Roland has a new on-the-go podcasting setup with an attractive price. The company's Go:Podcast studio includes a USB condenser microphone (with support for four polar patterns) and a companion app that can stream to platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and facebook.
The company describes Go:Podcast as “the easiest way to stream high-quality live streams with a mobile device.” For $140, you get the USB microphone and access to the companion app (iOS and Android), which supports live streaming, including dual-camera setups. The latter can work simultaneously with your smartphone's front and rear cameras, or you can pair a second “satellite” camera to complement your phone's one. It also supports wireless screen sharing for things like live streaming mobile games.
Microphone polar pattern options include cardioid (best for one person speaking), omnidirectional (multi-directional), and stereo (best for two people or musical performances). A fourth option allows you to change 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 those accessories are not included. A Roland spokesperson clarified to Engadget that they were intended to illustrate an example of a complete mobile podcasting system with the microphone and app at the center.
The Go:Podcast app includes benefits such as text and image overlay, playback of video clips and audio tracks, picture-in-picture, and split screen. It has free-to-use background music tracks (which I hope sound better than I imagine) along with stock photos and videos.
Roland's $140 Go:Podcast Studio will arrive in early May. You can learn more (and look for more specific availability as the release date approaches) at roland website.
