GEAR MINI TESTS
RODE RODECASTER PRO II £699/$699 rode.com
If you are creating podcasts or recording a round-table audio
session to go with a corporate video, you need to manage several different sound inputs at once. The Rode Rodecaster Pro II is an integrated audio production studio that expands on the capabilities of its predecessor, thanks to enhancements in sound quality and ease of connectivity. With many filmmakers not coming from an audio background, anything that helps simplify sound recording is always welcome. Compared to the Mark I version, the new Rode has top-quality preamps and mic/line/instrument combo inputs, a customisable mixer with RGB colour coding, and programmable pads for launching sounds and more. There’s iOS-ready, dual USB Type C ports to connect multiple computers or mobiles, with advanced high-quality Bluetooth input/output, Wi-Fi and Ethernet. The kit allows you to plug in up to four microphones via XLR, as well as music, pre-recorded audio segments, and have remote guests on calls. Switch between all of them, adjusting volume and mix with faders, to create a pro-sounding programme. This can be streamed instantly via a computer and recorded for use afterwards. Record stereo or individual multitrack files to a microSD card or USB drive, in either uncompressed WAV format for best quality or MP3 to save storage space. It runs at 24-bit/48kHz, the industry standard for video production. Set-up is very easy. Just plug in the power – mains or USB-C PD
“Connect to the internet via Wi-Fi or download the free Rode Connect app on your computer”
– and follow instructions on the touchscreen. Connect to the internet via Wi-Fi or plug into your computer via USB-C or Ethernet, to check for firmware upgrades. Or download the free Rode Connect app on your computer and update this way. Next is a series of set-up procedures, such as individual headphone volume and mic inputs. The preamps are so good, pretty much any mic will work extremely well. We tried XLR shotguns and podcasting, desktop-style mics – audio quality is excellent. New smart touchpads can not only be preset with sounds or audio, but set to control mixer actions such as global fade-in/fade-out – or even built-in voice effects. There are pages of different options. The Rodecaster Pro II is an all- in-one audio production studio that offers lots of customisation for the
CASTING A SPELL There’s no witchcraft to successful podcasting tech, if you go with the latest Rode kit
SPECIFICATIONS Number of tracks: 14 (12 inputs plus stereo mix) Display: 5.5in colour touchscreen Mic preamps: Four Analogue audio I/O: 4x combo XLR input, 2x TRS line output, 4x 1.4in TRS headphone output Host connection: 2x USB-C Wireless: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz Digital audio: 48kHz/24-bit Audio storage: MicroSDXC Compatibility: MacOS 10.15, iPadOS, Windows 10/11 Dimensions (wxhxd): 30.5x27x6cm/12x10.6x2.4in Weight: 1.96kg/4.3lb experienced, and is easy to use for beginners just wanting to plug in four mics, mix between them, then record or stream in high quality. PRO MOVIEMAKER RATING: 9/10 An easy way to get into pro-level audio production Pros: All-in-one sound solution Cons: Can seem complicated
BEGINNER FRIENDLY A menu takes you through the set-up process with care
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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