EVGA XR1 Pro

Overview

The EVGA XR1 Pro is an external USB 3.0 capture device developed for content creators, streamers, and gamers who require a method to record or stream video content from consoles, PCs, or cameras. It connects via USB-C to a host computer and uses HDMI for video input and pass-through. The device supports a maximum pass-through resolution of 4K at 60 frames per second (fps) or 1440p at 144 fps, allowing users to play games on a display at high refresh rates and resolutions without introducing latency while simultaneously capturing footage at 1080p at 60 fps EVGA XR1 Pro product page. This capability is beneficial for competitive gaming, where maintaining high frame rates and low input lag on the primary display is critical.

The XR1 Pro integrates a built-in audio mixer, which enables control over microphone input, game audio, and chat audio directly from the device. This feature simplifies audio management during live streams, reducing the need for external mixing software or hardware EVGA XR1 Pro specifications. Its compact design makes it portable for setups that require frequent relocation or for use in various streaming environments. The device is compatible with common broadcasting software, providing flexibility for different streaming platforms and workflows.

The target audience for the EVGA XR1 Pro includes professional streamers, esports athletes, and content creators who produce gaming-focused video content. Its ability to handle high-resolution and high-refresh-rate pass-through ensures a premium gaming experience for the player, while the capture capabilities meet the demands for producing high-quality broadcast content. For instance, in scenarios involving console gaming, the XR1 Pro allows a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X to output 4K@60Hz to a monitor while simultaneously feeding a 1080p@60Hz signal to a streaming PC. Similarly, PC gamers with dual-PC setups can route their gaming PC's output through the XR1 Pro to their streaming PC, maintaining optimal performance on the gaming machine EVGA XR1 Pro features overview. This dual-purpose functionality of maintaining performance and enabling capture is a key differentiator for external capture devices like the XR1 Pro, as noted in analyses of capture card performance and latency by technical reviewers RTINGS Elgato HD60 X review.

When compared to internal capture cards, external devices like the XR1 Pro offer portability and ease of setup, as they do not require opening a PC case or having an available PCIe slot. This makes them suitable for laptop users or those with pre-built systems that lack expansion options. However, external cards may sometimes introduce slightly higher latency compared to their internal counterparts, though modern USB 3.0 implementations have minimized this difference to levels often imperceptible in real-time gaming scenarios Tom's Hardware best capture cards guide. The EVGA XR1 Pro aims to strike a balance between performance, features, and user convenience, making it a viable option for a broad range of content creation needs.

Key features

• 4K@60Hz / 1440p@144Hz Pass-Through: Allows users to play games at high resolutions and refresh rates on their primary display without visual compromise, while capturing at lower resolutions.
• 1080p@60Hz Capture: Records or streams video content at a common high-definition standard, suitable for platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and OBS.
• USB 3.0 Type-C Connectivity: Utilizes a high-bandwidth USB-C connection for reliable data transfer to the host computer, ensuring stable video capture.
• Built-in Audio Mixer: Provides hardware controls for adjusting microphone input, game audio, and chat audio levels directly on the device, streamlining audio management during live broadcasts.
• RGB LED Status Indicator: Features customizable RGB lighting that can display current status, such as recording, streaming, or standby mode.
• Compatible with Major Broadcasting Software: Works with popular applications like OBS Studio, XSplit, and VLC, offering broad software compatibility for streaming and recording workflows.
• Console and PC Compatibility: Designed to capture video output from gaming consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) and PC setups.

Pricing

Common integrations

• OBS Studio: The XR1 Pro is recognized as a video capture device within OBS Studio. Users can add it as a 'Video Capture Device' source to incorporate game footage into their streams or recordings. OBS Studio is a widely used free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming.
• XSplit Broadcaster: Similar to OBS, XSplit Broadcaster supports the XR1 Pro as a video source. Users can add the device to their scenes for live streaming or local recording. XSplit offers various paid tiers with additional features.
• VLC Media Player: For basic monitoring or local recording without streaming software, the XR1 Pro can be used with VLC Media Player. Users can open a capture device in VLC to view or save the incoming video feed.
• Discord: While not a direct integration, the audio output from the XR1 Pro (mixed audio) can be routed into Discord via virtual audio cables or system sound settings, allowing stream viewers or teammates to hear game audio and commentary.

Alternatives

• Elgato HD60 X: A popular external capture card known for its low latency pass-through and broad software compatibility, supporting 4K@60Hz HDR pass-through and 1080p@60Hz capture Elgato HD60 X product page.
• Razer Ripsaw HD: An external capture card from Razer that offers 1080p@60Hz capture with 4K pass-through, targeting gamers and streamers within the Razer ecosystem Razer Ripsaw HD product page.
• AVerMedia Live Gamer EXTREME 3: An external capture device that supports 4K@30fps capture and 4K@60Hz HDR pass-through, featuring ultra-low latency.

Getting started

To begin using the EVGA XR1 Pro for basic video capture and monitoring with OBS Studio:

1. Connect the EVGA XR1 Pro to your PC using the supplied USB 3.0 Type-C cable.
2. Connect your gaming console or PC's HDMI output to the "HDMI IN" port on the XR1 Pro.
3. Connect your display (monitor/TV) to the "HDMI OUT" port on the XR1 Pro.
4. Download and install OBS Studio from the official website.
5. Launch OBS Studio.
6. In the "Sources" dock, click the "+" button.
7. Select "Video Capture Device" from the list.
8. In the properties window, select "EVGA XR1 Pro" from the "Device" dropdown.
9. Set "Resolution/FPS Type" to "Custom".
10. Set "Resolution" to "1920x1080" and "FPS" to "60".
11. Set "Video Format" to "Any" or "NV12" for optimal performance.
12. Set "Audio Output Mode" to "Output desktop audio (WaveOut)" or "Custom Audio Device" and select "EVGA XR1 Pro Audio".
13. Click "OK" to add the source.
14. Your game or video feed should now appear in the OBS preview window. You can now record or stream.