Over the last six months there has been an explosion of podcast content and even live streaming on various platforms. I'd be lying to you if I said I had no interest in launching my own podcast channel. The obstacles are time constraints, unique topics that no one else has covered and the equipment that will ensure good audio.
Personally I feel that for a podcast to be successful it needs to have a combination of interesting hosts, relevant content and solid audio. The Steel Series Alias Pro is a microphone system designed specifically for professional-level live streaming and podcast recording. Here's my full review of the all-in-one microphone and streaming deck set.
SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN
Alias Pro is a microphone set of XLR type that comes with a mixer that can be connected to two computers simultaneously. This makes it an option for content producers who use two PCs for streaming where one is dedicated to running video games while the other controls live streaming. In short, Alias Pro wants to be a professional local streaming tool
The Alias Pro microphone is an XLR cardioid condenser type with a 25mm capsule. It samples 24-bit audio with a bit rate of 48kHz, a frequency response of 50Hz – 20kHz, and a maximum SPL of 120dB.
Because it is aimed at professionals, the microphone used does not have extreme gaming elements. There is no logo with fluorescent colors or an LED lighting system that makes it look like an epilepsy-unfriendly nightclub. The body is made of hard plastic material that feels thick and the front has a black fabric lining.
It looks professional and premium. Previously I only had a Blue Yeti mic with a cast iron grille I'm not sure the fabric lining used here will hold up to dust for a long period of time.
The microphone is placed in a cradle-type holder with rubber binding like a bungee cord. With this configuration the microphone will float so it will not experience the issue of being disturbed by vibrations from the table surface or the boom mic used.
By default the microphone is mounted on a heavy metal base. The microphone feels stable and doesn't move easily when attached to this base. SteelSeries provides an adapter to be attached to boom mics that are often used by streamers and podcast producers.
One XLR cable head is attached to the back of the microphone and the other is attached to the body of the mixer. A rectangular mixer that uses XLR inputs, two USB-C inputs, one 3.5mm audio jack for headphones, one 3.5mm audio jack for output and one power input.
There are two knobs at the top. The left knob to control the gain and another larger knob to control the audio strength of the headphones. There is a light on the gain knob with it flashing according to my conversation when in use.
Below these two buttons are the microphone and headphone mute buttons. It will light up with an LED light when activated. Through the SteelSeries GG software that I will touch on later, the color of this light can be changed by the user. Finally, at the bottom there is an LED light bar which can again be changed in color and movement through the software provided.
The design and finish on the Alias Pro feels premium, durable and compatible with its expensive selling price.
USAGE
Usage is quite simple. Connect the cable from the PC to the input on the back of the mixer. Download the SteelSeries GG app and everything needed will be installed automatically within minutes. The first time the application is opened, I only need to set what microphone is used only through the menu provided. The interface of the SteelSeries Sonar app inside the GG is easy to understand thanks to its user-friendly iconography.
There are many options provided to ensure that the streaming you want to do can be easily controlled. There are settings for microphone, chat, audio source 1, audio source 2 and also another Master that controls them all.
Next in Sonar, I can choose a voice profile for audio recording with options like Deepvoice, Walkie Talkie and Broadcast. I like using Deepvoice the most which makes my voice sound more masculine. If all these settings are still not sufficient, the user can change them themselves according to their heart's desire.
More detailed microphone settings are also changed using sonar. With Clearcast AI for example, surrounding noise is automatically filtered. Again if this is still not enough, the user can change the noise gate settings themselves according to the audio volume level that feels appropriate.
There are also many built-in video game audio settings such as Assassin's Creed Mirage and COD: Warzone. In short, in terms of audio settings, Alias Pro provides a very complete selection.
The final settings that can be changed are two lights on the headphone and microphone mute buttons and a long light on the bottom surface of the mixer. All colors under the RGB spectrum can be selected. For the bottom light I can also change for the light to blink according to the audio input and also it according to some presets provided by SteelSeries.
AUDIO QUALITY
The audio quality is excellent. I have to say here that I only have experience using Blue Yeti, DJI Mic and Lavelier microphones for background audio recording when doing outdoor tasks. You can hear the difference in terms of audio clarity compared to recording using the microphone I used to use before.
The Sonar software does help produce audio that to my ears has a podcast feature. I admit I don't really like hearing my own voice because it feels weird. But after using the Deepvoice filter in sonar, I think my voice can handle it too. Maybe it's not too late to change careers to become a radio DJ.
With ClearCast AI, audio recordings uncontaminated by ambient noise are possible. This is necessary for those who want to stream with the fan and air conditioner on. No need to sweat anymore for audio recordings that pass broadcast standards.
The sound mix when streaming live is also very good. The ability to change the audio level of each input is quite helpful. If the voice audio is not good, it can be quickly corrected through the two physical buttons provided.
For a person who is not an expert in the field of audio, live streaming and podcasts I feel the Alias Pro system is very easy to use. There is no challenging learning curve helped by software that is immune to idiots like me. Because the process of using Alias Pro is so easy, it makes me want to finally realize my dream of creating a personal podcast. Look forward to its appearance in the near future, readers.
IN THE BOX
In every purchase, you will receive the following.
1x SteelSeries Alias Pro Microphone.
1x Base holder.
1x Mixer.
1x XLR Cable
2x USB-C to USB-A Cable
1x Power cable.
1x Manual.
CONCLUSION
What do you get with the SteelSeries Alias Pro that sells for RM1799 apiece? You get a microphone system for streaming with professional audio complete with a built-in mixer that makes it easy to input from two computers simultaneously. Very solid audio is also supported by SteelSeries Sonar software which is very easy to use with various built-in features that are really useful.
But it should be noted that all this can only be enjoyed on the PC platform. The price is also less affordable. But the fact is that to get great audio quality, money has to be sacrificed by you.
Pro
All-in-one XLR microphone and mixer system for streaming.
Very solid audio quality.
Software that has various built-in settings is useful.
Easy to use.
Cons
The price is less affordable.
Only supports PC.
The mixer only supports one XLR microphone.