The rise of the creator economy: Consoles and more
Posted on May 28, 2025 by Pro Moviemaker
Creating high-quality live or recorded video content has never been easier, thanks to a new generation of compact production consoles
It’s taken an audio company – with experience in making controllers for audio podcasting – to come up with the simplest production console yet: a pro-level audio studio with built-in video switching, production and recording.
The Rodecaster Video is built to make it as easy as possible to make professional-quality video productions, from video podcasters to live streamers and even small broadcasters covering events. It’s an all-in-one small box, so you just plug in your cameras, audio, monitor, computer and hard drive, and you’re ready to make high-quality, multicamera shows – live or recorded. You can load graphics such as lower-third captions too, making pro-level programmes from one unit.
It competes with the current standard set-up that many use: a Rodecaster for audio linked to a Blackmagic Atem for video switching. Unless you need advanced features like NDI for PTZ cameras, the Rodecaster Video feels like just what the market needs right now as the call for streaming grows.
You can connect Rode Series IV wireless microphones such as the Wireless Pro, Wireless Me and Wireless Go, which could be fed by XLR mics via a converter cable. You can also plug in USB-C mics, which many podcasters use.
If you don’t have someone to act as a dedicated operator, the Rodecaster Video features intelligent auto-switching to automatically transfer between cameras or inputs based on which host, guest or subject is speaking.
If you’re really serious about podcasting and streaming, then Roland’s flagship V-600UHD video switcher has 4K and Full HD inputs, offering HDR support for the latest high dynamic range workflow and 60Hz frame support for smoother movement. It also supports BT. 2020 colour gamut and 10-bit 4:4:4 colour processing.
Of course, some high-quality memory is vital to ensure your footage is recorded safely in camera, then stored for use in the edit. Sandisk is one of the top brands for memory cards with a whole range of popular SD and CFexpress Type B. Finally, Sony shooters can rejoice, as there’s now a range of Sandisk Pro-Cinema CFexpress Type A cards, available in 480 and 960GB versions. Even though cameras can’t match the speed yet, these offer Gen 4 performance, with write speeds up to 1650MB/s and media transfer speeds of up to 1800MB/s.
For incredible speed back at base, the Sandisk Desk Drive is available in up to 8TB capacities, for fast video transfer and safe storage.
For a portable drive on location, Samsung is one of the best, with a range of rugged T7 Shield and portable T9 SSD versions in sizes up to 4TB.
This article was first published in the May/June 2025 issue of Pro Moviemaker
