RØDE RØDECaster Duo Review

The RØDE RØDECaster Duo is an all-in-one podcast production studio that allows you to record, edit, mix and publish professional-quality podcasts right from the device. With its intuitive touchscreen interface, 4 XLR microphone inputs, 8 track recording, sound pads, Bluetooth connectivity and more, the RØDECaster Duo packs a ton of features into a portable device.

In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the key features and performance of the RØDECaster Duo to help you determine if it’s the right podcast production studio for your needs. We’ll cover factors like sound quality, connectivity, editing tools, and ease of use so you can decide if the RØDECaster Duo should be your next podcasting investment.

Key Features

Here are some of the standout features that the RØDECaster Duo offers:

• 4 XLR Microphone Inputs – The RØDECaster Duo has 4 professional XLR mic inputs so you can connect high-quality microphones for pristine audio capture. 48V phantom power is provided to support condenser mics.
• 8 Track Recording – Record each mic input individually plus a dedicated USB input and sound pads on separate tracks for easier editing and mixing.
• Touchscreen Interface – The large 4.3” touchscreen provides quick access to all the RØDECaster’s functions including recording, editing, mixing and publishing your podcast.
• Onboard Processing – Built-in APHEX audio processing including compression, de-essing, limiting and more to optimize your sound as you record.
• Bluetooth Connection – Wirelessly connect smartphones, tablets or computers to call in guests or add sound clips and music to your podcasts.
• USB Audio Interface – The RØDECaster Duo functions as a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface to connect to your computer for recording and streaming.
• Podcast Editing & Publishing – Edit and polish your podcasts directly on the RØDECaster, then publish to hosting sites like Buzzsprout with the touch of a button.
• Sound Pads – Access 8 onboard sound effects or audio clips to easily insert sound bites during your podcast.

RØDE RØDECaster Duo All-in-One Production Solution for Podcasting, Streaming, Music Production and Content Creation

• All-in-one production studio that features everything you need to record podcasts, make music, stream and create content with incredible audio
• Two high-quality Neutrik combo jacks for connecting microphones and instruments, with ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamps (-131.5dBV EIN, 76dB gain) for pristine audio
• Four broadcast-quality faders, a high-resolution touchscreen with haptic feedback and six SMART pads with bank switching
• Studio-grade effects and powerful APHEX processing, including the legendary Aural Exciter and Big Bottom effects
• 3.5mm TRRS input for monitoring via headphones and recording via a headset such as the NTH-100M

Check Price on Amazon

Design & Build Quality

• Durable metal chassis built to last
• Compact all-in-one design for portability
• Angled control surface for convenient access during recording
• Bright, responsive capacitive touchscreen
• Sturdy knobs, buttons and faders

The RØDECaster Duo sports a rugged metal construction that feels built to withstand the rigors of transporting it between recording locations. Despite packing a lot of technology into this podcast production studio, RØDE managed to keep the depth under 8 inches for portability.

The angled control surface provides easy access to all the key controls during recording sessions. And the high-quality capacitive touchscreen brings quick operation of recording, editing and mixing right to your fingertips.

Overall, the design focuses on durability, portability and accessibility for a compact podcast production studio you can take anywhere.

Sound Quality

For any podcast production studio, sound quality is paramount. The RØDECaster Duo delivers professional-grade audio capture and processing to give your podcasts pristine sound.

Microphone Preamps

Thanks to RØDE’s ultra-low noise, high-headroom microphone preamps, the RØDECaster provides studio-quality sound from its XLR inputs. The preamps support a wide range of signal levels up to +24 dBu to handle everything from highly sensitive ribbon mics to louder dynamic mics with no distortion or crosstalk between inputs.

Sampling & Bit Depth

The RØDECaster records uncompressed 44.1/48 kHz WAV files at 24-bit depth. This high-resolution audio ensures clarity and dynamic range are preserved from your analog mic inputs all the way through to your final podcast file.

APHEX Processing

Onboard APHEX audio processing is applied in real-time when you record or stream podcasts. This includes:

• Compression: Makes quiet sounds louder and loud sounds quieter for consistent levels
• Noise gate: Cuts out background noise when you aren’t speaking
• De-essing: Reduces harsh “S” sounds and sibilance
• Limiting: Prevents peaks from clipping to avoid distortion

The APHEX processing really optimizes the raw audio from your mics to sound clear and professional.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Bluetooth connectivity allows you to record smartphone calls, tablet audio and computer audio directly into your RØDECaster Duo podcast recordings. Bluetooth audio sources are captured as a separate track for editing flexibility.

Connectivity

The RØDECaster Duo offers a range of wired and wireless connection options to integrate with your other podcasting gear and extend its capabilities.

Microphone Inputs

The 4 balanced XLR mic inputs provide phantom power to support both dynamic and condenser microphones. You can adjust gain, apply compression/limiting, and set gain staging for each input.

Headphone Outputs

Dual headphone jacks allow you and a guest to both listen to your podcast recordings on studio-quality headphones. Levels for each headphone output are independently controlled.

USB Audio Interface

As a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface, the RØDECaster Duo links to your Mac or PC to record and live stream podcasts using your computer. Loopback routing lets you record computer audio directly on the RØDECaster.

SD Card Slot

Use the SD slot to record your podcasts directly to a memory card. SD cards up to 256GB are supported for hours of recording capacity.

USB Port

The USB port enables you to connect thumb drives or hard drives to save recordings and transfer podcast files.

HDMI Port

An HDMI port allows you to mirror the RØDECaster Duo’s touchscreen interface on an external monitor for easier operation and guest viewing.

Recording & Editing Features

With its integrated recording and editing workflow, the RØDECaster Duo enables you to produce complete podcasts without a computer. Here are some of the key features for recording, editing and finishing podcasts.

Multitrack Recording

The RØDECaster Duo records each microphone, Bluetooth audio and sound pads on separate tracks. This makes editing much faster, allowing you to adjust the levels, apply processing, or remove unwanted noise on individual tracks.

File Management

Podcast recordings are clearly organized by show name and episode number. You can name files, view session details, and back up recordings to external storage from the Files screen.

Editing Tools

Built-in editing tools allow you to trim the start and end points of tracks and split a track into multiple pieces. Levels can be adjusted and APHEX processing applied to each track as needed.

Fader Assignment

Assign each recorded track to one of the 4 main faders for convenient mixing. Get the blend just right by adjusting the levels of mics, sound pads and Bluetooth tracks on the fly.

Patch Recording

Easily fix mistakes by punching in re-records over any section of a track. Just set the in/out points then re-record the selected part for clean edits.

Audio Markers

Add tags at specific points in your podcast to note transitions, topics, sponsors or edits. Jump between markers while editing to refine your podcast structure.

Processing Chain

Customize the sound on each track by adding effects like EQ and compression. Use built-in presets or save your own effect chains.

Podcast Publishing & Sharing

Once your podcast edit is complete, the RØDECaster Duo provides options for publishing to podcast platforms or exporting the file.

Podcast Hosting Integration

Sync your RØDECaster Duo with podcast hosts like Buzzsprout, Squadcast or Podbean to directly publish finished podcasts with the touch of a button.

Shareable Links

Create public links to share podcast episodes via your RØDECaster from anywhere with internet access, no computer required.

Export Options

• Export as MP3 to share online or upload manually to any podcast platform
• Save as WAV to retain uncompressed audio
• Transfer files to computer via USB or SD card

Scheduled Publishing

Schedule episodes to automatically publish through integrated hosting platforms on the dates and times you set. Great for queuing up episodes in advance.

Ease of Use

Despite its deep feature set for end-to-end podcast creation, the RØDECaster Duo maintains an intuitive workflow that’s surprisingly easy to operate.

Touchscreen Interface

The responsive 4.3” touchscreen provides quick access to all recording, editing and mixing functions through well-designed menus and screens.

Logical Layout

Controls are thoughtfully arranged by function in clear groups – microphone inputs, channel processing, master levels, sound pads, etc.

Contextual Control

Knobs dynamically adapt their function based on what screen is currently active, reducing the need for complex menus.

User Profiles

Save customized RØDECaster Duo settings into user profiles that can be easily recalled for different podcast shows or hosts.

Tutorials & Tooltips

Built-in tutorial videos and tooltips guide you through key features and provide helpful tips as you learn the RØDECaster Duo.

While it offers tons of advanced features, the RØDECaster Duo maintains a shallow learning curve. You can grasp the basics quickly and gradually master more advanced functions over time.

Additional Features

Automatic Mixing

When enabled, the auto mixer automatically attenuates mic levels when someone isn’t speaking to minimize background noise.

Remote Control

Control core RØDECaster functions like recording and track levels from your smartphone with the RØDE Central app.

Firmware Updates

Keep your RØDECaster updated with the latest features and fixes through firmware updates via Wi-Fi, ethernet, or USB.

RØDE PodMic Compatibility

Plug up to 2 RØDE PodMics directly into the RØDECaster’s mic inputs without needing XLR cables for streamlined setup.

Customization

Set channel colors, screen brightness, and LED brightness or disable LEDs entirely to match your preferences and environment.

Who is the RØDECaster Duo For?

The RØDECaster Duo pairs robust recording and editing capabilities in a portable device, making it ideal for:

• Podcasters – Record, edit and publish professional podcasts without a computer
• Musicians – Capture studio-quality song demos, performances and interviews
• Content Creators – Live stream polished broadcasts and record high-fidelity audio in the field
• Voiceover Artists – Record narrations and character voices with pristine studio sound

Whether you’re starting a brand new podcast or want to take your existing show on the road, the RØDECaster Duo empowers you to make studio-quality shows from anywhere.

Downsides To Consider

While the RØDE RØDECaster Duo packs a ton of functionality into an intuitive device, there are some downsides to factor in:

• Steep learning curve – While easy to start, mastery takes time and practice
• No playlist creation – Can’t automate show segments & transitions like Hindenburg Journalist PRO
• No video capabilities – Audio-only so not ideal for video podcasting
• Touchscreen-focused – Not optimized for control via physical buttons
• Premium price – $599 MSRP puts it above competitors like the Zoom PodTrak P4

So it does represent an investment, both in cost and time to fully learn. For some, the lack of baked-in automatic podcast creation or video support may be dealbreakers. While extremely capable, the RØDECaster Duo has some limitations compared to PC-based podcast editing software.

RØDE RØDECaster Duo Review – The Verdict

Pros:

• Exceptional sound quality
• Comprehensive recording & editing
• Easy touchscreen operation
• Rugged, portable construction
• Tight platform integration

Cons:

• Steep learning curve
• No playlist creation
• No video capabilities
• Premium price point

Overall, the RØDE RØDECaster Duo earns its place among the best podcast production studios with outstanding audio capture, integrated editing tools, and seamless publishing.

While it does come at a premium price point, the RØDECaster Duo rewards you with professional sound and deep capabilities whether recording at home or on the go. For podcasters seeking an all-in-one studio, it’s a superb choice.

It may not be the most budget-friendly option, nor the right fit for videographers. But for taking podcast production quality to the next level, the RØDE RØDECaster Duo is hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What microphones work with the RØDECaster Duo?

The RØDECaster Duo works with any professional XLR microphone. Dynamic mics like the Shure SM7B or condenser mics like the RØDE Procaster are excellent choices to take advantage of the RØDECaster’s top-notch preamps and conversion. You can also connect two RØDE PodMics directly without XLR cables.

Can you record phone calls directly into the RØDECaster Duo?

Yes, by connecting your smartphone via Bluetooth to the RØDECaster Duo you can record both ends of a phone call into your podcast. The RØDECaster captures the call as a separate track for convenient editing.

Does the RØDECaster Duo work with GarageBand or Audacity?

You can connect the RØDECaster as a USB audio interface to record using GarageBand, Audacity or any other DAW on Mac/PC. When using USB mode, you won’t have access to the RØDECaster’s onboard mixing capabilities but can utilize its mic preamps and convertors.

Can you live stream with the RØDECaster Duo?

Yes, by connecting over USB you can use the RØDECaster Duo with streaming software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs or Ecamm Live to live stream podcasts or audio programs with maximum quality.

Does the RØDECaster Duo work for music recording?

The RØDECaster Duo can definitely be used for music recording such as singer-songwriter demos and interviews. However, more advanced musicians may want a DAW for fuller multitrack recording and editing capabilities. But for basic music projects, the sound quality and features of the RØDECaster Duo get the job done.

Conclusion

The RØDE RØDECaster Duo provides an all-in-one portable studio for creating professional-quality podcasts and audio content. Its excellent microphone preamps deliver clean sound while the integrated APHEX processing optimizes your audio in real-time.

Despite its compact size, the RØDECaster Duo packs in features like multitrack recording, seamless editing tools, Bluetooth connectivity, USB interfacing and hosting platform integration. For both recording on the go and home podcasting, the RØDECaster Duo streamlines high-end audio production.

So if you’re seeking to step up your podcast production quality, want to record interviews in the field or mix tracks like a pro, the RØDE RØDECaster Duo is a powerhouse solution worth the investment. With the ability to record, edit, mix and publish stellar sounding podcasts from one intuitive device, your podcast is sure to shine with the RØDECaster Duo.

RØDE RØDECaster Duo All-in-One Production Solution for Podcasting, Streaming, Music Production and Content Creation

• All-in-one production studio that features everything you need to record podcasts, make music, stream and create content with incredible audio
• Two high-quality Neutrik combo jacks for connecting microphones and instruments, with ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamps (-131.5dBV EIN, 76dB gain) for pristine audio
• Four broadcast-quality faders, a high-resolution touchscreen with haptic feedback and six SMART pads with bank switching
• Studio-grade effects and powerful APHEX processing, including the legendary Aural Exciter and Big Bottom effects
• 3.5mm TRRS input for monitoring via headphones and recording via a headset such as the NTH-100M

Check Price on Amazon