If you've ever banged your head on your desk wondering why your Dante setup has lost sync with your cameras once again, you'll be excited to hear what RØDE has been cooking. Today they announced the RØDECaster Video Core and RØDECaster Sync - both aimed at solving the complexity of multi-camera setups for folks who do video podcasting, live streaming, and even solo creators. If you're using software to run your stream, this could be the perfect companion piece. If you're using any other RØDE, this device can fold directly into your workflow. Let's get into the details.
If you're like me, the first question in your mind is "what can I plug into it?" because that drives a lot of your ingestion. No better way to answer that than with a picture of the rear of the device:
As you can see, it is nearly as robust as their flagship RØDECaster Video S, with three HDMI in, two XLR, and four USB-C ports, alongside an RJ-45 connector. Let's hear what the RØDE team had to add on the subject:
Designed specifically for creators working in modular or software-driven workflows, the RØDECaster Video Core offers the same advanced production power as the flagship RØDECaster Video. Combining advanced video switching, recording and streaming with a fully integrated professional audio mixer, it offers a flexible foundation for creating broadcast-quality content across video podcasts, live streams and studio productions in a compact desktop-friendly unit.
You should be able to ingest most multi-cam productions for podcasting or livestreaming with this, but what if you already have devices like the RØDECaster Video Core, RØDECaster Pro II and/or the RØDECaster Duo? Well, RØDE has you covered there as well with a new feature they're calling RØDECaster Sync. As you might imagine, it does precisely what the name suggests:
Launching alongside it, RØDECaster Sync is an innovative new feature that seamlessly connects the RØDECaster Video Core with the RØDECaster Pro II and RØDECaster Duo audio interfaces, creating a single unified production hub. With RØDECaster Sync, audio-first creators can expand into video with zero fuss, scaling their setup effortlessly while maintaining the studio-grade sound and intuitive control that has made RØDECaster the creative industry standard.
RØDE CEO Damien Wilson went on to say:
The launch of the RØDECaster Video Core and RØDECaster Sync marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of content creation. With the RØDECaster range, every creator, no matter their skill level or workflow, is supported by a complete ecosystem that makes professional production more accessible than ever. As always, RØDE continues to set the industry benchmark for tearing down barriers to democratise content creation worldwide.
Here's a little feature that might make this a must-buy for solo-creators, or folks who just want to save a bit of time doing A/B switching:
Sit back and let the RØDECaster Video Core settle into the producer’s chair. Intelligent auto-switching technology will automatically switch your camera angles based on who’s speaking – ideal for video podcasts, interviews and live discussions.
No more hovering over the camera switching button, this ecosystem can do it for you. If you're the type that is in front of the camera and has spent entirely too much time in post production work, that little hidden gem is wonderful.
HDMI and XLR inputs are great and all, but just ingesting audio and video is only half the battle. Thankfully, team RØDE isn't lacking on the software and codec support side.
With three Full HD HDMI inputs featuring auto frame rate conversion, configurable HDMI output monitoring, a configurable USB-C expansion port and support for network cameras via up to four NDI® inputs, the RØDECaster Video Core adapts to virtually any video setup, from podcasts to live studio productions.
In terms of audio, it brings the studio-grade sound RØDE is renowned for, featuring two Neutrik® combo inputs with ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamps™ for pristine capture from microphones, instruments or line sources. Each of the nine stereo audio channels is enhanced with world-class APHEX® processing – including EQ, compression, noise gating, de-essing and legendary effects like Aural Exciter™, Big Bottom™ and Compellor™ – ensuring every production sounds as polished as it looks.
One of the things I appreciate about RØDE is that they continue to update their hardware throughout its lifespan. If you've ever owned a device that never got an update from cradle to retirement, then you know how critical it is that production devices like this continue to get support for integrations like the RØDECaster Video Core. To that end, they've also announced some major updates to their RØDECaster Video range:
EDL Timeline Export: Enables creators to export their full production timeline as an EDL file for DaVinci Resolve, seamlessly rebuilding their entire production. This preserves edit structure, timing and clip arrangement, massively streamlining post-production workflows.
Compressed UVC Input / MJPEG Support: Expanded webcam compatibility now allows the use of a much wider range of USB cameras and devices, allowing for both compressed and uncompressed sources and giving creators more accessible options for their video setups.
Flexible Media Import: Videos and media in non-standard resolutions and aspect ratios, such as vertical or square, can now be imported seamlessly – automatically scaling and optimising these files, ensuring they integrate smoothly into any production.
The RØDECaster Duo audio interface has also received a significant upgrade, bringing its total audio channels from seven to nine – matching the RØDECaster Pro II. Additionally, wireless inputs no longer replace Combo inputs, allowing creators to use XLR inputs and wireless receivers simultaneously for even greater flexibility.
If you're a specs sort of person, you know we've got you covered:
Key Features of the RØDECaster Video Core:
- Switch between up to four video sources and five fully customisable scenes
- High-performance octa-core CPU video and audio processor
- Three full HD (1080p) HDMI inputs with auto frame rate conversion and one configurable HDMI output for viewing program, preview and multi-view
- Two flexible USB-C ports for connecting select video and audio devices
- Two studio-grade Neutrik® combo jacks with ultra-low noise, high-gain Revolution Preamps™ for capturing pristine audio from XLR microphones, instruments or any other audio source
- Powerful APHEX® audio processing, including an EQ, compressor, noise gate, high-pass filter, de-esser and the legendary Aural Exciter™, Big Bottom™ and Compellor™ effects
- Connect to a RØDECaster Pro II or Duo using RØDECaster Sync, creating a fully integrated video and audio setup, with hands-on control over your entire production alongside expanded inputs and outputs
- Support for network cameras (including PTZ operation) with up to four NDI inputs® and one output via Ethernet, plus dual-cam streaming with the free RØDE Capture app for iOS devices
- Media playback, keying, transitions, multi-source scenes, graphic overlays, audio mixing and advanced configuration via the RØDECaster App
- Connect an external SSD via USB to record video or output directly to a computer via UVC
- Remote control, user-assignable graphics and media, custom scene building, audio mixing and effects, and other advanced configuration options via RØDECaster App
- Intelligent auto-switching for seamless hands-free switching of video sources and scenes based on audio inputs
- EDL Export for DaVinci Resolve, importing switch, transition, graphic and timeline data for faster editing
- Dual USB-C audio interfaces for simultaneous connection to two computers and/or mobile devices
- Stream directly to all major platforms via Ethernet and record directly to an external USB storage device, including isolated (ISO) recording for complete post-editing flexibility.
- Designed and made in RØDE’s state-of-the-art facilities in Sydney, Australia
Last but not least – the RØDECaster Video Core will ship worldwide and is available to pre-order for $599 USD.
