RØDECaster PRO II vs TASCAM Mixcast 4: they're... close enough?!?

[@vcsradio2805]

Good job 👏 I have rodecaster pro 1 but lam going to buy mixcast 4 next week. Mixcast has more input and output.

[@PopoRamos]

At 300 dollars VS 700 now, the Mixcast 4 is a no brainer for me! I was looking into the zoom podtrak p4 (200 bucks including the Bluetooth adapter) before I came across this amazing alternative, and it shall serve my needs just fine.

[@Ronniezim]

The rodecaster really needs to integrate the additional ducking controls. It would/should be so simple to integrate…..

[@reggaeme_]

Very informative thank you

[@johnlentokone7318]

Only four analog inputs makes the Rodecaster very bad at versatility. Tascam have very few inputs but Rodecaster, I cannot figureout how they decided that four is enough.

[@mattcero1]

4:05 does the TRRS that uses channel one have mix minus as well? Thanks man! And nice Rolex! I wish I was rich like you!

[@Pharesm]

good video, but your voice was unnaturally bassy, detracting from the clarity of the narrative... Even Pavarotti's voice would have suffered from these EQ settings!

[@PodcastMeister]

Thank you for the feedback! It is a constant evolution and especially if I‘m on a new mic, I don‘t always get it right. (Also if I‘m not btw 🙈). Good to hear some constructive criticism.

[@BenGleasonMedia]

This was the most in depth and helpful review of these mixers I have ever seen! 🙌 thank you so much! This was crazy helpful!

[@CarlLewisonSax]

This is one of the best examples of going through the functions of the road caster pro two. The only thing I think people already said that you missed is that road casters smart pads can be alternated through so it’s not just the eight that are on assignment first, it is eight and then you go to the next bank and then it’s another eight then you go to the next bank and so on…

[@Jd.421]

Thanks for the tutorials. It made A BIG difference on my decision making. I went with Tascam because of its own Daw. Again, thanks for the tutorials.

[@GospelMusicians]

From a specs standpoint I’ve been reading and watching a ton of videos and IMHO, the Rose still far excels with the following features: 1. Ability to do sub-mixes 2. Wireless Mic Support 3. 4-Virtual audio sources from a computer

[@DSLOKE70]

Noob here please explain the benefits of those three features

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

yes @@DSLOKE70

You don't need Rode Central to transfer files to/from the RCP2, it can also show up as a drive if you put it into Transfer Mode (on the main screen tap on the SD card icon at the top then select "Transfer Mode").

[@mattcero1]

The Mixcast selling new for $380 is far and away better than any other option!

[@DL30Creations]

So I made a great purchase at Goodwill when I found the tascam for $40 minus power supply.i bought one online and it works like new. I think at this local Goodwill in the last year I've scored on 2 3D printers and 4 mixer boards and professional karaoke mixers.

[@jdw2150]

EXTREMELY well explained! Nice to see someone get into the weeds with this, even now, as these units age.

[@jeremymoon9088]

So ur comparing a $700 unit to a $400 unit? The $700 dollar one should be better; but that $300 makes the decision for most people.

[@PodcastMeister]

In the US, you mean, I guess. ;) Yes, I've seen the crazy black friday discounts on the Mixcast 4. In other parts of the world, their prices are quite a bit closer though.

[@TheMovieWalker]

The price is too different

[@NORMNIZZLE]

This most comprehensive compare review video Ive ever seen! Great job of breaking down the specifics and helping folks make a decision. thank you. truly.

[@arthurkallinen]

Really bad video, ypu show bqsically nothing about the mixcast. It is just a side note on each point.

[@kiwiradioNZ]

the best and most comprehensive and clear guide I've come across for these products! a great video!

[@bluladder]

Like many others said, you nailed this side by side comparison. I’m leaning towards the rodecaster pro ii, and will use your link!

[@matatoto9805]

When submixes arrives to the RCP II, there'll be no competition, at keast, for streamers.

[@makimera]

well said, thats the only thing im waiting on before i buy a RCP II. it's the winner overall, i just need submixes and more virtual channels

[@matatoto9805]

@@makimera Well Rode released 1.0.8 Beta Firmware yesterday with Submixes and custom routing for all outputs. It's a beta with some bugs, but it's expected that when the final release of 1.0.8 next month (I guess), everything will be working fine. They confirmed extra virtual channels will be available after the next update (which who knows when is it going to be released).

[@makimera]

@@matatoto9805 that is awsome news! thanks for giving me the update. im hyped to hear more about this new firmware update

[@ShrikeTTV]

@@matatoto9805 any update on this ? Looking at getting the pro caster duo

[@matatoto9805]

@@ShrikeTTV Rode has released submixes with their latest firmware update like 3 months ago or so.

[@HomesickMac]

Great points and I'm.... still happy I got me a RCP II. I did keep the Mixcast4 for a great backup device, just in case.

[@mattcero1]

Dude! Phenomenal comparison! I bought my Mixcast 4 based on your review and am not looking back. I'm totally happy with it. It's $400 now and the Pro 2 is $650. I suggest users keeping the $250 in their pockets for many many happy hours and get the Mixcast 4 unless, like you said, they really need to get granular with things.

[@adamesq]

How are you doing with the MC4? I still have mine in the box since I haven't needed it yet...still looking at that RCP2 and that Tascam hasn't done anything with MC4 since last July.

[@kingwata1]

@@adamesqam in Canada. Will you sell it?

[@adamesq]

@@kingwata1 I actually have it on eBay now for 335 plus shipping. Box isn't in great shape (I had everything outside the box and my wife thought the box was unneeded (OOF!). Still new, unused. I just have not had a need to use it...too many other projects. 😕

[@kingwata1]

@@adamesq Canadian eBay?

[@adamesq]

@@kingwata1 Unfortunately, no. I'm way overdue for a trip to Canada, but no plans right now!

[@NobodysFaultPodcast]

Thank you. Very helpful video

[@SouloSwang]

Honesty I have the rodecasterpro 2 I had the first rodecaster pro and I was happier with it. If you don’t have the money for it there are other options like the zoom editions. The zoom editions are just as good. We use one that has 6 xlr jacks and I love it!!

[@PodcastMeister]

Funny that you mention the Zoom recorders, as I have just uploaded a video about the LiveTrak L-8. Check it out, you may find a useful trick in there. 😉

[@adamesq]

EXCELLENT breakdown. You really did your research and testing here. THANK YOU. I still have my Mixcast 4 sitting in the unopened box. I ran into a crazy price on it from a 24 hour sale, but I've been trying to decide if I have a real use for it...and, maybe more-so, to see if Tascam is actually going to support this thing with an update beyond 1.30. I won't get into the feature requests again, but how embarrassing that they haven't done any updates since JULY!

[@matatoto9805]

Don't feel bad. Rode hasn't updated the RCP since July too.

[@rayjgold]

Ill take the device off your hands if you cant find a use for it 😛

[@adamesq]

@@rayjgold Haha! 👍🏻 Still haven't, but in my best (which is not so great) Rumpelstiltskinimpression impression "everything comes with a price, deary."

[@DL30Creations]

So I made a great purchase at Goodwill when I found the tascam for $40 minus power supply.i bought one online and it works like new. I think at this local Goodwill in the last year I've scored on 2 3D printers and 4 mixer boards and professional karaoke mixers.

[@ScottRoofwalker]

The tascam could come with faders molded from dog poop and as long as it functioned it would beat the Rodecaster… when the day comes that Rode gets to the point where 99% of the shipped units function, then the Rode will win again

[@rogalaphotography]

If you can get the Mixcast 4 on sale for $299 like I did then it's a STEAL! However if it's full price them get the Rodecaster Pro II

[@farwestgarohills3831]

Rodecaster Pro II I like. However, I can't go for it, as I need 2xTRS TRRS line-in and line-out, which I use everyday. I have no choice, but have to go for Tascam Mixcast 4. Mixcast 4 look somewhat like plastic box; discouraged.

[@nunoandradebluesdrive]

great job! cheers

[@Pro2rGrip]

Today (11/28/23) Musician’s Friend has the Tascam for $199 on Stupid Deal of the Day.

[@RealWhitBoss]

Oh yes, and thank you very much for this very well done comparison review! I have your Amazon link and will "pull the trigger" if a Black Friday sale occurs. Thanks again. 🙂

[@rombsix]

Excellent work, brother :)

[@najiahgriffiths4216]

@2:22 i hear that same hiss in my recordings. and i have the RCP2. tried a cloudlifter but it didn't help. how do you eliminate this hiss? and how come i don't hear this hiss in your audio? would be great if you could do a video on how to eliminate this hiss. becasue although it's less on the RCP2. it's definitely still noticeable. thanks!

[@wh4tevercomest0mind41]

Jet set radio future

[@nicktayloriv310]

And like I expressed here before, I was a couple days away from pulling the Trigger on the TASCAM. And I've been a long time user of TASCAM (Teac Professional line) audio recording equipment for decades on end. Good breakdown Mister Meister. 😎

[@arriagatwo777]

Rodecaster Pro II is about 300 usd more expensive than the Mixcast 4 in my country, so it's a no brainer. Nice video by the way

[@ConsumerTeamPete]

Congrats on a great channel. I really like the detail you offer. I thought you'd be interested in my experience thus far with the RCP2. I purchased my first unit about 2 weeks ago and have had to return because the larger 'volume knob' is not operating. It's clearly off it's track and will hardly turn. The second unit I purchased arrived with several issues in assembly. First, the touch screen monitor wasn't properly seeded in its housing. I carefully centered it and pressed on it and it seems to be back in place. A second issue was the metal behind the faders rubbing on the faders when they were adjusted. Again, after pressing down on the entire plate in several places, it seems to have snapped back into position. The build quality on the RCP2 units is inferior to that of the RCP1 in my opinion. I love the new features but this thing feels like it will break if you sneeze at it the wrong way. As I told Rode in my email, I would gladly pay another $100-$200 USD for a "Pro" unit. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Also, please pass along to Rode if you have their ear.

[@PodcastMeister]

Hi, and thank you for sharing your experiences with the hardware! I also saw a couple of videos on strangely assembled units (I can specifically recall an issue with the headphone dials not being centered), but it did not come across as a general issue so far.

[@likebliss]

@@PodcastMeister Mine had this same issue with headphone dials not being centered. I kinda bent them in place... which didn't feel right, but it looks good now.

[@rayjgold]

Do you have a review on the tascam 4 vs the rodecastor I? Does anyone know if tascam 4 is better than the original rodecaster?

[@PodcastMeister]

When it comes to features and capabilities, it is in many ways better: - more I/O - more gain - USB output delay - sound pad names on the screen - adjustable ducking - adjustable sound pad volumes vs the original RCP - has MIDI control and - according to some opinions the preamps are slightly better (however they have 11.5db less gain) The rest is about the same on each.

[@elizeusantos93]

When using a Shure SM7B on Redecaster 1 and MixCast 4, the sound appear to be a little more cleaner on the Tascam, regardless not using a cloud lifter. So people tend to give the Tascam a plus for it better amps

[@SuspiciousPixels]

Is the Procaster 2 able to do virtual channel routing so I can assign them to OBS. I like to have independent control of system sounds, Spotify, stream notifications sounds, game audio, Web browser audio. Currently I use virtual cables to do ALL the above. Will the Procaster cater for all of that without having to use virtual cables that add extra latency?

[@PodcastMeister]

Hi, at the moment it cannot do what you have described. It does have powerful custom routing and by now submixes in beta, but it cannot separate system sounds like the Wavelink software or RødeX Unify. It does have 2 USB ports which have 3 USB channels, which you can set to different apps (if the app allows it), but not in the way you would want it to do it. My guess is that it is in the works though (based on the Unify app release) but it is unknown if and when such feature will be added to the RCP2.

[@PodcastMeister]

By the way, have a look at the freshly announced Roland Bridgecast. If you only use one XLR mic, it seems to do exactly what you are looking for. It is a bit pricey to my taste though at 300$.

[@SuspiciousPixels]

@@PodcastMeister Thanks I saw that, the GOXLR and the BEACN Mix Create. I use the Audient id4 currently so would need to replace it if I was going to get the Bridgecast or GoXLR but they need to be able to drive 250ohm DT880 Pro's which most audio interfaces can't.

[@PodcastMeister]

@@SuspiciousPixels seems like the Roland Bridgecast can, at least as far as I can tell from the specs here: www.roland.com/de/products/bridge_cast/specifications/

[@ArbaLestos]

Just to chime in on this, if you look at the reactions in the most recent firmware update video from Rode themselves, you can see that this is currently one of the most requested features. The good news is that Rode replied and confirmed that they are working on adding more virtual channels in a future update! So it might be worth holding out to see how this turns out.

[@ET2carbon]

Excellent video. First time watcher. You were very informative thank you

[@icphotography2004]

THANK YOU FOR THE Video, very helpful, hope everyone who actually needs watch it !

[@charliemccharlieface]

This is great. Thank you.

[@richardbutlercoach]

Hey man great videos, watched two or three of them so far . Question can I use the mixcaster 4 for enhancing my audio for videos - idea would be to record audio to mixcaster and then bring it into Final Cut - I am guessing that could work also do you know how long the sound is that can be loaded into the sound pads - my idea would be to have an meditative audio playing in background and me talking over it - so two cases

[@PodcastMeister]

Hi, you absolutely can. There‘s even a 3.5mm line out port, from which you can route the Mixcast 4‘s audio directly into your camera, but you can also add the audio in FCP. I unfortunately don‘t know how long the audio on the soundpads can be, but you can set the sound to loop mode so they can repeat indefinitely. :)

[@matatoto9805]

Tascam is more comparable to the RCP I than RCP II

[@PodcastMeister]

I think it is right between the two RCP’s. With the latest firmware - apart from the MIDI controll - the Mixcast 4 outclasses the RCP I quite clearly with its more versatile I/O, USB delay, gain range, sound pad funtionality, etc - see my original Mixcast 4 review - just like the RCP2 outclasses the Mixcast 4 in many ways.

[@matatoto9805]

​@@PodcastMeister The RCP I outclases the Mixcast 4 in some ways too, for example, the preamps on the RCP I are slightly better.

[@TheodorVanBergen]

How can I get rid of the noise if I turn on the gain on my shure sm7b ?

[@Chipt1982]

Good job sir! Thanks for comparing the main or important features

[@Amistriotis]

Wow! This is r e a l l y informative! Thank you! How about the BOSS Gigcaster 8?

[@PodcastMeister]

I haven‘t had the chance to test it yet. Seems to be a niche product that is very good for guitar players yet brings up quite a few must-haves for podcasters. From what I‘ve seen so far it is much closer to the Mixcast 4 with some state-of-the-art guitar amps and effects - but I don‘t have details.

[@RealWhitBoss]

Has anyone had success using the MixCast 4 sound pads in Xsplit Broadcaster? When I did it came out totally garbled and unusable. Would appreciate any guidance. Tascam tech support could not help me. Same question on the RodeCaster Pro 2. Thank you in advance.

[@anonymissed3611]

Any resolution?

[@WhitBoss]

@@anonymissed3611 Nope. Though I may buy another just knowing that piece is messed up. The other features of either more than makeup for it.

[@KevinJamesVideo]

Excellent video.

[@likebliss]

I could have used this video yesterday haha! Ended up going with the rodecaster ii, mostly for the APHEX.

[@rayjgold]

would you have gone with the tascam if you watched this first?

[@likebliss]

@@rayjgold if I wanted to save some money, yes. The pros of the rodecaster are quite negligible. I got it for the effects, but I realized that I can just add effects in post. Don't worry about "the best". Just get started. Both are quite adequate for any podcast.

[@vcsradio2805]

Can you connect both rode and mixcast to one computer

[@PodcastMeister]

You can, however, how you can route the audio within that computer is depending on the software you will be using. If that is capable enough to differentiate the different USB sources and route them as you want. I don‘t use such software, so that part I can’t tell.

[@tekis0]

Tascam has been making good, basic audio equipment since the 70's. I'm surprised that the quality of their mic amps weren't better than the Rode.