Rodecaster Pro II First Impressions Review | The New Rodecaster Pro 2!

Download the radio checklist: jamesm.com/radio
More about the Rodecaster Pro II: rode.com/rodecaster-pro-ii
You may have seen some pictures circulating around the web about a new piece of Røde gear, and quite an exciting one at that... ​The Rødecaster Pro II.
But are the rumours true? Are RØDE releasing an updated version of the Rødecaster Pro?
If you're curious, maybe you should check this out...
00:00 - Intro
01:25 - Overview
04:33 - Comparison
06:30 - Outro
#rodecasterii #review

[@Radiodotco]

Exciting times! Hopefully the configuration and 'digital' channels will be a big gamechanger for anyone using this for radio broadcasting purposes. Can't wait to see the full video 👏

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Hopefully by the end of the week!

[@MalibuGossipReporter]

Thank you James! I am learning so much from you. I really appreciate it. Hey! Looking great, did you go on a diet? :) Thanks again! Stay safe.

[@jalabi99]

Subscribed to all your channels now :D

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Wow thanks!

[@NickalusNicoJohnson]

Thanks James! I'll absolutely be buying this version. Just need to decide if I Keep or sell my original RCP! Thanks as always for the amazing and timely content mate. ~Nico

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Exciting, I think some of the new functionality will really help a lot of people. Just need to wait for the latest firmware before we can bring a full video and we'll likely record some follow ups or comparisons for specific use cases.

[@johnheiser2604]

Can't wait for the review.

[@ReactRepublic]

Thanks for the honest review! I was thinking of buying it. Also, how did you get that design for your wall? Is it a wallpaper company, wrap company? I'd love to know!

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

No problem! The wall was created by a local artist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJrYgGCGi5yjgLc

[@justDennDM]

My biggest complaint about the original was the fact that the audio source routing was not customizable (like on the GoXLR). I'll be curious to see if they added that in to this one.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Yes, thats one of the main features on the new device. Fewer faders (6 vs 8), but they are assignable depending on your preference.

[@ClearAdventure]

They need to make this a multi-track recorder for music and then we are golden! Thanks for the video!

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

I believe multi-track functionality is available on the new version, it will interface with the DAW via Midi. You can also put stereo line in (jack) inputs for instruments in the new combination ports on the back - the old version just had mono XLR for Mics.

[@kwameryan]

Hi! I own the original, and I've already ordered my upgrade. What do you think about the missing headphone jack on the front? Does that mean that the host needs to plug in on the back of the unit? Surely that's less neat? I guess one could monitor via Bluetooth? What do you think?

[@MTrainRadio]

A great watch James. It would be great if you could advise us (going forward), if you feel this would be a good item for a radio station. Are the pre-amps good? Easy to hook up a PC and stream? A mixing desk replacement? Cheers.

[@Av-pu2bo]

Cheers James the mixer looks great it's a shame rode left out the TTRS Jack on this unit. Stay blessed 🤲🏿👊🏿

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Lot of people have been saying this. I'm speculating here, but imagine you might be able to connect your phone to one of the (3?) USB-C ports on the device directly. 2 appear for data use. This eliminates the need for TRRS anyway, since most modern phones don't have headphone jacks on. Android, you'd use a USB-C to USB-C and iPhone a USB-C to Lightning cable.

[@meech_4real171]

Will try to get it!

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Enjoy! I can't wait to properly test it out. Full video coming soon 👀

[@danielsmeriglio51]

I pre ordered mine already

[@clemradio]

I hope we'll be able to start a song with the upper button of a fader (with MIDI controls). That'd be awesome!

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Yes, I hope so too - they do mention midi control via the buttons. As mentioned, we haven't been able to properly test it out yet as we are waiting for a production ready firmware update. Once we have this, we'll be testing this and report back with a full video; Subscribe for updates!

[@clemradio]

@@JamesMulvanyTV already subscribed ages ago. Like your channel a lot

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Thanks 🎉

[@artijaiman]

We actually use most faders together. For example a Zoom call via USB, two mobile phone via bluetooth and trrs cable, and 2 to 3 mikes.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Sounds like you have quite the setup! & If you're happy with your current workflow - I'd suggest an upgrade probably isn't needed :)

[@newleafoundation]

Thanks

[@benellis9665]

I finally get a Rodecaster Pro and within 3 months...Sequal! :/ I'm interested in the wifi/ethernet stuff though.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Typical! Nevermind, the original Rødecaster Pro is still a great bit of kit!

[@MIGolfLive]

Appreciate the preview...curious how you went about becoming a Rode reviewer? We're launching a new review channel and would like to be part of the Rode Review team as well. Thanks for any insight you have!

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

We run a variety of online audio brands. Such as Radio.co, Podcast.co and MatchMaker.fm - we have built strong relationships & partnerships with multiple equipment manufacturers over the years. So we often get sent equipment to test/review and recommend to our customers 😄

[@deanlaffan2390]

Please tell me they have made the buttons able to be labelled like a stream deck ?

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Not sure they have unfortunately, probably when combined with the desktop software you may see labels but the buttons aren't 'mini screens' such as other devices.

[@deanlaffan2390]

@@JamesMulvanyTV Damn ... that is SUCH an obvious benefit when you want to rotate stings, fresh audio clips etc ... I would buy a new one JUST for that feature. Thanks for the reply

[@garnetbendles5460]

How can I hook my ddj 800 to roadcaster pro 2

[@tcalzuolo]

Hi James, great video. I never comment on these things but will share my thoughts since you asked. Respectfully speaking, I feel like this unit was created to generate new revenue for the company and not something for us users. I own the original Roadster and I love this unit. What I would have liked to see is a large unit with more sound pads, more tracks, and functions like a multi-track recording. I just don't see the point in this new unit. It's like Toyota on ever offering the Corolla SE, meanwhile, we original loyal consumers are waiting for the Supra but then only made time for a Corolla Sport. The same car with a few bells and whistles, when the rest of us trying to deal with our new environment need to go faster. I personally would have liked to see a nice jump. What would really be disappointing is if they launched this one and then launch a larger expandable one we have all been waiting for in the future. How many who own the original one are now going to buy the Pro 2 and then get resentful down the road. Please don't turn into Apple. Anyway, just my opinion. Thank you to Roadster and you for bringing what we love and need. Just a side note. It would be great if Roadcaster can offer a new update to unlock new features instead of making us feel like we need to go out and buy this new one. I mean, that was a big selling point from when I originally learned about this unit. I have only seen one update since 2021.

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Interesting feedback... But of course it's there to generate revenue. As far as I'm aware, they are a for-profit organisation 😏

[@tcalzuolo]

@@JamesMulvanyTV I wasn't aware of that. Great to hear. I look forward to more future options. Thank you for the quick reply.

[@jhowie]

there's only so much a company can do and they can't please anyone. If they made it a little bigger or add a little more, the price would go up even more and people would start to complain. I, on the other hand, am waiting for a"mini" version of this thing, something similar to a Zoom Podtrak P4 in size.

[@kamarisunc]

Just bought thr Rodecaster Pro l. Should i have waited for the new one???

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

I think the new one is worth the extra personally. You could send it back and consider upgrading?

[@top_tech.500k]

I thought new version will come with USB mics input along with the XLR *really disappointed* 😔

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

There are 2 USB-C ports on the back. As far as I can tell, one of these can be used to connect an external audio device (eg. smartphone - but also don't see why you couldn't hook up a USB mic to it?) Or just buy an XLR mic... They are generally better :)

[@paleyosezi3122]

I just bought the first one a week ago

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Unlucky! I expect there to be a price difference between the V1 and V2 devices. I think you'll be happy with the RCP1 - but you could always return it and pre-order the second if you want.

[@maridibossbryc]

What about a sd card ??? Input

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

Yes, there is still a micro-sd card slot on the back of the device.

[@jonathanjennings4161]

No dedicated line input; doesn't look like you can use Rode Lav mics; other than the new midi triggering options, can't see that this is much - if anything - of an improvement. Not the all rounder it needs to be ...

[@JamesMulvanyTV]

The inputs on the back are combi XLR & 1/4" Jack inputs. So you should be able to connect line-in equipment. You may need to use an adaptor to connect a lav mic to these (eg. 3.5mm to 1/4" but these are pretty common/cheap to pick up).

[@jonathanjennings4161]

@@JamesMulvanyTV You can only use a line input at the expense of two of the four microphone channels; and I doubt that anything's changed with the lav mic problem; they wouldn't work with the earlier model even with the correct adapters (the expensive rode ones). A proper 'outside source' option is even harder to organise now that the trrs connector is gone. I fear it's a step backwards in many respects. Nonetheless I'll reserve judgement until you've had the chance to play with a working version ... Any idea when that will be?

[@SamandSteve]

You can connect a lav mic or shotgun mic needing plug in power. Use the VXLR pro adapter and switch phantom power onto one of the inputs.

[@jonathanjennings4161]

@@SamandSteve I did - without success: I contacted Rode and they said they were working on it.

[@SamandSteve]

@@jonathanjennings4161 strange. I got the videomic go 2 to work this way