You’ve narrowed down your search for an all-in-one audio solution for streaming or podcasting, and ended up with these two worthy choices; the GoXLR and the RODEcaster Pro.
Both are similar in some respects, but their differences are what you really want to know in order to make the best choice.
All You’ll Ever Need
RODEcaster Pro
Catered towards the podcaster, the RODEcaster Pro is incredibly easy to use and the quality of sound you get out of this equipment is worth more than its asking price.
Content Creators Dream
GoXLR Mixer
Perfect for streamers and content creators wanting to take full control over their audio with one sleek and intuitive solution instead of having to buy multiple pieces of hardware.
In this article we’re going to unravel the key aspects and differences between the RODEcaster Pro vs the GoXLR mixer from TC Helicon so you can decide which audio solution is best for your specific needs.
Besides the price tag, think about what’s most important to you as you go through the comparisons below so you’re not left wondering if you made the wrong choice in the end.
The Specs
First let’s breakdown the technical details for both the RODEcaster Pro and GoXLR.
| Rodecaster Pro | GoXLR | |
|---|---|---|
| Inputs - Mic Preamps | 4 x XLR | 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/8" TRS |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" TRS | 1 x 1/8" (line out) |
| Interface | Buttons, knobs, etc. | Buttons, knobs, etc. |
| Channels | 6 | 4 |
| Inputs - Line | 1 x 1/8" TRRS (aux in) | 1 x 1/8" TRS |
| USB | USB-C | USB-B |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Effects | Aphex Big Bottom, Aural Exciter | Sample Pads/Voice Effects |
| Storage | MicroSD Card Slot | Onboard Sampling |
| Software | Rodecaster Pro Companion Software | GO XLR Desktop App |
| OS Requirements - MAC | OS X 10.11 or later | PC Only |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 10 or later | Windows 7 SP1 or later, Intel Core 2 Duo or higher |
| Phantom Power | 48V | +48V |
| Headset In | Yes - multiple | Yes - rear |
| Headphones | Yes - front | Yes - rear |
| Fader | 8 | 4 |
| Channel Mute Buttons | Yes | Yes |
| Compression | Yes | Yes |
| Sampler | Yes | 4 pads w/ 3 layers |
| Power | 15V DC Power Supply | External 12V Supply |
| More Specs & Reviews | Read more | Read more |
RODEcaster Pro vs GoXLR Similarities
There are some similarities between the RODEcaster Pro and the GoXLR audio units. Some include…
Power, Phantom Power, Connectivity, Compatibility
Both the RODEcaster Pro and GoXLR use phantom power to power your mics, an important feature for podcasters and streamers 
.
They also both use a power supply (while the Rodecaster Pro uses a bit more, a 15v versus a 12v). Both systems are compatible with PCs (GoXLR is not compatible with Macs, see more details below).
Preamp and Gain
Both the RODEcaster Pro and GoXLR have preamps built into their audio interfaces.
Additionally for the GoXLR all the effects happen on the unit so no CPU load takes place on your computer. This is not the case with the RODEcaster Pro however.
You’re getting 52dB of gain with the RODEcaster Pro, and 72dB with the GoXLR. Which is technically a difference, but who’s paying attention anyways?
Both are capable of powering dynamic microphones like the ever popular Shure SM7B.
The GoXLR vs RODEcaster Pro Differences
Some differences between the GoXLR and RODEcaster Pro are…
Routing
Through the GoXLR software, you can route what sounds/music is going through your headphones and which are going out to the audience.
This is helpful since there are usually a ton of tracks/sounds podcasters/Twitch streamers are constantly using. This is not possible with the RODEcaster Pro.
GoXLR is not compatible with Mac
With many streamers and podcasters today using Apple products, it’s an easy choice for Mac users to purchase the RODEcaster Pro since GoXLR is not compatible with Macs.
If you’re a streamer and primarily use PCs this shouldn’t be a problem.
Inputs and outputs
For the GoXLR, there are multiple inputs including: 1 XLR microphone, line in, optical in, etc. The GoXLR’s outputs include the USB port and an additional line out to connect to another device.
These are generally the same when compared to the RODEcaster Pro but the central difference is the RODEcaster has 4 XLR microphone inputs and 4 headphone outputs.
So you can have more people talking with their own mic/headphones, something that is vital if you’re planning to have guests on your podcast.
But this isn’t as important if you’re live streaming solo on Twitch.
Faders
The RODEcaster Pro has 8 faders while the GoXLR has 4. The RODEcaster Pro has more because they have more channels [6] than the GoXLR [4].
Samples and Effects
Both the RODEcaster Pro and GoXLR have a sampler where you can record sounds and include it in your streams/podcasts.
Both systems also have effects but different types: the GoXLR has Sample Pads/Voice Effects while the RODEcaster has an Aphex Big Bottom/Aural Exciter (these specific effects don’t actually add sound but enhances the clarity of your sound).
This Aphex Big Bottom/Aural Exciter is not included with the GoXLR.
In our GoXLR vs GoXLR mini comparison these sample and effects pads were one of the biggest differences of the two.
Buttons on the mixer
The RODEcaster Pro has 8 touchpads, 8 faders, 5 knobs (one for volume) and a record button.
It also has a digital interface where you can update your firmware or even record without plugging into a computer!
The GoXLR has 4 faders, 4 buttons, 4 knobs, and a few other buttons (ie: for mute, etc). You can do some basics on the GoXLR like change the audios of each channel and control the echo, pitch, etc.
Audio processing
For the GoXLR, all the processing is completed on the hardware, which includes VoiceFX, Gate, EQ, Compression, De-Ess, and more.
This has some great advantages because there is not a lot of CPU usage on your computer.
For the audio processing on the RODEcaster, some of the effects do happen on the hardware (ie: Compressor, De-Ess, High Pass Filter, Noise Gate) and some happen on the software (so it will be more CPU intensive depending on what actions are being performed).
However each microphone channel has separate processors, which is great depending on what changes you may want to make for each voice!
Similarily to other RODEcaster Pro alternatives, it also has additional features such as the Aural Exciter/Processing which equalizes sounds via harmonies (this is not available on the GoXLR).
Software/Hardware
The hardware for the GoXLR and RODEcaster Pro are similar with the main difference being the 2 extra channels available on the RODEcaster Pro.
The main software difference between RODEcaster Pro (RODEcaster Pro Companion Software) and GoXLR (GoXLR Desktop App) is that the GoXLR’s Desktop app (and sound interface) is not supported by Mac.
Price
Price is always something to consider when comparing two products. The RODEcaster Pro is currently priced higher (view price) than the GoXLR mixer (view price).
Depending on your budget the GoXLR may be more economical and a better option for you today. There are also some more budget friendly GoXLR alternatives you can check out.
Why should you choose the RODEcaster Pro?
The RODEcaster Pro is a great option for podcasters and streamers who currently or foresee having guests on their podcasts/streams because of the multiple ports for additional mics.
Additionally it’s a great option for someone on the go because you can simply record on the SD card without having to plug into a computer (especially with the default settings that come programmed).
It is also the only choice for Macs (since GoXLR is not compatible with Mac).
Why should you choose the GoXLR?
If your primary focus is on streaming solo, then you’re better off saving some cash and going with the GoXLR.
The faders are key for managing multiple audio channels like Discord, game audio, music, etc. All within an arms reach away.
It’s also great for streamers because it’s specifically designed for streaming in mind, with the big mute and censor buttons.
Which one are you leaning towards?
