RØDE Microphones has released the 1.1.0 firmware update for the recently released RØDECaster Pro which adds multitrack recording capability. This was a feature many felt should have been available from the release of the product so it’s good to see it being added not too long after the release.
The 1.1.0 firmware update adds:
• Multichannel recording via USB output: stereo mix + individual sources
• Multichannel outputs can be switched to be pre or post audio processing
• Improved screen UI for easier navigation
• Colour-coded microphone channel selection, which simplifies the input selection and effects/settings modification
• Switchable mix-minus on USB main output, for eliminating feedback loops when using computer-based communication apps.
While the RØDECaster Pro has a number of automated dynamics and processing features, having the audio mixed down to stereo track limited the ability to edit the audio in post which is why multitrack recording is important. This now opens up the RØDECaster Pro to more professional podcasters and studios.
How does the multitrack recording work?
The RØDECaster Pro will now record 14 tracks to your computer’s recording software via the USB output. These tracks are:
• 2 tracks (stereo left and right) ‘live mix’, as featured on the RØDECaster Pro since its release
• A mono track for each of the 4 microphone inputs
• 2 tracks (stereo left and right) each for the USB, 3.5mm TRRS, Bluetooth and sound-effects-pad channels
To activate multitrack output, simply access the ‘Advanced’ settings in the ‘Hardware’ section of the RØDECaster Pro’s touchscreen interface. From there, a single switch engages multitrack. You can record all channels at either pre or post effects. A stereo mix will also record to the microSD card.
The RØDECaster Pro retails for $599 USD, with multitrack being added, it makes it an even more versatile all-in-one unit.
Also, don’t forget you can win your own podcasting studio setup with the My RØDE Cast podcasting competition.
Win a complete Podcasting Studio with ‘My RØDE Cast’ Podcasting Competition
More details on the update:
RØDECASTER PRO MULTITRACK – HOW IT WORKS
And more features on the 1.1.0 firmware update explained
We are thrilled to announce the first major firmware update for the RØDECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio has arrived. Update 1.1.0 introduces a stack of new features to the RØDECaster Pro, including the much-anticipated multitrack functionality, as well as an updated user interface and mix-minus on the USB output. See below for a full rundown of
the update.
Multitrack Output to USB
Multitrack mode (called ‘multi-channel’ mode on the RØDECaster) allows you to record not only the stereo mix of your podcast, as was previously the case with the RØDECaster, but also each individual track, meaning you can now mix your podcast in post-production. Multitrack-to-USB is activated via the RØDECaster Pro’s ‘Advanced’ settings. Once activated, an additional RØDECaster Pro USB output device will appear on your computer, in addition to the regular stereo USB output.(Note that when you activate this mode you may have to disconnect and then reconnect the USB connection to your computer for your computer to
recognise the additional USB device – the RØDECaster Pro will prompt you to do this if necessary).
This additional USB device has 14 different sources available. The first two tracks are the stereo mix, exactly as the RØDECaster Pro records to the microSD card. The remaining tracks represent the sources on the RØDECaster Pro, going from left to right across the console – starting with Mic 1 and going across through Mics 2, 3 and 4, the USB input, TRRS phone connector, Bluetooth input, and finally the sound pads. The mic channels are single mono tracks, and all the other tracks are stereo – first left, then right.
The process for accessing and allocating tracks in a DAW will vary between platforms and software, but in general you need to select the multitrack USB device in your preferences and select the individual source on a per-track basis.
Switching Multi-Channel Outputs Between Pre- and Post-Audio Processing
By default, each of the tracks output in multitrack mde will include any audio processing you have selected while recording, such as the on-board APHEX processers or compression. However, you can choose to bypass this processing, giving you the raw channel output of each track instead. This is ideal if you want to add all of your processing in post-production.
If this mode is activated, the on-board processing will still output to the main stereo mix.
Switchable Mix-Minus on USB Main Output
The RØDECaster Pro now has switchable mix-minus on the USB channel, in addition to the mix-minus on the Bluetooth and TRRS channels. This means if you want to connect a computer-based communication app like Discord or Skype via the USB channel, you can do so without a feedback loop. This is also activated via the ‘Advanced’ menu. An important note to remember: if you activate mix-minus mode on the USB output, the main USB output no longer represents the full podcast mix. . This means if you want to record the stereo mix to your computer as well as use the USB input for a phone call or similar, you will need to activate multitrack mode. Make sure you allocate the main USB device to your communications app, and Source 1 and 2 of the multitrack USB device to your recording software.
Colour Coded Microphone Channels
Each microphone channel on the RØDECaster Pro now has its own dedicated colour, which remains on the sidebar as you cycle through the menus. This means you’ll always know which channel you’re adjusting while in the settings.
Other Changes to The User Interface
The record button on the RØDECaster Pro now gently pulses when the unit is ready to record, making it easier to tell the difference between when the unit is armed to go and actually recording. When you are recording, the button goes a solid bright red as before. The menu layout has also changed slightly to accommodate the new features, and to make it easier to navigate between settings.
There you have it – the latest update for the RØDECaster Pro, 1.1.0 with multitrack recording, USB mix-minus, an updated interface design and more. You can download the new firmware here.
