Amazing review. I just saw it in my local store. And it seems like an nice compact solution. With mulitrack it will shine! I am sure you meant Feb 2019.
In virtue of all the cons (beside HW ones like the lack of connectors) being finally addressed with the latest 2.1.0 firmware update (introducing finetuning to the effect and podcast export in-app [wav and mp3] and "banks" for having different sound effects) would you recommend it for a podcaster?
It would be AWESOME if you could do a quick video update on this. I know it sounds simple on paper, but it seems a lot of people are experiencing a drop in quality when they do the firmware update [the multitrack enabler one]. I'd love to hear your input on this if it's true & audible or not!?
@Podcastage, as of firmware release 1.1.0, multitrack recording is now available via USB. Each of the four mic inputs records in mono, while USB, 3.5mm TRRS, Bluetooth, and sound pad channels record stereo. Again, this is only via USB as SD card recording mixes down to a single track. But that's a huge improvement to an already great unit, in my opinion!
Bought one. Have used it for a few weeks now. This is a specific tool for a specific job I do regularly: Recording multi-person podcasts with as little muss and fuss as possible. It does that more easily and more cheaply (if you add all the things inclued in this device up) and with a higher quality output than anything else on the market today. Period. If you're recording podcasts with other people, this is the tool for you. For those complaining about all the things it's missing so they can do things that this isn't made for (i.e. not podcast with multiple people), don't buy it. It's not FOR you. It's for me, and people like me. :)
I just picked one of these up based on this review (and a few others). Loving it so far. Something to be aware of is that the last firmware update included multitrack recording to the MicroSD card or to the USB device. It now includes the complete stereo mix as well as individual channels (Mics 1-4, USB, Phone, Bluetooth, and Soundpads).
Hello Bandrew, I personally would like to say thank you for this review. I checked almost all reviews for Rodacaster and as a visual impaired, I can say that this is the only review that makes me excited seems accessible and understood this unit totally. Good luck for the future! Edit: Rode released a firmware update to allows us record each mic to a separate audio file, finally Multi-track recording came out!
RODECASTER PRO VS THE COMPETITION IN THE SAME PRICE RANGE: The RODECaster Pro clearly is aimed at: 1. BEGINNER podcasters 2. Those who DO NOT WANT POST-PROCESSING before submitting their podcasts. 3. Podcasters who have up to 3 IN-STUDIO GUESTS who then each need a separate microphone. It is a great solution for them because you can be set to go and create a podcast within minutes of setting up the device. And the price - which includes very expensive audio processing x 4 - is very competitive. However, the more I examine the issue, the limitations of the RODECaster Pro become apparent as the beginner becomes more expert as a podcaster. You can easily outgrow the RODECaster Pro. And if want to develop Video Podcasts (e.g. for RU-vid, Courses, etc) or Live Stream Videos, then you want more than the RODECaster Pro can give you. If you are not in the very limited demographic that is targeted by RODE, then the RODECaster Pro's limitations become apparent. For example: 1. If you are a MUSICIAN who creates podcasts, the RODECaster Pro is too limited. You can't easily attach other devices nor your instruments to the RODECaster Pro. 2. If you TRAVEL or want to do ON-LOCATION PODCASTS - such as outdoors or where plug-in power is not available such as on a mountain climb - then the RODECaster Pro is not for you. It is too HEAVY. It doesn't run on BATTERIES. It is TOO LARGE. 3. If you have a company that creates podcasts with MULTIPLE HOSTS, then the RODECaster Pro is NOT for you. It has only ONE SET OF SOUNDS. It has only FOUR microphone inputs with no option to add more. 4. If you have a SOUND ENGINEER and want to do POST-PROCESSING and want MULTI-TRACK recordings, the RODECaster Pro is not for you. It only does a stereo mixed output. 5. If you are a GAMER who usually does not have in-studio guests. Then the extra microphone inputs are unnecessary. Rather more in-line inputs would be more useful. etc. SOLUTIONS FOR THE ABOUT THE SAME PRICE AS THE RODECASTER PRO: I think SUPERIOR LONG-TERM STARTER TOOLS for creating podcasts for a LARGER DEMOGRAPHIC of podcasters including musicians, travelers, professionals are: 1. The ZOOM H6 for $350 - getting 4 microphone/line-in inputs, portability. You can mix-minus as a work-around. It cannot simultaneously record to SD Card while working as a USB Audio Interface. It is either one task or the other. But at 9 ounces, it is highly portable. You also can get up to 20 hours for recording using 4 AA batteries if you don't use phantom power. You get up to 6 hours if you use phantom power. It can run off USB power. 2. The SOUND DEVICES MIXPRE-3 for $649 - if you want to add PRO-LEVEL preamps with 76 dB gain for 3 microphones (no need for a FetHead or CloudLifter - in fact the Zoom H6 plus CloudLifter costs about the same as the MixPre-3) and easier mix-minus plus simultaneous recording to SD and Computer via USB and analog limiters. It lasts 2 hours on 4 AA batteries if you use phantom power on one microphone. It can run off USB but is best off USB-C power since it needs 7.5 watts of power. 3. USB-AUDIO INTERFACE/MIXER (eg. Focus Scarlett 2i2) + CLOUDLIFTER: Use your computer to do the recording, post-processing, recording of remote guests, etc. The most important use of the RODECaster Pro is as a microphone Pre-Amp and USB Audio Interface. If you want to skip the USB-Audio Interface, just get a USB Microphone and do everything else on the computer to create the podcast, video podcast, etc. Obviously if you want the best sound, get the best pre-amp - such as with the Sound Devices MixPre-3. SOUND EFFECTS: can be added via USB attached computer (e.g. using Rogue Amoeba's Farrago app) or via line-in attached iPad/iPhone (using Sound Byte app for up to 75 racks of sounds - each dedicated to a separate host if needed). REMOTE GUESTS: Up to 5 REMOTE GUESTS in VIDEO or AUDIO can be recorded on the computer itself using Ecamm Live plus Ecamm Call Recorder. Phone Calls and Video Calls can be done on Skype. The Audio from the recordings can be multi-track post processed if desired. No need to do this on the RODECaster Pro. It actually makes ZERO sense to use RODECaster Pro to add remote guests when it is far more easily done - with multiple guests - on the computer itself. You will have a computer with you anyway when you use RODECaster Pro unless all you want to do are audio podcasts recorded to SD Card and don't want to record video podcasts also. LIVE STREAMING AND VIDEO PODCASTS: is best created on the computer itself. The RODECaster Pro will then become the USB Audio Interface for your Microphone. The rest of it is superfluous. The BEST solution for creating LIVE STREAMS, VIDEO PODCASTS, SCREEN RECORDINGS for COURSES on the Mac is ECAMM LIVE. Other options include OBS, WireCast, and ManyCam (which does 4K streams). Screen recordings can also be done using Camtasia or Screen Flow. RECORDING FROM OTHER AUDIO SOURCES: Record audio routed from other apps using Loopback and Audio Hijack Pro from Rogue Amoeba to your the Zoom H6 or MixPre-3 or straight to your DAW on your Mac. The only thing missing that the RODECaster Pro has is the AUDIO PROCESSING. Some say this should be done in post-processing since it changes permanently the audio recording. If audio processing is desire such as for live streaming, you can get the dbx 286s pre-amp for $199. It won't be portable and it is costly if you have to buy one for each guest. Of course, if you have in-studio guests, the option is to purchase the RODCaster Pro just for this use case. --- A great article on podcasting gear is theaudacitytopodcast.com/3-options-for-minimal-and-portable-podcasting-gear-tap317/.
Romeo Mariano also, as someone who is definitely more knowledgeable in the audio world then I am, could I pick your brain a bit? I’m hoping to start a RU-vid series and currently use Logic Pro X for post editing audio on my MacBook. I was thinking of getting the Scarlett Solo (gen 3) and NTG2 to replace my static-plagued Blue Yeti. My main question is, would this be a good setup if I wanted to not only make traditional RU-vid videos but video podcasts as well? Your insight would be appreciated.
I was already sold on getting this but as I’m getting closer to the purchase I’m still looking at reviews and making sure this is the machine for me. And to know that the only con you had of no multitrack recording has since been added I’m stoked to get it and start my journey
Thank you so much for all the time and effort that went into making this thorough review! So many features in the Rodecaster Pro and if only it recorded to separate tracks!
Rode just released the 1.1 firmware which enables multichannel recording over USB, works great to GarageBand and other DAWs also allows mix-minus back over USB to feed Skype/Facetime/etc. Very impressed in first 24 hours of how it adds to this unit’s already strong capabilities.
You left out the most important feature, the authentic RODE gold button in the upper left corner. This whole contraption is an odd bird. Why is Unity not marked on the fader? It mixes down to stereo, but there is no pan on the channels? That said, as someone who listens to podcasts but has never recorded one, this seems to have a great set of features. My perspective on recording a podcast is you'd record everything to separate channel, then process and edit it all down to one perfect channel. This does so much you'd do in post while rolling live. FIRST, meters on every channel is a must, but so few small mixers offer them any more. There's an auto DUCKER, for goodness sake, that's amazing! The soundboard built in is also an amazing feature! For anyone wanting something similar with a more robust feature set, check out the ZOOM Live Track L12, which is more designed for easy group recordings of musical instruments, but would make a great podcast engine. It does do multitrack recording to the SD, it does have Line and Hi-Z inputs, while giving you a great headphone matrix and connectivity, and it's also $600. It is not designed to do what this does, though. If you are looking to record podcasts, I think this is what you need, even if it's not what you want.
Follow up to my last post Bob SoloMan did an excellent SM7B comparison using the Rodecaster Pro and Cloudlifter...worth the look. Rodecaster Pro appears at least to me to be an excellent investment. With line level inputs for instruments this would be a killer interface...I have heard a couple of inexpensive DI boxes can overcome this issue as well...GO RODES!
This piece of tech is amazing I've had it for about a week now and I've have 0 experience podcasting...this has made my journey into podcast simple and easy
That's super awesome. If this thing gets people to begin podcasting and get high quality audio, that's all that a piece of gear directed at podcasters can do. Have fun with the podcast mate.
Watched almost 80% of your reviews. All are great but as a beginner I want to suggest please create a series of videos for beginners where you explain the audio basics so that we all can understand and relate to these tests. RU-vid doesn't have such well classified tutorials and your expertise will be a great help for the community.
Bandrew..I thought you'd be interested in my experience thus far with the RCP2. I purchased my first unit about 2 weeks ago and have had to return because the larger 'volume knob' is not operating. It's clearly off it's track and will hardly turn. The second unit I purchased arrived with several issues in assembly. First, the touch screen monitor wasn't properly seeded in its housing. I carefully centered it and pressed on it and it seems to be back in place. A second issue was the metal behind the faders rubbing on the faders when they were adjusted. Again, after pressing down on the entire plate in several places, it seems to have snapped back into position. The build quality on the RCP2 units is inferior to that of the RCP1 in my opinion. I love the new features but this thing feels like it will break if you sneeze at it the wrong way. As I told Rode in my email, I would gladly pay another $100-$200 USD for a "Pro" unit. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Also, please pass along to Rode if you have their ear.
For everyone complaining about the recording to 1 channel, this is direct from Rode's website "with the new 1.1.0 software version available in February 2019, you will also be able to record in multi-channel mode, allowing you to separately record each of the sources to its own track for later post-production."
Just got mine. Rode now offers a quick, easy software patch that enables it to record to multitrack. So, yes, it DOES record multi track (if you’ve downloaded and installed the patch). Happy podcasting!
Regarding the lack of 1/4" inputs, an inexpensive Whirlwind DI would solve that problem for those wanting to bring in an instrument albeit it will consume one of the mic channels.
Great review. I hate to say it, but this pushed me even further away from a possible purchase. The lack of multichannel the major con. But now that I know there is no adjustment for the built in fx, it became a solid no.
@@HectorGarciaCPA probably the zoom L12. Or I will just wait for rode to see all the reviews showing the lack of multichannel is a huge negative. Then I will purchase the this products 2.0 version.
This is not meant to be a multi track recorder. This is a 1-box solution for people wanting to do audio broadcasting without the major hassle of multiple devices.
@@crimsun7186 the multichannel update gets released in a few days. It was already mixing all the channels into one. With the update it will give you the option to leave it as originally made or multichannel.
Very sweet review! I was stunned and amazed by this device, thinking to myself - "This would be really neat for my podcast". Until you dropped that it can´t to any multitrack post production. But I gotta say I really did enjoy that review all the way through. 21 minutes went fast..!
Question: There is a technical rumor that the caller, the guest on mix-minus, cannot hear various sounds the other guests will hear. So, for example, if an audio clip is being played, say, they will not hear it. It this true?
Could’ve been absolutely great device, but no multitrack? What’s the reason for such limitation? Without it definitely not worth the price. Thanks for great review, though!
After posting this I started thinking about that. It could be that maybe some streaming programs don't play nice with multitracking devices. So maybe in order to get it to work with that software, maybe it's necessary to have a stereo device? However, I'm not sure...this is pure speculation.
@Podcastage, I mean, sure it could be the reason, but then again just give us an option: stereo for live streaming or multitrack for recording. Also, not sure if you skipped it or they just didn’t include, but where’s damn usb-c to c cables? So all in all promising product but with kinda deal breaking limitations for some people.
@@Podcastage Best video review of this unit I've found, thanks. The Tascam MultiStudio US-42 does much of what this box does (for $79!) and provides an option to output multitrack. It's older, doesn't have the "cool" factor, and less mic inputs. Also no built in Mix-Minus (which I love about this unit.) I was tempted to put away my Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 that we currently use for our podcast (and we have also used a Soundcraft 12 multitrack, but looking for a simpler set-up) but we HAVE to be able to edit each of our two hosts vocal tracks individually, if nothing else but for editing out any coughs, mic bumps, sniffs, inadvertent talk-overs, etc. from one host without simultaneously removing what the other host is saying. I assume there's no way to pan one mic to the left side of the stereo track and pan the other mic to the right side?
@@jefflackey Why can't one speaker go to the left channel as mono and the other speaker go to the right channel as mono? Then each channel can be edited separately.
@@romari2706 That's actually how we used to do it with our Mackie mixer that did not output multitrack. We panned one mic to the full right, the other to the full left, recorded to a Zoom H4N digital recorder in high quality WAV format, moved that to the computer, edited and then mixed down to a mono MP3 file for publishing the podcast episode. However, I don't see any way to pan one speaker to the left and one to the right channel with the Rodes machine.
All you need is either transform to quarter inch cable or a direct box in order for you to allow input of line level signal. And I believe you can put your to track max directly into a laptop using the USB output connectivity.
Rode have now enabled multitrack so it can be edited in post production. I just don't know how many "beginner" podcasters would be willing to shell out $600 and purchase a bunch of XLR mics and headphones. It seems to be aimed at more than a beginner level to me.
Another update came out that’s in beta where you can now adjust the levels of the effects. So the effects and multi tracking issues have been solved. I guess that’s another perk of this device is the ability to update the firmware.
Absolutely loved this review. Been wanting to start a podcast for a while but the tech hurdles are enormous and this would solve literally 20 problems we have
Ian! That's amazing. If this device is going to help you get started podcasting, that is incredible and I'm super happy I could share the review with you. Best of luck on the podcast!
I think the details you need to know are in the name "Caster." With that name is a lot of information. Nowhere does it say "Studio," or "Musician," or "Band." It's meant for podcasting/broadcasting and I think it does a phenomenal job at just that. However, I do have a problem with the name too. The word "Pro." This isn't a pro device with pro controls. I think they missed the boat, getting excited about some features, maybe too excited, and not excited enough about others. Here's what I would want, 2 devices: RodeCaster and RodeCaster Pro. Rode, I'm a huge fan and own several of your mics, so if you care to listen, listen. A "RodeCaster" would be a 2 micpre device. Most everything else is the same as it is now. However, USB needs full USB functionality, including device control, file transfer, I/O, loopback, all that. It also needs multi-track for all 5 input sources (2 micpre, 1 combined USB track, 1 Blutooth, and 1 3.5mm) PLUS a stereo master out, and mix minus selectable for all I/O. Whether you're a gamer and really only need 1 input, or a two-person podcast with callers and remote interviewees via phone or Skype, it would have everything you need for, say $350. So, that feels like what a RodeCaster entry-level device should be to me. At this level neither a line-in or hi-z instrument seems to fit the niche, not for entry level. Imagine a game streamer on Discord, with a main mic for the host and USB-in for everyone else. It works. Imagine a single podcast streamer that takes calls and reposts the show later as well. It works there too. Imagine a sports radio show that plays clips and highlights and has 2 in-studio hosts. Totally. News commentary podcast with sound bites. Yup. Why is this not already a thing? A "RodeCaster Pro" (Pro II version?) would look much like it does now. All the firmware upgrades mentioned above would still apply, as well as the XLR/Line/Hi-Z mod because that's what you expect for something that's "Pro." But in addition to those upgrades a "Pro" setup would allow more fine control of the compressor, gate, de-ess, lo-pass, duck, and even the Aphex processing. Would you add a 2- or 3-band EQ too? Give it a data wheel to control the menu and the levels/thresholds/etc. Maybe add a second 3.5mm, maybe not, and allow 4-8 tracks of USB input instead of 1, or not. Still the added level of control and the extra 2 micpres sound like a "Pro" device worth $600. Lastly, how about downloadable plug-ins for other mics? I have some Rode NT2s, but there's no preset? What about my NT2000? What about NTG1/2/3/4? What about letting people make their own presets/models for other mic brands? It's all software/firmware, so it shouldn't be hard. For what it's worth, I do voiceover recording, so I'm familiar with this type of gear, but I also produce podcasts for some friends and this thing is so close to perfect it's almost worth the money, almost. Rode, please upgrade the product line in response to your customers. There is so much potential here. I've been looking for exactly this for a while, not almost this, exactly this. Now just fine tune it and make it what it should really be.
almost a year later and still no 1/4 inch line level inputs. why they didn't use combo jacks on this thing is a mystery. the zoom L-8 seems to be the better option. excited to see some field testing of Tascam's new multi track mixer.
I've watched numerous reviews, you're the first one that finally answered my question about multitrack recording. For that reason I subscribed, and added this to my do not buy list.
I was really considering this for my live DJ mix show, and I was wondering if it did multi-track. Sad to hear that it doesn't. Glad I didn't plunk down $600 to find this out! Also, thank you for the noise floor segment as well! Very well done review! I'm now a subscriber.
Clearly, this is not a musician's tool. As a beginner in creating vocal podcasts and youtube videos and video courses - and as a person who wants to do minimal post-processing, this is a fantastic machine that makes life a whole lot simpler and easier. This is a home run from rode for its intended market. And it is cheap for what it does. Why buy anything else? It has very little competition for its target market. It is for creating vocal podcasts, RU-vid videos, live-streams, and live-streamed podcasts by BEGINNERS and others. RODE is also targetting "BROADCAST PROFESSIONALS" on their website as well as beginners. But these are pros who don't want to do much post-processing work since they don't have a full-time audio engineer working with them. The power requirement is an external DC Power supply 12-15v 1A. This will easily run all day off an external computer battery allowing you to have a totally PORTABLE live-stream, live-podcast, recorder, USB-audio interface for RU-vid Videos. Look at all the equipment that it replaces that cannot be easly carried nor powered portably: USB-Audio interface, Mixer, Microphone Preamps, Audio processors, Live sound effects, tons of XLR cables, multiple power bricks, etc. The cost is very reasonable. Heck, the cost is so much cheaper than a single high-end professional microphone or even a single higher-end USB-audio interface. A Sennheiser MKH-416 costs $1000. FOUR will run you $4000. Add to that the cost of the $5000 Macbook Pro and other equipment.. Aren't the Live Sound Effects and Audio Processors clues that this is a tool meant for minimal post-processing? For those who want multi-track, how many tracks are usually recorded for RU-vid videos? ONE OR TWO from the stereo inputs of the camera or external microphone and/or USB-audio interface. IF ANYTHING, MOST VIDEO RECORDINGS ARE DONE IN MONO. For most podcasts and RU-vid Videos, the four microphone inputs are excessive. ONE or TWO would have been sufficient. After all, how often do you see four people on a single podcast with four microphones? MODIFICATIONS in future versions to make this a better device for musicians and others: 1. REDUCE MICROPHONE INPUTS TO TWO and make them combo inputs (in ode to musicians). Or simply use combo inputs for all four mic inoputs. A slimmer version with only two inputs is all that is needed by many more people. Four inputs is overkill. A slimmer version is even more portable. 2. MULTI-TRACK OUTPUT OVER USB - to quell the biggest complaint. After all, there are 8 inputs that are being mixed down into two. This may require a different processing chip if it can't be done in software/firmware. This should be easily done. After all, there are cheap mixers that do this all the time. 3. GRANULAR CONTROL OVER THE AUDIO PROCESSING. This should be possible in software/firmware. Might as well kill off FOUR dbx 286s and replace it with this one device. 4. POWER OVER USB-C PORT - to easily allow this to be run off a MacBook Pro/PC or external USB-C battery. If anything the current power port should be replaced by a USB-C port which can then be run off a small USB-C power brick.
I produce a podcast with three hosts, and sometimes more than one guest in studio, so two mic inputs won't be sufficient. I've heard a number of podcasts and seen videos with more than two hosts. My son produces one for his RU-vid channel. No, one or two mic inputs is not always sufficient, especially for a "pro" device, but then again, without the ability to record each input on a separate track, this is not Pro.
This was the best review about the Rodecaster Pro on RU-vid. The biggest con was Rode leaving out multi-track recording. You would have to mix your recording on the fly. Mute your vocals when someone is talking. Mute their vocals when your talking. No effects on. Run the 2 track file in a DAW then do editing. Rode could fix that and they will after XMAS. They are trying to get that last quarter money bag.
I'm not sure if that's something they can fix, but I may be wrong. I'm guessing the multitrack functionality would be limited by the A/D converters, and I'm guessing that they have a stereo A/D converter in here.
I don't understand how one of these is advantageous over something like just setting up my mic with good gain and a decently prepared recording room, making a decent recording, then processing on my computer with an app like Fairlight.
The biggest drawback of this unit is the inability to drill down in the effects. A toggle is cool for beginners who don't want to learn how to make advanced changes, but at $600 and such a nice display, the ability to change the effects like eq, compressor and gate would take this unit to the next level. Even the ability to control it through the software would be a marked improvement. Oh, the stereo mix is pretty rough too.
Thank you for you assessment of this device. I was considering it for my game stream and after watching this I feel much better about my alternative purchases. I think I made the correct choice going for a audio interface and doing a lot of my tweaks in obs vst plugins. I think it'll be a little easier to sell the audio interface as well if I decide to stop streaming at some point.
This should have been called just the Rodecaster. Then the Rodecaster Pro could be the model with multi-track and adjustable FX. Then make a stripped-down/tweaked version for game streamers (like you said), call if the Gamecaster. This thing is *so close* to being so good, but its dogged adherence to being an out-of-the-box one-stop-shop and *nothing more* really is its achilles heel. I was so excited for this thing when it was announced, but I can't deny I'm a bit disappointed over the features that it lacks. I mean, going from your own audio test, I'd ditch that Bluetooth capability in an instant if we could trade it for multi-track recording. I guess this leaves a place in the market for someone to do it right?
Rick. Those are some great ideas for marketing. I think you should submit those to them. The bluetooth was a bit underwhelming but I think they left it in for a very specific reason. A lot of people do not have 3.5mm TRRS to 3.5mm TRRS cables lying around. I checked everywhere (and I have 1,000 cables), and I did not have one so I had to order one (because my local shops didn't have one either). If someone doesn't have that and they want to get started recording, they may need to use bluetooth.
I don't understand half of it, but I listened to every word. Great review. Just what I would want to know if I was in the market for such a device. Great listening. I can watch it again after I look up the answers to questions I have.
I'm still trying to figure out how to do a proper mix minus with a phone interview. Ideally the person on the phone would have a really good setup and be able to send the high quality version of their audio after the audio for a cleaner mix before being posted online.
The Cigarette Smoking Man is one of my favorite characters in the X-files. I'm just happy he was so willing to help and he didn't try to have me murdered.
Excellent review, hitting all of the geeky points very well. In my situation, I don't find the lack of post capability a problem. I'm buying this for some co-workers who will just want to plug and play a ten minute podcast on a bi-weekly basis. This thing was made for them.
This video/channel helps us (a small comedy podcasting group) discuss products without all of our performers having to learn all of the technical language. So thanks Podcastage & Bandrew!
Thank you so much - this is most thorough and balanced review of the RodeCaster - You have explained the pros and cons and the usage scenarios where this does and doesn't make sense - Kudos
I'll be "that guy". I DONT CARE that it lacks multi track! For whatever reason I love being set up pre recording....record that sumbitch and post it up! BOOM... ordered...excited. Love, your genuine 1 take sports podcast.
Bandrew, did you run your SM7B directly through the Rodecaster, without the Cloudlifter? I understand that the PodMic (also a dynamic) works great plugged directly into the Rodecaster...if so ....this is certainly an added value, which if you were runnning 4 dynamics needing mic activators ie. Two dual Cloudlifters ($500)....the Rodecaster Pro, becomes a steal!
I would have considered buying this but with no seperate track recording i'm not really interested anymore. I really like the option to get out a final mixed down stereonfile for convenience but sometimes having all 4 lanes record seperate comes in very handy. Especially for a device that costs 600€
how to use it with a streaming/gaming setup? :C for separate tracks and had physical control of all my audio like game/windows - spotify/browser - mic - guitar? maybe play with the iphone 6S + iRig HD signal out by a cable from the i6S to the mini jack input. i can do monitoring with this mixer? of all my audio to know exactly what is sounding on my stream and balance levels perfectly on the go.
Thanks for this video. All your videos are incredibly thorough and helpful. With the mix-minus, are you able to record the incoming guest/caller audio to one of the 4 iso tracks? Or is it always mixed in?
I produce a live high school sports video stream. My play by play audio feed is from the radio commentators mixer. We are considering dropping the radio broadcast and simulcast live stream video and pod cast. This unit should work well for my needs. We have four commentators. Play by play, color, statistition, and on the field commentator. I use four headset/mic combo’s. We will be able to feed this audio into our black magic capture device for our video stream. Excellent tool for my needs.
I host a single host storytelling podcast and use only one track, that I can edit as needed. I don't think this would be a bad purchase for me but, I'm interested to see what others think? Right now, I record all on one track, edit and then put in my opening music by splitting the track. I don't know that this would make much of a difference other than the voice pre-sets
Thank you for the post. It has been 8 months since this recording and my question to you is what have you found/do you know of ONE single application/software package that replaces this? $600 is a steep price for the limitations this unit inherently has for me. Any other alternatives you like to offer? Thank you in advance.
Any chance you could review something like the PreSonus StudioLive AR8 USB some time? Seems to be a mixer with multitrack recording and some interesting connectivity options.
Rode got the idea from their last episode of “studio rescue“, where they set up a radio/podcast production studio with exactly what they built into this device, but with way bigger and more complicated gear. Look it up, you‘ll be surprised.
Wonderful review. Thanks for all the work you put into it. I'm intrigued by this device and it would save me from purchasing multiple separate devices and simplifying the process to boot. Only wish that it was a true multitrack. An added oddity is having to remove the SD card and then reenter it into a PC. That makes no damn sense. Weirdness aside... this is, for me and my needs, nearly perfect.
Can you do a 2020 head-to-head review of the TC Helicon GoXLR vs. the Rode RODECaster Pro, please. Taking into account the latest functionalities. Thank you.
This was a really well done review...kudos for that! I was shocked, frankly, at how bad the bluetooth connection sounded compared to the wired connection. In this day and age, I wouldn't expect that the bluetooth connection would trash the audio that badly. I wonder what was going on there.
Great review. I'm convinced I want it now. Perfect for my studio Live Stream. Simple yet versatile enough. I obviously don't edit a Live Stream so individual tracks isn't a must. Thanks for your thorough review.
I'm not entirely sure how useful it is for me if I was just recording a solo podcast that is 5 minutes long and just have a template in ProTools for. If I interview people, well, maybe then that makes a lot of sense. Otherwise, I'm not sure how recording it into a mic, into a 2i2, into ProTools really needs to be more complicated, haha. Plus, a template in PT with plugins and intro, outro, transition, commercial tracks is super easy. ...if it was way cheaper, I'd still get it though.
I want it for gaming with 4 people playing simultaneously, the only bad thing is I wish it recorded 4 separate tracks so I can edit everyone's voice separately
I love and appreciate the review. I agree that this has so much more potential, even at its $600 price tag. I would counter you on the point that with this being their second interface and first portable recorder, it might be wise to have it solely focused on podcasting/gaming rather that to everyone. I will concede that you should be able to set each input on its own track for easy of editing, like you said when people are talking over each other, as well as saving presets on the sound pad software. I think with reviews like your's and others I have seen, I think the next RODECaster Pro model will be more versatile and come in more options.
From RODE itself: The RODECaster Pro is SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR PODCASTERS. We've created this product after listening to THOUSANDS of our customers asking us to make a podcast product. The RODECaster Pro was designed create a full podcast with everything in place in a single process WITHOUT NEEDING TO DO MIXING, POST-PRODUCTION OR EDITING. it's for this reason that it records to a STEREO FILE. THIS HUGELY SIMPLIFIED WORKFLOW IS EASY FOR BEGINNERS and is a huge time saver for more experienced podcasters who can now spend more time researching and perfecting their podcast and LESS TIMESLAVING OVER A MULTITRACK EDIT.
That's why I stated that this is unapologetically made for one thing and one thing only. Podcasting. That doesn't mean that there aren't any cons to the design choice, because there are other podcasters who would prefer to edit multitrack as it yields a lot of benefits. And I concluded that this is great for people who do want a simplified podcasting process with no post processing work.
I think the question Rode may not have asked themselves (during the research and development stage of the RODECasterPro) is whether their target audience of newbie podcasters would be more interested in a device that would grow with them as they learned more. They may have assumed that newbies would never become interested fine-tuning their podcasts or seek to learn the more technical skills associated with post production as they progressed on their podcasting journeys. While I am one who really appreciates simplicity and ease of use (i.e., skip the deep learning curve - initially) I am also quick to want to attain a perfect final product, quickly. I will always want to learn more and be able to improve my technical abilities as quickly as I started up. Because of that fact, I would want the mixing, post production and multi-track editing tools to be included in this product, too. Then I would have the choice of which tools to use and the ability to hang onto the equipment for a much longer time. I am probably in the minority on this opinion, though! @@Podcastage
Well said! Love the honesty. I LOVE the Rode brand, but there are less expensive ways to do this. Granted, there is more setup involved with the alternative.
Good review! I totally agree with your assessment. If they had included multi-track recording, this thing would be awesome. Without that, I can't justify it. Not for me anyway.
Someone asked them in a tweet if it would have multitracking in the future, and they responded with a somewhat cryptic message. I'm not sure if it's possible since multitracking would likely be tied to the actual A/D conversion chipset (if I'm not mistaken), but if they can roll out multitracking...Then my recommendation would expand to more people.
@@AHPOutdoors They were thinking about beginner podcasters and creating an all-in-one device that makes things really easy to start podcasting and doing interviews.
@@Podcastage In another reply (not twitter) they commented it was "unlikely" they would add multitrack anytime soon. But I have to assume they have marketing and other people reading the reviews and comments all over the internet, and there's a flood of negative feedback due to the "only one stereo track" issue. Surely they'll get their heads together and figure out if there's some way to address this. Without knowing the detailed engineering of this box, I don't know how difficult or impossible it may be. I don't think I'd buy one in hopes of that being added.
Quick question that I can't seem to see addressed anywhere... I have a remote co-host via Google Hangouts. Is it possible to use the Rodecaster to record myself, my remote co-host via my computer/google, and simultaneously bring in a caller from my phone so that everyone can hear everybody else without latency? If this is the case, I'm buying today!
@@JosephHollak We pulled the trigger and bought one. Rodecaster said on Twitter this set-up would work. We haven't had any problems with it. We have noticed a small delay on the phone call side with the recent firmware update but we are going to try the TRRS cable instead of the bluetooth connection. Hope this helps!
Thanks for the review! What's feeding the channel/fader labeled with the USB logo? I understand the USB-C output on the back is to connect the Rodecaster to a computer as an audio interface.
Your reviews are really the best! Great job! The (4) inputs for mics should allow for line inputs, etc. What if someone was doing a radio like dj show and wanted to use (2) of the mic inputs for CD players or mp3 players or for that matter, to plug in a mixer or even a computer outputting a software mix of mp3 songs on a radio dj music show talking (voice) between records...oops, did I say records? I mean mp3s or CDs.. Brings me back to considering a Tascam Portastudio, however, I'm drawn to the musicpads. The (8) buttons are like having cart machines in an older broadcast studio to fire commercials off or instant sound effects like on a radio morning show before everything went 100% digital. Anyway, this is a dealbreaker that the (4) inputs are not versatile enough, very frustrating because this is almost a perfect solution. Then again, what about musicians wanting to plug instruments in, as you mentioned. I want this device now! But, it sounds like these will take more than a firmware upgrade and may be added in a new version in a year or two. Just when you thought you had something perfect....well, you don't. And now I have to wait! Darn! P.S. does look like your other important point may be addressed in a firmware update or so the rumor goes where the unit will become multi-track, so, you can do post-editing. That would be a big deal, too.! Darn! Darn! It sounds like the Tascam Portastudio at around $300 is a better solution for versatility in the type of ways to use it, but, of course, without the music pad/cart machine (8) buttons, that means that extra work and post prod are not eliminated. This device is so close, but, it's not there. Really sucks. Probably a year or two away in the 2nd or 3rd generation where it will have the versatilty to do it all. One final thought. This new $99 Rode Podmic has presets on the Rodecasterpro. The specs on the mic are not that great. Is that mic any good? It's cheaper than the Procaster you used in the review, yet Rode optimizes the cheap mic on the board. Find that curious. They don't sell that mic as a bundle or include it with the Rodecaster. So, why are they shipping the unit to you for the review with a Procaster? They are promoting this $99 new mic like it is a big deal or is it a cheap budget mic? They still have the Procaster and the Podcaster. Why a $99 mic and curiously, why make an optimized preset for a $99 mic with an expensive Rodecaster? If you are spending $599, is that for people that are tapped out on their budget looking for a way to skimp on a quality microphone or they don't want to scare someone with sticker shock to add a good microphone. Seems like you are buying a luxury car with budget tires if you outfit it with a $99 bottom of the line mic. Find that very curious.
You’re a hero! I’ve been waiting for this review for a while :) Personally I’m a bit disappointed by the lack of multitrack recoding, since I’m currently using Mix-Pre 6 for recording and do quite a lot of post processing. But at the same time this thing might give me a chance to finally livestream my podcast and save me a lot of time. Thought it won’t return any of my investments to pro software :D
I’m having trouble with getting my remote guests to hear other. I’m hooked up to mic 1. Guest 2 is hooked up via USB from computer. Guest 3 is hooked up through phone via TRRS or Bluetooth (we tried both). When it was TRRS guest 2 and 3 couldn’t hear each other. When guest 3 was hooked up via bluetooth only guest 2 couldn’t hear guest 3. But guest 3 could hear both. Not sure what is wrong?
