Let me start by saying this mixer made my voice sound like butter melting on warm toast – that smooth. The Revolution Preamps? Black magic. My cheap dynamic mic suddenly produced studio-level warmth, and the haptic touchscreen faders made me feel like a DJ at 3AM (though I was just recording cat-podcast bloopers).

But here's the tea: updating firmware via Wi-Fi is like teaching your grandma to use TikTok. Mine failed twice before I gave up and used Ethernet. Also, that non-universal power adapter? Had to MacGyver it with a converter because apparently Australia doesn't exist in RØDE's plug universe.

The SMART pads became my best friends for live streaming – one-tap sound effects for when my co-host drops his coffee (again). Though separating audio channels felt like solving a Rubik's cube blindfolded. Pro tip: the Aphex effects make your 'ums' sound intentional and deep.

At 3AM when my Wireless ME decided to play hide-and-seek, the built-in receiver saved my livestream. Worth every penny despite the quirks – just keep an USB-C cable and patience handy.