Rodecaster Pro II is the slimmest, customizable audio mixer
Rode introduces a new version of its portable audio mixing console, the Broadcaster Pro, with upgraded hardware, new speakers, a host of new software features and a meticulously polished design. The Rodecaster Pro II is designed to package key parts of the audio control room for live broadcasts, podcasts, and other audio productions into a desktop console for hobbyists and professionals alike.
At first glance, the Rodecaster Pro II looks like a more compact version of its predecessor, with six actual pads instead of eight, reducing its width from 14 inches to 12 inches. But the console does come with some bigger updates on the inside. The console is now powered by USB-C and has the ability to connect to two computers or laptops simultaneously for dual operations. There’s also a larger touchscreen that looks better, and the system comes with several options for customizing processing and automation in the integrated software.
The biggest update seems to be with the audio pads (now called SMART pads). Pads were previously used to play on-demand audio clips, but they’ve now opened up for full customization – with the ability to activate effects, auto-fade, MIDI commands, shuffle video and more, similar to Elgato’s Stream Deck.
The new console’s preamplifiers have a lower noise floor and higher gain than the previous model, so much so that Rode says they eliminate the need for products like Cloudlifter to boost the signal-to-noise ratio of professional mics like the Shure SM7b before coming out. in the blender.
A common complaint about the original Rodecaster Pro was the limited internal audio processing options, with some effects like a compressor and pre-equalizer with only the on/off function. Rode develops these features with more adjustable nuclear parameters, as well as additional effects such as reverb, reverb, and pitch adjustment.
Overall, these may seem like minor updates and may not be a necessary upgrade for all existing Rodecaster Pro users – but as live video and audio platforms have evolved into higher quality products, the equipment must keep up, too. Enabling transition, fade, and even lighting settings gets closer to the console for a complete control room in your office.
Rode says it will continue to update the Pro II firmware for additional functionality, additional features, and software compatibility (which can now be updated via Wi-Fi and Ethernet in the console) “in the weeks/months after launch,” similar to additional software releases. Fixed in Rodecaster Pro original version. When asked if Rode will update the original Rodecaster Pro with future firmware versions, Rode said “not at this point”, so it looks like many of these software functions will only be available in the Pro II.
The Rodecaster Pro II is now available to pre-order for $699 ($100 more than the cost of the Rodecaster Pro I) with shipping plans in mid-June 2022.
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