The RØDECaster Pro II and its more compact sibling, the RØDECaster Duo, have long been celebrated as top-tier podcasting consoles, trusted by creators from solo podcasters to professional radio stations for their all-in-one mixing, processing, and recording capabilities. Yet, as remote collaboration becomes the norm, even the most robust hardware has leaned on external software or third-party codecs—until now.
In a move set to reshape remote audio production, Australian audio innovator RØDE has teamed up with UK-based Vortex Communications to introduce RØDE CallMe, a fully integrated, ultra-low latency IP audio solution embedded directly into the RØDECaster firmware. Available immediately via a free firmware update, CallMe empowers users to connect two RØDECaster Pro II or Duo consoles over the internet—or invite browser-based guests with a simple email link or QR code—without any intermediary software, hardware codecs, or complex setups.
At the heart of RØDE CallMe lies Vortex’s proven CallMe Codec, a SIP-based IP audio engine widely used in broadcast environments for its stereo, broadcast-grade fidelity and millisecond-scale delay. When you update your RØDECaster, you unlock direct Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity: hit “CallMe,” choose your tier, and you’re immediately linked to your collaborator—whether they’re on another console or joining from a browser. This simplicity is bolstered by RØDE’s signature mix-minus configuration, ensuring echo-free interviews without fiddly software routing.
To cater to everyone from hobbyists to network broadcasters, RØDE CallMe is offered in three flexible tiers:
- RØDE CallMe Lite (free)
Supports a single remote contributor (one CallMe channel), with up to 10 hours of RØDECaster-to-RØDECaster calling per month plus a 5-hour trial of Web-to-RØDECaster calling. Perfect for getting started or one-off interviews. - RØDE CallMe ($9.99/mo or $99/yr)
Unlocks two simultaneous remote contributors (two CallMe channels) and unlimited RØDECaster-to-RØDECaster and Web-to-RØDECaster calls. Ideal for two-person shows or small teams. - RØDE CallMe Pro ($49.99/mo or $499/yr)
Designed for pro broadcasters. In addition to standard features, it adds three CallMe channels, a fully integrated IP codec with third-party SIP interoperability, advanced SIP protocol support, and resilient multi-network streaming (4G/5G). Also includes broadcast-grade codecs with adjustable jitter buffering, and flexible control via touchscreen, web UI, or the new CallMe Hub. A 14-day free trial and perpetual license option are available.
Across all tiers, users benefit from RØDE’s trademark studio-quality stereo audio, ultra-low latency, and 24/7 support—with Pro subscribers receiving dedicated assistance from Vortex’s technical team. For many small stations and independent podcasters, this could represent a dramatic cost saving compared to traditional broadcast codecs, which often run thousands of dollars per channel.
Beyond its immediate utility, RØDE CallMe positions the RØDECaster for an increasingly interconnected creative landscape. As video becomes a standard podcasting staple, many will wonder if this technology might one day extend to RØDECaster Video, merging high-quality audio and video codecs in a single box. Given RØDE’s track record of continuous innovation— from the original RØDECaster to the new AI-driven Stream Series—such an expansion seems not just plausible, but likely on the product roadmap.
With its zero-hassle integration and professional results, RØDE CallMe sets a new bar for hardware-centric remote production. Whether you’re recording across town or across continents, studio-grade audio is now just a firmware update away—no extra apps, no external gear, and no barriers. It’s a bold step toward frictionless collaboration for the global creative community.
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