Rode RODECaster Pro II Review

The Rode RODECaster Pro II is a powerful all-in-one podcast production studio aimed at podcasters looking to take their shows to the next level. With four XLR microphone inputs, four TRS headphone outputs, sound pads, Bluetooth connectivity and intuitive mixing capabilities, this unit packs a ton of features into a compact desktop footprint.

In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the key features and capabilities of the RODECaster Pro II to see how it stacks up for podcast production.

Key Features

Microphone Inputs and Controls

The RODECaster Pro II features four premium recallable XLR mic inputs with phantom power, high-quality preamps and APHEX audio processing. Each channel gets its own gain control, pad, high-pass filter and stereo width adjustment so you can dial in the perfect level and tone for each mic. The onboard compressors and de-essers help tame uneven audio and prevent pops and sibilance.

Mix-Minus Output

The dedicated mix-minus output makes it easy to connect external Skype or phone callers to your podcast interviews. Simply dial in the level of the mix-minus output into your call recorder and you can provide your remote guests a clean audio feed minus their own voice.

Sound Pads

The eight programmable sound pads let you trigger sound effects, music beds or audio drops to create a more polished production. Just tap the pad during recording to activate the pre-loaded sound bite. You can even record sound pads on the fly by holding the record button and speaking into a mic.

Rode RODECaster Pro II Integrated Audio Production Console with RODECover II, 32GB microSD Card and StreamEye Polishing Cloth

• Fully integrated audio production studio for podcasters, streamers, musicians and content creators
• Ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamps (-131.5dBV EIN, 76dB gain)
• Four high-quality Neutrik combo inputs for connecting both microphones and instruments
• Four high-power headphone outputs and balanced 1⁄4-inch line outputs
• Customizable nine-channel mixer with six broadcast-quality physical faders and three virtual faders

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Bluetooth Connectivity

With built-in Bluetooth 5.0, you can easily connect a smartphone or tablet to the RODECaster Pro II to call in remote guests or play audio tracks and sound effects wirelessly from your device.

USB Audio Interface

By connecting the unit to your computer via USB, the RODECaster Pro II functions as a 4-in/4-out audio interface. This makes multitrack recording to your DAW (digital audio workstation) software quick and hassle-free.

Intuitive Control

A bright, color LCD screen and a series of clearly labeled buttons, knobs and faders make it easy to control every aspect of your podcast production directly from the hardware. Create a customized processing chain for each channel, dial in reverb and compression effects, and monitor everything with the onboard VU meters.

Ease of Use

Despite its powerful capabilities, the RODECaster Pro II is designed to be intuitive and straightforward enough for beginners to master.

Simple Set Up

To get started recording your first podcast, you just need to connect some mics, hook up your headphones and power up the unit. Everything is clearly labeled and plug-and-play ready.

Hands-On Live Mixing

Thanks to the integrated physical faders and knobs, live mixing feels tactile and hands-on. You don’t need to memorize complicated keystroke combinations. Just reach out and turn a knob to adjust levels.

Visual Feedback

The LCD screen and LED meters provide constant visual feedback on audio levels, channel activity, effects and more. This real-time monitoring helps you make quick adjustments to prevent issues.

Detailed User Guide

Rode includes a 120+ page user guide that walks you through how to configure every feature. If you do get stuck, this handy reference can get you back on track.

Audio Quality

With its pristine mic preamps, high-end audio processing and 24-bit/48 kHz conversion, the RODECaster Pro II is capable of capturing studio-quality sound right out of the box.

Crystal Clear Preamps

The Class A discrete mic preamps provide up to 75dB of crystal clear, low-noise gain. This allows you to amplify weak mic signals without raising the noise floor.

APHEX Processing

APHEX audio processing helps add warmth and clarity to your vocal recordings. This special sauce gives voices a silky smooth on-air quality.

Built-In Compressors and De-Essers

Dedicated compressors and de-essers on each channel help you achieve consistent levels and tame sibilance live, avoiding long hours of post processing.

24-bit/48 kHz Conversion

By recording at 24-bit resolution and 48 kHz sampling rate, the RODECaster provides audio that’s indistinguishable from the source. You capture every subtle nuance.

Connectivity

The RODECaster Pro II offers extensive connectivity options to integrate with your existing podcast gear and expand your capabilities over time.

Four XLR Mic Inputs

The four XLR inputs provide enough flexibility for small roundtable shows or one-on-one interviews. And with the loopback function, you can record additional remote guests via USB.

Professional Outputs

Balanced XLR and 1/4 inch headphone outputs allow you to connect professional studio monitors and headphones.

USB and Bluetooth

The USB-C port handles the 2-channel audio interface functionality. Bluetooth lets you integrate mobile devices seamlessly.

Auxiliary and Mix-Minus Outputs

These specialized outputs expand your connectivity for remote interviews and external audio mixing capabilities down the road.

Future Expandability

With forthcoming addons like the Rode PodMic arms and Rodecaster Footpedal, you’ll be able to upgrade your studio setup as your needs grow.

Rode RODECaster Pro II Versus Competitors

The RODECaster Pro II entered a crowded field of competitors like the Zoom Podtrak P4 and the SSL2+. Here’s how the Rode holds up against the competition:

While the Zoom Podtrak P4 offers good value, the lack of a screen interface holds it back. The SSL2+ has pristine preamps, but only two inputs limit flexibility. The RODECaster Pro II combines top-tier audio with premium production features at a midrange price point.

Summary of Key Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent audio quality with APHEX processing
• Intuitive design perfect for beginners
• Integrated mixer with great live mixing capabilities
• Packed with useful features like sound pads and Bluetooth
• Easy multitrack recording via USB interface
• Reasonably priced for the premium features

Cons

• Hardware interface makes it less portable than software solutions
• Only four XLR inputs limits larger productions
• Initial learning curve to understand all the options

Conclusion

With its intuitive design, stellar audio quality and flexible feature set, the Rode RODECaster Pro II is an excellent all-in-one studio solution for podcasters. It provides a straightforward tool for crafting professional-grade productions, all without the need for layers of external hardware or software. While the learning curve may be steeper than beginner-focused products, the RODECaster rewards you with the capabilities to take your podcast to the next level.

Overall, the RODECaster Pro II earns our recommendation as one of the top podcast production studios available today.

Rode RODECaster Pro II Integrated Audio Production Console with RODECover II, 32GB microSD Card and StreamEye Polishing Cloth

• Fully integrated audio production studio for podcasters, streamers, musicians and content creators
• Ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamps (-131.5dBV EIN, 76dB gain)
• Four high-quality Neutrik combo inputs for connecting both microphones and instruments
• Four high-power headphone outputs and balanced 1⁄4-inch line outputs
• Customizable nine-channel mixer with six broadcast-quality physical faders and three virtual faders

Check Price on Amazon