Rode RODECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio

I’ve been getting more gigs to record podcasts and I needed something fast and easy with the ability to connect multiple mics and adjust levels easily. There’s a lot of mixers and recording devices but most of them are complicated and require a lot of setup to use as a computer interface, record to an SD card (if even possible) at the same time. I wanted something easy and portable and dedicated to podcasts that can work every angle of that type of recording. This one seemed to be the best of all worlds. I’ve been a big fan of ZOOM products but their equivalent seemed more complicated and if I were just upgrading to the mixer with faders, I might as well have just used my zoom F8n. Overall, the features and quality of the build of the Rodecaster is great and sturdy. ... MoreI’ve been getting more gigs to record podcasts and I needed something fast and easy with the ability to connect multiple mics and adjust levels easily. There’s a lot of mixers and recording devices but most of them are complicated and require a lot of setup to use as a computer interface, record to an SD card (if even possible) at the same time. I wanted something easy and portable and dedicated to podcasts that can work every angle of that type of recording. This one seemed to be the best of all worlds. I’ve been a big fan of ZOOM products but their equivalent seemed more complicated and if I were just upgrading to the mixer with faders, I might as well have just used my zoom F8n. Overall, the features and quality of the build of the Rodecaster is great and sturdy. Their updated pod mics are sturdy as well and record awesome audio, maybe not at the level of the Shure SM7B but then again this mics are $300 cheaper! To capture smooth vocals in a relatively controlled environment, these mics are a great value! The best thing about this package would have the be the custom SKB case that comes with it. I’m all about protecting my investments but I always begrudgingly purchase these $300-$400 cases because I wish I could be using the money for other toys! These cases are life savers and worth every penny. So when I saw that it came with this package, I was stoked. It didn’t feel like I was making an additional purchase so it felt less painful than buying it independently. Great system, great price, affordable payment plans and great experience all around so far!

Rode has done it again this time in podcaster form.This thing is seriously all you really need to start a podcast or live stream in front of a live audience. There's so much you can do with it that I can make a bet you won't even get through most of the features in one sitting.First off, let's talk about the features.The Touch-Screen menu on the device itself is very responsive and intuitive. You can control each line through this screen and even set and adjust levels through it.On the screen you can also scroll through various amount of saved sound "panels" to store up to 9 pages of soundbytes and clips for a more unique show.You can upload clips of sounds to the device using the software that Rode offers with the device.On the note of the software, you ... MoreRode has done it again this time in podcaster form.This thing is seriously all you really need to start a podcast or live stream in front of a live audience. There's so much you can do with it that I can make a bet you won't even get through most of the features in one sitting.First off, let's talk about the features.The Touch-Screen menu on the device itself is very responsive and intuitive. You can control each line through this screen and even set and adjust levels through it.On the screen you can also scroll through various amount of saved sound "panels" to store up to 9 pages of soundbytes and clips for a more unique show.You can upload clips of sounds to the device using the software that Rode offers with the device.On the note of the software, you may also additionally fine tune each of the "Preset" voice settings that are applied to the lines as long as it's tethered into a PC via USB. This will allow you to set the perfect numbers for your noise gate, compressor, etc.Additionally, There's a Bluetooth option in which you can stream music over on that line for playback, a phone option if you want to accept a live call, and even the USB option if you want to play back sound from a PC or something of that nature that takes USB.There's a record option which accepts a micro SD to store each session if you prefer to capture it.Easily pair this with a Shure SM7B with no need of a cloudlifter by using the software to tweak boost amounts and phantom power.Overall, This device is a one man army and well worth it's price. Don't sit on this one.

The RODECaster Pro has added a whole new level of professionalism to my setup. What stands out the most is how user friendly it is. I've owned mixers that really took some getting used to. But not so with the Rodecaster Pro. All of the controls and buttons are large, bright, clearly marked and organized. Even my wife, who is non-techie, is able to navigate the controls, faders, mic and pads during the live weekly conference calls with ease.I've been using the Rodecaster Pro for about 5 months and have been pleased ever since. It surpasses all expectations. It, definitely, has become a permanent part of the studio.So far, I've used the RODECaster Pro as my audio control hub for live conference calls, online coaching events, Zoom Meetings and Facebook Live video ... MoreThe RODECaster Pro has added a whole new level of professionalism to my setup. What stands out the most is how user friendly it is. I've owned mixers that really took some getting used to. But not so with the Rodecaster Pro. All of the controls and buttons are large, bright, clearly marked and organized. Even my wife, who is non-techie, is able to navigate the controls, faders, mic and pads during the live weekly conference calls with ease.I've been using the Rodecaster Pro for about 5 months and have been pleased ever since. It surpasses all expectations. It, definitely, has become a permanent part of the studio.So far, I've used the RODECaster Pro as my audio control hub for live conference calls, online coaching events, Zoom Meetings and Facebook Live video sessions. The audio quality over these live streaming platforms just blew me away. The special sauce that it adds is the ability to incorporate a host of audio clips and music loops into the live stream. I also use the multi-track recording feature quite a bit, which allows me to process each audio channel separately in post. Love it.If I had to complain it would be on these two points: 1) Why have a unit of this large size use a Micro SD Card instead of a regular sized SD Card?2) In my opinion and for my use, the internal memory could have been larger to hold more sound files, especially at the price point of the unit and how the cost of memory has dropped. (Just saying)At the end of the day I am very pleased with the RODECaster Pro. It's the best investment I've made for my studio this year. Great job!!

Good, with some issues . . .

Firstly, if you add-up everything this unit can do (see my list below), it's an astounding deal. The fellow that owns Rode says it's a million dollars of equipment in a box, that's an exaggeration, but this unit is plausibly worth 10x the price if you sum the price of individual components of similar quality.Limitations1. No line inputs - cannot capture audio from line-level sources: CD player, external mixer, instrument, or external preamp without using an adapter like this: Shure A15LA2. No inserts - cannot loop-in other equipment (eq, effects, compressor). It seems the Rodecaster is designed to be self-contained.3. No conventional equalization (EQ) controls. The Aphex effects are really questionable, who wants them? But guess what, Rode owns Aphex! So the ... MoreFirstly, if you add-up everything this unit can do (see my list below), it's an astounding deal. The fellow that owns Rode says it's a million dollars of equipment in a box, that's an exaggeration, but this unit is plausibly worth 10x the price if you sum the price of individual components of similar quality.Limitations1. No line inputs - cannot capture audio from line-level sources: CD player, external mixer, instrument, or external preamp without using an adapter like this: Shure A15LA2. No inserts - cannot loop-in other equipment (eq, effects, compressor). It seems the Rodecaster is designed to be self-contained.3. No conventional equalization (EQ) controls. The Aphex effects are really questionable, who wants them? But guess what, Rode owns Aphex! So the only EQ solution is Aphex, which introduces purposeful distortion and a sound you may not want at all. There's no other option other than feeding a line-level signal through a converter.4. Sample pads play at the level set by a single dedicated fader; it's not possible to play a low-level music bed and a high-level recorded interview simultaneously (but you can still play them simultaneously at different levels when using separate sources)5. When using the USB connection, it's not possible to play audio from a computer and talk with a remote caller simultaneously6. There's zero control over the Record button - which pulses green when ready - completely distracting and unnecessary.7. Out of the box, the Rodecaster's lights default to 100% brightness, adequate for night-landing aircraft. I have every control turned to minimum, yet the lights are still too bright, while the backlit display is too dim, could be fixed in firmware.Capabilities1. Bluetooth receiver (sends and receives smartphone calls wirelessly)2. Camera preamplifier (use external mics with your video camera)3. Channel compressor (automatically raises volume of quiet sounds, 4 channels)4. Sound controller pads (Play pre-recorded tracks, sound effects, etc., 8 banks of 8 sounds)5. De-esser (controls sibilance, the hissing sound of consonants "s" and "z")6. Ducking (lowers level of other microphones when the host speaks)7. Equalizer (adjusts bass, midtone, and treble tonality)8. Headphone amplifier (4 independent channels + one for producer)9. Harmonic processor (boosts clarity and intelligibility)10. High-pass filter (reduces low-frequency rumble from trucks, A/C units, etc.)11. Limiter (prevents loud sounds from creating distortion)12. Master compressor (integrates and smooths the whole mix)13. Microphone preamplifier (4 channels)14. Mixer (independently controls the level of each channel)15. Monitor controller (volume control for studio speakers)16. Multitrack digital recorder (records 14 independent channels)17. Noise gate (controls low-level background noise)18. Smartphone interface (sends and receives smartphone calls via USB cable)19. USB computer interface (two-way control of the Rodecaster, plays sounds from computer)20. Video conferencing interface for Zoom, Skype, Meet, etc. (talk with remote guest)

Perfect for Podcasters and ATEM Mini Pro Simulcasters

I was going to set up a podcast using ancient equipment when I saw an add on B&H for the RODEcaster Pro. I have various RODE mics and love their equipment so I immediately bought it. I am still blown away at its capabilities. With Class A, balanced XLR inputs, the audio quality is on par with equipment costing thousands - more making a $100 mic sound like a Neumann. Its features give it tremendous flexibility for quiet audio processing, live interactive phone calls, multiple head phone jacks, 3.5mm I/O's for music input, etc plus audio F/X. I use it for podcasts as well as recording events from a mixer, then syncing the audio tracks with the video.But as a multi-cam shooter and video editor I also wanted to use it to interface with the ATEM Mini Pro I got from B&H ... MoreI was going to set up a podcast using ancient equipment when I saw an add on B&H for the RODEcaster Pro. I have various RODE mics and love their equipment so I immediately bought it. I am still blown away at its capabilities. With Class A, balanced XLR inputs, the audio quality is on par with equipment costing thousands - more making a $100 mic sound like a Neumann. Its features give it tremendous flexibility for quiet audio processing, live interactive phone calls, multiple head phone jacks, 3.5mm I/O's for music input, etc plus audio F/X. I use it for podcasts as well as recording events from a mixer, then syncing the audio tracks with the video.But as a multi-cam shooter and video editor I also wanted to use it to interface with the ATEM Mini Pro I got from B&H so that I can record my audio and input it into a multi-cam video switcher. You simply connect the RODEcaster to your computer via the USB out (with the RODE supplied cable) and the video switcher picks up the feed within the Mini Pro.The entire setup is compact, versatile and very professional. Without the RODEcaster, the audio would scream amateur. Buy it!

The Solution I was looking for!

First let me say that the sound Im getting from this interface and recorder is awesome. The preamps are great sounding and the built in (APHEX) effects are awesome. I am using a Audio-Technica 4047 and it sounds amazing. Not only is it easy to use out of the box, in some respects I love the fact that you are recording to a stereo track. I found a couple little bugs in the Software but nothing major. I am looking forward to the new firmware and the ability to record each of the individual track for some post editing. The way Rode designed the RODECaster makes it a perfect portable recording solution for Podcasts and on location video interviews as well. I can fit everything I need to go remote in one bag minus the microphone stands. I could even see a DJ use this in ... MoreFirst let me say that the sound Im getting from this interface and recorder is awesome. The preamps are great sounding and the built in (APHEX) effects are awesome. I am using a Audio-Technica 4047 and it sounds amazing. Not only is it easy to use out of the box, in some respects I love the fact that you are recording to a stereo track. I found a couple little bugs in the Software but nothing major. I am looking forward to the new firmware and the ability to record each of the individual track for some post editing. The way Rode designed the RODECaster makes it a perfect portable recording solution for Podcasts and on location video interviews as well. I can fit everything I need to go remote in one bag minus the microphone stands. I could even see a DJ use this in some simple situations. The pads for mixing in sounds, as well as prerecorded interviews makes things simple. The thee pad play modes help as well so that these pads have more variety of use. Cons: It would be nice to be able to plug in a USB thumb drive and load in samples as well as recordings so I could change my show music and other items without the need of a laptop. The companion software designed to change pads settings and to allow you to drag and drop in sound files is great. The color options is even a next level item. I only wish they had a menu section in the the on board software so that I could load files from the Micro SD card or a separate drive. Solutions on the fly: Yet If I have the files on my tablet or I phone attached either via Bluetooth or through the TRRS to TRRS adapter cable (Not included and should be) I could play them and record them to a pad but its extra steps that time may not allow in a remote setting.In all fairness it is a game changer in my opinion: Its easy to get a tool like this and think of the things I would want added for my convenience yet its an amazing tool already. Will this change the landscape for Podcasting tools? Time will tell but it looks like it already has. The new RODE PodMic looks like the next step in the RODECASTER PRO progression. Some have shipped for review now on YouTube so its availability is close it seems. I feel sorry for all those people who had to go the long route with their PODCAST, purchase channel strips, mixing consoles, and portable recorders. I have been on the fence on Podcasting until this came out and now I all in!

The do-it-all mixer

I bought this for running hybrid in-person / zoom meetings. There's a ton to love about this mixer. USB in/out for feeding sound to and from your laptop. Separate Bluetooth and TRRS (phone) connections with faders for both. 4 mic inputs with tons of gain, which is essential for the gain-hungry Rode Podmic dynamic mics. On-device recording via sd card. Balanced speaker monitor outputs. I'm not podcasting with this, but the prerecorded sound buttons are cool, too.The only thing keeping this from 5 stars is the speaker monitor outputs. I can't quite figure out what use case Rode was going for. You hear everything on the speaker outputs -- mics, USB, phone, Bluetooth. This would make sense if you had a separate person running the podcast and listening to the monitors ... MoreI bought this for running hybrid in-person / zoom meetings. There's a ton to love about this mixer. USB in/out for feeding sound to and from your laptop. Separate Bluetooth and TRRS (phone) connections with faders for both. 4 mic inputs with tons of gain, which is essential for the gain-hungry Rode Podmic dynamic mics. On-device recording via sd card. Balanced speaker monitor outputs. I'm not podcasting with this, but the prerecorded sound buttons are cool, too.The only thing keeping this from 5 stars is the speaker monitor outputs. I can't quite figure out what use case Rode was going for. You hear everything on the speaker outputs -- mics, USB, phone, Bluetooth. This would make sense if you had a separate person running the podcast and listening to the monitors away from the podcasters (control room), but the rest of the mixer isn't set up for that. There isn't a separate headphone out for an engineer. The mixer treats Mic 1 as the engineer. So the person on Mic 1 can solo individual channels and hear other mixes.It seems like a more logical use case is to use the monitor speakers for podcasters to hear callers on USB/phone/BT but not themselves on the monitor speakers. In that case, you would just route the USB/phone/BT channels to the monitors and not include the Mic channels. The mixer doesn't quite support this, but there is a hacky option in the audio settings that will enable the monitors only when the mics are muted. So you can fake this by muting all the mics to hear USB/Phone/BT.Perhaps the output is just to send the mix to another device. Anyway, it seems like an easy fix in SW to switch routing to the output on and off for each channel. I asked Rode support about this, and they weren't very helpful.

There is no better starter kit out there

I have been using several different set up for my podcast and for a professional podcast I produce, from a Q2U direct to my laptop to a H6 with several mics. I'm super fortunate that the company I work for values the quality of their podcast and pulled the trigger on a new kit. I shopped around and this kit had everything I needed.The Rodecaster is an incredible tool. It has many pro-grade features but is pretty approachable even for those just getting started. I've used the sound pad more than I thought I would. I've used the bluetooth quite a bit but I've heard a TRRS cable is better. It's easy to set up and use with a computer. One thing to note, if you're going to be streaming with this, use the USB mix-minus setting or every noise you'll playback the stream ... MoreI have been using several different set up for my podcast and for a professional podcast I produce, from a Q2U direct to my laptop to a H6 with several mics. I'm super fortunate that the company I work for values the quality of their podcast and pulled the trigger on a new kit. I shopped around and this kit had everything I needed.The Rodecaster is an incredible tool. It has many pro-grade features but is pretty approachable even for those just getting started. I've used the sound pad more than I thought I would. I've used the bluetooth quite a bit but I've heard a TRRS cable is better. It's easy to set up and use with a computer. One thing to note, if you're going to be streaming with this, use the USB mix-minus setting or every noise you'll playback the stream to everyone listening. Slider work really well with a minor amount of grittiness in the movement. I love the gigantic record button and giant touch screen. Makes your life so much easier and removes anxiety when you're recording.The Rode PodMic is by far, the most bang for your buck when it comes to dynamic broadcast mics. You'd be hard pressed to convince me that the SM-7B provide any better audio for it's $300 higher price tag. When you combine PodMic with Rodecaster, you now have a professional podcasting set up. The monitors it comes with are great, XLR cables are solid, and of course don't forget your microSD card. The boom arms are also a really pleasant surprise. I was originally looking at the rode boom arm but figured I could always get them later if needed. The Samson boom arms are great. Easily hold the weight of the PodMic and have a gigantic reach and are totally silent when moving around.If you're even remotely interested in sound like a pro on your podcast and you've got the cash to spend, this is the best set up you can get. Rode is going to be the biggest name in podcasting with this equipment. BUY IT!

Well Played!!

I havent yet created anything of note with this device; only done some basic exploring and checking stuff out and I must say that in addition to being very cool, this thing is very capable!Im really looking forward to the new firmware that will bring us multitrack and who knows what all else! I do have a few items that I would personally like to see on the what all else list; improved markings on the meters, improved access into the controls and effects, and improved soundpad management. The meters are graduated and have a clear mark to let the driver know when theyre approaching the hot zone, and the green/yellow/red indicators all appear to be accurate and reliable, but some numbers might also be nice. The device comes equipped with a great selection of effects ... MoreI havent yet created anything of note with this device; only done some basic exploring and checking stuff out and I must say that in addition to being very cool, this thing is very capable!Im really looking forward to the new firmware that will bring us multitrack and who knows what all else! I do have a few items that I would personally like to see on the what all else list; improved markings on the meters, improved access into the controls and effects, and improved soundpad management. The meters are graduated and have a clear mark to let the driver know when theyre approaching the hot zone, and the green/yellow/red indicators all appear to be accurate and reliable, but some numbers might also be nice. The device comes equipped with a great selection of effects built-in, but some are not thrilled that these great effects are binary, on/off. Theres no way to customize the level of the effect or tweak any of the associated properties, its there or its not. The one size fits all approach doesnt always work, but Rode seems to have done a reasonable job of getting close. Again, I havent conducted my own testing, but the reviews Ive seen seem to say the same thing. Granularity and fine control are nice, but they can give one just enough rope to hang themselves. It would be nice, but since multitrack is coming, maybe we should just worry about all that in post. Lastly, some people have multiple podcasts going and would like to use the pads for their various shows, but in order to change everything out, you literally have to manually change everything out manually on a computer app. A nice touch would be to update that app so that there could be multiple banks, so instead of having to swap out 8 different things, program the buttons as desired etc. just select the bank associated with the show, drag it over and everything is exactly the way it needs to be! Still computer-dependent, but since there is only (only...) 512 MB of memory allocated to the pads, thats where we are for now.As portable as this thing is, its a bit surprising that it is not battery operated! It would only add a few pounds... Itll be interesting to see what the future holds for this device. Its Gen 1, so the future looks interesting for this and the myriad of other similar devices that are sure to be on the market soon, given the success of this product.GREAT JOB MATES! Way to set the bar!!