It’s a big week for Rode, with many new announcements. This time, it’s the new RodeCaster Duo (buy here), a 2-channel version of the 4-channel RodeCaster Pro II (RCP2). The RodeCaster Duo includes many of the features of the RCP2 but in a smaller footprint. Rode has yet to release pricing for the new RodeCaster Duo, but it will obviously cost less than the RCP2, presenting a more affordable option for creators that need fewer inputs.
Rode has also announced a new firmware update for the RodeCaster Pro II (buy here), bringing a big and often-requested feature to the unit. You can now connect Rode Wireless GO II (buy here) and Rode Wireless ME (buy here) transmitters directly to the RCP2 without plugging receivers in. This bypasses the need for receivers and extra cables (and extra points of failure) sitting on your desk.
RodeCaster Duo – RodeCaster Pro II with a smaller footprint
The RodeCaster Duo is a great-looking solution for those that want (most of) the capabilities of the RodeCaster Pro II but with a lower price tag. After all, if you only need one or two inputs, then going for a four-input device is a bit of a waste. Now, thanks to the new RodeCaster Duo, those users can save money and buy something that better suits their needs without the additional expense.
The RodeCaster Duo seems to offer pretty much the same feature set as the RCP2, including Rode’s Revolution preamps and Aphex audio processing. As well as losing a couple of inputs, it also loses a couple of pads on the right-hand side and, of course, a couple of faders. This allows the RodeCaster Duo to fit in a much smaller footprint on your desk.
RodeCaster Pro II – New firmware for Wireless connectivity
The RodeCaster Pro II is not a very new device these days. It was initially launched in May 2022. But since its release, it’s seen a number of major firmware updates that add a lot of great functionality. This makes it almost feel like you’re getting a new device every time an update is released. This time, the newest RodeCaster Pro II firmware update adds a capability users have requested for a long time – since the initial release, basically.
The new update adds support for the Rode Wireless GO II and Rode Wireless ME microphones. This support includes the ability to pair your Wireless GO II and Wireless ME transmitters directly with the RCP2. This means you don’t need to mess around with the receivers and you don’t need to use an array of cables to plug them into your RCP2. This keeps your desk neat and tidy while also reducing potential points of failure in the connection chain.
RodeCaster Pro II goes portable with the Rode Backpack
For those of you looking to take your Rode RodeCaster Pro II on the go, Rode has also announced a new Rode Backpack. Of course, it’s also suitable for the original RodeCaster Pro, as well as the RodeCaster Duo mentioned above. But it doesn’t just carry your RodeCaster. It’ll also let you carry a couple of boom arms, along with a bunch of microphones, cables and other bits, keeping everything in a single place.
It’s a great solution for those regularly podcasting or streaming from different venues, and lets you keep everything bundled together so nothing gets lost or forgotten. The backpack also has a laptop slot, letting you carry anything up to a 16? laptop along with everything else, so you don’t even need a separate bag for that. It has ergonomic adjustable shoulders, with back and chest support for maximum comfort.
Price and Availability
The RodeCaster Duo is available to pre-order now for $499. Shipping is expected to begin in the coming weeks. The RodeCaster Pro II update that adds Wireless GO II and Wireless ME support has been released as a beta firmware update. You can find out how to set it up here, and the firmware can be downloaded directly within the RodeCaster Pro. Rode warns that this is a beta firmware and should not be used for critical recordings at this time. There is no price or availability information for the Rode Backpack yet.
DIYP’s coverage of NAB 2023 is sponsored by Sennheiser, Zhiyun, B&H, and SmallRig.
