell considering the MV7 exists and the software, while doesn't have a lot of features, is really simple to use. If someone needs mixing and wants to spend this much on a mic, I think they've probably reached a point to get a decent interface as long as its not required on the go.

I haven't spent a ton of time in audio, but I bought a Rode NT USB (First model) way back when Linus first reviewed it literally years ago. And other than the pop filter cracking, the microphone has survived all of these years with no issues whatsoever. It still sounds good, and has held up incredibly well over the years. So saying that Rode is the harbor freight of audio... I mean I don't know I think that's a little harsh. At least... I dunno that sounds fairly negative to me. Maybe that isn't the intent. (The NT USB also doesn't use any software or anything at all so I have no input on that) (EDIT: At the end of the video, can't help but feel like Dan is immediately biased against RODE. The mic really doesn't sound that bad, and you know audio is subjective. If you HAVE to use the software and THAT is what's bad, then focus on that. But it was just down talking RODE the whole time.)

Can you make a video on the logitech blue sona?

Is anyone have the these problem with this mic ? 1. If i use usb-c in the box connect to windows laptop i got crackling sound but it work fine with macbook. 2. Unify program got crash and never opened again after use it for couple hours.

This mic is essentially a rode podcaster in red and black instead of white. I mean sure, it has a few extra features I suppose, like the mute button on the mic. But aside from that it's not much different. Maybe the sound characteristics are a little different but on first glance it really doesn't strike me as a new product but more as a revamp

i received a Samson USB mic from one of the judges of 24 Hours of Lemons, and ive been impressed with the sound. it has a high noise floor because it is INCREDIBLY sensitive, ill be putting a ton of sound deadening in my recording area. but the sound is much more level than this one, which did come across as incredibly bass-y. im happy to report that i can still get a boom arm, rubber band stand and puff filter specifically for my mic, and it's not very expensive. it might be something a little better for someone who is just getting into the streaming or recording realm and wants something a little more plug and play with minimal fuss

I know short circuit is first look, but honestly this review makes me scream. I have an nt usb mini, was an early unify adopter (where some issues existed that RØDE did solve in an update), and found the software was pretty useable. Helps also RØDE has some videos of what to do.

I have the Rode Procaster, and it's such a great mic. I've used many different mics for VO and this is my favourite by far. So I can't for the life of me figure out why neither the Rode Podcaster USB mic, and now the XDM-100 aren't just the Procaster, but with a USB output option? The Podcaster is too thin, and this sounds way too boomy.

So blunt 😂 love it. Such an interesting person

Just ordered an sE V7 microphone, Scarlett 2i2 Gen 3 interface, and a Rode PSA1+ mic arm. That'll be my first proper mic setup, should be good. I wouldn't personally call Rode cheap. They're not super expensive but also far from the cheapest out there. Depending on product/model/category ofc...

As an audio guy, I tend to avoid USB mic's since they've always failed me one way or another because of software, on the long run an inexpensive interface with a normal xlr mic is way better imho

Thank you editor for letting us know that no PC were harmed

first video ive seen of dan hosting and i love it to be honest

The PSA-1 has gotten improved! Love the sleeves on it. Mine feels naked now.

Dan is the absolute best. Thanks Linus / LMG for enabling him.

Maybe the ryobi of audio equipment is a better fit. Behringer already claimed harbor freight. Audio technica can be Hitachi. Shure is dewalt, Mackie is craftsman, sennheiser is bosch, neumann is hilti, sony is mikita. Wow this game is fun.

Rode makes some solid hardware but they really do suck when it come to software development, I own a pair of Rode Wireless Go2 and firmware/software update is always a bit of gamble. Apple's recent OS update forced me to update their software as well and was a ton of fun. No software update notification until I plugged the darned things to Windows software. You can always find testimonials of sorts on facebook user group.

Dude, I got to disagree. Rode is not entry level. At least, not in the world of live sound and recording. Entry level would be more like behringer or Navy. And even some of Barringer's stuff is pretty good. In fact, the NT1, NT1A, and NT2 are some of the better large diaphragm condensers that I've ever used in the studio. Of course it's not Neumann. But anything under $5,000 is not entry level by definition either.

First of Dan has a really nice style to his videos. I like his calm and slight chaotic energy like most people point out in the comments. It is also nice to have someone talking about products with a deeper knowledge of them. But here is what I don't like. Rode = entry level? I mean, it depends on what you choose and how you look at it of course, but the NT1-A was/is dominant for so long, the Larve sounds 10 times better than 95% of the gaming headsets people have, and he calls RODE cheap? I'm by no means a Rode fanboy and know there's room to improve with companies like Shure etc, but the amount of "bourgeois acting" for PC hardware and peripherals in recent months has got me thinking. Keyboards for $120 are talked down because of the way the cable is knitted. Calling a Rode full metal stand for $100 cheap (inexpensive). Taking the Rode XDM-100 as a demonstration model for RODE to "prove" a quality/product point is also misleading imo. This product is made for "gamers". That means pointless gimmicks (color, software, marketing, ...) and extra price because of the "GAMER tag". Companies have been doing this for ages. For $250 you should not buy this microphone. You can get a NT1-A and an audio interface or any other mic with DLXR for that matter. Why sugarcoat it and say the mic is good but the software is not? Saying that because it just won't stay with you forever is hard too. We have enough e-waste already, why not have something for a longer time? You also say at Mac repairs that we should keep the environment in mind (you are referring to the whole LMG team). This is not hate at all and certainly not against Dan himself. I think that with his eight plus years of studio experience, he knows a lot more about microphone quality and the technology behind it than I do. But I just am starting to feel that LMG is losing touch with its audience. I don't know how many people here are audiophiles and spend $400+ just for their mic, but I guess if you look at some statistics, be it statista or steam, most of us are just looking for a good price that doesn't cost half of our income. The test itself was mediocre for me. Mic works, Dan opinion on it: Too much base, not enough highs, software bad, headset we don't know and don't care.I wrote "Dan's opinion" because we have no direct comparison with a mic in the same price range. Again, this is not meant to be hate, but constructive criticism. Maybe I'm the only one who sees it that way but I hope this maybe gets a thought or two. I wish you all the best for the holiday season though. Take care.