Mini test: Rodecaster Video
Posted on Dec 26, 2024 by Pro Moviemaker
We examine Rode’s first-ever all-in-one video and audio podcasting console
Words Adam Duckworth
Years of experience making cost-effective and easy solutions for audio podcasting has worked wonders for Rode in its first production console that combines a pro-level audio studio with video switching, production and recording capabilities.
The Rodecaster Video is built to make it as easy as possible to make professional-quality video productions, from video podcasters to live streamers and even smaller broadcasters covering events. It all comes in one small box, which at £954/$1199 is the best all-in-one video production unit we’ve tested. Simply plug in your cameras, audio, monitor, computer and hard drive and you’re ready to make high-quality, multicamera shows – either live or recorded. You can load graphics such as lower-thirds captions also, to make pro-level programmes from one unit.
This is set to compete with the current standard set-up that many use: a Rodecaster for audio linked to a Blackmagic Atem for video switching. Unless you need advanced features like NDI for PTZ cameras, the Rodecaster Video is exactly what the market needs as the call for streaming grows.
To make streaming as simple as possible, the Rodecaster Video is set up to stream directly to all major platforms via Wi-Fi, Ethernet or USB and record directly to an external USB storage device, including multi-track and isolated recording, to afford total flexibility in post. However, this is in 8-bit only, so not the high-bit-rate options most cameras are capable of.
Although dipping a toe into the waters of streaming can seem complicated, Rode has done its best to keep things as easy as possible. To get the signal into the unit from your cameras, there are four HDMI inputs and two USB-C ideal for webcams, so you can switch between six video sources simultaneously. Rode is now selling some natty multicoloured HDMI cables to help identify which lead is from which camera. This might not sound important, but with so much going on every little helps.
Audio from your cameras comes in with these HDMI signals, but there is also a pair of XLR combo jacks linked 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 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.
£954/$1199
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: 1920×1080 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 Wi-Fi, 5.3 Bluetooth
- Dimensions (wxhxl): 305.9×61.4x132mm/12×2.4×5.2in
- Weight: 1257g/2.8lb
Pro Moviemaker rating: 9/10
A stunning video production unit
- Pros: Simple to use and high quality
- Cons: Two XLR jacks, 8-bit output
This review was first published in the January/February 2025 issue of Pro Moviemaker
