RodeCaster Pro 2 review (2023) all-in-one audio production tools

The RodeCaster Pro II is a real improvement over its predecessor.

Rode’s Rodecaster Pro has been a hit with podcasters for a while, but the company recently upgraded it in response to listeners’ requests. Then, you need the RodeCaster Pro 2. The company advertises this product as a “revolution” over the original Rodecaster Pro, and calls it a “integrated audio production console” due to its extensive feature set. The Rodecaster Pro 2 is an enormous piece of audio hardware that allows for a wide variety of new creative and recording avenues, but it does not come cheap.

RodeCaster Pro 2: Description

We like that it’s simple enough for novices to pick up and use, but flexible enough to be tailored to each individual’s needs. It’s hard to overstate how fantastic it is that the pre-amp setup and processing help deliver the best sound we have ever heard from such a device. We can find little to no fault with this audio interface aside from its price. If you’re looking for the best way to boost the quality of your output, you have found it.

One of the most potent all-in-one audio production tools available is the RDECaster Pro II. RDE took an already feature-packed device and improved it significantly, allowing the Pro II to be used for a broader variety of recording tasks. The RodeCaster Pro II is a fantastic addition to any audio or streaming setup, not just Podcasting.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Incredible audio quality
  • Intuitive touchscreen UI
  • Brilliant Bluetooth connectivity
  • Can record directly to SSD/Micro SD

Cons

  • USB-C only without an adaptor
  • Unless you’re a pro (or enthusiastic amateur), it’ll be difficult to justify the asking price

RodeCaster Pro 2: Specifications

SpecificationDetails
Channels8
Microphone Inputs4 x XLR-3 balanced mic inputs with +48V phantom power
TRRS Inputs2 x 3.5mm TRRS inputs for smartphones
USB Inputs2 x USB Type-A ports for USB flash drives
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0 connectivity for wireless devices
Outputs2 x 1/4″ stereo headphone outputs, 1 x 3.5mm stereo headphone output
RecordingMultitrack recording to microSD card (up to 512GB) or computer via USB
EQ and Dynamics ProcessingCompressor, De-esser, High-pass filter, Noise gate, 3-band parametric EQ
USB ConnectivityUSB Type-C port for computer connection and USB bus-powered operation
Power12V DC power supply or internal rechargeable battery
Dimensions350 x 275 x 82 mm
Weight2.2 kg
Official Linkhttps://rode.com/rodecasterpro2

Design and Connections

RodeCaster Pro 2 review

When turned on, the unit’s 5.5-inch haptic HD touchscreen displays a vibrant array of colors and serves as the device’s control center. This year, the rotary dial used to adjust various settings is larger and can be pushed or turned. The Pro II weighs 1960g less than the original Pro and has smaller dimensions of 305mm (L) x 270mm (D) x 60mm (H) (W). The Pro II doesn’t look out of place next to my laptop and monitors on my editing desk.

The trade-off is that you now have “only” six physical faders as opposed to eight on the original. There are still nine input channels available. The physical faders can be set to control six channels, while the virtual faders on the display can be used to control the remaining three. The same listen and mute buttons can be found under each channel, allowing you to switch between them without having to physically move the fader.

There is a colored button above each channel that can be matched to your line inputs. Rode has been heavily promoting this concept with the release of their Colors sets. Although these are merely colored plastic rings, they prove invaluable when making quick adjustments, especially on the fly during a performance.

RodeCaster Pro 2: Setup and Use

RodeCaster Pro 2 review

Incredibly simple out-of-the-box setup. The RodeCaster Pro 2 can be turned on by simply plugging it into an electrical outlet and pressing the power button on its rear. Connecting to Wi-Fi and installing the necessary updates is all that is required for the initial setup. Whether you’re using a microphone, an instrument, a mobile device, or a tablet, each of the RodeCaster Pro 2’s physical faders corresponds to a different input channel.

You can set the fader to your liking and select the microphone type and gain by plugging in a microphone through one of the four XLR ports on the back and listening through headphones through the 6.35mm jack. It takes no time to get used to adjusting the settings, and the touch screen makes everything crystal clear. The knobs have a nice, high-end feel, and the illumination display upon powering on is a nice bonus.

The RodeCaster Pro 2 can operate independently of a computer, which is a major advantage. It is a standalone unit that can be connected to a PC or Mac via USB-C for use as an input and output device (for either multitrack or stereo purposes). The Pro 2 can save data to a microSD card or an SSD through USB-C. You’ll not only be able to copy and use the finished stereo recording made with the faders, but also the multitrack recordings of each individual fader.

It’s a great safety net because you can always import the raw material into whatever editing program you prefer, whether you recorded it “live” or not. Recording to a Sandisk USB-C SSD was a smooth and satisfying experience, and we got excellent sound from both the Rode PodMic and the SE2200 when we put the Pro 2 through its paces.

Streaming and Content Creation

For media makers, the RODECaster Pro 2 is practically a pipe dream. In terms of quality and functionality, it easily outclasses rival products like the GoXLR. This will be elaborated upon shortly. The heart of its functionality for streamers is its ability to collect audio from your computer, smartphone, and line-in inputs, process it with an unprecedented level of control and customization, and then reroute it back to your streaming platform as a unique mix. With its two USB inputs and outputs, you can set up a traditional dual PC setup or add another programmable channel to a single PC.

The addition of Bluetooth as a secondary channel for streaming music, phone calls, or video audio is highly recommended. The preamps are also noteworthy, as they ensure compatibility with a wide variety of microphones. Presets are included for widely used but high-demand professional microphones like the Shure SM7B and the Electro-Voice RE-20. These instruments typically call for an additional $80-$150 worth of gain boosters.

The preamps here have enough juice to drive those mics without clipping, and they also generate a cleaner signal for better audio quality. Better sound quality with fewer components to buy and set up.

RodeCaster Pro 2: Performance

RodeCaster Pro 2 review

Extensive use of the RodeCaster Pro II has left me in awe of this all-in-one production interface’s capabilities. To be clear, while this device’s primary market may be podcasters, I’ve been using it for everything from streaming on Twitch and YouTube to recording music and using it as my primary setup for voice calls alongside the Rode NTH 100 and Rode PodMic. If you’re already using products from the Australian company Rode, you’ll find this interface to be very helpful.

When compared to other audio interfaces, the RodeCaster Pro II’s greatest strength is likely to be the amount of flexibility and control it offers, making it perfect for streaming. Even though there are six physical sliders to adjust the volume, you can get even more granular with the options provided by the touchscreen interface.

Through extensive testing, I discovered that the operating system’s specialized ‘PodMic’ setting allowed for clear mic pickup with flexible control over the pre-amp and dampening. It’s worth noting that you’re not limited to just Rode-only gear here; other Condensor cardioid microphones, like the Shure SM7B, are included as well.

The gallery-style slider can be adjusted to any level of difficulty you like; I found it best to raise it about three-quarters of the way to prevent clipping, and then reduce the software’s sensitivity. To be heard clearly, I didn’t need to use a booster or increase the gain, and that’s where the accuracy and clean sound profile of the Revolution preamps really shine.

Final Words

The Rodecaster Pro II is as cutting-edge as it gets for home audio mixers, thanks to its extensive connectivity options, large number of physical controls, and intuitive touchscreen user interface. Anything beyond that is considered professional, broadcast-grade equipment, which is much more expensive and unnecessary for novice podcasters.

There’s a lot to learn in order to get the most out of this, much more than with a simple mixer. Although “only audio experts need apply,” Rode was careful to not overwhelm you with features right out of the box. Podcasters seeking a professional sound will not be disappointed, and gamers willing to put in the time and effort will find that they can replace multiple pieces of equipment with one.

FAQs

Does RODECaster Pro 2 have software?

Class-compliant means that Mac OS X doesn’t require any special driver software to use the Rodecaster Pro II. Connecting the Rodecaster to a Windows PC, however, requires the user to first download and install the Rodecaster Pro II drivers.

Is the Rodecaster Pro 2 an audio interface?

The Rodecaster Pro II can be used for a variety of purposes. It’s a standalone recorder, midi controller, audio interface, and digital mixer all in one. Importantly, this device also features Aphex processing onboard.

Amy Hinckley
Amy Hinckley
The Dell Inspiron 15 that her father purchased from QVC sparked the beginning of her interest in technology. At Bollyinside, Amy Hinckley is in charge of content editing and reviewing products. Amy's interests outside of working include going for bike rides, playing video games, and watching football when she's not at her laptop.

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The build quality is excellent and feels absolutely premium, from the case to the buttons and knobs. It's powered by the included 30W USB-C PD adapter, and you also get a sturdy and long USB-C cable to connect it to your computer. It can record in three ways, only one of which requires a Mac or PC.RodeCaster Pro 2 review (2023) all-in-one audio production tools