The Rode X XDM-100 is the audio company’s gift to Twitch streamers. It’s a great gaming microphone that will make your setup sound ten times better. Even though it’s a USB-C microphone that puts convenience first, I’d say it disproves the idea that XLR devices are always better, especially when it comes to creating content on a gaming PC.
Rode X XDM-100: Description
You could say that the Rode X XDM-100 has a head start because the Australian company is already known for making high-quality audio equipment. That could work both ways. When I heard about the company’s new gaming division and its goals, I had high hopes for it. Even though its price is a bit high for me, the new dynamic mic from Rode has all the features you’d expect from a Rode mic.
The Rode X XDM-100, which costs $249 USD or £269.99 GBP, is clearly made for experienced streamers who want to make the best gaming PC setup possible. That doesn’t mean that beginners shouldn’t think about getting one, but I wouldn’t blame you for being put off by its high MSRP. But the high-end USB-C mic makes a strong case for its price, and the software that comes with it strengthens its potential place at the top.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Impressive audio quality
- High-quality build
- Shock mount and pop filter included
Cons
- Should’ve come with a USB-A to USB-C cable
- On-device knob is a bit hard to turn
Rode X XDM-100: Specifications
| Pickup Pattern | End-address cardioid |
| Frequency range | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Connectivity | USB-C |
| Bit depth | 24 bit |
| Size and weight | 52W x 52D x 213H millimeters, 700g |
Design and Features
If you are familiar with the RODE line, the XDM-100 will look like something you have seen before. If you took a RODE Procaster and painted the silver parts red, you’d have 95% of an XDM-100. There’s more to it than that, of course, but the mic’s main body is very similar, which isn’t a bad thing.
As you might expect from a high-end brand with RODE’s reputation, the XDM-100 is well made all around. It’s clear that no corners were cut, and nothing feels cheap or cut down. Even just holding the mic gives you a sense of studio equipment. It feels very professional, which is a big difference from how some cheap microphones feel like toys. The XDM-100 is heavy in almost every way.
With a length of more than 21 cm, the barrel of this mic is by far the biggest we have tried. When you add the (rather generously) included PSM1 Shock Mount, the whole unit becomes 11cm wide, which is a lot of space for tighter setups. When I added it to my setup, I had to think about it for a while because of how powerful it is. It was hard to find a place where I could see the end of the mic from the right distance without it getting in the way of my monitor.
For the XDM-100, you’ll need a mic arm, and you’ll want to be careful about which one you choose. RODE’s own PSA1+ did the job perfectly well, though there was some bouncing after making adjustments. This wasn’t a big surprise, since the XDM-100 weighs over a kilogramme when it’s in the shock mount.
Rode X XDM-100: Performance
The best USB microphone I’ve ever used is the Rode X XDM-100. As someone who has used both the PodMic and the Procaster for more than a year, I’m blown away by how much better the sound is, even though I switched from XLR to USB. It’s a clear sign that, thanks to its much more powerful output, USB-C as a platform for audio is a good alternative to an audio interface and thick XLR cables running through your setup.
So, even though I have a lot of high-end audio interfaces and recording gear, like the Rodecaster Pro II, the Rode X XDM-100 continues to win me over with how easy it is to use. It’s a novelty that I don’t think will wear off any time soon to be able to turn on my gaming laptop and know that my microphone will work right away and sound this good.
The pop filter sleeve that comes with it does a great job of blocking out annoying popping and clicking sounds. I also found that when I used the Revolution preamp with the Aphex processing, my speaking voice and different singing voices came out balanced, warm, and natural. As someone with a less common voice, I’m impressed by how well the copy is done. I also found that the level wheel was just sensitive enough that I could filter out all background noise, from the button presses of my Victrix Pro BFG controller to the fans of the gaming PC in the background.
Price and availability
The Rode X XDM-100 can be bought for $249 in the US, £249 in the UK, and $AU359 in Australia. It came out in October 2022 and is the flagship of the new Rode X gaming and streaming brand from the Australian microphone company. In all three countries, you can also buy straight from Rode’s store.
Final Words
As I said at the beginning of the review, the XDM-100 is the last piece of evidence that USB audio doesn’t have to sound like everyone’s bad idea of what USB audio sounds like. I’ve tested XLR microphones that didn’t sound as good as this one did, but they still needed a USB interface or mixer to make a sound that wasn’t as good.
If you choose XLR, is it possible to get better sound than what the XDM-100 can give you? Yes, but you need to think about the additional setup costs, which could be anywhere from $100 to a few hundred dollars. And that’s if your XLR mic isn’t more expensive and comes with a pop filter and shock mount like the ones that come with the XDM-100.
FAQs
What is the frequency response of Rode XDM 100?
The XDM-100 is a dynamic microphone with a pickup pattern called “end-address cardioid.” While writing our review of the RODE X XDM-100 Dynamic Microphone, we noticed that it has a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz.
Is Rode a good brand for microphones?
Their professional mics range from being affordable enough for a project studio to being top-of-the-line enough for a professional studio. They are used all over the world on a regular basis. Rode Microphones are known all over the world for their great sound and build quality, as well as their great prices.
