RODECaster is an integrated production studio designed for podcast production, with features including telephone inputs, sound pads, computer connectivity, and recording to removable media.
Operating as a standalone production studio, RODECaster Pro is able to capture audio from up to four microphones via 3-pin XLR inputs with switchable +48V phantom power. The four microphone inputs have been designed with Class A, servo-based preamps to give a ‘cleaner gain structure’ whilst lowering distortion levels. The user can add independent processing to each of the microphone channels via the intuitive touch screen display menu, with options of compression, high-pass filter, de-esser, ducking, along with the popular APHEX Aural Exciter and APHEX Big Bottom being on/off switchable. In addition to the microphone inputs, a USB-C connection allows conversation with compatible computer along with audio playback, a 3.5mm TTRS input for connection to a mobile phone, and Bluetooth connection – the latter two useful for phone call inclusion.
Four 6.35mm TRS jack headphone outputs are located on the rear facing panel, all of which give the same mix as that that is being recorded to the microSD card. Limiting can be applied to the headphone outputs to avoid acoustic shock and to prevent damage to the user’s hearing. If using this mode, the audio in the headphones may not truly reflect the recorded audio. Each of the four headphone output levels can be controlled via rotary volume controllers on the main control surface. A fifth headphone output via 3.5mm jack connection is located on the front facing panel. This output is designed for a mixing engineer who isn’t necessarily part of the podcast recording. Dual balanced 6.35mm jack outputs are provided for connection to external monitor loudspeakers. A rotary control on the main control surface allows adjustment of the speaker output level.
Along with an intuitive touch screen display, the main surface of the RODECaster Pro has a large ‘REC’ record button which illuminated red when active. The main control surface also houses faders for all inputs and outputs. Illuminated input channel selection buttons and illuminated mute and solo buttons for each input are located above or below the respective channel fader. There is also an illuminated solo button associated with the output fader. To the right of the faders, eight backlit touch pads can be programmed and used to instigate sound effect and jingle playback. The audio can be recorded directly into the RODECaster Pro, or via a computer using the ‘drag and drop’ functionality of the included software. Pad illumination colour is user adjustable, and up to eight pages of pads can be stored. This is particularly useful for different reoccurring podcasts, or multi-user devices. Other useful features include mix-minus processing to prevent the caller hearing echo; and preset EQ for select Rode microphones.
Included accessories: 1x 2m USB-A to USB-C cable, 1x Scribble Sheet for pads.
Optional accessories: DC-USB1 USB to DC power cable for use with 5V USB plug or powerbank; XLR-ID coloured identification tags for XLR connectors, (15-6816) SKB 3i-1813-7-RCP utility case
Frequency range: 20Hz - 20kHz, -3dB at 20Hz, mic inputs; 20Hz - 20kHz, better than +/- 0.5dB, monitor outputs. Input impedance: 600ohm. Equivalent noise: -125dBA, A-weighted. Maximum output level: +3dBu. Headphone output power: 32ohm -> 220mW, 300ohm -> 31mW, maximum at 1% THD. Dynamic range: 100dBA. Gain range: 0-55dB. Bit depth: 24-bit. Sample rates: 48kHz. OS requirements: macOS 10.11/Windows 10. Power requirements: 12-15V DC, 1A. Dimensions (LxWxH): 350 x 275 x 82mm. Weight: 1.98kg
RODECaster Pro II builds on the feature set of the popular RODECaster Pro, and includes on-board editing functionality, mix-minus on Bluetooth and USB channels, bi-directional MIDI communication, a producer talkback mode and DSP including APHEX processing. Rode say ‘RODECaster Pro II is not simply an evolution of the RØDECaster Pro. It’s an entirely new beast that is set to revolutionise audio for all content creators’.
Four Neutrik 3-pin XLR/jack combination connections allow the connection of microphones or instruments, whilst Rode’s ‘ultra-low-noise, Revolution Preamps’ offer generous gain for optimum level and gain control. Four headphone outputs are provided by way of balanced 6.35mm jack sockets, and wireless audio monitoring is also available. Dual USB-C interfaces are provided for computer or mobile device connectivity whilst telephone call integration can be achieved wirelessly via Bluetooth.
The rear facing panel of the RODECaster Pro II houses all physical inputs and outputs including the aforementioned Neutrik combo inputs, two 6.35mm jack balanced line outputs, and four 6.35mm headphone jack outputs. The two USB-C connections are also located on the rear panel, and to the left of them is a microSD card slot and USB power input connection. An RJ45 connection is provided for Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection.
The main panel of the production studio houses a 5.5-inch, high-definition touchscreen with haptic feedback. From this screen the user is able to monitor inputs, outputs, active DSP, timeline, and scroll/select menus to set up. A rotary encoder aids menu navigation and control. Nine channels, including six physical faders and three virtual faders can be individually assigned, and eight SMART pads can be fully programmed to trigger sounds, voice effects, MIDI commands, and mixer actions. Four rotary controls allow the setup of headphone output level, and an illuminated ‘Rec’ button is ergonomically placed for access.
Included accessories: 1x Power adaptor, 1x AC power cable, 1x Rode SC27 USB-C cable.
Optional accessories: RODECover 2 protective cover
Frequency range: 20Hz - 20kHz, mic inputs; 20Hz - 20kHz, monitor outputs. Input impedance: 4Kohm, microphone; 1Mohm, instrument. Input dynamic range: 113dB. Gain range: 0-76dB. Equivalent noise: -131.5dBV, A-weighted. Maximum line output level: +4dBu. Headphone output power: 250mW. Bit depth: 24-bit. Sample rate: 48kHz. OS requirements: macOS 10.15/Windows 10, version 1803/Windows 11. Power requirements: 30W USB-C PD, 15V, 2A. Dimensions (LxWxH): 305 x 270 x 60mm. Weight: 1.95kg