IOGEAR UpStream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter Review: Double your streaming possibilities

Iogear Upstream Pro Front Source: Windows Central

As the popularity of game streaming and live streaming in general continously grows, so exercise the options for impressive capture cards. Brands similar Elgato and AverMedia accept dominated the conversation in the gaming space by delivering dandy functioning at a reasonable price, but often these devices focus on a simple, unmarried-input capture.

I recently spent some time with a fairly impressive device that introduces a total suite of video and audio inputs for convenient, portable streaming or recording. The IOGEAR UpStream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter opens up some unique possbilities with 2 HDMI inputs, an XLR input, and a HDMI passthrough. While the hardware is undoubtedly impressive, all these features come at a steep toll that might non be worth it for the boilerplate user.

Upstream Pro Product

IOGEAR UpStream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter

Bottom line: The IOGEAR UpStream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter offers features other capture cards just don't have, only for some that might non justify the steep toll tag.

The Adept

Impressive input options
Convenient app controls
Sturdy design

The Bad

Fairly expensive
Doesn't support Android 10 devices
No microphone proceeds knob

IOGEAR UpStream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter: What I like

Iogear Upstream Pro Left Source: Windows Central

One of my favorite things almost the IOGEAR UpStream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter is the sheer corporeality of possibilities it creates for different streaming or recording applications. IOGEAR packed a corking deal of hardware options in a pocket-size, durable device congenital for portablility, making information technology ideal for production enthusiasts who need to travel frequently or even aspiring shoutcasters attending local gaming tournaments. With 2 HDMI inputs, 1 XLR input, 1 RCA (L/R) input, and an HDMI passthrough the UpStream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter is perfect for laptop or mobile recording.

In my case it opened upwards some exciting options for comparison video recordings between competing consoles. I was able to simultaneously connect my Xbox Series X and PS5 to run across how sure games stacked up to eachother in real time without the need for multiple devices or seperate recordings. I could quickly and conveniently tape the deviation in load times betwixt these consoles for games like Monster Hunter Earth. As more and more 'next-gen' games release, I tin can definitely see myself standing to utilize this as a handy tool for comparison videos.

Upstream Essentials App Source: Windows Key

When recording these console comparison videos I was able to fully experiment with the Upstream Essentials companion app, which unlocked a solid kit of video and audio controls for the UpStream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter. You can connect your Android of iOS device via bluetooth to the capture adapter to access video controls, screen orientation, and even an audio mixer. Having a variety of elementary controls for instantly changing video layout and adjusting audio levels was really cool and super like shooting fish in a barrel to utilize.

IOGEAR UpStream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter: What I don't like

Iogear Upstream Pro Inputs Source: Windows Key

While the IOGEAR UpStream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter delivers some genuinely innovative capabilities on the hardware front, this mighty little device doesn't come up inexpensive. At close to $400 at most retailers, this dual-HDMI adapter is comfortably more expensive than many of its counterparts. The max recording quality of 1080p 60fps might also make the cost tag harder to swallow for some every bit well, equally many capture devices in this price range support 4k in some capacity.

For potential buyers more interested in its abilities as a mobile focused recording or streaming device, I'm adequately disappointed to report that due to the reliance on UVC via USB, the UpStream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter won't work on any Android 10 devices. If you're using a current iOS device yous'll likely have a better time using, but I was completely unable to employ information technology with my Samsung Galaxy S9+. This volition certainly impact the plug-and-play appeal for some users and because of this I tin can't really recommend this product for customers with Android phones.

My experience with the HDMI inputs on IOGEAR Upstream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter left me very impressed. The picture quality was fantastic and there was a negligible amount of video delay. The XLR input is a different story. While the selection of a direct microphone input introduces a more convenient multimedia hub in theory, the lack of a gain control knob makes its uses very limited. I continued my Rode ProCaster via XLR and could only get a very weak signal. With no way to accommodate these levels on the microphone itself, I had to run the signal out of an external mixer to get proper audio levels.

IOGEAR UpStream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter: Should you buy?

Iogear Upstream Pro Right Source: Windows Central

Ultimately how you programme on using the IOGEAR UpStream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter will determine whether or not this is the right product for you. If you're someone who plans on doing remote streaming or recording that requires multiple video inputs as well as multiple sound inputs including XLR for a microphone Or if you're someone like myself who'south fascinated by the applications for side-by-side console comparisons, this adapter is a sturdy, uncomplicated way to get the job done without the need for several devices.

While the uses in certain situations are unquestionably robust, if your goal is to primarily stream or capture locally and you need a native 4k betoken, in that location might be some better and cheaper options on the market. If you truly plan to take advantage of the dual-input functionality of the UpStream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter, it opens upward some serious possibilities, but if this will only be a neat selection for you, yous'll probably want to invest your money elsewhere.

From a hardware standpoint, the IOGEAR UpStream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter is pretty remarkable. The blueprint team conspicuously packed a lot of great functionality into a meaty device and seemlessly swapping brandish orientation and sound levels while recording is made a cakewalk thanks to the Upstream Essentials companion app. Convenience is certainly this product'southward biggest selling point and for some that will admittedly justify the price tag. Just be away that in this instance, convenience comes with a few caveats.

Upstream Pro Product

IOGEAR UpStream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter

Bottom line: The IOGEAR UpStream Pro Dual Video Capture Adapter is a premium recording production that expands the possibilities for remote streaming. If yous want to compare or toggle ii signals simultaneously and don't heed spending the money, this product absolutely delivers.

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