Rode Rodecaster Pro 2
- For podcasters, streamers, musicians, and content creators
- 4 XLR / 6.35 mm jack combo inputs for microphones, guitars, bass, and keyboards
Rode Rodecaster Pro 2 Review
Rode is launching a new version of its portable audio mixer console, the Rodecaster Pro, featuring upgraded hardware, new preamps, a host of recent software options, and a slightly sleeker design. The Rodecaster Pro 2 is designed to bring the essential elements of a professional audio control room—perfect for live streams, podcasts, and other audio productions—into a desktop console that works for both amateurs and professionals.
At first glance, the Rodecaster Pro 2 looks like a slightly more compact version of its predecessor, now with six physical faders instead of eight, making it slimmer at 12 inches wide instead of 14. But the real improvements are inside the console.
The Rodecaster Pro 2 is now powered via USB-C and can connect to two computers or mobile devices at the same time for dual operation. There’s also a larger, better-looking touchscreen, and the system offers even more options to customize processing and automation within the onboard software.
About the Unit
You can use up to seven audio inputs at the same time: four mono mic channels, a stereo USB input, a TRRS input for smartphones, and a stereo Bluetooth input. The USB, TRRS, and Bluetooth channels all support two-way communication, so you can fully integrate guests who join via smartphone or computer.
Each input has a long-throw level fader and bright solo (green) and mute (red) buttons. The faders move smoothly, and there’s a ‘skirt’ in the fader slot to keep dust out. Power comes from an external 1A, 12–15V DC supply that screws securely in place. If you’re concerned about external power supplies (we aren’t), there’s space underneath the unit to secure it—such as with a Velcro strip. The power supply ends with an IEC inlet.
Like most digital mixers, the RodeCaster Pro features a range of DSP processors and effects. Staying true to its easy-to-use design, these are accessed by default as presets. You simply select a mic preset; there are generic dynamic and condenser mic settings, as well as specific ones for certain Rode models and the Electro-Voice RE-20. Then, you choose a ‘voice strength’ preset.
These settings automatically adjust preamp gain, phantom power, and certain effects to get you close to the ideal setup. In the current official firmware, each channel has, in order: preamp gain, a high-pass filter, a de-esser, a gate, a compressor, and separate Aphex Aural Exciter and Big Bottom processors. Mic channel 1 also includes a ducking function, which lowers the volume of all other channels when it detects a signal—handy for the show’s host.
Recordings are made at 24-bit/48kHz, either to a MicroSD card (not included) or directly to a computer via the USB Type-C port (a Type-C to Type-A cable is provided). For stand-alone recording, you have two main options: you can either make a stereo recording of the master bus signal or do a multitrack recording.
With multitrack recording, a 14-channel polyWAV file is created, capturing every input source (including the Sound Pads) as well as the stereo mix on separate channels. If your DAW can’t handle polyWAV files, the Companion app can split them into regular WAV files for you.
You can independently control the settings for each mic that’s plugged in. Each input has its own gain slider, mute button, and solo button. There are also a few processing options you can toggle on and off.
- Compressor – helps even out the overall volume
- High-Pass Filter – reduces low rumbling noises or mic pops
- De-Esser – makes your recording less sibilant
- Noise Gate – cuts out unwanted background noise
- Ducking – automatically lowers the volume of music under speech
- Aural Exciter & Big Bottom – EQ presets that change the tone of your voice
Personally, we prefer to do these adjustments in post-production. However, these features are nice for anyone who isn’t familiar with audio production or just wants to save time.
Headphones and Monitors
Another big advantage of the Rodecaster is the way it lets you monitor your recordings. There are four headphone jacks on the back of the unit, and you can control the volume for each one separately.
This means that if someone has trouble hearing, they can turn their own headphone volume up without affecting anyone else. With other devices, you’d need an extra piece of equipment like a headphone amp or splitter to do this, which takes up more space and adds more cables and wires to your setup.
Sound Pads and Settings
The Rodecaster features eight large sound pad buttons that you can use to play effects or different audio clips. These can be anything from transitions and stingers to fully pre-recorded interviews.
You also have the option to pause clips, and you’ll see a countdown showing the remaining time for the sound that will finish next. This is perfect for talking over outro music and knowing exactly how much time you have left.
You can customize and manage your sound library directly from the device or by using Rode’s companion app. You can store up to eight banks of sounds, which is great if you run multiple podcasts or share your Rodecaster with another podcaster.
- Fully integrated audio production studio for streamers, podcasters, musicians and content creators
- Ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamps
- Four high-quality Neutrik combo inputs for connecting microphones
- Nine individually assignable channels with six broadcast-quality physical faders
- High-performance quad-core audio engine
- Eight fully programmable SMART pads with bank switching
- Multitrack or stereo recording to a microSD card
- Four high-power headphone outputs and balanced 1/4-inch line outputs
- New features and enhancements via regular firmware updates
- Designed and made in Rode facilities in Sydney, Australia
Why You Need The Rode Rodecaster Pro 2
The Rodecaster offers a variety of useful features. For instance, it allows you to record phone calls. Whether this is a major selling point will depend entirely on your audience. If your listeners and guests aren’t very tech-savvy and probably don’t have their own microphones, talking with them over the phone might be the most practical option.
Although you don’t need a computer to operate the Rodecaster, you can easily connect one if you want to record remote online interviews. You can also use the computer to record into your favorite DAW, instead of using the device’s built-in memory card.
The Rodecaster also lets you add your own jingles and sound effects, so you can play them with the touch of a button while recording. This is a great feature if you’re running a live show or want to record “as live.”
Conclusion
Overall, there’s a lot that’s new here. The brand-new audio internals and improved connectivity should make this a much more practical option for all kinds of creators, and the different ways to connect, configure, and process audio will make it far more versatile.
Features that matter to streamers—like OBS control, dual PC connectivity, and the ability to sync or delay audio to match video—show that this is a real effort to be more effective, not just a collection of flashy marketing terms.
