Røde XCM-50 USB Mic Review (VS Røde NT-USB Mini, Blue Yeti, AT2020USB-X, FiFine K678)

Today, I have the Rode XCM-50 in the Audio Hotline Studio! Recently I reviewed the XDM-100 recently and enjoyed that microphone. It made sense for its target audience of gamers, podcasters, streamers, and KZbinrs... However, the XCM-50 is a condenser mic instead of a dynamic, and for a lot of people in the target audience that could pose some issues. So in this video, I test the mic out and see who this mic will work for!
I go through the accessories, features, specs, tests, and comparisons in this review. In the comparisons I include the following mics:
Comparison:
Rode NT-USB Mini VS Rode XCM-50
BLIND COMPARISON:
Blue Yeti
AT2020USB-X
Rode XCM-50
Røde NT-USB (original)
FiFIne K678
Check out the testing and audio samples and see if this is right for you! Every person has different expectations of audio gear. If the features are what you need, and you like the sound, then it is right for you!
Thanks for watching the Audio Hotline! I'll see you Audio Nerds next time!
=====TIMESTAMPS======
If you are looking for a UNIFY SOFTWARE WALK-THROUGH you can find it in the XDM-100 Review (it starts around six minutes and twenty-seven seconds into that video)
Introduction / Review Details / Disclaimer: 0:00 - 1:43
Unboxing the XCM-50: 1:43 - 2:13
My Opinion On Accessories and Build Quality: 2:13 - 3:38
XCM-50 Features: 3:38 - 4:27
My Opinion on the Features: 4:27 - 5:02
Røde XCM-50 Specs: 5:02 - 5:43
Testing Intro and Proximity Effect: 5:43 - 5:58
Plosive Tests: 5:58 - 6:11
Noise Rejection Test (Keyboard): 6:11 - 6:25
Polar Pattern Test (Voice): 6:25 - 6:38
Polar Pattern Test (White Noise): 6:38 - 6:53
KITTY PURR TEST!!!: 6:53 - 7:11
Distance Tests: 7:11 - 7:24
Onboard DSP Tests: 7:24 - 8:41
Untreated Room / Phone Test: 8:41 - 9:18
Guitar Tests: 9:18 - 10:17
Røde NT-USB MINI VS Røde XCM-50: 10:17 - 12:55
Blind Comparison: 12:55 - 14:23
Blind Comparison Reveal: 14:23 - 15:40
My Review / My Opinion of Røde XCM-50: 15:40 - 17:46
XDM-100 Sound Sample: 17:46 - 18:14
My review of XCM-50 Continued: 18:14 -21:00
THANK YOU! 21:00 - 22:05
======PRODUCTS IN REVIEW======
*Affiliate Links Below*
Røde XCM-50:
B&H: bhpho.to/3RMl2Si
Amazon: amzn.to/3YjgCol
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/7mRDD5
Rode NT-USB Mini Links:
B&H: bhpho.to/333lGFx
Amazon: amzn.to/3zrdVFR
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/b3d2zv
Rode NT-USB Links:
B&H: bhpho.to/3ePDCGE
Amazon: amzn.to/3znjEMG
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/qn500g
Blue Yeti Links:
B&H: bhpho.to/3amHvAQ
Amazon: amzn.to/3pSH0Xv
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/mg9aaO
FiFine K678 Links:
Amazon: amzn.to/3sXCSYi
If there is something else that you want to buy, but would like to help me out by clicking an affiliate link... Here are some storewide affiliate links!
Amazon: amzn.to/3pD2BlK
B&H: bhpho.to/386jhd5
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/kjqd6v
==================
======Audio Hotline Info======
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @audiohotline
Website: audiohotlinegear.com
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Instagram: audiohotline
MERCH: teespring.com/stores/audiohotline
==========
GEAR I USE TO MAKE MY VIDEOS (w/ affiliate links):
============VIDEO============
Canon EOS R5:
Amazon: amzn.to/3gNBfnG
B&H: bhpho.to/2JTS3xx
Sigma EF 20mm f/1.4:
Amazon: amzn.to/2KoXsMK
B&H: bhpho.to/3aeXG3V
Sigma EF 50mm f/1.4:
Amazon: amzn.to/2WllU4d
B&H: bhpho.to/3oRbXIi
Sigma EF 24mm f/1.4:
Amazon: amzn.to/2SPDdZZ
B&H:bhpho.to/3duayRY
Sigma EF 18-35mm f/1.8 (APS-C):
Amazon: amzn.to/2xLCYrH
B&H: bhpho.to/3bdE8d2
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L (MACRO):
Amazon: amzn.to/35KuXQs
B&H: bhpho.to/2WdcqJ3
============AUDIO============
Hercules Mic Stand:
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/QOdG1Y
Amazon: amzn.to/2XaHnzK
B&H: bhpho.to/2Rz4SwS
Motu M2:
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/e4ZQ7g
B&H: bhpho.to/3p160ty
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2:
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/9Wd9oQ
B&H: bhpho.to/3lhh7gP
Zoom F6:
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/7m0DN3
Amazon: amzn.to/3oc6FqO
B&H: bhpho.to/3kTOUu1
Zoom H6:
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/3P0RNv
Amazon: amzn.to/2MIoBdA
B&H: bhpho.to/2Rfc3LK
Apollo Twin Quad:
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/b31qoB
Amazon: amzn.to/2XfwPiU
B&H: bhpho.to/2NL8gnp
Mogami XLR:
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/oe6G9g
Amazon: amzn.to/2NiXNSp
B&H: bhpho.to/2NJ5tLi
Monoprice XLR (Cheaper XLR Alternative):
Amazon: amzn.to/2RJBwvp

[@ourdogteddy]

Best style review, prices, pause on blind test, suggestions for another mic in comparison. Didn’t skip I stayed engaged 🙂! I liked the sound of xdm100 sound.

[@cyberdefenseddi]

Great review. Hopefully RØDE will come up with the mac version soon 😊😎

[@Rx_Grief]

the kitty purr test gets me every time lol

[@mhoenjet]

I like your sense of humor, good review

[@RubCalBat]

Out of the 5 tested, I think the XCM 50 had the less good sound. I have the NT USB Mini and, to my ears (I've listened to both of them with 3 different Headphones and Headsets), it sound better that the XCM. I think that the 50$ more Rode is charging is because of the USB-C to C cable and the extension they include. Not worth buying for me. I'd rather go with more minis If I needed them, or I would take the XDM if the budget allows it. But the XDM is a bit pricy.

[@ProfessorVector]

I lie the XDM better but then I have a dynamic R0de pod mic it picksup small hum from the circuit breaker box out side my office window !! I was surprised how good the FiFine sounds too for the price. nice review thank you

[@rysktaken]

There's like a $60 price difference between the XCM 50 and NT-USB mini where I live. Which one should I get?

[@JayzBeerz]

The XCM is only $129.99 on Amazon right now.

[@billweaver2549]

Actually I think Rode have changed the sound signature of the NT-USB+ from the original. Haven't checked recently, but I recall thinking the new one had more bottom end - I always felt the original NT-USB sounded a little thin. Edit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIPCnZWFg56Jpdk New one's 24 bit too, old was 16. As for previous comment about mics that come with special apps... I don't need it, but if I wanted to start a podcast now and didn't have all the gear I already own, I'd be pretty stoked that I could get virtually all the power of a Rodecaster Pro - multiple mic mixing, virtual channels for computer sounds & remote guests, sound pads for intros closers & stings, multiple different headphone mixes + enough processing to be dangerous *free of charge* with a couple of mics it works with to choose from. Just wish they'd combine the Unify and Connect software and so make it available to also use with the Videomic Go II, NT-USB+, Wireless Go etc.

[@DiosaDe1So1]

"Back door 😏. " Bruh!!! 😂 Anyway, I hope this ones' headphone connector doesn't break as fast as the USB Mini...

[@enriquekahn9405]

Maybe I'm being too picky but I really can't get behind mic features that you need to run a special app for.

[@SonicJowii]

Same.

[@AudioHotline]

That's definitely fair. I think the only way they can really get away with it, is if that app is also doing something else for the user... like people that want to use the routing in unify... But if you are a person that doesn't need that or the other software features, then I can definitely understand the disinterest. With my use of the XCM and XDM mics the one reason I personally didn't mind using Unify is due to the recording/export capabilities. If I couldn't open that app, change the setting AND record, I would be very bugged. I personally think it offers just enough that it doesn't bother me. If the software would allow edits to the audio, that would be pretty awesome and a very big selling point! Kind of a big ask though 😂 It's definitely one of those situations where you aren't just buying a mic, you are buying into the whole system, which is definitely not for everyone! Thanks for always watching and commenting!

[@enriquekahn9405]

@@AudioHotline If you could just control the mic from a browser that would be ideal from an app maintenance standpoint and (I think) compatible with any OS but I dunno if that's even possible

[@ThePixelExpedition]

Does this work with Voicemeeter?

[@user-oi2tn2wc6w]

Can we connect rodex xcm 50 to rode connect application if I don't like unify? Please reply.

[@AudioHotline]

Yes, it works with Connect!

[@user-oi2tn2wc6w]

Thanks a lot 😀

[@lofnme]

Rode nt usb mini vs akg ara vs at2500x usb, which one is better? Pliss answers sir 🙏🏻

[@AudioHotline]

I’d take the Rode. You can manipulate the tone to fit your voice with the onboard DSP and be able to use it with Rode’s software!

[@lofnme]

@@AudioHotline thanks sir, i really need answer after tons of review about those mics 😭

[@storyofgio]

WHere is the extension tube's link?

[@AudioHotline]

Here is a 4 pack: amzn.to/3tc4OK3 and here is a single extension tube: amzn.to/3EZrI9S Thanks for watching!

[@jamestorrens645]

Dumb question but it works with windows 11 right?

[@koolpep]

Yes

[@michaelbower85]

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” ―Eleanor Roosevelt

[@AudioHotline]

I see what you did there!

[@uncle-english]

They sound the same to me. Yet XCM-50 looks better.

[@pwmsensitive]

The Mini looks more professional.

[@VishalBharti]

just color the knob with red color , simple

[@killingus]

Mic 5 so bad almost trash mic3 is best 2.rode mini usb