Is the Rodecaster Pro II Still the King of Podcasting Gear After 2 Years?
In the fast-evolving world of audio equipment, where upgrades seem to arrive annually, it's natural to wonder if the Rodecaster Pro II still holds its ground as a worthwhile investment. Two years on, with competitors vying for the throne, does Rode's flagship podcasting mixer still reign supreme, or is it time to look ahead to the next iteration in the series?
Let's settle this once and for all.
Built to Last, Built to Thrive
When the Rodecaster Pro II debuted, it set a new benchmark for podcasting gear. Unlike its predecessors, it wasn't merely a compromise between consumer and professional-grade equipment—it was built to cutting-edge specifications from the ground up.
This was no accident from Rode, but a product born of community feedback, which addressed every concern and capitalized on every opportunity for improvement from the original RCP. This dedication to refinement has resulted in a device that still stands unmatched in its class, even after two years on the market.
Future-Proof Design
One of the key reasons behind the Rodecaster Pro II's longevity is its future-proof design. Rode took care to build a product with internals that were not the limiting factor.
Also while building all their products on site, Rode was able to make sure they developed to a standard set forth by their own capabilities and were not held back by outsources materials or workmanship.
This was a first!
76db of clean gain was a game changer in the audio industry!
With a wide backdoor for future upgrades and enhancements, the Rodecaster Pro 2 paved the way for Rode to develop their own ecosystem, which has grown exponentially since the release. Features still continue to be fleshed out and added, showing the continuing commitment by the company to keep their gear relevant - even after two years.
Pushing Boundaries, Setting Standards
Rode's commitment to innovation extends beyond mere product development—as they have taken on the “industry standard” by creating their own. Also, by keeping all aspects of production in-house, Rode maintains full control over the evolution of their devices, which seemingly gives them carte blanche to develop as they see fit.
This unit has been the overhaul to the audio industry that many were waiting for. No more gatekeeping on seemingly basic features like more than 55db of clean gain, onboard DSP (digital signal processing), channel routing, etc. Even the little things like allowing USB mics to be used with the board have pushed the boundaries of what was possible before.
And it is the culmination of all these features that keep this podcast mixer not only relevant, but at the top of the industry.
Looking Ahead
While the Rodecaster Pro II may seem unbeatable, there's always room for improvement. As we celebrate its two-year anniversary, we can't help but wonder what the future holds for this iconic device. Also, with Rode’s pickup of Mackie late last year, who knows what the future might hold when you put those two companies together.
So, here's to the Rodecaster Pro II—two years strong and still leading the charge in the world of podcasting gear. Cheers to the past, present, and future of audio excellence.
