Compact production console for creators mixing video, audio and streams
RØDE has introduced the RØDECaster Video S, and I think this is going to be an interesting one for photographers and hybrid creators who are now expected to shoot, stream, record, interview and publish without a full production crew behind them.
The RØDECaster Video S is pitched as a more compact version of the flagship RØDECaster Video, but it still combines video switching, recording, streaming and a professional audio mixer in one desktop console. That matters because many of us are no longer just making stills or short clips; we are also producing behind-the-scenes videos, live tutorials, portfolio walkthroughs, interviews and YouTube content. RØDE says the unit can switch between up to four video sources and five fully customisable scenes, which should cover a typical solo or small-studio setup with a couple of cameras, screen capture and graphics.
For video, the headline is three full HD 1080p HDMI inputs with automatic frame-rate conversion, plus one configurable HDMI output for programme, preview or multiview monitoring. There is also a flexible USB-C port that can bring in a webcam or compatible RØDE USB audio device, which gives creators a bit more room to expand without rebuilding their entire desk.
Audio is where RØDE’s heritage comes through. The RØDECaster Video S includes two Neutrik combo inputs with RØDE’s Revolution Preamps, dual internal wireless receivers for Series IV wireless microphones, and APHEX processing with EQ, compression, noise gate, high-pass filter, de-esser, Aural Exciter, Big Bottom and Compellor effects. In plain terms, this should help creators get polished speech audio without relying heavily on post-production.
I also like the inclusion of intelligent auto-switching. For a solo photographer presenting to camera, interviewing a guest, or recording a product demo, the ability to switch shots based on audio inputs could save a lot of fiddling while recording. The console also supports media playback, overlays, keying, transitions, multi-source scenes, direct streaming over Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and recording to external USB storage with ISO recording for editing flexibility.
Specifications:
Product type: All-in-one video and audio production console
Video sources: Up to four
Scenes: Five customisable scenes
Processor: High-performance octa-core CPU video and audio processor
HDMI inputs: Three full HD 1080p HDMI inputs
HDMI output: One configurable HDMI output
USB video/audio input: One configurable USB-C input
NDI support: Up to four NDI inputs and one NDI output via Ethernet
Audio inputs: Two Neutrik combo jacks with Revolution Preamps
Wireless audio: Dual internal receivers for RØDE Series IV wireless microphones
Price and Availability:
The RØDECaster Video S is listed on RØDE’s UK product page at https://rode.com/en-gb/products/rodecaster-video-s. Current UK retail pricing varies: CVP lists it at £439 including VAT, while Thomann lists it at £411. In the US, BSW lists the RØDECaster Video S at $799.
