Achieving success on any platform designed for both streaming and content creation appears to depend more on the clarity of your audio than on the sharpness of your video quality. Therefore, if you are searching for a new mixer, you are heading in the right direction.
The GoXLR has been one of the most popular mixers for quite some time, but you may be wondering if it's worth the investment or if one of its highly recommended alternatives—the Rodecaster Pro—is actually the better choice.
After reading this article, you'll be able to make informed decisions and, ideally, enhance the sound quality of your streams with minimal effort.
Let's compare these mixers to determine which one is right for you!
Specifications
RODEcaster Pro vs GoXLR - What's The Difference?
The GoXLR mixer is an excellent device designed with musicians in mind, and it is no surprise that a mixer of this caliber delivers the outstanding sound quality that it does.
Some of its capabilities include functioning as an effective voice transformer and serving as an audio mixer in real-time, making it highly suitable for streaming.
It is widely compatible with various hardware and software, and it features a 4-channel mixer. With audio mixers like this, you can control audio sources in real-time, which is beneficial for in-person collaborations or if you want to have a guest on your stream. Clearly, this is also ideal for a podcast production studio.
However, issues may occur because the GoXLR is not compatible with macOS.
The Rodecaster Pro, in contrast, is primarily designed for podcast recordings, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to create content that involves more than just themselves. It can also be a great choice for solo live streaming.
When it comes to podcasting, one of the great features of this mixer is its ability to record audio without needing to be connected to a computer. This allows you to efficiently work with multiple audio sources wherever you are. Additionally, it includes phantom power, ensuring that the microphones you connect to it function seamlessly.
The setup time for this device is minimal, as it features Class-A preamps and automatic level control settings that maintain sound quality consistently throughout.
Both of these mixers offer an impressive array of features, but given their high price, you should carefully consider which one is the best fit for you.
Product Quality
Both of these devices are relatively expensive, which may reflect their quality of construction. One thing is certain—these are two exceptionally high-quality mixers.
The GoXLR appears to be an impressive device, featuring a sleeker and more modern design. However, the Rodecaster Pro is also quite sturdy. When it comes to hardware, both devices are likely to serve you well, offering advanced features that are worthy of an audio engineer.
Suppose you have been engaged in your current activities for a considerable period, and you can justify purchasing such a device. In that case, all the features of these devices will undoubtedly enhance the audio quality for a diverse range of online broadcasters.
You will experience superior sound quality and a mini digital audio workstation in one relatively compact device. This device allows you to add sound effects, control audio levels, create independent audio mixes, and enhance your audio files overall with user-friendly controls.
Audio Quality
The most important aspect of any audio mixer is its ability to enhance the sound of your voice during live streaming. Let's delve into the details of these audio mixers and explore what qualifies them as some of the best on the current market.
Channels
The GoXLR is a 4-channel mixer, which means it can handle 4 different audio channels at the same time.
As expected from a high-end multi-channel mixer, you can adjust the volume of all input signals and mute them in real-time.
The Rode Rodecaster Pro also supports multi-track recording with up to four different channels. All inputs can be managed via a touchscreen display. Additionally, there is a screen featuring advanced options where you can configure settings such as the noise gate, the activation of a high-pass filter, and the compressor, along with other features.
As you can see, the Rode Rodecaster Pro offers more advanced features. If you're not as familiar with using a professional-grade device like this, it may be easier to switch between channels with the GoXLR.
Tuning Knobs
The GoXLR features a traditional set of tuning knobs, each serving distinct functions. These knobs control essential audio mixer functions, allowing you to adjust reverb, pitch, echo, and gender with ease.
In addition to the knobs, the four extra buttons enhance sound quality, making the GoXLR a fully customizable control panel.
With both buttons and knobs, you can easily create and add sound effects to your streams. The vocal sounds and effects you can produce are similar to those used in the music industry, which will undoubtedly make your streams more engaging for your viewers.
With the Rode Rodecaster Pro, certain settings are located on the mixing board, such as the volume control for the headphone outputs, while others are adjusted through the small display.
Regarding sound effects, this multitrack recording mixer can store up to 8 different sound effects imported from your computer for use. You simply need to press the sound pads.
Phantom Power
The GoXLR includes an adapter designed to provide phantom power to condenser microphones, supporting voltages of up to +48V. This setting can be adjusted within the app.
The Rode Rodecaster Pro offers even more advanced settings regarding this aspect of the audio mixer. You can adjust the phantom power for each channel individually, allowing for two independent audio mixes to have different phantom power settings.
As previously mentioned, the Rode Rodecaster Pro is a mini-podcast production studio that provides instant control over all aspects of the recording.
Ease of Use
The GoXLR resembles a traditional mixer, featuring dedicated function buttons and multitrack recording capabilities. If you are already familiar with using similar equipment while streaming or in a podcast production studio, you may find it easier to work with this device.
It's the familiar USB-based mixing that you're likely already accustomed to.
Conversely, the Rode Rodecaster Pro features both standard buttons and knobs, but the primary audio mixing functions are managed on a small screen. If you are accustomed to using only knobs and sliders on an audio interface, adapting to this setup will certainly involve a learning curve.
However, this doesn't mean that you won't be able to navigate this if you're a beginner. In fact, if you are a beginner but generally tech-savvy, this might be even easier for you.
Finally, although both offer different benefits regarding ease of use, it is important to note that, overall, neither is difficult to understand and both can be used quite easily.
Software
The GoXLR mixer software is well-equipped for streaming, providing an easy way to control your audio source settings and incorporate exciting features like sound effects.
Additional features that enhance the quality of the software include an equalizer, de-essers, and gating controls. Essentially, it elevates the fine-tuning capabilities beyond what you could achieve without it.
The Rodecaster Pro includes a companion app that you can download for free from their website. Additionally, whenever new updates are available, you will be notified, allowing you to keep everything current. The PC app enables you to reapply the effects you previously added, while also allowing you to adjust the threshold, ratio, grain, and other functions for all four channels.
These two are among the best mixers available, so it's no surprise that the programs that accompany them work exceptionally well, too. The GoXLR software and the Rodecaster Pro app can be regarded as the top PC applications for this purpose.
FAQ
Is the GoXLR good for music?
It features numerous options that benefit both streamers and musicians, allowing for extensive sound customization, quality enhancement, and the addition of various sound effects to your music.
Its sleek design is another advantage, as it is user-friendly. It includes familiar knobs and sliders, making it easy to navigate even for those who are new to mixing.
Is RODECaster pro an audio interface?
It is user-friendly; as a 4-channel mixer, it can record from four different audio sources simultaneously, making it ideal for both streaming and podcast recording. Its small display offers various options to adjust the sound, allowing you to customize everything to your preferences.
What is the difference between the GoXLR and GoXLR mini?
The audio processing also differs in terms of equalization, with the mini featuring a 6-band EQ and the GoXLR offering a 10-band Studio Quality EQ. Additionally, the GoXLR includes options for a motorized fader, which the mini lacks.
Moreover, there is a notable size difference, as the mini does not include a sample pad or the vocal effects panel found on the GoXLR, resulting in the mini having fewer capabilities for altering voice effects.
Conclusion
Overall, regardless of which option you choose for your audio interface for streaming, you will achieve very high-quality sound.
Both options are also expensive, making it a significant investment on your part regardless of the choice you make.
The choice essentially depends on your needs for a mixer. Do you require it solely for your streams, or are you considering, or perhaps already producing, a podcast that involves filming in locations beyond your home or office? If your situation aligns with the first option, then opting for the GoXLR may be more suitable, while the Rodecaster Pro would be a better fit for the latter.
If your budget is tight but you like both mixers equally, simply wait for any discounts that may arise; the first one to go on sale can become your new mixer. The overall conclusion remains: both of these mixers are outstanding devices that can significantly enhance your content!
