Accessories

Why the SteelSeries Alias Pro is a steal

Perfect for streamers, voice actors and podcasters

Published

January 12, 2024

I have to say, I am completely new to XLR microphones. I dabbled in podcasting, directed voice overs, and streamed games to friends… all while using USB microphones. Aside from the price range, USB microphones are easier to set-up. Plus, they are more portable.

One of my multi-hyphenated friends, who loves streaming on Twitch and recording voice overs for content, introduced me to XLR microphones. I was at his place one time for a content shoot when I used his gaming set-up.

I played Genshin Impact on his PC and streamed it for fun while catching up with some of my friends on Discord. My friends quickly noticed my improved audio compared to the usual.

I also tried doing audio samples for some of my projects using my friend’s microphone, and I loved the sound quality. He lured me into purchasing one, and he explained the benefits of investing in a high-end XLR microphone with the words: “when you experience it, there is no turning back.”

To be quite honest, I was unbelievably convinced to make the switch.

For a time, I was checking out XLR microphones in tech stores to check the perfect fit for me. I’ve seen some mics with such complicated set-ups, and I am not a fan of those. I just need a quality one.

Thankfully, I met the guys from SteelSeries at last year’s Electronic Sports and Gaming Summit, and they offered me their latest audio rig — the Alias Pro.

SteelSeries has a reputation in the gaming community so I was ecstatic to have my first-ever device from the brand. Most of my friends own Steelseries headsets and they’re pretty satisfied.

Their product prices are quite reasonable, although I think the Steelseries Alias Pro is really on the hefty side.

Classy and high quality design

The thing about the Steelseries Alias Pro is that it’s not just any XLR microphone. Upon opening the big orange box, I immediately saw the two main components: the mixer and, of course, the mic with stand. It looks uncomplicated compared to the others I’ve seen, so it’s a plus for me as someone who lacks patience with setting-up my devices.

While unboxing the whole thing, it’s noticeable that the Steelseries Alias Pro is made of high quality material. The microphone itself looks premium and elegant with its black matte body which would neatly blend in a black PC set-up. I know a lot of friends who would dig this aesthetic.

However, I am a fan of mics with RGB lights, so this one looks quite boring to my liking. The mixer has RGB lights, though, so that may be a compromise.

Seamless set-up

Since I am used to USB microphones, it took a while for me to figure out the set-up.

Thankfully, the instructions aren’t hard to follow and Steelseries has lots of resources –from the manual to online video guides.

The mixer has no fuss and just easy to use. There’s a gain knob on the left which gives a green light signal when the pick-up audio is good, then it changes from to red when the pick-up is bad.

On the right is the volume knob. I liked that it has a bigger size than the gain knob because when I’m in-game, I know which is which even if my eyes are glued to the screen.

Below the knobs are two buttons: one for muting and unmuting the mic, and the other is for the speakers.

For the ports, the Steelseries Alias Pro has two USB-C ports at the back of the mixer for connecting to up to two PCs (helpful for those with a two PC set-up).

The main con with having XLR microphones – and probably the reason why most people hesitate to switch – is the complicated set-up. But honestly, the Steelseries Alias Pro is easy to install.

A streamer’s dream

After a few weeks of using this device, I really feel that it’s a good steal for hardcore streamers and gamers.

The audio output is very crisp and clear, and the bass sounds are good. I am biased to devices that puts emphasis on bass sounds.

The Steelseries Alias Pro comes with Sonar, a free software which allows users to easily customize their audio experience with presets for the most popular games today.

Whether you’re playing Valorant or League of Legends, Sonar has different presets tailored-fit to the requirements of each game. You can also create your own depending on your preferred settings.

Streamers can easily adjust their game audio so the background music won’t overpower their voice. This is especially useful when you’re talking to co-players in-game. Of course, it would be a pleasant watch to your viewers as well.

One of my favorite features is the spatial audio, which gives an effect that is similar to a surround sound. This is also customizable via Sonar, so you can control the distance or the loudness of sound depending to your liking for every game.

More customizations

Sonar also has tools for mixing sounds for several audio inputs and remixing them in one audio output. This is good because there is no need to run/install OBS — Sonar can do it for you.

I did a test stream on both Discord and Facebook, and it works well. My friend, who convinced me to switch to XLR, was very impressed with the audio output as well.

The Sonar software also features Clearcast AI noise cancellation, which brings more focus to the speaking voice. This is a very helpful feature in omitting extra unnecessary noises (e.g electric fan sounds, motorcycle riders from afar).

Below is a raw audio record with enabled Clearcast AI noise cancellation:

On the other hand, here is a sample audio when I disabled this feature:

I find this feature very useful for recording audios I need for my corporate work, since I don’t need to use another app to clean the background noise.

However, there are instances that I don’t quite like it, but of course this is subjective. For example, I still want to hear the sound of my keyboard while playing a game. The Clearcast AI somehow omits the sound of mechanical keyboards, so I turn this feature off sometimes.

Bonus feature: ASMR recording

I love consuming ASMR content, so now that I’ve upgraded my microphone, I sometimes create some ASMR audios for fun. I do it when I’m bored, or when I’d just want to flex how good my new mic is to my friends.

The sound is rich and very detailed, so I figured Alias Pro is also something voice actors would want to use. However, remember to turn off the Clearcast AI noise cancellation when recording an ASMR, because it omits “whisper” sounds.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

While the device is quite pricey, it’s a great investment for streamers, especially those with additional hobbies and careers that require high-definition audio.

For casual gamers and the general public, though, I honestly think the Alias USB microphone would suffice. But if you have more cash to shell out, then why not.

I also recommend the Alias Pro to professional voice actors, since the additional features (especially the noise cancellation and Sonar software) would help reduce editing time. The voice quality is topnotch,

The Steelseries Alias Pro XLR microphone retails for PhP 19,555, while the Alias USB microphone costs Php 11,000.

Accessories

Peak Design’s new City Line combines minimalism and color

Less padding, more personality

Published

August 6, 2026

Chay Lazaro

Known for its camera-friendly bags with generous padding to protect photography gear, Peak Design is taking a different approach with the City Line.

The new collection prioritizes lightweight construction and everyday functionality, stripping away unnecessary bulk while still delivering the thoughtful organization the brand is known for.

The new collection includes the City Backpack in 15L and 22L sizes, the 15L City Tote, the City Crescent in 6L and 12L options, and the compact 2L City Sling. While each bag serves a different purpose, they all share the same minimalist aesthetics and intuitive organization.

To achieve that lighter design is Peak Design’s new weather-resistant MonoShell material, along with a seam-reduced construction that cuts down on unnecessary bulk.

It also comes with Peak Design’s built-in BagLev hook, allowing you to hang your bag from a table instead of placing it on the floor.

Beyond the neutral and muted finishes we’ve seen in the past, Peak Design is also introducing brighter options that add more personality to the collection.

The vibrant Lapis blue, in particular, stands out as a fun alternative for anyone looking to move beyond the usual black everyday bag.

The City Line is now available through peakdesign.com and authorized retailers worldwide.

Accessories

DJI Osmo Mobile 8P: From a videographer’s perspective

Better tracking, fewer buttons

Published

August 4, 2026

Deric Claveria

DJI’s smartphone gimbals have always chased one goal: delivering cinema-smooth footage without forcing you to carry a heavy rig.

The Osmo Mobile 8P (OM 8P) makes its priorities clear right out of the box. This is not a simple refresh. DJI rebuilt how you control the gimbal, and that decision shapes the entire shooting experience.

Freedom behind the lens

The biggest change is the FrameTap remote, and it’s the kind of upgrade that fixes a problem you didn’t realize was slowing you down until it’s gone.

On the standard OM 8, adjusting your framing meant reaching for your phone every time, which broke the flow of shooting and pulled you out of the moment.

FrameTap puts that control back in your hand. You can reframe shots and manage the gimbal without touching your phone at all, and for anyone shooting solo, that alone changes how usable the whole setup feels. Tracking has taken a real step forward too.

ActiveTrack 8.0, paired with Module 2, held onto its subject even after they stepped out of frame for a moment, then picked them back up without much fuss.

It also lets you sit off-center in the shot instead of forcing you into the middle every time, which gives you more room to compose something that doesn’t look like every other gimbal video.

None of that would matter much if the gimbal itself wasn’t solid, and it still is. The OM 8P holds onto the same foldable design, magnetic phone clamp, and built-in tripod that made the OM 8 easy to live with.

And it remains one of the better compact options for stabilization, tracking, and portability in one package.

The tripod legs are a touch wider this time, and that extra width does make a noticeable difference on uneven ground.

The trade-offs in touch

The trade-off for all that new remote functionality is a control scheme that takes more getting used to. More of the gimbal’s functions now live on the FrameTap touchscreen, the joystick is smaller, and switching between shooting modes takes a few extra taps compared to the OM 8. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a learning curve you’ll need to budget time for.

DJI also removed the zoom and focus wheel, so if you leaned on that dial for quick adjustments, you’ll feel its absence here. Module 2 no longer lets you plug a DJI wireless mic in directly either.

You’ll need to connect it to your phone instead, which adds a step to a setup that used to be simpler. Phone compatibility is still a limiting factor as well. DJI lists support for phones up to around 300g and 11mm thick, so bigger phones or ones in chunky cases may not clamp in properly.

Finding your ideal workflow

The OM 8P makes the most sense for solo creators who want dependable tracking and the freedom of remote framing without stepping up to a dedicated camera like the DJI Osmo Pocket.

If you’re already shooting on a phone with a solid camera, this fills the gap nicely. It’s a tougher sell if you prefer physical buttons over touchscreen menus, or if your phone runs on the larger and heavier side, since fitting it onto the clamp might be a problem before you even get to shooting.

Price, availability

DJI is offering the OM 8P in three combos, so how much you pay depends on how much of the ecosystem you actually need.

Standard Combo (PhP 7,499): the gimbal itself, with 8th-gen stabilization and the detachable FrameTap remote included.
Advanced Tracking Combo (PhP 9,199): adds the Multifunctional Module 2 for the improved subject tracking we tested.
Creator Combo (PhP 11,099): the full kit, built for creators who want everything DJI bundles in from the start.

Is the DJI Osmo Mobile 8P your GadgetMatch?

The DJI Osmo Mobile 8P asks you to relearn a few habits in exchange for a gimbal that finally lets go of your phone. If hands-free framing and steadier tracking matter more to you than a dedicated zoom dial, this is worth the adjustment.

If you’d rather keep things exactly as they were on the OM 8, that learning curve might be the deciding factor.

Swipe right if you shoot alone often and have been waiting for a gimbal remote that actually works. The FrameTap remote alone justifies the upgrade if reaching for your phone mid-shot has been slowing you down.

Consider this if reliable tracking matters to you, especially if you’ve had a subject wander out of frame and stay lost on older gimbals.

And of course, get this if you already own a capable phone under the weight and thickness limits, and you’d rather invest in a smartphone rig than jump to a dedicated camera like the Osmo Pocket.

Swipe left if you lean on physical dials for zoom and focus, and moving those functions to a touchscreen sounds like a downgrade rather than an upgrade.

This is not for you if you use a DJI wireless mic and want it plugged directly into the module without routing through your phone first. Or, your phone runs heavier or bulkier than DJI’s limits allow, since no amount of enthusiasm fixes a clamp that won’t close.

Accessories

Sony WH-1000XM6 gets a new Olive Gray colorway option

The new color launches today.

Published

August 4, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Last year, the Sony WH-1000XM6 quickly became our favorite pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The audio quality pairs remarkably well with its ANC capabilities. Now, a year into the accessory’s life cycle, new colors are still coming out. Today, the acclaimed WH-1000XM6 is getting an Olive Gray variant.

A few months ago, Sony expanded the WH-1000XM6’s colorway options with a Sandstone version, launching alongside the Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION. At the time, the new color added a splash of life to an already blossoming lineup.

Now, much like the rest of the lineup, the new Olive Gray version is a subdued mashup between olive green and gray. Though it stands out on its own, the color is still cool enough to mix well with the contours of the user’s head.

Other than that, the new version is still identical to the inner workings of the original device. The Sony WH-1000XM6 comes with a new HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3, providing 12 microphones for effective noise cancellation. In terms of audio quality, the headphones support High-Resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless, thanks to LDAC support.

Also, the accessory sits comfortable on the head with a high rigidity carbon fiber composite material dome, cushioned well with synthetic leather.

As always, the Olive Gray version, launching today, will sell for US$ 459.99.

In Singapore, the Sony WH-1000XM6 in Olive Gray is available starting today through Sony Stores, the Sony Store Online, and authorized dealers for S$649, matching the pricing of the existing color options.