Roland has a new on-the-go podcasting setup at an eye-watering price. The company’s Go:Podcast studio includes a USB condenser microphone (with quad-pole sampling support) and a utility that can broadcast to platforms such as YouTube, Twitch and Facebook.
The company describes Go:Podcast as “the simplest way to stream high quality live on mobile.” For $140, you get access to a utility (iOS and Android) that supports live streaming, including a USB microphone and dual camera setups. The latter can work with your smartphone’s front and rear cameras simultaneously, or you can connect a second “satellite” camera to complement your phone’s camera. It also supports wireless screen sharing for things like live streaming mobile gaming.
Microphone polar pattern options include cardioid (best for one person speaking), omni (omnidirectional), and stereo (best for two people or music performances). The fourth option allows you to convert the stereo channels to match your video.
Somewhat confusingly, many of Roland’s product photos (like the one above) show a mini smartphone tripod and V-Moda headphones next to the microphone, but these accessories are not included. A Roland spokesperson clarified to Engadget that these are intended to demonstrate an example of a complete mobile podcasting system centered around a microphone and software.
Go:Podcast includes features such as overlaying text and images, playing video clips and audio tracks, picture-in-picture, and split-screen. It has free-to-use background music tracks along with stock photos and videos (hopefully it sounds better than I imagined).
Roland’s $140 Go:Podcast studio will arrive in early May. You can find out more (and see more specific availability as its release date approaches). Roland’s site.
