Røde has combined video switching, production and recording capabilities with a complete professional audio studio in its new RødeCaster Video.
‘Just as the original RødeCaster Pro revolutionised the podcasting landscape, RødeCaster Video now does the same for video production, offering a comprehensive and intuitive all-in-one solution for content creators, video podcasters, live streamers and broadcasters that’s as versatile as it is powerful,’ the company says.
The RødeCaster Video claims to be the first product in its class to combine comprehensive video production capabilities with professional audio mixing and processing functionality. In addition to a proprietary next-generation video engine, flexible video connectivity options, innovative switching workflow and production features, it is also a complete audio production solution for solo streamers and creators working at home, as well as producers operating large-scale video productions and events.
At its core, the RødeCaster Video is a video switcher with a CPU that supports a scene-based switching architecture not possible with a traditional FPGA-based system. This allows creators to build and configure complex scenes consisting of video sources, custom graphics and media playback, and then switch between these scenes with the press of a button. This means that a production can be planned and laid out across the unit’s seven scene buttons, and the operator can switch between them throughout a show. Dual-engine processing allows creators to view entire scenes and complex compositions in a preview screen while sending an entirely different composition to a live programme feed.
I/O includes two Neutrik combo jacks, a pair of built-in wireless receivers, Bluetooth connectivity and audio over USB, able to accommodate XLR microphones and line-level equipment, as well as Røde Series IV wireless transmitters and USB microphones. The two combo inputs feature ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamps, and each of the nine audio channels boasts audio processing and effects powered by Aphex including compressors, noise gates, de-essers and the Aural Exciter, Big Bottom and Compellor processors. RødeCaster Video also offers flexible audio mixing, custom routing and multitrack recording.
Beyond connectivity, the RødeCaster Video’s ‘instant’ and ‘studio’ modes alter its switching and preview behaviour between on-the-fly working suited to solo productions and traditional broadcast operation with multiple people.
The same postproduction flexibility applies to audio, with multitrack recording capturing each source separately, and, with the ability to create custom routing for each audio output, entirely separate mixes can be sent to the livestream, recording and headphones.
A 2-inch touchscreen and versatile encoder enables quick-and-easy navigation of video, audio and other settings, transition type and timing, as well as displaying critical information about a show. The feature button allows creators to safely preview and configure any inputs, scenes or media at the press of a button.
Røde Central companion software allows remote control over Wi-Fi or Ethernet, giving operators an option to distantly preview and control production. It is also home to the advanced scene builder, providing freedom over the construction and layout of each scene in a show, including the ability to resize frames and manage video, image and audio files. It also features an expanded audio mixer for fine-tuning the processing, effects and levels of each sound source.
For creators who don’t have someone to act as a dedicated operator or want a more autonomous and hands-free workflow, the RødeCaster Video features intelligent auto-switching. This will automatically switch between cameras or inputs based on which host, guest or subject is speaking. The system is fully configurable and is based on priority settings and screen time calculations, ensuring that the switching feels natural and creative, emulating the master touch of an experienced producer.
Key features:
- High-performance octa-core CPU with a next-generation video engine.
- Four HDMI inputs/two USB-C inputs support six video sources simultaneously, including USB webcams.
- Two Neutrik combo jacks with ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamps.
- Dual internal wireless receivers.
- Aphex audio processing, including Aural Exciter, Big Bottom and Compellor.
- Automatic green screen or blue screen.
- ‘Inspect’ feature for preview and configuration of any input or scene.
- Intelligent audio-based auto-switching for hands-free switching between video sources and scenes.
- Direct streaming to all major platforms via Wi-Fi and Ethernet.
- USB and recording directly to an external USB storage device.
- Remote control via Røde Central.
More: https://rode.com/en/interfaces-and-mixers/rodecaster-series