Røde Connect is a complete software solution for podcasting and streaming with the NT-USB Mini microphones - the software is free and most of its features will work with any USB-connected sources, but its audio summing and processing abilities are directly unlocked by the Røde microphones that are connected.
Serving up a fully featured recording interface inspired by the RØDECaster Pro, with the ability to connect four NT-USB Minis to a single computer, plus powerful routing options for live streaming applications, this design is a game-changer for creators looking for an easy way to capture incredible quality audio. Røde Connect allows users to connect up to four NT-USB Minis to a Mac or PC without the need for complex routing, and with an intuitive, fully featured recording interface, virtual channels for connecting remote guests, and automatic mix-minus – complete with broadcast-style faders, level metering, mute buttons, and more. An extremely powerful feature set that will certainly disrupt the business models for many existing established radio production equipment manufacturers.
But Røde Connect also offers a powerful solution for gamers who want to simplify their audio setup. Offering streamlined control over microphone audio and external applications, plus dedicated output controls for streaming apps like OBS or Xsplit, setting up livestream audio has is now even easier.
Unlock the Hardware
Launched in 2020 as apparently another USB microphone for all of us at home, the NT-USB Mini is a studio-quality USB microphone that is actually much more, designed to deliver crystal-clear, professional audio direct to a computer. Offering a host of handy design features in an easy-to-use package, it’s a perfect design for podcasters, streamers, musicians and more.
Røde Connect now expands the capabilities of the NT-USB Mini, while offering a feature-rich platform for both podcasting and streaming. "The NT-USB Mini, coupled with Røde Connect, marks a huge leap forward for simple solutions that allow anyone to create a professional sounding podcast," says Røde CEO Damien Wilson. "And the possibilities the software offers for lives treaming applications are incredibly powerful. No other audio company in the world is doing anything like this." We would comment that there are actually companies doing this, but they are focused on the radio market...
Røde Connect allows up to four NT-USB Minis to be connected to a single computer, because the software acts as a fully featured recording interface, complete with recording and output control features, plus audio export options for uploading to all popular podcasting platforms. Apart from the four microphone input sources, there are also two ‘Virtual’ channels (named ‘Virtual’ and ‘System’) for easily connecting remote callers via communications apps like Zoom and Skype, and for adding music beds, stings and sound effects, pre-recorded interviews or any other audio from external sources.
These two ‘Virtual’ channels, combined with the four microphone channels, mean Røde Connect can accommodate up to six podcasters at once. Each channel automatically has mix-minus signal routing applied, ensuring echo-free communication between hosts and guests. And in addition to offering a flexible interface for controlling audio from the NT-USB Mini, Røde Connect’s ‘Virtual’ channels allow for streamlined integration of audio from chat applications like TeamSpeak, gameplay sound, and other audio sources.
Each NT-USB Mini microphone opens access to a previously untapped reserve of digital signal processing (DSP) power that can only be unlocked using the Røde Connect software. This gives users access to a noise gate, compressor and legendary Aphex Aural Exciter and Big Bottom effects, as found on the RØDECaster Pro, and in the world’s top recording studios and radio stations. These dynamic processing options are available at the click of a button and have been precisely tailored to deliver the same rich, warm broadcast tone heard on the world’s best podcasts and livestreams (and radio stations).
To complement the launch of Røde Connect, the Australian company has released a kit of color-coded caps for the NT-USB Mini and color-coded rings for Røde USB-C and USB-A cables. These match the colors of each channel in Røde Connect, making it easy to keep track of who is talking. Røde has also released two new high-speed, 1.5m-long USB cables, the SC17 (USB-C to USB-C) and SC18 (USB-C to USB-A) for connecting the NT-USB Mini to any computer.
Røde Connect is available to download for free at rode.com/rode-connect.
www.rode.com
