[19 September 2024] A new firmware update for the RODE RODEcaster Pro II and RODEcaster Duo adds a very convenient new feature for even more flexibility while streaming or gaming. Now available as a beta version!
New Firmware for Rodecaster PRO II and Rodecaster Duo
[19 September 2024] Today’s firmware update for the RODE Rodecaster PRO II and Rodecaster Duo is all about virtual devices. According to RODE, this new feature revolutionizes the handling of multiple software audio sources while streaming with the RODECaster Pro II or RODECaster Duo.
What are virtual devices? Basically, these new helpers perform a simple, but extremely useful task. They allow you to mix individual audio sources from your computer (such as YouTube videos, Spotify, websites, or a game) separately on the console, just like regular input channels. This makes it easy to manage the volumes of various sources from a central location. Previously, all you got was a stereo mix from your computer, which meant that you had to manually adjust the volume in each application.
In addition, virtual devices add the option to apply processing to individual software audio sources and record them to separate tracks. You can also use them to create a custom headphone mix independently of the audio being streamed.
Check out the video above for all the details. The update is now available as a beta version in the RODECaster Beta Testing Program. You’ll find more info here. The RODECaster Pro II and RODECaster Duo are available at Thomann*.
RODE RODECaster Pro II
[24 May 2022] RODE has announced the RODECaster Pro II Audio Production Studio. The next generation of the popular podcasting studio has become even more versatile and comes with many new features, including Revolution preamps, SMART pads, dual USB ports, XLR-1/4” combo inputs, and more. The new RODECaster Pro II is an all-in-one solution for everything from podcasting to streaming to music production.
When the original RODECaster Pro came out in 2018, it was right on time for the massive podcasting boom of the past couple of years. The RODECaster Pro pioneered the idea of an all-in-one, stand-alone podcasting studio and became the blueprint for a bunch of similar devices, including the Zoom Podtrak P8 and Tascam Mixcast 4. Four years later, RODE is now giving the original podcasting studio a big update with the new RODECaster Pro II.
The fact that the manufacturer now calls it an “Audio Production Studio” rather than a “Podcast Production Studio” is proof that the RODECaster Pro II has been designed to be even more versatile. For example, the four analog audio inputs now feature XLR-1/4” combo jacks and accept microphone, line, and instrument levels. This means that you can now also connect your guitar and/or synthesizers and use the RODECaster Pro II as an audio interface or stand-alone recorder for music production. Moreover, the microphone inputs now feature low-noise Revolution preamps with plenty of gain (76 dB), thereby eliminating the need for microphone boosters.
New user interface
RODE has also overhauled the user interface. The original RODECaster’s eight faders with fixed assignments have been replaced by six physical faders and three virtual faders, all of which are freely assignable to the nine mixer channels. This also means that the touchscreen will be getting more action. Consequently, it’s now bigger, mounted at an angle, and accompanied by a rotary encoder.
Dual USB-C ports
In addition to the four analog input channels, you can mix and record audio over Bluetooth (for which there are music and headset profiles) and USB. The RODECaster Pro II features two USB-C ports for connecting two computers and/or mobile devices. The main interface works as a 2-in/16-out multichannel device or a 2-in/2-out interface with mix-minus. The second USB port is a 2-in/2-out interface with mix-minus. Furthermore, RODE says that the broadband Bluetooth connection allows you to record phone calls or stream audio in high quality. There’s even an Ethernet port and WiFi connectivity, which could be quite useful for streaming applications.
SMART Pads
Like the original RODECaster Pro, the RODECaster Pro II offers four headphone outputs with individual level controls, which are now color-coded. The eight pads have also become much more versatile and RODE now calls them “SMART Pads”. You can of course use them to trigger sound effects, background music, samples, or jingles. In addition to this, however, they can now be used to trigger voice effects, send MIDI commands, or activate automated mixer actions.
The integrated multi-track recorder records in 48 kHz / 24 bit onto microSD cards or removable drives connected via USB-C. Moreover, the RODECaster Pro II offers 4 GB of internal memory for music beds and sound effects.
To sum up, the new RODECaster Pro II is a massive upgrade. The successful podcasting studio has evolved into an all-in-one audio production system that can handle anything from podcasting to streaming to music production.
More information about the RODECaster Pro II
Video
* This post contains affiliate links and/or widgets. When you buy a product via our affiliate partner, we receive a small commission that helps support what we do. Don’t worry, you pay the same price. Thanks for your support!
