Hello Streamers! Are you using an audio mixer? In simple terms, an audio mixer is a handy device that allows you to mix and process multiple sounds while playing them simultaneously. We had the chance to try out Roland’s “BRIDGE CAST ONE” to see how it performs in action!

Product Overview

The BRIDGE CAST ONE is an audio mixer developed by Roland specifically for game streamers and content creators. Unlike traditional mixers, it features functions tailored for streaming and a user-friendly design. It allows for easy adjustment of audio balances and the addition of effects, consolidating multiple sound sources like game audio, voice chats, and background music for real-time mixing.

Appearance and Design

Design Impressions

At a glance, it exudes a stylish and premium feel characteristic of Roland’s products. Despite its compact body, it is equipped with essential control buttons and dials strategically placed for intuitive operation. Its portable size means it works well both on the go and on small desk spaces, which is a significant advantage.

Ease of Use

With a minimalistic layout of buttons and dials, fundamental settings can be adjusted via an app. The volume can be finely controlled using a large dial, and color-coded LED lighting enhances visibility, especially useful for streamers who often work in dimly lit environments.

Key Features

(Note: This article assumes the use of a dedicated app)

Dual Audio Buses

It provides multiple input channels, allowing users to separately manage sounds like game audio, microphone input, background music, and voice chat.

Mic Rehearsal

By following instructions on the BRIDGE CAST app, users can automatically set their microphone gain by inputting sound into the mic.

Console Gaming Compatibility

By setting the USB connection switch to “CONSOLE,” it can be used not only with PCs but also with gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch and PS5.

Game Effects

Ready preset sound effects are available for popular games, allowing, for example, noise reduction of wind sounds in FPS games to make footsteps and gunfire more audible.

Voice Transformer

It includes preset voice effects that enable changes to voice tone and application of reverb with just one touch, delivering vocal transformations to listeners.

Virtual Surround

Leveraging Roland’s proprietary spatial audio technology, it can process 5.1ch/7.1ch audio input via USB and deliver virtual surround sound through headphones.

BGM CAST

Using the BRIDGE CAST app, royalty-free background music and sound effects from Roland Cloud can be accessed.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Abundance of Input/Output Ports

It comes equipped with ports necessary for streaming, including XLR microphone input, headset input, AUX output, and line-out. It connects to the computer via USB-C. The device supports 4 inputs and 3 outputs for USB audio.

Multi-OS Support

The device is compatible with both Windows and macOS, with a smooth installation process for drivers. Additionally, it supports game consoles like PS5 and Switch, allowing direct game audio capture.

Sound Quality and Performance

True to Roland’s quality, it delivers clear audio for both streaming and recording. With phantom power support and up to 75dB high gain, it accommodates broadcast-grade microphones. The built-in delay feature allows immediate correction of video and audio sync issues during game streaming.

Usability and Application Scenarios

The device is well-suited for live streaming, game streaming, and podcasts. The intuitive ease of operation is essential for single-operator streaming, providing high visibility and responsive control.

Practical Usage Examples

During live streams, if adjustments are needed for BGM or microphone volume, fine-tuning is possible with just two touches, ensuring quick and confident operation. Additionally, it offers profile-based audio settings for chat streams, collaborative streams, and game streams, reducing the hassle of repetitive configurations and easing the stress of users with diverse streaming patterns.

Price and Cost-Effectiveness

With a listed price of ¥25,000 (excluding tax) and little price fluctuation, it falls in the mid-range price category among similar audio mixers for live streaming. Considering the quality and functionality, it seems priced appropriately. Its multifunctionality, excellent sound quality, multi-device support, and intuitive operation offer great overall value.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent sound quality, ideal for streaming and recording
• Intuitive operation, great for beginners
• Enhanced expression through custom buttons and effects

Cons

• The wealth of features may require some time to understand and set up initially
• Relatively expensive, potentially stretching the budget for some users

Conclusion

Overall Evaluation

The “BRIDGE CAST ONE” is an audio interface designed for live streaming, podcasts, and especially game streaming, aimed at content creators who prioritize audio quality. While maximum sampling frequencies are limited by the operating system, it offers clear sound quality, extensive functions and effects, and high compatibility with multiple devices. It’s a highly refined product that elevates the audio quality of live streams to a higher level, making it a highly valuable choice.

Future Prospects

On a personal note, there is room for improvement in the push button functionality of the central dial, as the push sound may be picked up by the microphone. Addressing noise issues through features like Mute/Assign button input source selection (such as double-clicking) for channel switching could benefit future updates.

—If you’re interested in the equipment tested in this review, check it out here: Roland BRIDGE CAST ONE.

Equipment cooperation: Roland Corporation

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