MINI TESTS
SPECIFICATIONS
Video inputs: 4x HDMI, 2x USB-C Video input formats: HDMI: 8/10/12-bit 4:4:4/4:2:2 RGB, YUV 1080p at 23.98/24/ 25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60fps, 1080i at 25/29.97/30fps. USB-C: 4:4:4/4:2:2 YUV 1080p at 23.98/ 24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60fps Audio inputs: 2x combo XLR/ 1/4in TRS, 5x proprietary shared with video
Embedded audio input: Wireless, USB-C, HDMI Video outputs: 2x USB-C, 4x HDMI
Video output format: HDMI 8-bit 4:4:4 RGB, YUV 1080p at 23.98/24 /25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60fps Audio outputs: 2x 1/4in TRS, 2x 1/4in TRS line Input/outputs: 3x USB-C stereo, RJ45 LAN IP video: 1920x1080 23.98/24/25/ 29.97/30/50/59.94/60fps Protocol: RTMP for Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Twitch Recording modes: 1920x1080p H.264/AVC Wireless: Dual band 2.4 and 5GHz
WORKING TOGETHER Ideally you also need a computer to
stream from – and a separate monitor
with ultra-low-noise, high-gain preamps for capturing the best audio from XLR mics. More XLR inputs would be better, but since this is a relatively basic-level machine it’s OK. There are workarounds. You can connect Rode Series IV wireless mics such as the Wireless Pro, Wireless Me and Wireless Go II, which could be fed by XLR mics, via a converter cable. And you can plug in UBS-C mics, which many podcasters use. Rode is all about audio, and the Rodecaster Video uses the brand’s Aphex processing, including an EQ, compressor, noise gate, high-pass filter, de-esser and the other effects. You can be certain the sound is up to scratch, that’s for sure. As well as audio and video from cameras, the Rodecaster Video allows streamers to configure complex scenes consisting of video sources, custom graphics, media playback and more, then switch between these scenes at the press of a button. So you can plan
an entire production into different scenes, which can be laid out across the seven scene buttons. Pushing the right scene button means these presets can be accessed quickly. But, of course, it takes time to learn how to do this. For anyone not used to this level of planning, it’s a real learning curve. So you know which scenes you are about to switch to, you can preview it while still sending a different output to the live programme feed – so you won’t get any nasty surprises when making the switch. For more advanced users, automatic green screen or blue screen lets you replace backgrounds and use video sources. A decent but rather small two-inch touchscreen allows for navigation of video, audio, transition type and timing. The Rode Central app allows easy configuration of remote control over Wi-Fi or Ethernet, graphics and media, custom scene building, audio mixing and other effects. It can be as complicated as you want it to be as
Wi-Fi, 5.3 Bluetooth Dimensions (wxhxl): 305.9x61.4x132mm/ 12x2.4x5.2in Weight: 1257g/2.8lb
your experience grows, or as simple as just switching between cameras. If you don’t have a dedicated operator, the Rodecaster Video features intelligent auto-switching to change cameras or inputs based on which host, guest or subject is speaking. This is configurable and based on priority settings and screen-time calculations to ensure the switching feels natural. It’s never as good as having a real person watching the show and making judgements over the output, but could be ideal for podcasters who appear in their own shows, chatting with guests. There’s a lot to get your head around, but the Rodecaster Video is a great way in to making shows with the video and audio combined into one production console. If you want to get into making multicamera shows to stream, this is an easy entry point. PRO MOVIEMAKER RATING: 9/10 A stunning video production unit Pros: Simple to use and high quality Cons: Two XLR jacks, 8-bit output
BUSINESS END There are plenty of input options, although only two XLR jacks
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