When RØDE released the RodeCaster Video a little over a year ago it took what we had in the market for video switching and added a production layer that was simple to use but also quite advanced in its features and capabilities.

Today, the little Aussie company that could comes back with a new version of the RodeCaster Video perfect for those situations where “less is more”. The RodeCaster Video S is the same powerful device with a few things removed.

As RØDE CEO Damien Wilson pointed out “The RØDECaster Video marked a complete paradigm shift in how creators produce video content,”

“With the RØDECaster Video S, we’re delivering that same power and flexibility in a more compact and flexible format. Today’s creators crave quality, versatility, and simplicity – and the RØDECaster Video S delivers all of that in one ultra-intuitive, value-packed console.”

And when he said value, by gosh, is this value.

For context, the RodeCaster Video is $2030 – sure you will find it for $1800 or so perhaps in some places. The new RodeCaster Video S is just $840. We’re talking a third of the price basically, but the difference is just how many inputs and outputs it has in simple terms.

The choice really comes down to how big your production is.

Here are the differences I could find in the RodeCaster Video S compared to the original:

  • $840 vs $2030
  • 4 video sources instead of 6
  • 3 HDMI inputs instead of 4
  • 1 UVC input instead of 2
  • 1 HDMI output instead of 2
  • 5 Custom Scenes instead of 7
  • No Line out option for Audio
  • 1 USB Audio Device hosting instead of two
  • No MicroSD Card slot, instead there’s 24GB of internal storage.

The Smaller version is also a plastic chassis instead of metal, and has internal antennas vs the originals’ external.

For me personally, it’s not big enough – just because we use four cameras and two HDMI ouputs.

But our video studio is in some ways excessive, but also we’re all about automation and information for the on-air team as we have no behind the scenes staff.

This means aside from the four cameras, we have a single multi-view monitor as well as individual program monitors, something not possible with the new RodeCaster Video S.

However, for someone putting together a two to three camera shoot but wanting the advantage of split screen or graphics and video clips – this is 100% for you.

As a value proposition too this stacks up. The next best thing would be Blackmagic’s ATEM Mini Pro ISO (ISO because the RodeCaster also does ISO recordings of all inputs) which is a similar price, but arguably the RodeCaster Video S is a far more versatile unit (I know this because I sold both my ATEM Mini devices after we got the RodeCaster Video).

It seems clear to me that RØDE is targeting the Video Podcast world with the RodeCaster Video S – three cameras would be the bulk of the shows, and a single program output would be perfect for monitoring and it doesn’t matter if you choose auto switching or manual control, it’s got it all.

Impressive stuff, and once again – Made in Australia.

Here’s a full list of the key features of the new RodeCaster Video S:

  • Switch between up to four video sources and five fully customisable scenes at the press of a button
  • 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
  • A flexible USB-C port for connecting webcams and RØDE USB audio devices to use as additional video and audio sources
  • 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
  • Dual internal wireless receivers for connecting RØDE Series IV wireless microphones
  • 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
  • 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
  • 2-inch high-resolution touchscreen and versatile rotary encoder for quick configuration and setting adjustment
  • Ability to create five complex scenes with multiple layers of video, media and graphics, which can be saved and triggered at the touch of a button
  • Automatic chroma keying for effortlessly replacing backgrounds with media or live video inputs
  • Media playback, graphic overlays, keying, transitions and multi-source scene creation all accessible from the front panel
  • Innovative “Inspect” feature for quick-and-easy preview and configuration of any input or scene
  • Intelligent auto-switching for seamless hands-free switching of video sources and scenes based on audio inputs
  • Stream directly to all major platforms via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, or to streaming software via USB
  • Record directly to external USB storage device, including isolated (ISO) recording for postediting flexibility
  • Remote control, user-assignable graphics and media, custom scene building, audio mixing and effects, and other advanced configuration options via the RØDECaster App
  • Designed and made in RØDE’s state-of-the-art facilities in Sydney, Australia