RØDECaster Pro II Multitrack Guidelines | Reaper | PC

Step 1: Download and Install ASIO Driver

To begin, navigate to the Downloads section on the RØDECaster Pro II product page via your web browser. Download and install the latest version of the RØDECaster Pro II ASIO driver.

Website: rode.com

Step 2: Connect RØDECaster Pro II to Computer

Connect your RØDECaster Pro II to your computer using the USB 1 port located on the back of the unit. Use the provided USB-C to USB-C cable. If your computer only has USB-A ports, use the RØDE SC18 cable.

Note: The USB 2 port does not support multitrack recording. Ensure you use USB 1.

Step 3: Configure Reaper Audio Settings

Open Reaper and access its preferences by pressing Ctrl+P. Navigate to the 'Audio' > 'Device' settings.

• Select 'ASIO' as the audio system.
• Choose 'RØDECaster Pro II ASIO' as the ASIO driver.
• Ensure 'Enable Inputs' is checked.
• Set the 'first' input to '1. Left' and the 'last' input to '16: USB2 Main Right'.
• Configure the output range: set 'first' to '1: Output L' and 'last' to '2: Output R'.
• Enable 'Request Sample Rate' and set it to 48000Hz.
• Deselect the option 'Allow projects to override sample rate'.

Step 4: Create a New Track in Reaper

Create a new track in Reaper by double-clicking in the area to the left of the timeline.

Step 5: Select Input Source for the Track

Click the red 'record' button in the track controls, then click the dropdown input select menu. This is where you choose the input source for the track. Select 'Input: Mono', and a list of available sources from the RØDECaster Pro II will appear.

Step 6: Assign RØDECaster Pro II Channels to Tracks

The RØDECaster Pro II offers 16 multitrack output channels, including stereo outputs for the main mix, mono outputs for four combo inputs, and stereo outputs for Bluetooth, SMART pads, and three USB channels. The audio channels are mapped as follows:

Note: The multitrack output configuration remains consistent, irrespective of your mixer setup. For instance, if Combo Input 2 is assigned to fader 6, it will still appear as input 4 in your DAW. Ensure your mixer is configured for your intended recording workflow before setting up your DAW session.

Generally, create one track per stereo or mono audio input. For this guide, all available channels are included for demonstration, but you only need to set up the channels you intend to use.

To set a Reaper track to record from the first combo input on the RØDECaster Pro II, select 'Combo 1' from the input list.

Step 7: Add Additional Tracks

To add more tracks to your project, double-click in the area below the existing tracks. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to add the other 3 combo inputs. If you have linked two inputs for a stereo pair, refer to Step 8 for stereo track setup.

Note: The multitrack output configuration is always the same, regardless of your mixer setup. For example, if Combo Input 2 is assigned to fader 6 on your mixer, it will still appear as input 4 in your DAW. If no audio input is allocated to a fader, it will not pass through to the multitrack output. It is advisable to configure your mixer according to your recording needs before setting up your DAW session.

Typically, you should create a single track for each stereo or mono audio input, totaling 10 tracks if all inputs are used. This walkthrough includes all channels for demonstration, but you only need to set up the channels you are using.

Step 8: Set Up Stereo Tracks (e.g., Bluetooth)

To create a stereo track for sources like Bluetooth, create a new track by double-clicking below the existing tracks. Click the 'record' button.

Select the 'Input: Stereo' option. A list of paired tracks will appear. It is crucial to select the correct pairs for stereo sources. For example, ensure you select the option that pairs 'Bluetooth Left, Bluetooth Right'.

Step 9: Configure Stereo Input Pairings

Create a new track by double-clicking in the area below the existing tracks. Click the 'record' button.

Use the 'Input: Stereo' option to add the next stereo track. Repeat this process for other stereo sources, ensuring you select the correct paired option (e.g., the same source for both Left and Right channels).

The available stereo pairings include:

• Left / Right
• Right / Combo 1
• Combo 1 / Combo 2
• Combo 2 / Combo 3
• Combo 3 / Combo 4
• Combo 4 / Bluetooth Left
• Bluetooth Left / Bluetooth Right
• Bluetooth Right / Sounds Left
• Sounds Left / Sounds Right
• Sounds Right / USB1 Main Left
• USB1 Main Left / USB1 Main Right
• USB1 Main Right / USB1 Comm Left
• USB1 Comm Left / USB1 Comm Right
• USB1 Comm Right / USB2 Main Left
• USB2 Main Left / USB2 Main Right

Step 10: Select USB Multitrack Settings (Pre-Fader or Post-Fader)

Navigate to the USB multitrack settings page on your RØDECaster Pro II (Settings > Outputs > Multitrack > USB). Choose between 'Pre-Fader' or 'Post-Fader' mode.

• Pre-Fader Mode: Audio sources are sent to the multitrack output at unity gain, unaffected by fader positions. You can also bypass processing. This mode is ideal for capturing clean recordings for post-production editing.
• Post-Fader Mode: Includes all processing, channel effects, and fader positions in the multitrack output. This mode is suitable for mixing and processing directly on the RØDECaster Pro II.

Note: Effects triggered by SMART pads appear on the stereo mix but not on individual multitrack channels.

PRO TIP: When recording in post-fader mode, it is recommended to also record a clean, pre-fader multitrack recording to a microSD card as a backup.

Step 11: Begin Recording

To start recording, click the large 'record' icon in the transport controls. All your tracks will now be recorded according to your configured settings.