Rode is back with a new super-powerful console that wants to combine the pieces of your setting up content creation. RodeCaster consoles have long been the gold standard in audio mixing for content creators, but last year the company released RodeCaster Video, which is the brand's first real step toward doing the same for video production.
The all-new RodeCaster Video S was released today, and is essentially a much more viable version of what Rode released in 2024 for individual creators and small studios. If you are familiar with the existing Rode product line, the RodeCaster Video S is the equivalent RodeCaster Duo – A smaller, almost as powerful console, but at a slightly more reasonable price.
RodeCaster Video S can be useful for any gaming content creator who creates YouTube videos or broadcasts live on Twitch. From a bird's eye view, it can switch scenes just like a flow controller does, so if you've ever dreamed of Deck Elgato Stream+For example, this could be a really powerful alternative.
Not only can it change scenes, but it also has a ton of smart features thanks to its built-in Rode companion software, meaning it can stream directly to YouTube and Twitch or record as is. This can be very important for video podcast hosts too, but it means you may not have to rely on middleman software like OBS or Streamlabs.
The RodeCaster Video S has 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output, which is not much of a compromise compared to the 4 inputs and 2 outputs of the full-featured model. For this reason, creators using DSLR cameras will likely benefit the most. There is one multi-function USB-C port that can support webcams as well as Rode microphones or one of RodeCaster Pro II /Duo if you want to combine them both.
In terms of audio connectivity, the Video S features 2 XLR Neutrik combo inputs, as well as Series IV wireless receivers and Bluetooth connectivity. In total, you'll use nine stereo audio channels and take advantage of Rode's classic APHEX processing to give them all the effects you want.
Of course, any Rode console should offer a combination of connectivity and control, and on the Video S board you'll have 4 input buttons and 5 scene buttons. The 2-inch high-resolution touchscreen as well as some monitoring scrollers will also be very useful for quick adjustments while streaming.
So what's the catch here? Well, if you're thinking about replacing a streaming controller, like one of Elgato's Stream Decks, or a Loupedeck option like Razer Stream X Controller with this new Rode device, you probably won't be able to use it in the same general use scenarios. I haven't checked out Rode's software for Caster Video devices yet, but I don't think it has the same plugins and capabilities for managing Windows apps as Elgato's Camera Hub. Depending on how often you create and how often you use the Stream Deck on a daily basis, there are trade-offs to think about.
Perhaps the bigger problem is that the RodeCaster Video S can only handle resolutions up to 1080p and doesn't support 4K. I did some digging in the YouTube comments since quite a few people brought this up in Rhode's videos. The official Rode channel responded to them with the following party line: “Adding higher resolution processing for multiple inputs would mean a big jump in power and price. We are focused on delivering a 1080p broadcast quality solution that is powerful, reliable and convenient for creators.”
I'm not sure I agree with this, since anyone willing to spend $499 on a device like this is absolutely skewed towards the more professional end of the content creation market – and those are the people who need 4K support for semi-pro YouTube channels. If Road had wanted to target this at a 1080p audience, additional support for webcams and other USB devices might have been a more suitable game.
Responding to another comment asking if 4K support would come later in a firmware update, Rohde didn't rule it out: “Let's just say we're always working on something interesting!”
Rode has added new features such as Rode Call me and support for wider non-Rode USB mics for other RodeCaster devices, so this could happen in the future with the Video S. That said, even the full RodeCaster Video doesn't have 4K support, so I wouldn't hold my breath. The good news is that if you only want to use this for streaming on Twitch, you'll still only be able to stream in 1080p.
To learn more about content creation tools, check out best capture cards, best microphonesAnd best ring lights for streaming.
