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Rode has announced a new version of Rodcaster Video portable production unit Launched just over a year ago, the Rodecaster Video S is no replacement. The Rodecaster Video S offers similar functionality to the original, including switching and mixing between multiple video and audio sources and replacing blue or green screens, but with a smaller footprint and a smaller price.
The Rodecaster Video launched at $1,199 in late September 2024, while the new S Edition is available for pre-order now for less than half that amount at $499. The smaller version cannot accommodate as many video sources as the original version, which was designed to be a limited but affordable alternative to professional video converters used in dedicated studios.
At around $500, the Rodecaster Video S still isn’t a cheap tool for hobbyists. But for established podcasters looking to test the waters with video versions of their content, it’s an all-in-one solution that’s affordable and accessible when you factor in built-in functionality like chroma keying and compatibility with professional and consumer audio and video equipment.
The Rodecaster Video S is powered by the same unnamed “high-performance octa-core processor” as the previous version, with video capabilities up to a maximum of 1080p. It’s a few inches shorter and about 400 grams lighter, but the improved portability comes with some sacrifices. The Rodecaster Video features four HDMI inputs, two HDMI outputs, and a pair of multi-function USB-C inputs for connecting microphones and webcams. This new version has only three HDMI inputs, one multi-function USB-C port for audio and video devices, and one HDMI video output.
The Video S carries a native pair of XLR/1/4-inch combo jack inputs, so it’s still compatible with professional microphones, but you can alternately connect USB microphones or Rode’s Series IV wireless microphones using two built-in wireless receivers. A pair of 1/4-inch jacks provide custom mixes and levels for two sets of wired headphones, but the custom speaker outputs originally present have been removed.
You’ll still find a 2-inch touchscreen on the Rodecaster Video S with its own controller for navigating settings and making adjustments, but the number of large buttons used to switch between video sources or load up to five preset scenes configurable using the Rode desktop app has been reduced from 14 to 10.
Other features ported from the original Rodecaster Video include live streaming to desktop software or directly to platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook. Or you can record broadcasts, including individual video and audio sources separately, to an external USB storage drive for later editing. And because the Rodecaster Video S is designed for smaller productions, if you don’t have the budget for a dedicated player, the controller itself can automatically switch between multiple camera angles based on who’s talking.