Review: SteelSeries Alias Pro

The SteelSeries Alias Pro: A Product of Deliberate Innovation

This review focuses on a microphone from SteelSeries. While it has been some time since our last microphone evaluation, the Alias Pro has been a model of particular interest since its launch. Amidst a surge in microphone releases driven by the streaming boom, SteelSeries adopted a distinct development approach. Rather than hastily launching a product to capitalize on market trends, they invested significant time in developing a meticulously engineered solution, excelling in both technical performance and design. The Alias Pro exemplifies the benefits of a thorough development cycle.

First Impressions and Box Contents

The retail package includes the SteelSeries Alias Pro along with an external audio interface named the Stream Mixer. It functions as both an audio interface and a control hub, enabling precise level adjustments and immediate microphone muting. Additionally, both an XLR cable and USB-C cables are provided, ensuring users have all necessary components for immediate setup.

Dual-PC Connectivity

A distinctive feature of the Stream Mixer is its inclusion of two USB-C ports. This capability allows for simultaneous audio recording or streaming to two distinct computers. While unconventional, this intelligent design is particularly beneficial for advanced streaming configurations or dual PC setups. For this review, the microphone was tested in a conventional single-PC environment; however, this functionality offers significant flexibility for users requiring it.

Sound Quality and Application

Sonically, the Alias Pro delivers a broad and rich spectrum, with a pronounced emphasis on vocal clarity and reproduction. Vocals are rendered naturally and distinctly, exhibiting excellent mid-range presence, which ensures clear and engaging audio during extended recording sessions or live streams. It captures intricate vocal details without introducing harshness or excessive processing, contributing to an authentic and professional sound profile.

In terms of background noise suppression, the Alias Pro demonstrates stable performance. Common environmental sounds, such as keyboard clicks and minor ambient noise, are effectively attenuated, particularly when optimal microphone placement and settings are utilized. Additionally, the Sonar software’s integrated AI-based noise reduction further minimizes extraneous background noise, preserving vocal character and clarity. Collectively, these features establish a clean and controlled soundscape, highly effective for practical recording and streaming applications.

XLR Integration with Advanced Control

The Alias Pro is a directional XLR microphone. XLR is a professional audio standard, widely adopted in recording studios due to its robust, balanced signal transmission. A key distinction from typical USB microphones is that XLR transmits audio as a pure analog signal. This methodology yields superior audio fidelity, offering enhanced detail and substantially reduced susceptibility to background interference.

The included Stream Mixer acts as the microphone’s central control unit. It features headphone output jacks and two USB-C connections, enabling simultaneous connectivity to two host computers. The mixer also supplies the necessary 48-volt phantom power to the microphone for optimal operation. Rather than relying on tactile buttons, phantom power is conveniently managed directly within the SteelSeries Sonar software. While we have previously reviewed simpler USB microphones such as the NZXT Capsule Mini, the Alias Pro’s XLR technology delivers a discernibly more professional audio outcome.

Intuitive Controls and Clear Feedback

The gain control knob is encircled by a prominent LED ring, which dynamically changes color from green to yellow and red. This visual indicator offers immediate feedback, simplifying gain adjustment and preventing audio clipping. The two prominent buttons on the mixer are clearly marked, highly accessible, and customizable via Sonar, allowing for functions such as volume control or rapid muting of specific audio sources.

Design and Build Quality

The Alias Pro features a sleek and functional design. It integrates seamlessly, whether mounted on a boom arm or positioned on a desk using the included stand. A notable design element is the microphone’s suspension within the stand by elastic bands, which not only mitigates vibrations but also contributes to its distinct aesthetic.

Sonar Software and Overall Experience

A significant strength of the Alias Pro lies in its comprehensive user experience. From initial setup, the microphone delivers excellent audio fidelity, largely attributable to its generously sized capsule. Installation is straightforward, with all essential components provided in the retail package. The PC-exclusive Sonar software provides optimized voice profiles, multi-source audio mixing (up to five channels), and AI-powered noise reduction. Collectively, these elements form a meticulously designed and powerful solution tailored for dedicated content creators.

Summary

The SteelSeries Alias Pro stands as a meticulously engineered and highly capable microphone solution, ideal for users aiming to elevate their audio production. Its combination of superior sound quality, versatile Stream Mixer, and robust Sonar software makes it a compelling choice for demanding streamers and podcast creators. Despite its professional XLR connectivity, setup is intuitive, and the system offers substantial scalability for future expansion. While not the most budget-friendly option, the Alias Pro represents a highly competitive choice for users who prioritize audio fidelity, comprehensive control, and a premium user experience.

SteelSeries provided the unit for this test. The supplier of the review unit had no editorial influence on the content or outcome of this review.