SteelSeries Alias Pro XLR Microphone & Stream Mixer Kit Review

SteelSeries Alias Pro XLR Microphone & Stream Mixer Kit Review،

THE SteelSeries Alias Pro XLR Microphone and Stream Mixer Kit aims to bring high-quality, highly customizable audio to the masses, in an easy-to-use package. However, even though it has some great features, there are some flaws that prevent it from realizing its full potential.

The combination

Together, the Alias Pro XLR mic and the Stream Mixer make a beautiful duo. They are compact, considering their functionality, and do not take up too much space on the desk. I'd be happy to throw them in a backpack for a high-quality on-the-go solution. There's also a touch of RGB, which some will surely appreciate.

It looks good

The Alias Pro delivers studio-quality sound, a claim that is only true to a certain extent. Although the microphone offers clear audio capture, it falls far short of the richness and depth offered by truly professional microphones. The cardioid polar pattern, while effective, limits its versatility in different recording scenarios, especially compared to microphones with multiple polar pattern options.

Although EQ, compression, and other effects can help improve the sound, I expected more from the unprocessed recording quality. After all, if you can start with great sound, you're already in a good position before adding effects.

Mix

The stream mixer, an integral part of this setup, comes with a range of features such as mic monitoring, line out and quick controls. These features not only improve ease of use, but also contribute to the microphone's versatile performance. However, some users might find the single-port mixer limited, especially those looking to accommodate additional microphones. I also found the gain level meter to be inaccurate, which can create some confusion when recording.

Sonar is a victory

SteelSeries' Sonar for Streamers software is undoubtedly a strong point, offering a range of useful features such as AI noise cancellation and easy app routing. However, it is not enough to overlook hardware defects. The software, while powerful, cannot compensate for fundamental limitations in microphone and mixer performance. It's also worth noting that Sonar is available without purchasing Alias Pro, so it's not an exclusive benefit.

A little too expensive

At its steep price of $329.99, the SteelSeries Alias Pro kit is a considerable investment, especially compared to other high-quality options on the market. For the serious audio professional, the price may be justifiable, but for the average gamer or streamer, it's a tough ask, especially given the product's various shortcomings.

Final verdict

The SteelSeries Alias Pro XLR Microphone and Stream Mixer is an ambitious product that unfortunately doesn't fully live up to its promises. Although it offers some advantages like easy setup and a comprehensive software package, these are overshadowed by its performance issues and high cost. Potential buyers, especially those on a budget or with professional audio needs, might find better value elsewhere.

That said, for those who are in love with the design and/or other SteelSeries products and therefore already integrated into the ecosystem, there is still much to love about the SteelSeries Alias Pro. I would just like to see this price come down a bit.

Disclosure: Alias Pro Kit review sample provided by Steel Series.