Rode’s All-in-one Video Production Console Is Now Smaller And Cheaper

Rode’s caller console is somewhat smaller and much than half nan value of past year’s version. | Image: Rode

Rode has announced a caller type of nan Rodecaster Video portable accumulation console it launched conscionable complete a twelvemonth ago, but nan Rodecaster Video S isn’t a replacement. The Rodecaster Video S offers akin functionality to nan original, including switching and mixing aggregate video and audio sources and replacing bluish aliases greenish screens, but pinch an moreover smaller footprint and price. 

The Rodecaster Video launched astatine $1,199 successful precocious September 2024, while nan caller S type is disposable for preorder now for little than half that, astatine $499. The smaller type can’t accommodate arsenic galore video sources arsenic nan original, which itself was designed to beryllium a constricted but much affordable replacement to master video switchers utilized successful dedicated studios. 

At astir $500, nan Rodecaster Video S still isn’t a inexpensive instrumentality for amateur streamers. But for established podcasters looking to trial nan waters pinch video versions of their content, it’s an moreover much affordable and accessible all-in-one solution erstwhile you facet successful nan built-in functionality for illustration chroma keying and compatibility pinch some master and consumer-grade audio and video gear.

The Rodecaster Video S is powered by nan aforesaid unnamed “high-performance octa-core processor” arsenic nan erstwhile version, pinch video capabilities that max retired astatine 1080p. It’s a mates inches shorter and almost 400 grams lighter, but nan improved portability does travel pinch immoderate sacrifices. The Rodecaster Video featured 4 HDMI inputs, 2 HDMI outputs, and a brace of multifunction USB-C inputs for connecting mics and webcams. This caller type has conscionable 3 HDMI inputs, a azygous multifunction USB-C larboard for audio and video devices, and 1 HDMI video output.

The Video S does transportation guardant nan original’s brace of combo XLR/1/4” jack inputs, truthful it’s still compatible pinch professional-grade microphones, but you tin alternately link USB mics aliases Rode’s Series IV wireless mics utilizing 2 built-in wireless receivers. A brace of 1/4” jacks supply civilization mixes and levels to 2 sets of wired headphones, but nan dedicated speaker outputs recovered connected nan original person been removed.

You’ll still find a two-inch touchscreen connected nan Rodecaster Video S pinch its ain dial controller for navigating settings and making adjustments, but nan number of ample buttons utilized to move betwixt video sources aliases load up to 5 preset scenes configurable utilizing Rode’s desktop app has been reduced from 14 to 10.

Other features carried complete from nan original Rodecaster Video see livestreaming to desktop package aliases straight to platforms for illustration YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook. Or you tin grounds broadcasts, including nan individual video and audio sources separately, to an outer USB retention thrust for editing later. And because nan Rodecaster Video S is designed for smaller productions, if you don’t person nan fund for a dedicated operator, nan console itself tin automatically move betwixt aggregate camera angles based connected who’s speaking.