I appreciate the desire to reduce equipment size but I have to say the RC2 sounded better to me than the AI audio, maybe the rode caster duo would be a better fit for smaller size but still getting the great rode processing.
The Rodecaster gives a more pleasing sound, in my opinion. I think the big problem with these AI solutions is their inability to reproduce room tone. At first, I appreciated the noise removal and ducking these AI solutions can accomplish, but something was always off when I applied the effects. I believe AI is neutralizing or can't replicate room tones properly. I'm not sure; it's just my hypothesis. At this point, I'm moving away from the noise cancellation features and embracing the ducking and mixing features. I would keep the Rodecaster for a while. I noticed my clients like the visual of the Rodecaster in videos. I dunno. I've gone as far as having a Rodecaster 2 in the blog-style setup (just as a visual), even though I'm recording everything to SoundDevice MixPre. lol.
I think that’s a pretty good hypothesis about ai and room tone. It’ll definitely get better. Nice way to balance your preferred capture method with a visual for your clients!
On 7:32 you state that the SM7B requires phantom power. IT DOES NOT. It is a dynamic mic. Giving it phantom power could harm your mic. The only time this mic requires phantom power is when you use a Cloud Lifter of some kind. BTW: on 11:15 the display of the RCP2 shows that phantom power is turned off so in that instance you know! 😁
Took the words from me... I would rephrase to: phantom power may or may not hurt the mic... it called phantom for a reason. I would probably stay safe and not use phantom power with this mic, unless as you stated, you are using a cloud lifter.
If your major complaint regarding the Rodecaster Pro II is size, check out the Rodecaster Duo. Because the RCP2 sounds substantially better than the alternative in this video. And then you have the option of using USB mics such as the Rode NT-USB Mini, or even wireless mics such as the Rode Wireless Pro. Also, recently I got my hands on a Rode Broadcaster mic, and I like the way it sounds even better than the SM7B. Just my $0.02.
7:30 the SM7B does NOT require phantom power! Turning it ON will probably not damage the SM7B though. The only scenario where you would turn phantom power on with the SM7B is if you have a Fethead or Cloudlifter between the mic and preamp.
The Rodecaster Audio does sound cleaner, has sizzle & bite. The processed audio direct to cam is usable but a little bland and has a degree of artifacts
For in person interviews I use a shotgun mic on a boom over the top with Wireless lavs on each person. All of that connecting to the fantastic Tascam Portacapture X8 which enables me to tune each mic source and maintain a visual on levels when recording. I like its compact size, I can connect to a USB-C power source on my main camera. The line out goes to main camera so there is a good mix going on Camera A. I usually put a shotgun mic on the second or third camera. I have a Rodecaster Duo and it’s great for recording podcasts with eCamm etc, still too big to lug around. I have used Adobe’s podcast utility to clean up terrible audio, but I would not make that part of my workflow, would prefer to have good audio going into an external recorder.
I’ve considered the duo but I have cases where I need all 4 xlr inputs. Not often but glad I have them when I need them. Thanks for your input about sound quality!
Oh! What interesting timing! I'm in the middle of editing a podcast episode and I've been running 2 sets of Rode Wireless Pros but I'm noticing some comb filtering and I'm trying to figure out a solution for this. I know my zoom f6 has automix built in, but i like the ability to run completely wireless with my mics and having 32-bit float and internal recording with the packs. You mentioned auphonics. I might try that. I just saw that Waves Audio has Dugan Speech which seems to run the same thing but it comes at a $599 price point. I'm gonna check out auphonics first. I know Descript has Studio Sound, but you don't seem to have as much granular control as auphonics. Great video!
Thank you, Kri. As always, your review was fascinating and informative! The comparison between the AI processing and the Rodecaster Pro 2 (with processing on) was quite similar, almost indistinguishable; however, there was something better with the Rodecaster 2. I'm not knowledgeable enough in audio to tell you what it was exactly, but the sound was more balanced, warm, and pleasing through my studio monitors. I've been following a few RU-vidrs with similar gear and set-ups as I'm building up my own recording studio dream here, and I find your content so valuable. I look forward to all you share. I was locked in on the SONY A7S III as my first camera when the FX III appeared on my radar. I've been holding back from getting past the newness stage, and then SONY threw in a firmware update for the A7S III. While still deciding on my video-centric camera, I opted for the SONY A7 IV as my first camera, and I'm just diving into that right now. I'd love your thoughts and recommendations after switching from the A7S III to the FX III.
Great Vid. I use Auphonic WITH my RCP2, usually with my my Sennheiser MKH 416 to reduce background sound and level up to the most optimal consistent Lufs across the whole track and like you to remove ambient noise, less so with the SM7B. However, I definitely wouldn't let go of my RCP2. It's the Swiss Army knife of audio, with no bad blades. PS Really enjoying your work! Thanks.
RCP2 sounds much better, I know it's big and inconvenient, but it's much better than what you have presented with AI processing. I don't mean AI is bad, but if RCP2 produces more rounded sound with lots of details, the choice must be tough, because all what matters is your convenience. This week I tested 3 video-shotgun mics (2 RODEs and 1 JOBY) - none of them was convenient for me, even every one of each sounded better. Good luck with your choices, but regarding AI (ML) solutions: try accentize software instead :)
The thing about gear is that you need backups on the field and honestly, in the studio as well. So my suggestion is bring the RCP2 on the field and have AI as a backup.
The AI processing sounds horrible (for any sort of long-form content. The SM7B is a dynamic mic, and, therefore, does not require phantom power. Phantom power will not arm dynamic mics, but it does not benefit. Phantom power can, however, damage some ribbon mics.
I live stream Amateur and Professional pool tournaments. Frequently there is copyrighted music in the background. Would the AI Editor remove those without removing the sounds of the balls?
