RØDE Rodecaster Pro vs ZOOM Podtrak P8 vs Tascam Mixcast 4 | Best Mixing Desk 2022?
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- čas přidán 8. 07. 2024
- Download the podcast checklist: jamesm.com/podcast
In recent years a number of companies have created portable mixing desks that intend to hold everything you'll need to take your podcast or radio show on the road. In my new video I pit three of these desks together to find out which one is most worthy of your time.
Rødecaster Pro vs Podtrak P8 vs Mixcast 4 - which one offers the most bang for your buck?
⌛ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Intro
01:32 - Aesthetics & Build Quality
07:32 - Functionality
14:35 - Audio Quality
18:13 - Outro
⚙️ EQUIPMENT
RØDE RØDECASTER PRO
UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07M5LQ1Y...
US: www.amazon.com/dp/B07M5LQ1YZ?...
ZOOM PODTRAK P8
UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08HKL3T1...
US: www.amazon.com/dp/B08HKL3T1S?...
TASCAM MIXCAST 4
UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09BD6BC5...
US: www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD6BC55?...
SHURE SM7B
UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0002E4Z8...
US: www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E4Z8M?... - Věda a technologie
The Tascam has 66 db of gain compared to the Rode's 55. This came through in your test. The tascams's audio was clearly louder and crisper than the Rode. The Zoom sounded great too, but it's fixed at 41k hertz and 16 bit. The Tascam offers line-in as well as dual xlr:/trs combo jack inputs. The Tascam has a clean line out as opposed to the Rode. You didn't address power options and portability though.
I agree
So does this mean that all this time I've been waiting to get the Rodecaster Pro that I really should get the Tascam?
Yes, in my opinion, but, if you can afford it, the Rodecaster pro 2 is much better than all of these.
Also Agree 10 months later. And the latest firmware brings the function forward. Was committed to get the Rode 2, just bought the Tascam
same thoughts I had, the Tascam sounded cleaner WAY LOUDER and crisp just Brighter! the other two was not much different from each other, they sounded muffled and subdued to me I did not like them in comparison
Hi, great video, thanks! What often gets forgotten is that the P8 - due to lack of built-in bluetooth and the fact that the bluetooth adapter occupies the trrs input - can only host 2 remote guests whereas the Rodecaster Pro and the Mixcast 4 can handle 3. This is a fundamental difference imho. I tend to disagree with you in the function rating, I would actually reverse the score between the Røde and the Tascam console: combo jack inputs, sound pad names on screen, extra line inputs, extra 3.5mm line output, trrs jack on the front, usb delay + a few more tricks make it actually more feature rich than the Rodecaster Pro (although the MIDI control option on the Røde is pretty sweet for advanced users). It was great to hear the audio side by side. Thanks again, very valid comparison.
Mister Meister, you were the first person I saw shaking down the TASCAM and I think you done a good job. Watched your Zoom Podtrak P4 vid a days ago.
Interesting comparison. I've just bought a Podtrack P8 and it's great. Personally, I like the fact that it doesn't look like a regular mixing desk - it looks more fun! 🙂
My company just went with the MixCaster 4 instead of the other two devices because of the better interconnect capability, its desktop software, the larger screen, the Talkback function and the way the sound pads work.
Yes, I have to agree. I'm leaning towards the Tascam right now too for those very reasons. The real only thing that is apparently not (yet) implemented from my current knowledge is a "loopback" function for the USB channel as you have for example in the Yamaha AG-06 or AG-03 mixing consoles. But none of the mixing desks seems to have this!
i think the best way to compare the 3 is to test the sound quality based on how the mixer will be used, no one will use them like plug and play, those effects built in are going to be engaged and that will quite make lots of difference in your comparison.
Great video,thanks for sharing,we purchased the rodecaster last year but we are looking at the tascam for our secondary system...
I think the Tascam is a great piece of kit - but if you already have rodecaster and like it, it's probably a good idea to mimic this in a secondary system as then there is no learning curve for people using the device.
...It's just a real shame Tascam didn't think to build an additional USB channel in, that would have given them the edge!
Hey James! Thanks for the detailed explanation and review.
I buy 2 Podmic for my video podcasting. And also purchased a Podtrak P4 for them. Like P8 the P4 sample rate also is 44.1 Khz. Does 44.1 Khz audio recordings will cause problems for my videos? I mean in post-production on premiere pro or when I finish and upload it to the CZcams channel.
I can't find a detailed explanation about 44.1 problems for videos.
Great video
Great to see all 3 together being reviewed. Stuck between Podtrak P8 and the Tascam, ideally would like the option of more than 4 XLR's but the I really like the Tascam. Is there another mix deck you'd recommend for an (occasionally) 5 person podcast?
Which one did you get
I love this video, but I think a few key points are missing. First, the gain. The RØDECaster Pro provides 55 dB of gain (if my memory serves). That's really not enough for the SM7B-which probably needs around 60 dB, so if that's the mic someone is using, they will definitely need to pickup an in-line activator like a Cloudlifter or Fethead as you mentioned in the video. The Mixcast 4 provides 65.5 dB, but the top 5 or so dB isn't the cleanest. While that's easily fixable in something like Audition or RX Isotope, it's nice to not have to worry about it, so the in-line activator will be helpful here, though not quite as necessary as it is with the RØDE. The PodTrak P8 can provide 70 dB of clean gain, so no activator necessary. The gain differences really showed up in your comparison, and I was a bit surprised that you said the RØDE provided better audio than the TASCAM. My experience was quite different. Using a less gain-hungry dynamic microphone, like the RØDE Podmic or the PreSonus PD-70 (or perhaps even working on treating your room and then going with a condenser mic), could help alleviate this issue for most home-based podcasters.
Where the Zoom really falters is in its sample rate. Because it's limited to 41 kHz, it can't really be used for recording audio to be synced with video. If someone plans on creating a video podcast, they will need to go with either the RØDE or the TASCAM, both of which have a variable sample rate of either 41 kHz (which is perfectly fine for almost all audio-only applications) and 48 kHz (which is the standard for video-synced audio).
One big hardware advantage that the TASCAM has over both the RØDE and the Zoom is its use of combo jacks, which can accept either XLR or balanced TRS, providing a bit more versatility.
A very nice feature of the Zoom is that it can be powered by AA batteries, making it probably the most portable of the three devices. However, I do have concerns about the durability of the Zoom as it's quite "plasticky" and cheap feeling. I've also had issues with Zoom products in the past where the unit hasn't withstood a fall. I have almost no such concerns with the RØDE or the TASCAM.
One excellent feature of the TASCAM has to be its "talkback" feature, which can keep mic channel 1 muted to the main output while unmuting it to the local monitor outputs. It's not quite as good as the RØDE's "producer mode," which allows mic channel 1's signal to get to the USB, TRRS, and Bluetooth monitors as well.
All in all, I think the TASCAM is probably the best choice, particularly for my workflow. While not quite as refined as the RØDE, TASCAM has proven that they want to continue supporting the device through firmware updates, just like RØDE, but because the RØDE is a few years older, its firmware updates are beginning to run up against the hardware limitations. The TASCAM is still very new, so the headroom (pardon the pun) for more features through firmware updates is greater, and the latest 1.20 update has closed the gap significantly between the Mixcast and the RØDECaster. Zoom's offering just doesn't quite cut it here, though if your budget is very tight and you need the mixing desk quickly, it's not a bad device to go with.
Thank you so much
How would you compare these to the Rodecaster Pro ii and Duo?
Please, does anyone know if any of the mixers compared are compatible with Linux?
Thank you
Great post James! However I have a question because I am not sure if I heard it or not. So here is the question. Does the Zoom Podtrak P8 and the Mixcast 4 have the Automatically Mute Outputs option that the Rodecaster Pro has as a feature, and if not, will there be a firmware update on both or at least one of them to keep in competition with the Rodecaster?
Tascam also offers this functionality following a recent firmware update I believe. I don't think the Podtrak does though.
I would be interested in how each of these sound with mics they were designed for. Toss the high-end Rode mics on the Rodecaster Pro, for example. Otherwise, you ought to be using a cloud lifter on the SM7B since it would return the headroom back to each of these units. I want to know how each sound when optimized. I use the Rodecaster Pro (early adopter, I confess) and have been so impressed with the ongoing software enhancements. You didn't mention the MIDI functionality of the Rodecaster Pro, do the other decks include MIDI communication too? I'm thinking in a true head to head comparison, the Rodecaster would breakaway from the pack even more. Also, the Rodecaster can operate for hours on a battery bank if you have the power adapter, do the others have a similar solution?
General a good review, I wasn't aware of the other two units so much. I'm a fan of your service. I host the Local Open Mic podcast, at this point the Rodecaster is second nature to use for me.
Can’t cover off everything in one video this is designed to be a top level summary really. Thanks for your feedback though 👍
@@JamesMulvanyTV In the end, all of them are suitable for a radio station or podcaster.
Rodecast (to low) podtrak8 (inbtween) mixcaster 4 (louder, clearer, a bit of echo). My choice mixcaster 4
In my new home studio where I am now voice-tracking a radio show, I am ready to purchase an audio mixer. I was sold on the Rodecaster Pro until I read some reviews and watched videos on the Tascam. Now I'm seeing new videos on the Rode Caster Pro 2, which say they have much improved the preamps. How do you think the Tascam compares to the new Rodecaster Pro 2
I think Tascam is more comparable to the first rodecaster. The new rodecaster has so much potential (with firmware updates). The mic preamps are also superior.
@@JamesMulvanyTV Thanks! I have decided to go with the Rodecaster Pro 2. For only $100 more, I get all of the new features. Thanks!
I like the comparison though you did not mention the mix minus function, nor the fact that the Zoom can be battery operated or that the Podtrak offers up to 70 dB of gain which is more than the others and can eliminate the need for something like a cloud lifter.
What can I say, can't mention everything in a YT video, thats what manuals are for 😂 🤷♂️
Thanks James 👊🏿👊🏿
Glad you enjoyed it! 👏
Greetings Jammes I would to rodecaster pro 2.❤
Excellent review . To the point and super useful. I own both the rodecaster and the TASCAM: thinking of getting rid of the TASCAM, I'm pretty let down by its performance.
None havemic on monitor mute and dedicated xlr output apart from prgm
Rodecaster and the Mixcast both offer this feature (with firmware updates)
I think base on my experience that the TASCAM sound better and more professional than the other 2 so that’s my opinion
Tascam sounds way better
I bought the Tascam Mixcast 4 well over a year ago and have not looked back. GREAT PREAMPS are paramount and the Mixcast 4 has them. The only drawback is that it is a tad big but I've adjusted to it nicely. Consider mentioning meaningful items such as mix minus when bringing in phone calls on these. How about EQ and compression? During your audio comparison, did you mention if you had the gain set the same on all units? How about portability? Dude! You're just wrong as the Mixcast 4 is noticeably louder than the other two. Consider remaking this video.
I have watched and read dozens of comparisons between the 3 units and none are consistent, it all personal choice and often bias. Pick one and off you go. Listeners will not know which device was used and also 99% of people will only use the same basic options of all 3 anyway. People tend to argue over the extras that they wont actually use.... Also, why state the dollar price? Completely misleading. The Mixcaster is currently around £460 ($610), the Rodecaster is around £550 ($730) and the Zoom P78 is around £360 ($475). Even more in Euro.
If you think you can do a better video, please go ahead!
@@JamesMulvanyTV I dont think that was his intent. Sometimes folks assume more cost mean a better product. Many users will only use certain features and a couple of mikes in which case the zoom currently as low as 350.00 would do the trick. I'm evaluating a zoom now. But the new Rode Podcaster pro 2 has really stepped up the game but also at a higher price but is incredicble wit wifi for updates usc C x2 etc. Thanks for your comparison video.
300 dollars??? Where?? 😂😂😂😂😂
The background music makes this video unwatchable… too bad. Could have been interesting!
You don't like it? TURN OFF.
What’s crazy is I didn’t even notice the music the whole time lol