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Australian audio mega-brand RØDE has announced its biggest product launch yet at the upcoming NAB show. This year’s National Association of Broadcasters show marks the centenary event, which runs as usual from today through April 19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
RØDE has already had a busy year with several major product launches, but these latest products to be unveiled at NAB are the company’s biggest product launch to date. The first product to be announced by RØDE is a compact version of the incredibly successful RØDECaster Pro II, an advanced audio console for podcasters brimming with features to produce sophisticated audio content.
The new RØDECaster Duo is a two-channel version of the four-channel RODECaster Pro II with two XLR combo inputs for connecting dynamic and condenser microphones. The console also features four physical faders and six sound pads for instantly firing stings and jingles. The RODECaster Duo uses the same Revolution preamps as its bigger brother for ultra-low-noise audio, even with the most difficult-to-control microphones.
The tiny duo has two headphone outputs, as well as a front-mounted 3.5mm TRS jack that can handle a headset, making it ideal for sports reporters. There’s also a full color display, custom routing tables, dual USB-C inputs and RØDE’s Aphex DSP processing for adding effects like compression and limiters.
Meanwhile, RØDE has also announced that it will soon be releasing a firmware update for the RØDECaster Pro II. The update allows users to connect RØDE’s Wireless ME and Wireless GO II microphones directly to the console without the need for a receiver.
When RØDE designed the RØDECaster Pro II, they planned for the future by using a powerful quad-core audio processor that could evolve with further firmware updates. Future updates may reveal even more easter eggs, such as direct support for RØDE’s USB microphones.
Another frequently requested product by RØDE customers is a bespoke backpack to carry the RODECaster Pro II. The company used NAB to introduce a backpack made from durable ballistic nylon and Alcantara, a wonderfully soft material that RØDE already used for its NTH-100 , the brand’s first over-ear headphones.
The new Procaster backpack offers plenty of space for the RØDECaster Pro II, microphones, cables and all other gear (like microphone booms) essential for recording a podcast on location.
At NAB, RØDE will also launch its first audiovisual console in the form of the RØDE Streamer X. The Streamer X can process video and audio and connect directly to RØDE’s range of wireless microphones without an additional transmitter.
This compact console features a single XLR analog combo input with Revolution preamp and Aphex Audio DSP processing. There are also two USB-C ports to support dual PC setups. For video handling, RØDE has integrated an HDMI input with passthrough that supports video resolutions up to 4K 60Hz for connecting a game console, graphics card or video camera.
The RØDE Streamer X has four smart pads for triggering actions or audio clips, including two headphone outputs. The device is smaller than a paperback but has everything you need for live streaming or recording a broadcast-quality show. The Streamer X will be a groundbreaking alternative to the Roland AeroCaster I tested last week.
RØDE also announces a major update to its incredibly popular PodMic. This broadcast-quality dynamic mic has proved a huge hit with podcasters, and now the company is updating it by adding a USB connection alongside the existing XLR analog output. And the innovation doesn’t stop there; The new PodMic USB also features a headphone output for zero-latency monitoring with built-in volume control.
The new PodMic USB has the same sound quality as the original PodMic when used with the XLR connector. However, when connected via USB, the microphone can access RØDE’s Aphex DSP processing when using RØDE software such as RØDE Connect, RØDE Capture and RØDE Central.
The PodMic USB features enhanced connectivity for using the microphone with tablets and smartphones, enabling broadcasts from almost anywhere. Even better, the PodMic USB plugs directly into the USB ports on the Podcaster Pro II, Podcaster Duo and Streamer X. You can connect the PodMic USB to the USB port of RØDE products and access RØDE’s Aphex processing and Revolution preamp.
Finally, RØDE announces a docking station for its evergreen RØDE Wireless GO II microphones. The new charging station can hold three total charges to replenish the juice of a three-piece microphone system, so the microphones are always charged and ready to go when you’re on location.
The docking station features a durable, zippered nylon case and is durable enough to securely store the mics when transporting them on location. RØDE didn’t ask if the dock would be able to charge the newer RØDE Wireless ME units, but since they’re an identical form factor it should be possible.
Prices & Availability: All products TBA.
More info: www.rode.com
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