Tascam Mixcast 4 vs. Rodecaster Pro: Which Is Best For Podcasts & Streaming?

The Tascam Mixcast 4 is a multichannel podcasting and streaming recorder/mixer. It's clearly out to try and take the crown from the Rodecaster Pro, so let’s see if the Tascam is up to the task at hand and how it compares to the Rodecaster Pro.

And yes, there is a firmare update that adds some features to the Tascam, but wow, the update process Is an absolute nightmare.

This video is not sponsored, but thank you to Sweetwater for sending me the Mixcast 4 for review. I really appreciate the support and it’s a bit surreal since I’ve been a Sweetwater customer from the time I was in high school 😁

✴Tascam Mixcast 4:

✴Rodecaster Pro:

✴Earthworks ICON:

✴Tascam Podcast Editor Free Software:

📼 Other Podcast Mixers I've Reviewed:

🎙 Ever thought of starting your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, my step-by-step DIY course to help you launch your show!

⏱ Chapter Markers:
0:00 - Mixcast 4 vs. Rodecaster Pro
2:17 - Design & Basic Features
5:59 - Touch Screen & Interface
7:41 - Channel Settings
8:58 - Playback Menu
9:34 - Hardware Settings Menu
9:55 - Audio Settings Menu
11:13 - Built In USB Delay!
11:48 - Effects & Processing
12:53 - Yessir, It’s A De-esser
13:17 - Noise Suppresor
14:26 - Reverb
14:46 - Voice Changer
15:49 - Build Quality
16:04 - Gain Levels (SM7B Test)
17:35 - Mic Booster Test
19:25 - Headphone Preamps
19:49 - Tascam Podcast Editor (Desktop App)
22:35 - Tascam Mobile Podcast Editing App
23:36 - How The Mixcast Is Better Than The Rodecaster Pro
25:02 - How The Rodecaster Is Better Than The Mixcast
27:42 - So Which Is Best?

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Hi! My name is Tom Buck, a lifelong A/V nerd and former high school Digital Media teacher. I started this channel in 2017 as a project to share my enthusiasm for everything related to audio and video production.

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#podcasting #Tascam #Rode #Audio
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Episode 287: Tascam Mixcast 4 vs. Rodecaster Pro: Which Is Best For Podcasts & Streaming?

[ROBOTRIX_eu]

While i was listening and having a snack, i was thinking if garage bands or hobby musicians even are aware or know about these products.. I never saw a review of these with music instruments.. if you want review ideas.. I am happy tascam came, because the more there are, hopefuly better and more choices we have as well. Nice one!

[tombuck]

And yes, Tascam did release a firmware update that adds some nifty features (including the ability to access each channel directly), but wow, the update process is an absolute nightmare.

[oddioj]

I found the Tascam retailing for $312 new and the RCP 2 is in the $500-600. Just based on price alone the Tascam seems the better choice while still giving the same Tascam quality we've come to expect over the yearrs. Even the Rode RCP Duo is wildly over priced for the limited features for smaller form and function. Great review BTW.

[thejasontlewis]

Rode needs to release a 1 or 2 channel version. Surprised they haven't already, especially with the pandemic making in-person recording almost impossible.
I'm a HUGE TASCAM fan. I guess I have been for a long time. One thing TASCAM has over most manufacturers is they have been makinging all-in-one recording boxes for decades. They kind of invented them with the Portastudios. They still sell the DP24 and DP32, which are specifically made for "outside-the-box" music recording. Then they have the Model mixer series, which also allows you to record onboard as well as us it as an interface. They are less consumer friendly and take some knowledge of mixers to make them work, but are super powerful tools.
I've had the Rodecaster and sold it. It was a little too much of a one trick pony for me. It does the trick very well, but I needed more than just a podcast/livestream front end. The Tascam doesn't give me that either. At the moment I'm using the Model 12 and it's an incredibly versatile tool for the hybrid broadcast, music production studio.

[stephenbrunton]

As Always Tom, watching your videos is GOLD!. I've had my Rodecaster since October 2019.... and I never knew about a long press hold down of the Record button makes it pause (and turn Orange). This is going to make a real difference to me in a range of situations where I don't wish to create two files for a recording that I previously needed to do a full stop of because I wasn't aware of the Pause function. I can't believe I didn't know this, thanks dude! You're a gem!

[benjhaisch]

The rodecaster is what brought me to your channel back when you had maybe 14k subs or something. Super fun following your journey on here, man!

[DJYagga]

As a Rodecaster Pro user I’ll admit the Mixcast 4 has a few features I envy. However, it’s the RCP for me with its mic preamps, master compressor and overall sound quality. 🎙😇🙏🏾

[ChaseTheSummit]

Firmware 1.20 fixed several of your complaints including the broadcast meters, shortcuts (1 tap) to mic setting, and global voice effects. Unfortunately, the MixCast still breaks your files into 4GB chunks though which I've found to be super annoying. Excellent video Tom!

[ronspi]

7:42 - Yes you can. Please upgrade with the latest firmware. You'll be able to see the numbers on the screen. Many new features and other "missing" features from the initial introduction of the unit were added in January 2022. Great video until 7:42, when I realized that you're presenting and comparing the Tascam with its initial firmware, and you're missing many upgrades.

[kurokid]

HHH, great. Tascam has sent me the mixcast4 to test, I'm a zoom P8 user already...so ...your video really has set up a high level in reviewing...I appreciate that.
Since I don't have the Rode Caster Pro...after using the mixcast4 for a few weeks...It actually beat down the Zoom P8 to the ground....

[twolinesslotcars]

I have been patiently awaiting this video!! Thanks Tom! Amazing job as always!

[notlukebenson]

Good on you for making the point about manufacturing practices behind products. Tech YouTube can sometimes ignore the companies behind the tech. More than ever that stuff matters.

[remka]

As usual, came here for the review, stayed for the review, but laughed stupidly at the puns (and the cuts on them haha).
Please don’t change!

[smpiggystudio]

I chosed Mixcast4 mostly for it's soundpads' name visibility, so I can load several theme songs for a live show and hit them for background with no mistake. For this reason I have to skip RCP and ZOOM.
But Mixcast4 still has some flaws, it got hung up freezing one time(signals stopped, power button didn't work unless pull out the cord), after 1.20 update I've baked it 7 days and I think it get fixed. Another issue is, headphones still have volume bleed even you turn the knob to "min".
I like RODE and ZOOM too, thanks to them for helping this new media era by keep making great products. And thanks to you Tom, for keep introducing great contents and knowledge to us!

[cresshead]

Excellent video, thank you for making the review.
As a long time user of Tascam products - started with the 244 4 track cassette portastudio in early 80's, great to see them expand into the podcast area also.
Both the rode and tascam are good products by the looks of it.

[DaivG]

The Mixcast 4 looks like some great hardware, but I don't regret picking up a Rodecaster Pro after watching this comparison and walk through. Thanks for putting out the original review for the RCP which led me to picking it up. It's really helpful for seeing comparisons to the RCP.

[PrestonJensen]

Looks like a great piece of equipment. I just love my RCP too much. Honestly, I think the RCP brings me more joy than any other tech I have bought in a very long time!

[PhoenixFire_YT]

“Mic who?”
“Mic check 1, 2”

Tom: “Oops!”
😂😂😂😂

Man, Tom, you never fail to bring the laughs while thoroughly reviewing a product.
Thank you for always bringing your A game. Thanks to you, I purchased the Rodecaster Pro because of how passionate you are about it.
As a narrator, it has totally changed my voiceovers!
Keep up the great work. Looking forward to many more of your videos!

[IsnadAcademy]

The Rodecaster's USB power adaptor works on the Tascam Mixcast 4. I use it and it works. This review would be even better if you reviewed the latest firmware. That would be fairer. This machine is better than the Rodecaster IMO, that's why I sold my Rodecaster to get this.

[mrupsidedownshorts]

Hi Tom, can you tell me, did you record all this to the SD card in the Mixcast 4 and then sync it in post? I'm trying to figure out how I integrate the Mixcast 4 into my setup for streaming, but it looks like you just have the 2 XLR mic inputs being used and the power cord. I can't see any cables you might be using to pass the audio out to the computer to capture the audio and the video at the same time. Thanks!