Topic: Rode

A discussion regarding Rode microphones criticizes the company's policy of providing free gear to high-profile YouTubers while ignoring long-term independent broadcasters. There is a stated intent to open-source custom drivers for the Rodecaster rather than selling them back to the manufacturer.

The White House has launched an official TikTok account despite a looming September 17th deadline for ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations. While the app faces a potential ban over national security and data privacy concerns, it remains a primary tool for political campaigning. Separately, the rise of video podcasting has popularized the use of Rode wireless microphones, often seen with "dead cat" wind covers.

Adam Curry discusses his vision for "Podcasting 2.0," which aims to fix payments and technical issues within the medium. He critiques the Rode Roadcaster Pro for lacking a noise gate on computer inputs and expresses surprise that the company has not sent him free gear despite his early influence on the product's concept.

Adam Curry reviews the new Roadcaster Pro 2 audio interface from Australian manufacturer Rode. He compares it to the original Roadcaster Pro and cheaper alternatives, noting significant improvements in configurability and busing systems. Despite liking the hardware design and the inclusion of Aphex processing like the Big Bottom and Aural Exciter, he expresses difficulty in dialing in the perfect sound profile.

A story is shared regarding a failed attempt to secure a Roadcaster Pro from Rode Microphones through a dealer in Australia. Despite claims of having influenced the product's design, the company's marketing department declined the collaboration, leading to a switch to Electro Voice equipment.

A new initiative titled "Podcasting 2.0" is teased as a solution to payment and distribution issues within the industry. Separately, the importance of rigorous contract review is discussed, citing an instance where a major law firm provided a deficient employment agreement for a coding bootcamp graduate. The segment emphasizes the value of identifying missing indemnification and non-disparagement clauses in professional contracts.

Dvorak explains his unconventional preference for not using headphones during broadcasts, which previously caused audio feedback issues. The hosts discuss their current hardware, including M-Audio breakout boxes and specific microphones like the Heil PR40 and the Rode Procaster. They detail the technical requirements of their setups, such as the need for 48-volt phantom power for certain units.

Carrying a Rode Procaster microphone through airport security often triggers manual bag searches because the device resembles a canister of explosives or a large adult toy on X-ray machines. An anecdote is shared regarding a former Spy Magazine editor who intentionally packed bags with adult toys to annoy security personnel.

A logistical challenge involving a missing microphone mount for a Rode Procaster leads to a visit to Sam Ash Music in New York. The discussion emphasizes the importance of equipment checklists when traveling with a portable podcasting setup to avoid improvised solutions like gaffer tape.

An exit from Japan through Narita Airport involved a detailed security inspection of a podcast equipment bag. Security officers required the removal of all items, including a Rode microphone and ham radio gear, for separate screening. A Japanese policeman also recorded the traveler's passport details on a handwritten form during the process.