Ultimate Guide: RODECaster Pro II Podcast Production Console
The RODECaster Pro II integrated audio production studio builds on the success of its predecessor. Its sound, connectivity, and adaptability have all been improved, making it a good choice for live streamers, gamers, and content creators who like to make music. It was cleverly designed for more than just podcasting. This all-in-one solution makes complex tasks simple with a sizable touchscreen and straightforward controls, studio-quality onboard processing, multitrack recording and mixing, assignable sound pads, and thorough customization. Produce and mix live in just a few seconds while up to four microphones, music, ready dishes, and remote guests on calls are all going at the same time.
Modern Audio Technique
The most recent and potent version of RODE’s all-in-one audio composition tool is the RODECaster Pro II. There are modern features like a strong quad-core audio engine that can make high-quality sound for you to listen to. Whatever form of content creation you choose — streaming, podcasting, gaming, or music recording—your experience will be greatly improved.
Console
In this instance, the smaller overall footprint is the most obvious change. In comparison to the RodeCaster Pro, which it replaces, the new model is two inches smaller. The two physical fader strips are no longer necessary, therefore they take up less space on your workstation. On the other hand, RDE improved it by adding a brand-new contextual rotary control and switching the ports on the back to combo ports from straight XLR connections, as they were in the original version. As a result, you won’t require adapters to connect new gadgets, including instruments, synths, and other devices.
The device now has a USB-C port and a high-performance audio engine with four cores. By connecting to two PCs or mobile devices at the same time, you can do two things at once. In terms of size and functionality, the 5.5-inch HD touchscreen display with haptic feedback and rotary encoder performs better than the original Rodecaster. Additionally, it offers an easily comprehendible user interface that is simple.
APHEX processing and effects on board
The Rodecaster Pro II comes with a quad-core audio processor that has a lot of processing power. Rode put a number of APHEX processors in this podcasting production console so that productions could be taken to the next level. You can use APHEX’s well-known Aural Exciter, Big Bottom, and Compellor. Rode also has built-in effects like pitch shifting, delay, and reverb to give any podcast or livestream a polished appearance.
Inputs
The RODECaster Pro II’s audio quality is enhanced by the inclusion of four Neutrik combo microphone inputs, which also connect to instruments for direct recording or line-level devices. These employ the company’s “ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution preamps.” According to Rode, they were created specifically for the RODECaster Pro 2.
There are four balanced 14-inch line outputs and four high-power headphone outputs available. Each is in charge of determining how high the level is. The Pro lacks the 3.5 mm headphone port that the original RodeCaster had on the front. If you have a shorter cable, this is a small problem, but it's not impossible to fix.
SMART pad improvements
Rode made the Rodecaster Pro II even better by adding eight SMART pads instead of the usual eight sound pads. SMART pads are fully programmable and play more than just entrance music, sound effects, and jingles. Each pad can be fully programmed, so you can change how the mixer works, turn on or off voice effects, send MIDI signals to your DAW or other hardware, stop people from swearing, and more. There are up to 64 distinct movements possible with the eight banks of eight pads. You have total creative freedom with the Rodecaster Pro II’s SMART pad grid.
Effects and studio-quality processing
There are realistic simulations of vintage APHEX hardware processors like reverb, delay, pitch shifter, equalizer, high-pass filter, noise gate, de-esser, robot effects, and more. Aural Exciter enhances clarity and sheen, Big Bottom adds warm and deep low-frequency punch, and Compellor holds it all together with compression/leveling.
Low-noise, high-gain preamps
In today's content creation environment, high-quality preamps are essential. The Rodecaster Pro II, fortunately, includes four superb Revolution preamps. These high-quality microphone preamps have low noise levels and can amplify sound by up to 76dB. Therefore, you can plug your lowest output dynamic microphones into the Rodecaster Pro II and turn them up without contaminating your signal with unwanted noise or relying on microphone lifters and boosters. Revolution preamps are even better since they offer a clear, transparent response that makes it possible to hear every nuance in the mix.
Offers unrestricted customizability and creative freedom
Due to the RODECaster Pro II’s considerable adaptability, you may customize it to fit both your recording setup and the type of content you are creating. Each of the nine channels can be set up in any way you want, so you can make a mixer setup that fits your needs.
Customize each processor and effect to suit your preferences using the advanced editor. Each SMART pad can be programmed to do different things, and the RGB LEDs can be changed to fit your style. The RODECaster Pro II gives you access to a wide range of possibilities.
Rapidly flowing process
With the RODECaster Pro II, you can store a number of Shows with all of their necessary parameters. It works well for smoothly switching between live streaming, podcasts, and game commentary, among other things. To get you started right away, it comes with excellent-sounding presets that have been created especially for RODE devices.
Takeaway
The RODECaster Pro 2 is perfect for streamers, podcasters, musicians, YouTubers, audio engineers, and anyone else who needs high-quality audio for their content and wants to save time in the post-production process. It is a very flexible device that has a lot of great effects. This makes it a great "crossover" solution for podcast audio.
PROS & CONS
- High-quality audio effects and equalizer
- Challenging for newcomers
- Adaptable user interface
- Expensive
- Audio recording solution all in one
- Overkill
