Mackie Mainstream vs Rode Streamer X: The Truth Unveiled

[@kriedholm]

Which device works best with your workflow?

[@GotTheVid20]

I prefer the Mainstream as there are more Hardware features. I wish we had the Matrix software for Mac computers.

[@ScaryAF_Entertainment]

Any updates with the Matrix software and seperating audio in OBS? I currently have a rodecaster pro and hate that OBS does not let me separate the tracks coming from the mixer. I want to upgrade to this, but only if I can separate the tracks in post. Great video btw!

[@kriedholm]

Matrix software is available for Windows/PC. I'm waiting for the mac version in order to test myself.

[@ScaryAF_Entertainment]

@@kriedholm Thank you!

[@ScaryAF_Entertainment]

So I ended up returning my Mainstream Streamdeck. It was horrible and felt like my xlr input was broken. Going to try the Roland Bridge Cast X next and hopefully have better luck.

[@markexploringnewstuff]

Kri, you always have professional and informative videos. A very calm and relaxed presentation style. Thank you.

[@kriedholm]

I appreciate that!

[@Varidi_Praktik]

Hi friend. Is it possible to conduct a zoom meeting through mackie? If so, which entrance is it through? Is it possible to play background music at the same time? I have an Android phone, does it support mackie mainstream? Thank you in advance for the answers🙏

[@kriedholm]

Hi Varidi you sure can conduct Zoom meetings using the Mackie. This video gives a rundown on all the ports and may be helpful for your setup: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5-bnqGre9elrNk

[@thomasjmcclure]

Thanks for this overview! so torn between these two devices for a new streaming setup I'm working on. quick question, does the Rode Streamer X software allow any sort of EQ adjustment for microphones like the goxlr does? (sorry if you said anything about it and I missed it)

[@kriedholm]

Thanks for tuning in, Thomas! Here's what the EQ adjustments look like in Rode Central: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKLQq52wlqyrhrssi=7LkxH2R83LotUDT_&t=215

[@techbyfinne]

Just sent my Røde Streamer X back after waiting for several months for updates that could make the video part stable and usable on Apple Silicon. Got tired of Røde's excuses and poor support. Now I want to repurchase an Elgato Cam Link 4K, but have doubts about the audio interface. Must be primarily used for talking heads / podcast and must be able to drive an SM7B without cloudlifter and work without problems with Apple Silicon. What would you suggest? Thanks for a great channel.

[@kriedholm]

To my knowledge, the Rode Streamer X, Rodecaster Pro 2, and the Rodecaster Duo are the only devices out there that can handle a mic like the SM7b without having to use a cloudlifter. Note: I am in no way affiliated with Rode at this time and based on your requirements, one of these Rode products is currently your only option re: audio.

[@techbyfinne]

@@kriedholm Thanks, but no more Røde products :)

[@blashthespartan]

@@kriedholmthe wave xlr interface and go xlr also can power a sm7b without a cloudlifter

[@snapelander]

Hello, thank you so much for the video and your work :3 Have you by any chance encountered the problem of programming keys in Rode unify? for me, any assigned midi key copies the data of the last assigned midi key, while there is no such problem in Rode Central

[@kriedholm]

Yeah I haven’t played with unify yet but the scenario you describe sounds problematic.

[@keithzellers495]

Wonderful Review. I'm a huge Rode fan but I going to have to dig into the Mackie. In this size of a device, I'm also looking for it to be my audio interface. The inclusion of the Monitor outs on the Mainstream really helps. On the Streamer X, I'd have to use a headphone out (meh) but your comment on the Shure SM7B for the Mainstream gives me pause. I'll check out some of your later videos. If you have any insight on using the Mainstream as an audio interface please share. Perhaps you could do a video on "The best Streamer / Audio Interface for your desktop" - XLRs (1 preferably 2, support Shure SM7B, mic + instrument), Monitor outs (1 set is fine), Headphone Outs (1 preferably 2), Video In (1 preferably 2, HDMI and/or USBC), OBS integration, Stream Deck Plug-in. I don't want much, do I? My dream would be if Audient added a video encoder or 2.

[@kriedholm]

Rode bought mackie a year ago so my guess is that we’ll see a nice streamer x / mainstream combo device in the future. My hope is for a smaller rodecaster video. We’ll see what happens!

[@jawiginla]

Hi Kri, Brilliant content, Can you do a video with the Streamer X in a Podcast scenario ... thank you in Advance

[@kriedholm]

Thank you and I’ll consider it!

[@MeDroiD]

Would any of these devices allow me to plug speakers + XLR microphone + gaming headset and microphone which mean 2x mini jacks while giving me control to select which combination is used? Thanks in advance!

[@kriedholm]

Take a closer look at the ports on the Mackie. I believe you'd be able to accomplish using that device, but check to be sure.

[@f10kyle65]

Are either one of these like great for dual pc streaming? I currently run an elgato hd60x and the behringer umc22 and I’d really like to combine the 2 if possible

[@kriedholm]

The Streamer X has 2 USB-C outs to support dual pc streaming

[@f10kyle65]

@@kriedholmhey sorry I didn’t see this reply until now. I ended up going to get the streamer x today, and I’m trying to set it up for my dual pc setup. I watched rode’s short on how to do it, and it’s not super descriptive. any insight on what they were trying to say?😂

[@jonmikkeleira8977]

Damn good review! Love that you go deep in to it! Never seen ur videos before but i sure love your content now! Thank you :D Considering to buy Mackie Mainstream or Roland Bridge cast x. Do you have a review of that? :D -JM

[@kriedholm]

Appreciate it, JM! I don't have a review of the Roland Bridge Cast, but would love to get my hands on one. Looking forward to seeing this tech improve now that there is more competition.

[@waltjennette]

I know you keep mentioning Rode Central but Unify has been out for a lil while now and opens up the full power of the streamer x

[@kriedholm]

Last time I checked, it was only available for Windows. Now I see it's available for Mac and I can't wait to check it out. Thanks!

[@waltjennette]

@@kriedholm Yeah I’ve been using it on my Mac since at least June, which is when the Beta first dropped.

[@koolpep]

Unify for the Mac allows the use of 4 inputs at the same time, one xlr, one wireless, one hdmi, one headset, all of them recording or streaming but on,y on unify. Oh and of course you can add all the other sources too, chat, usb2 etc.

[@redcomn]

How about the new Roland bridgecast X

[@kriedholm]

Haven’t had a chance to look at that one yet. Great seeing all these competitors!

[@Daniil-mr1om]

Is this the only device on the market able to work with USB microphones?

[@kriedholm]

Pretty sure this is the only combo a/v device at the moment.

[@GotTheVid20]

Biggest Frustration right now is the Mackie Matrix software is still only available on WINDOWS. They still do not have any software for MAC.

[@kriedholm]

Agreed!

[@TheWuPigPodcast]

I’m back for another comment on this video. Purchased the Mainstream back in January, after 9 months…i reached out to Mackie about the software, and complained…they actually offered to refund my money. That’s great service if i must say so myself. Now that I’m shell shocked by that decision, I’m going back and forth in my head to just get the Rode Streamer X for 250….I’m streaming PS5 games, madden, College Football on my Mac using ECamm…Let me know what you think

[@kriedholm]

Wow that's amazing! I love my Streamer X and recommend it.

[@CesarJoel]

Great video and info! Thanks for the overview!

[@kriedholm]

Thank you, Cesar!

[@TheWuPigPodcast]

Great Review…i got the mainstream, looking forward to the software coming out

[@kriedholm]

You and me both!

[@Bermudaoficial]

Thank you so much for your videos❤ you are amazing God bless new sub

[@kriedholm]

You are so welcome. Thanks for tuning in!

[@Starrky923]

I wish they released streamerX without capture card, I'd get it day1 just for processing

[@kriedholm]

The duo may be a good fit for you?

[@bobwhitewo3b]

RODE Streamer X has more capabilities when used with RODE Unify software including using all three microphone inputs at the same time.

[@kriedholm]

Thanks Bob. Will have to check it out.

[@EmoEmu]

We've come a ways since the GoXLR.

[@kriedholm]

Sure have and it'll only get better from here!

[@premiumproductions9041]

Your voice is EXTREMELY sibilant it’s almost like ur whistling I’m not sure what you did to that Sm7b eq but it gave me a headache 🤕

[@kriedholm]

Oh that's not good. Will take a closer look at my settings.

[@caseyzx]

yay new kri video

[@kriedholm]

Hey Casey!

[@kalClutch912]

I think I’m going to return the mainstream…it just feels broken 😡 and I get static/distortion from my hdmi input

[@kriedholm]

I completely understand your feelings on it feeling broken. One of the downsides of being an early adopter.

[@ilandvash6746]

I have the Streamer X and I have problems ALL the time. This is my second device. I hope you will have luck with it.

[@86crush]

The verdict seems to be out on the Mackie software being absolutely horrific. These devices are all janky to some extent… I get what they are trying to accomplish, but give me an Apollo, a streamdeck and a capture card and it’s not only less expensive but likely more functional. $300+ is just not where it needs to be yet.

[@kriedholm]

Fair point. Thanks for tuning in!

[@86crush]

@@kriedholm I retort….the Apollo 100% does not work with Windows. So that’s out the ….window 🤦🏻‍♂️ 😂

[@know_not_wickedness]

Sorry Dude, but the Mackie is junk until they start putting out more firmware and features.

[@kriedholm]

What’s on your feature wish list?