RØDE Brings Vortex CallMe Remote Connectivity To Its RØDECaster Pro II And Duo Devices

The RØDECaster Pro II and the slightly smaller RØDECaster Duo are probably one of the world’s most popular podcasting tools. Now RØDE has teamed up with UK-based Vortex Communications to bring CallMe remote connectivity to the RØDECaster Pro II and RØDECaster Duo.

This new feature could transform remote content creation by bringing ultra-low latency and studio-quality remote connectivity to the RØDE devices. RØDE CallMe offers seamless integration with Vortex’s CallMe codec.

This new feature is available immediately as part of a free firmware update. With RØDE CallMe, podcasters and broadcasters can use their RØDECaster device to connect remotely over the internet using the RØDECasters’ Wi-Fi or Ethernet interfaces.

No Need For Hardware Codec

With the new feature, there’s no need for any intermediary software, complex setups or a hardware codec. CallMe’s secure and fully integrated SIP IP audio connectivity mean users can immediately connect to other RØDECaster Pro II or Duo users anywhere in the world. They can also connect remotely to a guest contributor using a browser-based interface by sending an email invite or QR code.

“RØDE CallMe marks a groundbreaking leap forward in remote production,” says RØDE CEO Damien Wilson. “By partnering with Vortex, we’ve removed constrictive technical barriers and eliminated geographic constraints entirely, to deliver broadcast-quality results for creators and professionals alike. It’s intuitive, powerful, and built into the gear that creators already know and trust.”

Vortex MD Ian Prowse added, “We are delighted to be working with RØDE to fully integrate our established CallMe IP Audio capability, bringing low-delay, broadcast-quality remote audio to the widest possible range of users including broadcasters, podcasters, internet radio creators and voiceover professionals.”

Replacement For ISDN

This is connectivity feature was something I suggested when the RØDECaster Pro II was originally launched. Now you no longer need to buy an expensive external SIP codec, Comrex Access or one of the rapidly disappearing ISDN lines.

RØDE CallMe is available in three flexible tiers through account.rode.com. RØDE CallMe Lite is free and supports one remote contributor (one CallMe channel), with up to 10 hours of RØDECaster-to-RØDECaster audio calls per month and a 5-hour trial of Web-to-RØDECaster calling.

The second tier is RØDE CallMe and costs $9.99 a month or$99 a year. This gives creators access to extended capabilities, including support for two remote contributors (two CallMe channels) and unlimited RØDECaster-toRØDECaster and Web-to-RØDECaster audio calls.

Finally, the RØDE CallMe Pro tier is priced at $49.99 a month or $499 a year and unlocks advanced tools designed for professional broadcasters. In addition to all standard CallMe features, it has multi-guest support (three CallMe Channels), a fully integrated IP audio codec which can work with third-party systems, plus support for advanced SIP calling with full protocol support.

RØDE CallMe Pro Tier

Subscribers to the Pro tier will also get resilient multi-network streaming with external 4G/5G support, broadcast-grade codec options with adjustable jitter buffering. There is also flexible control via touchscreen, web UI and CallMe Hub. Anyone can try the Pro tier free for 14 days with the flexibility to cancel at any time. A one-time purchase perpetual license is also available from Vortex and its distributors.

Each tier of the CallMe service provides high-quality and ultra-low latency stereo audio connectivity plus access to 24/7 support. RØDE CallMe Pro subscribers get specialty assistance from the Vortex Technical Support Team. This could be a genuinely low cost for radio stations to provide on-air talent with affordable remote access from home.

For decades, RØDE has been extending what’s possible with creative AV technology. This new partnership with Vortex unlocks professional-quality remote contribution that’s easy to use, letting creators collaborate with others around the world. It will be interesting to see if the service gets extended to video using the RØDECaster Video as video is becoming an essential part of the podcasting landscape.