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The Roland Go: Mixer Pro-X continues the concept of building a mobile studio for live streams, podcasts, performance, and recording in combination with the smartphone. While the cameras in smartphones usually have a completely adequate picture quality, there is still a lack of sound. And that’s exactly where this soundmixer with the necessary connections continues to help out. We’ll take a look at what has changed since its predecessor.
The differences to the model without the “X” at the end are actually marginal. According to Roland, the new sound mix model supports even more Android and iOS mobile devices than its predecessor. The device also offers a pad switch for the guitar/bass input and the option of using a headset microphone or the integrated microphone of smartphone headphones.
On paper, Go: Mixer Pro-X compared to its predecessor with the inputs on 11 channels and the output on three channels. The connections have essentially remained the same. On the left side there are two jack inputs for line instruments, the front side offers connections (mini jack) for two stereo line inputs as well as the socket for headphones or a headset.
The right side of the housing has an instrument input for guitar or bass and a jack for mini jack, which serves as a smartphone in/out. The previous model has an input for microphones that work with plug-in power. The combination of XLR and jack connection can of course still be found on the right-hand side. For connected microphones, activate 48 V phantom power if necessary.
USB Micro-B not only supplies the small soundmixer with bus power but of course, also serves as a connection to a smartphone or tablet based on iOS and Android. In the scope of delivery, you will find cables with connections to Lightning, USB-C, and four-pin TRRS.
The operation continues to work with five knobs and a few additional buttons. The controller for the headset microphone replaces the one for the plug-in mic, instead of monitor out you get control for headphones/smartphone out. The center cancel switch of the predecessor has been replaced by the very useful pad switch for guitar/bass. Two LEDs indicate operation and overload.
The rest remains as usual: the aforementioned button for phantom power, the switchable and always practical loop-back function, the controls for instrument, guitar/bass, mic, and of course the switch for battery operation. With four AAA batteries, the juice lasts for around four hours of operation. And since nothing has changed in the form factor, you will of course still get the shelf for the smartphone.
If you own the “old” model, you don’t necessarily have to upgrade – unless you want to use the microphones in your headset and you can’t do without a pad for the instrument input. But if you don’t have anything in this direction and are looking for such a compact soundmixer solution, the Go: Mixer Pro-X might be spot on. In our opinion, the price is completely okay for what is offered.
Roland Go: Mixer Pro-X price and availability
You can pre-order the Roland Go: Mixer Pro-X from Amazon.com, and Bhphotovideo.com websites at a price of $149.99.
Earlier this year, Roland GO has introduced the Roland GO: Live Cast is a compact live streaming audio and video box for gamers, Twitchers, YouTubers, and all manner of mobile-based streamers with iOS or Android devices. It has been priced at $249.99.
