Chances are you’ve come across the name Audio-Technica if you’re at all familiar with audio equipment. The brand has been making some of the best headphones for decades. This latest USB microphone, the AT2020USB-X, builds on the foundations laid by the previous entries in the AT2020 models to deliver on the promise of one of the best microphones for streaming and one of the best USB microphones around.
If you want to get involved in game streaming, then the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X provides an excellent high-quality starting point for online creation. You’re not getting the full range of XLR dynamics here, but for its size and price, there’s little to fault with this punchy little performer.
Price and Availability
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X was released in August and is currently available for $149 / £116 / AU$209 in the US, the UK, and Australia, respectively. As a point of comparison, that’s roughly $20 / £20 / AU$30, more expensive than what you can currently find a Blue Yeti for. It’s not terribly expensive as far as enthusiast-level streaming microphones go, but it doesn’t undercut some of the more established names either.
Design and Features
(Image credit: Future)
There’s nothing extraordinary about the design of the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X upon first inspection. While it’s pleasing to the eye, with its all-metal construction and black color scheme, things are kept simple and straightforward in its visual language until you plug it in. Once powered up, you’ll notice the bright blue LED from behind the grill, indicating that the microphone is on and ready for audio delivery.
On the front of the controls is a touch-sensitive panel which mutes the mic completely silently, which means that broadcasts and recordings won’t suffer from any interference. The blue light shifts to a dark red, an obvious indicator that no sound will be transmitted. As audio shorthand does, it’s a great touch that helps separate the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X from its contemporaries. It’s powered by USB-C but connects to your computer, laptop, or console through a more standardized USB-A.
On the technical side of things, there’s a 24-Bit/96 kHz sampling rate and 20-20,000 Hz frequency response, which aligns with many modern USB microphones as opposed to the older 16-Bit/48 kHz, which were common a few years ago. The dedicated 3.5mm audio jack and volume scroll specifically dedicated to microphone monitoring when broadcasting is nice to have. However, there’s no on-board gain control, as you’ll find on the Rode X XDM-100. It’s unlikely to be a massive hindrance, but something that deserves mentioning all the same.
Performance
(Image credit: Future)
Using the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X as my daily microphone for work has been well-above average. Whether I was taking part in video conferencing meetings with my colleagues or conducting interviews, the sonic reproduction of this model has been genuinely surprising. At first, the lack of a gain dial left me feeling at an impasse, but I quickly became accustomed to this by testing how far I needed to be away from the pickup itself.
Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X can pick up my voice with a level of clarity that I’ve not seen from USB-A microphones in this price range. It sounds significantly better fresh out of the box than the tried-and-true Blue Yeti and Blue Snowball that I’ve had knocking around my house for years. Things are noticeably stripped-back with the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X as there are no options for different pickup patterns for capturing a single voice instead of several, as you’ll find with Blue’s offerings. That means this is made for side-address, is all about putting you front and center, and does a faithful job of making you sound the part, too.
The small footprint of the stand and the compact size of the microphone’s body is something that I can really appreciate as someone who frequently flexes between office and remote working. The Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X is small enough to fit comfortably in my bag and is built sturdy to the point where I’m not worrying about it during commutes. If you have a cramped gaming or office desk, then you won’t have to worry about the stand taking up that much room. Just be warned that it could sit slightly lower than where your mouth may align. It’s nothing that had a significant impact on me, as the Cardioid condenser has a decent range to it, but it’s something to bear in mind.
Should you buy the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X microphone?
Buy it if…
You’re after a compact but capable USB microphone for streaming
While it may be no-frills in design and approach, the AT2020USB-X does everything it sets out to do with a powerful condenser pickup making for high-quality, distinctive audio playback.
You have limited space in your setup
The AT2020USB-X won’t take up much room at all with its considered footprint and small build size. This means it’s perfect as a replacement for the otherwise unwieldy boom arm stands and thicker USB microphones on the market.
Don’t buy it if…
You want to record in noisier environments
The lack of a gain dial and the sensitive nature of the AT2020USB-X means that it will not be the best at battling through a room that’s got some ambience to it. You’re better off finding a microphone with some passive noise reduction, such as the Rode X XDM-100.
If we’re cutting to the chase here (and why not?) then we’ll just go ahead and say the Ruark MR1 MkII is basically all gain, no pain. It’s small enough to sit happily on any remotely tidy desk, it’s built and finished to a standard that belies its fairly modest asking price (so pride of ownership is more-or-less guaranteed) and it sounds very accomplished indeed.
Choose between walnut veneer or ‘soft’ grey lacquer. Choose between the integrated control dial or the tidy little remote control. Choose Bluetooth 5.0, digital optical (with 24bit/192kHz compatibility) or analogue inputs. Attach a subwoofer if you need some grunt. And then simply enjoy the robust, detailed and entertaining sound the Ruark serves up via its high-quality Class A/B amplification.
Naturally enough, the Ruark MR1 MkII does its best work when given some content of a decent standard to work with – but it doesn’t give up the ghost if asked to play some free Spotify stuff from the headphone socket of a standard laptop. In every circumstance, it’s an enjoyable listen that that beats out the best stereo speakers at this small size and price.
Ruark MR1 MkII review: Price & release date
Originally released in 2017
Officially priced at $379 / £349 / AU$749
The Ruark MR1 MkII is on sale now, and in the United Kingdom it sells for around £349. In the United States it’s yours for $379 or thereabouts, while in Australia you’ll need to find AU$749 (or maybe a little less if you shop around.
You’re not short of choice when it comes to powered (or active) stereo speakers with lesser or greater streaming capability. But when it comes to combining affordability and small dimensions that are great for a desktop or small shelf, the MR1 MkII isn’t what you’d call overrun with competition.
(Image credit: Future)
Ruark MR1 MkII review: Features
Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX for high-quality wireless audio
Class A/B amplification
Crying out for a USB input
There’s a definite pecking order here. Both speakers feature a 20mm silk dome tweeter above a 75mm polypropylene mid/bass driver, both have a bass reflex port at the bottom of their cabinet – but after that it’s the right-hand speaker that is in charge.
This is the speaker where the MR1 MkII keeps its amplification. There’s a total of 20 watts (which is nothing special), and it’s of the Class A/B type (which most certainly is) – virtually every alternative to the Ruark uses Class D amplification, and the use of Class A/B here let’s you know Ruark is deadly serious where sound quality is concerned.
All physical and wireless connectivity is handled by the right-hand speaker, too. It uses Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless streaming, and there’s compatibility with SBC, AAC and aptX codecs. Physical inputs consist of a 3.5mm analogue socket and a digital optical socket – not only does the digital input mean the MR1 MkII can work as speakers for your TV (as long as it has an optical output, of course), but it’s also equipped to deal with digital audio files up to 24bit/192kHz resolution. So the Ruark is a hi-res system… but not over USB, sadly, because there's the only major connection we really miss here, though it would be nice if it supported Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, of course.
There’s a pre-out for a subwoofer on the rear of the cabinet, a power connection, and an output for the braided cable that’s in the packaging to join the right speaker to its left-hand partner. If you don’t make that connection, though, the Ruark will automatically switch to single-speaker mono operation. And if you fancy taking your single MR1 MkII speaker out and about with you, there’s an optional ‘backpack’ battery that attaches to the rear of the speaker cabinet and should be good for 12 hours or so of playback as long as you’re not going for it in terms of volume – but that's a separate purchase.
The circular turn-and-click dial that’s been a feature of numerous Ruark products makes an appearance here, and it’s a welcome appearance, because it’s a useful and actually quite satisfying way of controlling the MR1 MkII. A press powers up the system, and Bluetooth pairing begins immediately – further presses allow you to scroll through your input options, a long press powers the system down again. And, of course, turning the dial adjusts volume.
If you’re using Bluetooth to stream music, of course, then control is available via your smartphone and/or your music streaming service’s control app. Nevertheless, Ruark provides a small, slim remote control of the clicky type that covers every eventuality.
The right-hand speaker needs to be reasonably close to power, of course, and the speakers can’t be further apart than the 2m length of the cable that connects them. That will be long enough for the vast majority of people, but it will be a limitation for some, and so is one of the few potential downsides here.
Features score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Ruark MR1 MkII review: Sound quality
Open and well-defined soundstage
Impressive detail retrieval
Surprising punch and muscularity
Don’t let the Ruark’s size fool you – the MR1 MkII is all business. It sounds fuller, more open and more convincing than seems remotely likely.
No matter if you’re listening to Animal Collective’s Merriweather Post Pavilion streamed via aptX, or a Netflix stream of The Power of the Dog using the optical input via a TV, or sending The Smile’s A Light for Attracting Attention into the analogue socket using the output from a MacBook Pro, the MR1 MkII (broadly speaking) maintains its sonic characteristics.
Naturally, it prefers a digital signal on which it can bring its Cirrus 24-bit DAC to bear rather than the rather humdrum output of a laptop’s headphone socket – but it doesn’t get picky. It simply rolls its sleeves up and makes the best of things.
And given a fighting chance with some digital audio over Bluetooth or optical, ‘the best of things’ turns out to be very listenable indeed. The Ruark creates an open, quite spacious soundstage, with plenty of detail handed over and a very agreeable sense of clarity to its overall presentation. ‘Musical’ might seem a redundant term when describing a pair of speakers when they’re playing music, but there are some alternatives that don’t sound anything like as musical as the MR1 MkII – it’s a revealing, confident and entertaining listen.
Low frequencies are gratifyingly deep, punchy without becoming overblown or musclebound, and properly controlled, so the Ruark has no trouble motoring through recordings and expressing rhythms with confidence. There’s a degree of crunch and shine to the opposite end of the frequency range, but the sound never threatens to get unruly or in any way abrasive – overall tonality, in fact, it’s just slightly on the ‘warm’ side of neutral. And in a system of this type, that’s almost certainly a positive almost all the time.
There’s the same sort of solidity, the same level of detail retrieval and the same sense of completeness to the way the Ruark hands over the midrange, too. No matter if it’s a vocalist in a band or an actor in a movie, the MR1 MkII is distinct, positive and eloquent when it comes to the human voice.
Despite the unspectacular power rating, the Ruark is capable of decent outright levels of volume and has a fair degree of dynamic potency when it comes to shifting from ‘quiet’ to ‘loud’. And it is similarly adept when it comes to the more subtle, but no less significant, dynamic variations apparent in voices and instruments too.
Sound quality score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Ruark MR1 MkII review: Design
185 x 130 x 145mm (HxWxD) per speaker
Walnut veneer or ‘soft’ grey lacquer
Impressively built and finished
You either enjoy a retro look or you don’t – but in any event, Ruark has contrived to keep you happy. The MR1 MkII is of desk-friendly proportions at a mere 185 x 130 x 145mm (7.3 x 5.1 x 5.7 inches) per speaker, and its elegantly curved, beautifully finished cabinet are available in either a walnut veneer or ‘soft’ grey lacquer.
Regardless of the finish you prefer, the speakers feature gray acoustic cloth grilles. The look is understatedly classy and actually quite sophisticated – certainly I felt compelled to tidy my desk up a bit during the course of this test to house them.
Build quality is well up to standard, too – the Ruark speakers feel both as good as they look and ready to last the long haul. It’s not always an easy trick to pull off when a product is necessarily small, but the MR1 MkII looks and feels the part.
Design score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Ruark MR1 MkII review: Value
Best-in-class for the size and price
No USB input is the only major flaw
There are bigger-sounding desktop audio systems – but, without exception, they’re bigger or more expensive or, most usually, both. So the Ruark MR1 MkII represents great value for those who take desktop or bookshelf listening serious, but can't devote much space to it.
It looks and feels more expensive than it is, and it sounds that way too – as long as you don’t just hook it to the headphone socket of your laptop, anyway. As it stands, the Mr1 MkII is without meaningful competition when you keep the price/size/sound quality ratio uppermost in your mind.
With its wide range of products in the security monitoring and consumer electronics space, Australian company Swann is today well known in more than 40 countries worldwide. Swann sells a customizable range of wireless devices and wired CCTV surveillance systems that feature video resolutions from 1080p Full HD to 4K Ultra HD. The Swann CoreCam is just one model of off-the-shelf wireless smart camera that you can buy from the brand's online selection.
Stylish and fuss-free in design, the Swann CoreCam wireless smart security camera comes with a rechargeable 6,000mAh lithium battery. Screws and plugs are included in the box, which make it easy – even for a DIY novice – to affix the camera to a wall. Once I had charged the camera battery via the micro-USB cable included (note that a plug isn't supplied), the trickiest part of setting up was deciding where to place the CoreCam.
The smart camera is weatherproof and can be positioned inside or outside. I chose to place it on an external wall of my home, overlooking my driveway. While I received instant alerts when it detected a person or package at my front door, I did experience some delay of the live feed whenever I tried to access it via the Swann app – possibly a result of poor Wi-Fi coverage. As such, if you’d like to place the CoreCam outside, you'll need to make sure your home Wi-Fi signal is strong enough.
Overall, however, the camera did well to send instant alerts whenever someone passed, and recorded clips that I could easily view on a timeline in the app.
Keep scrolling to find out how the Swann CoreCam performed outside my home and head to our best home security cameras guide for more comparisons.
Swann CoreCam review price & availability
List price: $129.99/£99.99/$AU 179
Available in US, UK and Australia
Swann sells a wide range of security cameras, which are customizable depending on your requirements. The single CoreCam wireless security camera works well on its own, or as part of a larger smart home security setup with multiple cameras and alarms. These can all be linked to work in harmony and controlled easily via the Swann app.
The Swann CoreCam is sold direct from the brand's website or via resellers such as Best Buy, Walmart and JB Hi-Fi.
It arrives with a local 32GB microSD card pre-installed, which allows it to store video clips. To get the best from the camera, you'll need to sign up to a storage subscription service to benefit from the warranty, the best detection smart alerts, and cloud storage. Subscription services cost from $2.99 / £2.99 / $AU5.55 per month; plus you get a free three-month trial when you buy the camera. This stores video footage for up to 60 days in the cloud and offers extras such as Package, Pet & Vehicle detection in addition to the Person heat and motion detection.
Price: 4/5
Swann CoreCam review specifications
These specs are the same for US and UK Swann CoreCam models.
(Image credit: Future | Photo by Emily Peck)
Swann CoreCam review design
100-degree wide angle view
Weatherproof casing
Built-in speaker and siren
The design of the Swann CoreCam is simple, yet the camera feels solid and well built. Finished in white, it possibly isn't the most discreet security camera you can buy; but if you're looking for a small and compact shape that won't interfere too much with your exterior decor, it feels like a safe bet.
The CoreCam arrives with a rechargeable 6,000mAh lithium battery inside, which took six hours to fully charge. Built into the camera head is the local 32GB microSD card and True Detect PIR heat and motion sensor. There’s a speaker and siren, and lens with 100-degree wide-angle view, all built into the weatherproof design.
The Swann CoreCam also offers a pretty decent night vision distance of up to 50ft / 15m, and I was able to see clearly once night had fallen. However, the camera doesn't move around with whatever it has captured, which I think would provide more scope for better monitoring.
Getting the camera out of the box and onto the wall took less than an hour. It was simply a matter of ensuring the wall I was fixing it to was suitable for a screw and mount, and then use the mounting kit included in the box to attach the mount to the wall. The camera can then be easily screwed on and off for recharging. While there's a USB charging cable included in the box, there's no plug, so I had to use my own.
Design: 4 / 5
The Swann CoreCam app features a range of information and controls (Image credit: Future | Photo by Emily Peck)
Swann CoreCam review performance
Live feed and recording of video and audio
Wi-Fi connection (2.4GHz)
Two-way talk and night vision
The CoreCam camera comes with all the usual features you’d expect from an intuitive smart home security camera, including heat and motion sensing, night vision and two-way talk.
Having charged the camera, I screwed the camera head onto the mount. I downloaded the Swann app and paired the camera with my smartphone over Wi-Fi. This was a surprisingly quick and smooth process. I then simply needed to move the camera head around on its mount to adjust the live video footage that was being fed to the app.
In terms of view, the camera could then send a 1080 HD quality feed to the app on my phone, with a wide-angle view of 100 degrees. This isn’t as wide as I’d like, but it did capture an ample area by the main entrance leading to my house – with the stairs and part of the drive in frame. Purists may find the feed a little grainy, but I was generally impressed. The color night vision was satisfactory, too. You can actually adjust the live view quality in the app from low to medium to high, depending on your preference.
Featuring True Detect technology, the camera has the ability to detect people, packages, pets and vehicles (depending on the subscription package you sign up for). You get the first three months for free, included in the price of the camera. So once I was linked to the app, I could set up on the 90-day free Unlimited Plan. This meant that the camera could generate motion clips whenever it detected someone passing by, or thought there was a package left in its view, and send me push notifications on my smartphone to alert me. I found the alerts came through thick and fast in the first week; it was usually the postman, visitors or footage of myself walking out to put the rubbish bins out. Luckily, no intruders in sight.
While the alerts came through instantly whenever there was something detected, I did notice that there was a slight delay when I went to view the live feed. This was possibly due to my Wi-Fi or 4G connection playing up. Sometimes I was able to connect faster than at other times.
(Image credit: Future | Photo by Emily Peck)
While there's no 24-hour recording capability, I do like the way the camera can distinguish between a person or a package, generating a motion clip and sending an alert to my smartphone.
However, after a while, the frequency of the alerts became rather annoying. I realized that I could adjust the sensitivity of the camera to lower the frequency of the alerts when I was at home, reducing false alerts and prolonging battery life as a result. You do this through the Modes section, which has settings for when you’re Home, Away and at Night.
While these modes are useful for adjusting the sensitivity on a single camera, I think this part of the app really comes into its own as part of an extended home security setup with multiple Swann cameras and an alarm all linked up.
Performance: 4/5
Swann CoreCam review app
Live view with siren, two-way talk and camera
Modes to adjust sensitivity
Playback tab for motion recordings
The smart app brings lots of useful features, although possibly more than you'll need for just one camera. As well as the ability to adjust the sensitivity of the camera and reduce/increase the number of alerts you receive, there's also a chart that presents stats on the level of motion detected, the number of people and pets the camera captured over the course of a day, and over a week. Although interesting, it was perhaps a little unnecessary for my needs.
I found all the recorded activity clear to see under the Playback tab in the app. It's presented in a daily timeline that's stored in the cloud from seven up to 60 days (depending on the subscription package you sign up to).
Click on the Live View mode in the app, and you can also make use of all the extras. These include the ability to take photos of the live view, record footage if needed, turn on the siren if you see cause for alarm, or just speak to the person in the picture. I tried the two-way talk feature when the postman came past and it worked well.
App: 4/5
The app comes with lots of useful features (Image credit: Swann CoreCam )
Swann CoreCam review battery life
Takes 6 hours to charge
USB to micro-USB charging cable
Up to 90 days of battery life depending on how you use it
The CoreCam's battery can last up to 90 days, but of course this will depend on how much you use the camera to record extra clips, take photos and how you configure the sensitivity modes. With the Away mode on, which signals high alert, I found the battery lasted around 12 days before it needed recharging. If you were to use Home mode, which reduces the amount of times you are disturbed with unnecessary alerts, the battery is likely to last longer.
To recharge the camera I simply unscrewed it from the mount and took it indoors; via USB cable, the unit took six hours to top up to full. Note that while the cable is supplied, the plug isn't, so you'll need to source one for yourself.
Battery life: 3/5
Should you buy the Swann CoreCam home security camera?
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
Swann CoreCam review: also consider
If you want an outdoor security camera but want to shop around before you buy, here are a couple more options to consider...
How I tested the Swann CoreCam home security camera
I used the Swan CoreCam in my home for one month
I monitored my home both day and night to see how well it performed
I trialled the Swann CoreCam at home over the course of a month. I attached it to the wall on the exterior of my property and paired it with the Swann app on my smartphone to monitor any comings and goings.
I took note of how quickly and successfully it sent alerts to my smartphone when it detected human motion or a parcel, both day and night. I tried logging into the app when I was away from home (over 4G) and when I was at home (over Wi-Fi), too.
The Rode X XDM-100 is the latest leading dynamic microphone from the Australian audio brand, redefining what was previously thought possible from USB microphones. With its included preamp and processing, combined with its ease of use, this is the benchmark by which to judge all future premium options.
The Rode X XDM-100 is one of the best USB microphones around and even gives similarly priced XLR options a run for their money with just how versatile and accurate the sound quality is here. If you’re in the market for an encompassing broadcast solution, the first in Rode’s gaming and streaming series is hard to beat.
Price and availability
The Rode X XDM-100 is available in regions such as the US, the UK, and Australia for $249 / £249 / $AU359. It was launched in October 2022 and is the flagship of the Australian microphone brand’s new Rode X gaming and streaming brand. You can also buy directly from Rode in all three countries.
Design and Features
(Image credit: Future)
The Rode X XDM-100 is similar in design to the company’s premium XLR models, such as the Procaster and the NT1-A. It’s a cylindrical dynamic microphone that comes in all-black with red accents and features a dedicated pop filter and shock mount for stabilization. You can screw the microphone into any number of stands and boom arms, such as the excellent PSA1+, which I used in my testing. You’ll need to invest in one of these separately, though.
As expected for a USB microphone, you’ve got a headphone monitoring jack through 3.5mm and a gain / volume wheel that lets you control how loud or quiet the Rode X XDM-100 is during recording and monitoring. There’s a decent amount of weight to this microphone, weighing in at 700g / 1.5lbs, and that certainly adds to the premium feel and construction. The pop filter shield that slides over the steel is also a great touch and subtly dampens sound without occupying any additional space.
The Rode X XDM-100 connects via USB-C to USB-C, which means you’re getting a much faster and more powerful connection of 100w / 20v, as opposed to the 2.5w and 5v of USB-A, which is normally seen on a USB microphone. That extra power is needed for the internal digital signal processor with Aphex voice processing and Revolution preamp, something that’s usually reserved for the company’s XLR offering range. It’s plug-and-play without losing the sophistication of upper-pedigree options similar to the all-star Shure MV7.
As with the other Rode X gaming and streaming line-up products, such as the compact but punchy Rode X XCM50, the Rode X XDM-100 is built with the brand’s Unify software in mind. This program essentially acts as a series of virtual devices for different channels, such as the gameplay you’re streaming, the chat, and the microphone itself, which gives you greater control over your audio balancing on the fly. It’s basic in its services, but it gets the job done well, and I found the interaction between this microphone and what I could do easy to understand.
Performance
(Image credit: Future)
The Rode X XDM-100 is the best USB microphone I’ve ever used. As someone incredibly familiar with the brand’s existing line-up, having used the PodMic and the Procaster for over a year, I’m blown away with the step-up in sound, even going from XLR to USB. It’s a clear sign that USB-C as a platform for audio, owing to that significantly more powerful output, really is a viable alternative to a proper audio interface and chunky XLR cables running through your setup.
With that said, as a musician who owns a lot of high-end audio interfaces and recording gear, such as the Rodecaster Pro II, the ease of use with the Rode X XDM-100 continues to win me over. The convenience of being able to boot my gaming laptop up and know that my microphone will just work straight out of the box and sound this good is a novelty that I don’t think will wear off anytime soon.
The included pop filter sleeve does an excellent job of filtering out unwanted popping and clicking noises. I also found that the Revolution preamp combined with the Aphex processing combined for a balanced, warm, and natural account of my speaking voice and various singing voices. I’m impressed by the reproduction's accuracy as someone with a less conventional voice. I also found that the level wheel was just sensitive enough to where I could filter out all background noise, be it from the button presses of my Victrix Pro BFG controller to the fans of the gaming PC in the background for noise reduction, I’ve not seen at this level.
The zero-latency microphone monitoring is ideal if you’ve got a pair of high-quality studio headphones. In my case, I own the Rode NTH-100M, which sound excellent and pair with the Rode XDM-100 well. With a quick click of the level button, I can hear how loud I am talking while playing Red Dead Redemption 2 and Hotline Miami. Ultimately there’s very little I can fault this microphone on. It excels across the board by making high-end audio more accessible and easy to use with the build quality that ensures longevity. If you’re after a step up from the vintage USB options available, this is a sure-fire hit if you’ve got the cash.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Rode X XDM-100 microphone?
Buy it if...
You want a microphone that will last
The Rode X XDM-100 is built with all-metal construction and features a good amount of weight with its dedicated shock mount and pop filter.
You want a plug and play microphone
Despite appearances, there’s nothing complicated about using the Rode X XDM-100. All you need to do is plug it into a USB-C port, and it’s ready to go.
Don't buy it if...
You don’t have any USB-C ports
The Rode X XDM-100 connects only through USB-C, so if you’ve only got USB-A ports, you won’t be able to power it up and use it properly.
The AKG Lyra USB microphone is a phenomenal USB microphone for a variety of uses. Whether you’re podcasting, conducting an interview, or recording music, the Lyra USB captures incredible audio regardless of the situation. If you’re interested in a budget-friendly USB condenser microphone from a company with a reputation for excellence, you can't go wrong with the Lyra USB.
AKG has been building microphones for decades, and its products are highly sought after and very respected in recording studios all over the world. With more users recording at home than ever before, AKG decided to offer their professional expertise to more casual users.
The AKG Lyra features four microphone polar patterns, zero-latency headphone monitoring, adjustable mic gain, and a mute switch. The four mic capsules, utilizing the circuitry within the Lyra, can capture sound at a bit depth and sample rate of 24 bits and 192 kHz. This is absolutely pristine-quality audio, and way better than what you'd get with something like the Blue Yeti. The frequency response of the Lyra spans 20hz to 20kHz, which is the full spectrum of human hearing.
Don’t let the technical jargon scare you, though, as the Lyra may sound amazing but it is extremely simple to use right out of the box. The Lyra’s plug-and-play functionality makes it easy to start recording right away since there's no need to download drivers to use the microphone in my tests. I simply connected the USB-A to USC-C cable (included with the mic) to a few of my computers, opened up my audio software and started recording.
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(Image credit: Future / Jeffrey Loeffler)
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(Image credit: Future / Jeffrey Loeffler)
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(Image credit: Future / Jeffrey Loeffler)
The microphone is immediately recognized in Logic, Garageband, or any standard digital audio workstation (DAW) of your choice. The AKG Lyra even comes with a free copy of Ableton Live 10 Lite if you don’t have any recording software installed.
The microphone sits on a detachable desk stand that is included with the mic, which is simple to use and well-constructed. It provides a tremendous amount of maneuverability, but if you’d rather connect the microphone to a boom arm, you have the option of utilizing the ⅜” inch adapter connection included with the mic.
While we can highly recommend the AKG Lyra USB microphone, it is important to note the sensitive nature of the Lyra’s condenser microphone properties. It's incredibly sensitive to sound. Typically, condenser microphones are used in conjunction with sound-dampening equipment such as diffusers and soundproof booths, so care must be taken if recording in areas with lots of ambient noise like lawnmowers or traffic.
If you utilize the Lyra in the same way as you utilize a dynamic microphone (like the Shure SM7B), you might pick up a lot of ambient noise in your recordings, so the AKG Lyra USB Microphone may actually be too sensitive for users who are unfamiliar with condenser microphones. However, if you know how (or are willing to learn how) to take advantage of the Lyra’s strengths, this microphone will give you near-professional results at a fantastic price.
AKG Lyra USB Microphone: Price & availability
How much does it cost?: $149.00 / £149.99 / AU$ 269.00
When is it out? It is available now through AKG.com and major retailers
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia
The AKG Lyra USB Microphone has an MSRP of $149 / £149.99 / AU$ 269, but there are often sales that can bring this price even lower. This is a great price for this microphone, especially for the quality.
The closest competitor to the AKG Lyra would be the exceptional Blue Yeti USB microphone. Both the Lyra and the Yeti feature almost the same button/dial layout, and the Yeti is a good bit cheaper with an MSRP of $129.99 / £119.99 / AU$199.95.
While the Yeti is cheaper, the Lyra features a larger sample rate and bit depth than the Yeti (192 kHz/24 bit as opposed to 48 kHz/16 bit). Having tested both, there isn’t much discernible difference between the two. You’d have to be a serious audiophile to hear the difference. For what it’s worth, the AKG Lyra does seem to perform better when recording instruments, so the higher sample rate seems to make a big difference here.
AKG Lyra USB Microphone: Specs
Should you buy the AKG Lyra USB Microphone?
Buy it if...
You are comfortable handling the microphone's sensitivity This mic provides impeccable audio, but casual users might get too much background noise for their liking.
You want a multipurpose mic With four polar patterns, you can set this up for work, podcast recording, music, and more.
You don't want to spend a fortune on a USB mic While not the cheapest mic out there, the quality more than justifies the price.
Don't buy it if...
You're on a tight budget This mic offers an incredible value, but it's still expensive for a USB mic, so it's not suited for budget shoppers.
You're looking for something modern looking
The AKG Lyra USB Microphone has an incredible retro style to it, but if that's not your thing, HyperX or Razer might be more to your liking.
Redefining a classic signature look and feel of any tried-and-true studio microphone can be tough. Enter the Rode NT1 5th Generation, which adds a few new tricks to a well-established microphone to compete in all digital world. Through the inclusion of USB and XLR, it stands as one of the best options for game streamers, podcasters and broadcasters provided that they've got a setup that accommodates for its sensitivity and power.
Price and Availability
The Rode NT1 5th Generation is now available worldwide after launching in February 2023. You can pick it up in the US, the UK, and the company’s native Australia for $249 / £249 / AU$399. There’s the choice between silver and black, and you can either buy from online outlets, such as Amazon, or directly from Rode.
Design and Features
(Image credit: Future)
At first glance, there’s nothing that immediately sets the Rode NT1 5th Generation apart from its older variants. The microphone line, the first ever developed by the manufacturer back in 1991, has a timeless studio look about it, with little on the surface changing in 30 years. If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it, as you’ve got a side-address cardioid (meaning you use it vertically) complete with a dedicated pop shield and shock mount. These are all key staples of what you hope to find in a proper broadcasting microphone for the studio.
The included Rode NTSM6 Suspension Mount goes a long way to showcase the premium nature of the Rode NT1 5th Generation. The combined pop filter and shock mount are seriously high quality and made of durable plastic and elasticated material for a floating support that completely protects against any unwanted bumps or vibrations. Given how sensitive studio microphones like this one are, it’s an essential inclusion, so it’s good that you’re getting proper support in the full package. There’s also a 10-year warranty here so it’ll last you a very long time.
Where the Rode NT1 5th Generation sets itself apparent from the older models is in its dual connectivity as you can plug it in via XLR and USB-C. It’s not just the multiple output methods that helps this microphone stand out, though, as there’s also a 32-bit float optimized for audio interfaces for digital recording. Through this inclusion, Rode has claimed this is the “unclippable” microphone which means that no matter how loud or how sensitive the sound inputs get, you’ll still have useable audio tracks when all is said and done.
The box includes a lengthy red XLR lead and a durable USB-C to USB-C cable for both connection methods. You’ll need to invest in a stand or boom arm for a setup like this, as you don’t get one included. From my time with Rode’s microphones, there’s no better option than the excellent PSA1+ boom arm, which is built with the brand’s suspension mounts in mind and offers a level of versatility needed for streaming and podcasting with how many angles you can get.
Performance
Having used my fair share of studio gear before, I can confidently say that the Rode NT1 5th Generation is the best-sounding microphone I’ve ever used through its native XLR input. Whether you’re running this condenser mic through a dedicated audio interface and mixing board such as the Rode Procaster II or something more humble like the Razer Audio Mixer, the sound quality you’re getting is second to none. That’s not surprising given the 4dBA sensitivity, as the manufacturer claims it’s “the world’s quietest studio condenser microphone”. Everything from the softest whisper to a regular speaking voice and screaming comes across crystal clear.
You have sampling rates of 48, 96, 192 KHz giving you more precise control over the levels of representation. It’s standard for 48 KHz to be used by your average microphone and more than acceptable in most circumstances, but you can push beyond if you need that extra headroom. As this is a modern Rode microphone with USB connectivity, you’ve also got the option of going plug and play with the company’s line of software, including the classic Rode Connect and the recently launched Rode Unify, the latter of which is more targeted towards gamers and streamers.
You can adjust just how the DSP (digital signal processing) sounds with the Rode NT1 5th Generation through these programs. The included Aphex processing means you’ve got options for a brighter sound with various effects to tweak the microphone's sound to your liking. I’ve found that the USB connectivity isn’t the full package that it could be compared to the brand’s dedicated USB broadcasting microphone, the recently released Rode X XDM-100.
(Image credit: Future)
That’s because the Rode NT1 5th Generation doesn’t feature any on-body controls for tweaking audio and also lacks any gain or monitoring options, as you’ll find with the Rode X XDM-100, which produces a near-identical sound through USB-C. If you’re considering getting the latest NT1 microphone purely for digital sound recording through USB and into audio interfaces, you may be better going with the dedicated USB microphone instead for the plug-and-play nature. It feels like a secondary addition to an already all-star mic that’s more nice than an essential inclusion.
I had to play around a lot more with recording levels and different software, such as Cockos Reaper and several different plugins before I was completely happy with how the Rode NT1 5th Generation sounded through USB. If you’ve got an audio interface with a decent pickup in it and know a little about how to get a crisp and clear sound for your gaming streaming or podcasting setup.
Remember that the Rode NT1 5th Generation is as sensitive as many studio microphones are. I found that the sensitivity, while impressive in the pickup, did tend to pick up the whirling fans of my gaming laptop on my desk and the even the case fans on the gaming PC across the room. The level of sound dampening isn’t quite as thorough as the Rode X XDM-100, which is aimed at gamers and streamers with its noise reduction.
If you’re after a truly top-of-the-line broadcasting option, then the iconic status of the NT1’s latest revision is hard to argue against when plugged into a proper audio interface. As a definitive all-in-one solution, there’s a lot to love here, with a few small caveats that shouldn’t bother the seasoned recording veteran.
Should I buy the Rode NT1 5th Generation?
Buy it if…
You want a high-end microphone at a competitive rate
You’re getting a lot of microphone for the sticker price, and the 10-year warranty means your investment will last a long time.
You want the freedom of XLR and USB connectivity
Few flagship microphones offer both XLR and USB so competently and offer features through software to make the most of the warm sound profile.
Don't buy it if...
You want to record in loud environments
Rode made the Rode NT1 5th Generation for use in whisper-quiet studio settings, so don’t invest in this microphone if your home setup can get noisy.
You just want a USB microphone
If you don’t own an audio interface and just want to go through USB-C then you’re better served by the Rode X XDM-100 which is built around the connection method with quality of life inclusions that the NT1 5th Generation lacks.
The Razer Audio Mixer is part of the boutique brand’s continued ventures into the streaming world. Aimed primarily at streamers, it sets out to be a solution for balancing sound levels when broadcasting gameplay. While it achieves what it sets out to do, the asking price is so steep that only those firmly invested in the ecosystem are going to get the most out of this.
Price and availability
You can pick up the Razer Audio Mixer in the US, the UK, and Australia from any big box online retailer or from Razer directly for $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$414. It’s been available for around a year, originally launching in March 2022. While Razer products certainly carry a premium, the price of this compact XLR audio interface and mixing board is steep.
That’s because for around half the cost you can get the TC Helicon GoXLR Mini which retails for around $177 / £150 / $AU313. Now, Razer is a brand known for its premium price tags that go along with the lifestyle aesthetic of the products, so the markup isn’t too surprising here, but the sticker price is worth bearing in mind.
Design and Features
(Image credit: Future)
The Razer Audio Mixer is certainly eye-catching. In true brand fashion, it’s jet black but adorned with the brand’s Chroma RGB software which illuminates everything in a spectrum of color. There are four channel sliders with corresponding mute buttons, a censor / SFX button, and mute. Ports-wise, there’s a single XLR input with the corresponding 48v Phantom Power, line in and out, and optical.
There are also two 3.5mm jacks for wired headphones and headset mics. Conveniently, a single USB-C cable that can run straight into the USB-C port on your desktop or gaming laptop powers the entire unit. Curiously, there was no input for any of Razer’s USB microphones through the mixer itself as there’s no USB-A port for the likes of the Razer Seiren V2 X or the Razer Seiren Emote here.
Given the high price tag on the Razer Audio Mixer, I’m disappointed the four fader sliders aren’t motorized. While they don’t feel unpleasant to use and have satisfying sliding action, I expected more from the overall build. Though sturdy, something feels incomplete to me about a high-end intimate gallery experience that’s lacking from what could have been great with motorized and programmable channels. The sub-$350 / £350 / AU$420 GoXLR Mini does it, so why can’t Razer?
Inside the Razer Audio Mixer, you’ve got a pre-amp that helps to bring out the best of the XLR microphones you plug into it. Naturally, you do the biggest tweaking through Razer Synapse on PC will, as is the case with every peripheral and accessory put out by the brand. Inside the software, you can manually configure levels for the four channels and apply various effects. It all comes together for a user experience that’s certainly competent but comes across as more style over substance.
Performance
(Image credit: Future)
The Razer Audio Mixer does what it sets out to do. I tested this compact XLR with several microphones, including the Rode PodMic and the Rode NT1 5th Generation. These are some of the better-sounding microphones that I own, and the board handles them well I got a nice and clear level when recording my voice and setting up streams.
Getting set up in the Synapse software was also a good way to make more fine-tuned tweaking than relying purely on manually moving the sliders. I particularly appreciate how you can fine-tune the different channels for the gameplay coming through a broadcast alongside how loud the microphones sound. I will say that the censor button isn’t something I got any real use out of. It’s a fun novelty, but not something I feel should have taken up space on an already small unit when an extra USB-A port or XLR could have fit into that gap.
Overall, the Razer Audio Mixer hasn’t won me over. It’s just too expensive for the limited functionality that it offers, considering you can get essentially the same product for roughly half the price. Moreover, as an audio interface, many cheap alternatives feature preamps and multiple XLR inputs for less. You can get the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC202HD for $99 / £77 / $AU139 which has two microphone inputs, multiple gain knobs, and direct monitoring.
If you want viable alternatives dedicated purely to game streaming, then you’ve got the choices of either the Elgato Stream Deck+ or the Elgato Wave XLR, which both come in cheaper at $199 / £199 / AU$358 and $159 / £159 / AU$149. You’re better served from a price-to-performance perspective with what these streaming solutions can do considerably cheaper than the Razer Audio Mixer.
Should I buy the Razer Audio Mixer?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if…
You’re already invested in Razer’s ecosystem
If your streaming setup primarily consists of Razer products, then the Audio Mixer will fit perfectly in and perform well for what it is
You’re considering going from a USB to an XLR microphone setup
The Razer Audio Mixer doesn’t take up much space and only requires a USB-C cable for power making it a good jumping off point for an XLR microphone.
Don’t buy it if…
You want good value for money
There’s no getting over the fact that the Razer Audio Mixer is overpriced for what it is.
USB mics are rarely a thing of beauty, which is why the Elgato Wave:3 already has an edge over the competition without even trying. This stunner has a retro-esque air about it, with its rounded rectangular design suspended on an elegant yoke and alloy grille as if it just popped into existence from the 60s. My review unit is even more unique, as it’s a special edition one from Corsair’s 10th anniversary collection.
But, it takes more than good looks to be one of the best USB mics on the market, and being a top content creation peripherals brand, Elgato of course knows this. So, what you’ve got here is a USB microphone that not only looks good but feels and sounds good as well.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
While the competitor mics can sometimes feel flimsy, Corsair’s sister company seems to have spared no expense in producing a top-quality product in the Elgato Wave:3. That yoke, stand and mount are made of solid steel then beautifully painted with matte paint to give in a refined yet still industrial finish.
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(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
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(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
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(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
The grille itself is made of steel as well, and its multifunctional dial feels robust, which likely means it won’t break or fall off anytime soon despite the number of functions it handles. It’s the dial for changing settings like input gain and crossfade between mic and PC mix.
Elgato, understanding that a chunk of its users find visual cues helpful, also slaps on light indicators here so you know what setting you’re controlling and what level it’s currently on. And, in the back is a 3.5mm headphone jack for direct monitoring so users can get zero latency. To the uninitiated: many users prefer to hear themselves as they’re talking into the mic. However, with external mics, the audio signal that you’re hearing back will always have some amount of latency that results in you hearing an echo of your voice, which can be confusing. Connecting a pair of headphones directly to the Elgato Wave:3 via this headphone jack takes away that delay, allowing you seamless recording.
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(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
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(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
I also appreciate the almost 360-degree articulation that the yoke allows, giving the mic a bit more flexibility. However, the stand is also removable so you can attach it to a more ergonomic stand or a shock mount if you want to really minimize vibrations.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
You’d be surprised at how good the Elgato Wave:3 is at minimzing or stifling vibrations, like someone tapping on the surface it’s on. It’s also pretty effective at reducing sound pickup from the side and back – something that many mid-range cardioid USB mics often fail at – and rejecting background noise, speaking volumes to the mic’s quality of construction.
More importantly, it boasts impressive performance. After a series of recording tests, I have found that the audio quality is very clear and full, making it one of the best-sounding USB mics I’ve had the pleasure of using. I have noticed a tiny bit of distortion when my voice gets loud, but nothing too obvious that it’s a deal-breaker. Just be sure to temper your voice when you’re recording.
Using the Wave Link software adds more functionality to the Elgato Wave:3. It’s a little finicky, especially in the beginning, and it’s not a recording software. However, exercise a bit of patience, and you’ll be rewarded with access to things like the monitor mix gain, stream mix gain, and effects like reverb and pitch shift.
Elgato Wave:3: Price & availability
How much does it cost? $149.99 / £129 / AU$269
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia
With so many budget and mid-range rivals on the market, it might be hard to justify spending $149.99 / £129.00 / AU$269 on a USB mic that only has one polar pattern. But, listen, that’s Elgato for you. The brand may not be cheap, with one of its latest releases, the Elgato Facecam Pro, costing creators a lot more money than they’d expect to pay. However, the quality speaks for itself.
That’s what you’re getting from Elgato Wave:3. This is a premium investment with premium-quality build and performance. And, if you plan on taking your TikTok, YouTube, or Twitch content to the next level, it’s worth the splurge.
However, if money is really tight, the JBL Quantum Stream Dual Pattern is almost half the price, and the HyperX SoloCast is even cheaper. Neither can compete with the Wave:3 in audio performance, but they will do until you’re making a mint from your videos.
Value: 4.7 / 5
Elgato Wave:3: Specs
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Should you buy the Elgato Wave:3?
Buy it if...
You want a USB mic that has both style and substance The Elgato Wave:3 screams quality inside and out, with its elegant retro design and terrific audio performance.
You can afford a pricier USB mic It may be a little on the pricey side, but it’s actually a terrific value for what it offers. If you’re not penny-pinching, this is the mic to get.
Don't buy it if...
You’re on a tight budget If you really can’t afford anything above $100 / £100, then there are cheaper options available. Just don’t expect the same level of quality.
You hate good audio recordings Do you have very clear and full audio? If you do, then look elsewhere. Otherwise, is there really any other choice?
Elgato Wave:3: Also consider
How I tested the Elgato Wave:3
Tested the Elgato Wave:3 for a couple of days
Used it for recording and chatting
I talked, tapped, and made background noises then I listened to recordings
Using the Elgato Wave:3 for a couple of days to talk to people and record myself was the best way to test its audio performance. During recordings, I spoke from the front, as well as from the back, from the sides and from different distances. I also checked how it handled things like vibrations and background noise by tapping on the surface it was on and on its stand and by making noises in the background during recordings.
After, I listened to those recordings, playing close attention to sound quality and any artefacts it might have picked up. I also made sure to test its control, light indicators, and Wave Link software to see how easy it is to use, especially for beginners.
I’ve been testing devices like computing peripherals for years. Mics are a newer thing for me, having only started testing them last year, my experience with audio devices like gaming headsets, headphones, and speakers made it easy for me to understand USB microphones and what matters most to users during testing.
If the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro adheres to any philosophy, it’s that more is more. This is not one of those stripped-down mechanical keyboards that offer up the basics for a straightforward experience – this is a keeb that will do just about everything but play the game for you.
To start with, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro has a polling rate that puts most of the competition to shame, dedicated macro and media keys to go along with its full-size layout, and offers levels of comfort that will make you forget you’ve been using it for the last eight hours. Its brilliant RGB lighting even extends around its wrist rest. If there’s a feature you want from your keyboard, the BlackWidow V4 Pro has it, with one exception: it's lacking the wireless connectivity of its predecessor.
While it faces plenty of stiff competition, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro can go head-to-head with any of the best gaming keyboards and at least keep up. If you’re looking for specific features, such as that wireless connectivity or adjustable actuation, there might be other options that are better for you. Otherwise, this is one of the best keyboards out there right now.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro: Price and availability
How much does it cost? $229 (about £190 / AU$330)
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, the UK, and Australia
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro: SPECS
Layout: Full Switch: Razer Linear Programmable keys: Yes Dimensions: 466 x 152.5 x 44mm RGB or backlighting: Yes
It might not be the most expensive keyboard in Razer’s lineup, but the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is close. At $229 (about £190 / AU$330), it’s not for the faint of heart. Yet, it’s more than worth the price thanks to its impressive set of features, all-day comfort, and top-of-the-line performance. More importantly, it retains the price tag of its predecessor at a time when everything – including eggs – is getting more expensive.
Frugal gamers may want to pass on the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro for something like the Roccat Magma, which at around $70 / £50 / AU$90 is more than a serviceable gaming companion, if a little light on features. It also doesn’t have the quality build of this Razer keyboard.
The serious competition might be a more fully-featured keeb like the Corsair K100 Air Wireless. It’s similarly jam-packed with features, it also has that lofty 8,000Hz polling rate, and it has an attractive low-profile design. However, it is pricier at $279 / £279 / AU$479, is a bit louder to type on, and has fewer dedicated macro keys.
Value: 4.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro: Design
Comes with several dedicated, remappable keys
RGB lighting is fantastic
Plenty of comfort thanks to the magnetic wrist rest
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro’s black-on-black look is not going to convert any keyboard DIYers or Instagram influencers. But, that’s okay. This is not a keyboard for social media. This is a full-blown battle-station interface designed to tackle the most challenging of gaming situations – and Razer has put a lot of effort into making sure that it can handle the needs of the most demanding gamer.
That starts with its 8,000Hz polling rate, and choice of either Razer’s green clicky or yellow linear switches. Both offer a 100 million-press lifespan, double the industry standard, and come with speedy actuation – 1.9mm/50g for the green and 1.2mm/45g for the yellow. As Razer uses a premium 5052 aluminum case, the company packed it with PCB foam to quiet down those switches.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
The reintroduction of those macro keys that went missing on the BlackWidow V3 Pro is also a huge addition. This newer model has eight macro keys, five of which line the left side of the layout, while the other three sit on the side of the keyboard, and can be used to switch profiles. There are also four dedicated media keys, as well as an infinity edge roller, all of which are remappable.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
There’s even a command dial that can be mapped to all sorts of functions, from mic volume and spreadsheet horizontal scrolling to turbo key pressing (great for spamming spells). Really, there’s a ton of customization on hand with the BlackWidow V4 Pro.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
The immersive RGB is just as deep. Not only does the BlackWidow V4 Pro feature a floating key-cap design to allow all that per-key lighting to literally shine, but an RGB underglow lines the entire base, including the sides and front of the magnetic wrist rest for a display that will put your Christmas lights to shame.
To round out the whole package, Razer includes a single USB passthrough (more on that later) and USB connectivity, eschewing the previous version’s wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, presumably in order to hit that 8,000Hz polling rate; the BlackWidow V3 Pro only made it up to 1,000Hz.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Lastly, the company has also magnetized the leatherette wrist rest so that it snaps into place, and stays where it should during heavy gaming sessions. It's plush, and it’s as comfortable as it is ergonomic.
Design: 5 / 5
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro: Performance
Has a ridiculous 8,000Hz polling rate
Quieter than most mechanical keyboards
USB passthrough is disappointing
With its 8,000Hz polling rate, you would have to be superhuman to stump the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro. It’s fast, accurate, and easy to use. Since the keycaps are concave and textured, they do a great job of keeping my fingers on the keys I intend to press. They’re also spaced out so as not to feel cramped or crowded. Having used this keyboard not only for fast-paced gaming but furious typing, I haven’t experienced any latency issues, missed presses, or any other performance-related issues.
While that’s not uncommon for higher-end gaming keyboards, I was especially impressed by the switches. The review unit I tested came with the yellow variants, which are billed as smooth and silent. Indeed they are. They only require a light amount of pressure to actuate in a very even fashion.
On top of that, they’re much quieter than I expected. Regardless of whether it’s the switches themselves or that foam padding, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro makes less noise than most mechanical keyboards while still providing a little bit of that satisfying clack.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
As with most Razer keyboards, there’s a ton of customization on hand. Not only does it have all those dedicated macro and media keys, but it’s fully customizable via the Razer Synapse app. In fact, you need that app to fully unlock all this keyboard can do from remapping to adjusting the RGB lighting key by key.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
If there’s any place for complaint, it would be in Razer’s implementation of that USB passthrough. To use the one USB passthrough port the BlackWidow V4 Pro comes with, you have to connect a second USB-C to USB cable from the keyboard to the computer. Considering that almost all computers of the last few years come with USB-C, it’s strange that Razer didn’t just allow you to use a single USB-C cable to cover both the keyboard’s functionality as well as the use of a USB-A port.
Performance: 4.5 / 5
Should I buy the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro?
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
Also consider
If our Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro review has you considering other options, here are two more to consider...
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro: Report card
First reviewed February 2023
How I tested the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
To properly test the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, I used it as my primary keyboard every day for two weeks to compose all my work emails as well as write my articles and buying guide updates. I also used it on quite a few gaming sessions to see if it can keep up with more rigorous use.
We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained. Regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.
Those people and businesses that are protective of their liquid assets will probably exclude the Danish luxury brand Bang & Olufsen from their product choices.
Bang & Olufsen has a long and impressive history of delivering excellent audio technology for those that care more about quality than price, and its new Beocom Portal headphones haven’t strayed from that path.
However, compared with gaming-orientated or audiophile-luring headphones, these have been designed more with hybrid workers in mind. And are being promoted by Bang & Olufsen as “the next big step in our efforts to grow our business-to-business portfolio which is an important strategic focus area for Bang & Olufsen”, according to John Howard, Head of Enterprise at Bang & Olufsen.
In service to those objectives, these Bluetooth-connected headphones are Zoom-certified out of the box and come with support for all the commonly used communication platforms.
Therefore, irrespective of the particular standardisation of the purchasing business, these should be suitable.
One caveat of deploying these types of devices away from the office is resolving technical issues without onsite support. The Beocom Portal headphones come with Beocom link USB wireless Bluetooth adapters (with aptX Adaptive Codec), pre-paired for use and supporting both USB Type-A and USB Type-C ports on the host device.
If the connecting technology is already Bluetooth enabled, Bang & Olufsen has apps, Apple and Android, that can establish the pairing easily with the minimum of fuss.
These headphones aren’t exclusively Bluetooth, as they include the cables to connect them to both USB and 3.5mm audio systems. The USB-A to USB-C cable also doubles to charge the Portal headphones, although no charger is included for those that don’t have access to a USB-A system.
Once these are connected, the user can experience the “uncompromised Bang Olufsen signature sound”, or clear communication and audio rendering for those who don’t speak PR.
It achieves this by using an array of beamforming microphones to isolate and amplify the voice of the user while cancelling out background noise, though cancelling can be disabled if required. A prerequisite for those that spend their days calling others, along with long-wear comfort, these are things that business headphone designers can no longer ignore.
While these might look very similar to the previous Beoplay 500 design, plenty of business-friendly changes make these more suitable for hybrid workers.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Bang & Olufsen Beocom Portal price and availability
Where can you get it? You can get it in Bang & Olufsen stores and online
The Bang & Olufsen Beocom Portal isn’t cheap or even attractively priced, and those expecting otherwise aren’t familiar with this brand.
The only choice here is that they come in Black Anthracite, Navy or Grey Mist colour schemes.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Value score: 3/5
Bang & Olufsen Beocom Portal design
Designed by Jakob Wagner
Stylish and lightweight
Simple to operate
For those unfamiliar with the name, Jacob Wenger is an American industrial designer and entrepreneur that founded his own design firm, Jacob Wenger Design, LLC, and it specializes in high-end custom furniture and product design.
Therefore, while it might be a leap to suggest that he designed the Beocom Portal headphones, his design team was responsible for their ergonomics and visual styling.
Unsurprisingly, these have all the hallmark deference of a product design exercise where every sharp edge has been eliminated and replaced with a sweeping curve.
What makes these stand out from other headphone makers' products are some simple refinements that elevate the user experience.
Where most headbands have a notched connection to the driver covers, on the Beocom Portal, they move smoothly, allowing for a great degree of positioning. It’s a tiny thing, but it makes for even greater comfort. The breathable fabric used for the headband is another factor in making these easy to wear throughout a working day.
In other respects, the control mechanisms of the Portal follow a pattern that anyone who has experience with B&O Bluetooth headphones will be familiar with.
Each of the metal surfaces on the cup faces operates as a touch input, but the subtle nuances of this design are that strictly what gestures do entirely depends on the mode of operation.
For example, if the wearer is taking a call, then tapping on the left cup will end the call. But the same action will pause a track playing over Bluetooth. Some actions overlap, and some are entirely different. These peculiarities might take some learning by the user, but it’s logical.
However, the controls assume oddly that music lovers never repeat tracks or fast forward.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
What the designers avoided was using touch on the cups for volume controls, instead using a rocker/slider on the left cup to control noise cancellation and one on the right side to adjust volume levels.
Each side also has a single pressable button, with the right one doubling as the power and Bluetooth pairing control and the left side mute.
The physical controls have their limits, and we’d strongly recommend installing the Bang & Olufsen Beocom app on your phone, as this allows you to easily switch between different modes and levels of noise cancellation. And, this tool can also update the onboard firmware should the makers release updates.
Both the USB-C connection and 3.5mm audio jack is placed on the right side, assuming that the computer will be on that side of the user if they’re using wired technology.
Bang & Olufsen opted for a design that doesn’t have a boom microphone, instead a beamforming array to identify the wearer from other sounds and focus exclusively on that source. The quality is more than acceptable and well within the spec required for making and receiving calls, but it isn’t the clarity needed for broadcast work, like a podcast.
Overall, these are exceptionally classy headphones that work well in a business context, although some audiophiles might take exception to the inability to reverse skip tracks and move through audio accurately.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Design score: 4/5
Bang & Olufsen Beocom Portal features
AAC and aptX Adaptive
Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair
Good battery life
Specs
The Bang & Olufsen Beocom Portal that was sent to us for review came with the following hardware: Frequency range: 20 – 22,000Hz ANC: Adaptive ANC with Transparency Mode plus Dolby Atmos Drivers: Electro-dynamic driver w/ Neodymium magnets Drive diameter: 40mm Driver sensitivity: 95dB @ 1kHz / 1mW EQ: Presets and custom settings via Bang & Olufsen App Designer: Jakob Wagner, LLC Fit: Circumaural Dimensions (WxHxD): 167.3 x 178.7 x 92.6mm
The Bluetooth technology in the Portal is version 5.1, which goes beyond the standard ABC codec with both AAC and aptX Adaptive.
Due to the audio compression used, variable between 5:1 and 10:1, the aptX Adaptive is the preferred method of connection for best audio fidelity, as it offers up to 420 kBits of data at 48 kHz.
That’s for a single source, but it is possible to have multipoint connections for those transitioning from a PC to mobile phone use.
By default, the headset will automatically try to connect to the last device that was paired, and it supports both Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair technologies.
Ironically, the best audio quality available is undoubtedly over USB. When connected using the provided cable, these will be seen by the connected PC as rated for Dolby Atmos playback.
Another high-quality sound option is the audio jack mode, but it has a few limitations since it won’t work if the Portal isn’t powered by the battery or through USB. But with power available, even when using audio jack input, the noise cancelling and some controls will work as expected.
Noise cancelling on these is good, but not quite as amazing as we’ve experienced on some of the more expensive options from Sony. The effect is that low-frequency rumbles are all but eliminated, but higher ranges are muffled. This allows you to realise someone alongside is speaking to you in person but removes most unwanted background sounds that you might experience in an office. There are five levels of ANC, enabling the user to find the one that makes them less distracted by those around them while not entirely deaf while wearing them.
You can also adjust the level of your own voice feeding back into the headphones, which can be helpful if you are raising that to cope with a bustling environment.
The B&O Android application provides full control over the features of these headphones (Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
The similarities between the Beocom Portal and Beoplay 500 series headphones might lead some to think they are the same product, but some distinct differences exist, especially in respect of the battery.
Where the Beoplay 500 offer 19 hours of talk time with Active Noise Cancellation, the Portal has extended that to 23 hours and listening to music at a moderate volume level offers 47 hours with Active noise cancellation (connected to the Beocom Link A or C dongle).
That extra time should make the Portal last through at least three working days, as they turn off after 15 minutes without an active audio stream.
The quoted times are dependent on the sound being relayed through the headphones, as high-impact audio, like rock music, will use more power to output compared to a flute solo.
Both USB-A to USB-C and 3.5mm audio cables are included (Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Features score: 4/5
Bang & Olufsen Beocom Portal Sound
Best over USB
Balanced soundscape
When phones get more than 10,000 mAh, they’ve got enough battery for extended use without a recharge, and this one has 10800 mAh of battery inside.
According to Doogee, the V30 should operate for more than three days of typical use without needing a recharge, and it might make it to a fourth.
The included 66W charger can recover 50% of its battery capacity from empty in around 30 minutes, although if you use the 15W wireless charging, it will take four hours to reach the same level.
There are rugged designs that offer more battery, but they trade weight for that advantage, and the physical mass of the V30 isn’t so great that it becomes impractical.
The available capacity is enough for a camping holiday, and the power efficiency of the platform makes the most of it.
Sound score: 4/5
(Image credit: Bang & Olufsen)
I could wax lyrical about the balanced frequency response, how they feel after you’ve been wearing them for hours and the generally wonderful build quality, but none of these things obscures the fiscal elephant in this room.
If you want some high-quality headphones that are equally impressive user for work or play and carry this logo, then be prepared to open your wallet wide.
