Rode is back with a new super-powered console that wants to consolidate parts of your content creation setup. The brand's RodeCaster consoles have long been the gold standard in audio mixing for content creators, but last year, it launched the RodeCaster Video, which is the brand's first real step into doing the same thing for video creation.
The brand new RodeCaster Video S has just launched today, and it's essentially a much more viable version of what Rode launched in 2024 for solo creators and smaller studios. If you're familiar with Rode's existing product range, the RodeCaster Video S is the equivalent of the RodeCaster Duo - a smaller, almost as powerful console which comes in at a somewhat more reasonable price.
The RodeCaster Video S could be massive for any gaming content creator who makes YouTube videos or hosts live streams on Twitch. From a birds-eye view, it can scene switch like a stream controller can, so if you've ever fancied an Elgato Stream Deck+, for example, this could be a really overpowered alternative.
Not only can it scene swap, but it has a ton of clever features thanks to Rode's integrated companion software, which means it can stream directly to YouTube and Twitch or record natively. That could be massive for video podcast hosts too, but it means you might not need to rely on a middleman software like OBS or Streamlabs.
The RodeCaster Video S has 3x HDMI inputs with 1x HDMI output, which isn't a massive compromise from the 4 inputs and 2 outputs of the full-fat model. For that reason, it's likely that creators who use a DSLR camera will benefit most here. There's a single multi-function USB-C port, which can support webcams though, as well as Rode microphones, or one of the RodeCaster Pro II / Duo devices if you want to team them both up.
In terms of audio connectivity, the Video S has 2x Neutrik combo XLR inputs, as well as Series IV wireless receivers and Bluetooth connectivity. All in all, you'll wield nine stereo audio channels with it, and you'll have the benefits of Rode's classic APHEX processing to give them all the effects you'd like.
Of course, any Rode console needs to blend connectivity with control, and on board the Video S, you'll have 4x input buttons and 5x scene buttons. A 2-inch high-resolution touchscreen as well as some monitoring scrollers will also come in really handy for adjusting on the fly while streaming.
So what's the catch here? Well, if you are thinking of replacing a streaming controller like one of Elgato's Stream Decks, or a Loupedeck option like the Razer Stream Controller X with this new Rode device, you probably won't be able to use it in the same general use scenarios. I haven't gone hands-on with Rode's software for the Caster Video devices yet, but I don't think it's got the same plug-ins and emphasis for controlling Windows apps as the likes of Elgato's Camera Hub. Depending on how often you create versus how much you use a Stream Deck on the daily, there are compromises to think about.
Perhaps a bigger catch is that the RodeCaster Video S can only work up to 1080p, with no support for 4K. I've done a little digging around in YouTube comments since a fair few people have raised this question on Rode's announcement videos. The official Rode channel has replied to them with the following party line: "Adding higher-resolution processing for multiple inputs would’ve meant a big jump in power and price. We focused on delivering a broadcast-quality 1080p solution that’s powerful, reliable, and creator-friendly."
I'm not sure I agree with this, since anyone who wants to spend $499 on a device like this is absolutely leaning into the more professional end of the content creation market - and those are exactly the kinds of people who need 4K support for semi-professional YouTube channels. If Rode wanted to target this toward a 1080p audience, more support for webcams and other USB devices might have been the more appropriate play.
Replying to another comment which asked if 4K support could come via a firmware update later on, Rode didn't rule it out: "Let’s just say we’re always working on something exciting!"
Rode has added new features like Rode CallMe and support for wider non-Rode USB mics for its other RodeCaster devices, so this could possibly happen in the future for the Video S. That said, even the full-fat RodeCaster Video doesn't have 4K support, so I wouldn't hold your breath. The good news is that if you only want to use this for streaming on Twitch, you'll only be able to broadcast in 1080p anyway.
- RodeCaster Video S: $499 at Rode
- RodeCaster Video bundle: $1,099 at Amazon
- RodeCaster Duo: $498 at Amazon
For more content creation gear, take a look at the best capture cards, the best microphones, and the best ring lights for streaming.
