QSC TouchMix 8 Vs. Rode Rodecaster Pro II: Reviewed & Compared

Choosing the right mixer when there are so many on the market these days isn't easy.
Especially when many of them are built for one specific need but being marketed as an all-rounder 🙄
But not to worry, I've got ya!
I have taken a deep dive into two beasts in the audio-mixing game and gone head to head with them: QSC TouchMix 8 vs. Rode Rodecaster Pro II.

We're looking at things like:

Sound Quality: This is the heart of the matter, right? How each mixer holds up in delivering crisp, clear audio. Are we talking about a mixer that makes your tracks sound like they're live from the garage, or are we hitting studio-quality sound?
Ease of Use: Nobody wants to spend hours figuring out which button does what. I’ll break down the user interface of both QSC TouchMix 8 and Rode Rodecaster Pro II. Are they plug-and-play easy, or will you need a PhD in mixology to use them?
Features and Functions: Ie. What's under the hood? Let's find out what sets them apart.
Durability: No matter your reason for buying, you want something that's gonna last, not fall apart after a few light sessions.
Price Point: Yep, money talks. When it comes to prices, we need to see which mixer gives us more bang for our buck. Is the higher price of one justified by its features, or is the other a hidden gem at a bargain price?
Customer Reviews and Feedback: What's the word on the street? Sometimes real-world use tells a different story than what the sales page says.

QSC TouchMix-8

I Got My Hands on the QSC TouchMix-8: Still Impressed

I got my hands on the QSC TouchMix-8 when it first came out, and man, it's still a game-changer. This little beast replaces racks of EQs, compressors, and gates. The best part? Everything's super easy to access. You don't need a cheat sheet for menus because there's no annoying digging through sub-menus. Plus, the noise level? Ridiculously low, perfect for on-location gigs or filming.

Power and Portability

If you're thinking of going mobile with this mixer, keep in mind the AC adaptor is proprietary, supplying several different voltages. While you won't need a gas generator, rigging an outboard battery means getting a 12-volt, 17-amp AGM battery and a mini sine wave inverter. Trust me, this board's powerful enough to lay down all your tracks on an optional SSD drive for processing through your favorite DAW.

Touch Screen: A Mixed Bag

Now, let's talk touch screen. The sensitivity can be a bit frustrating at times, and the graphics could use a higher resolution, especially for the RTA. An LED screen update would be nice, particularly for outdoor gigs.

Reliability Issues

One thing to note – there have been a few issues with the aux sends and the board freezing up. I've also noticed some lag when moving the virtual faders on the built-in touch screen, which can be pretty annoying. But remember, no mixer is perfect.

Sound Quality and Effects

The sound quality? Spot on. The effects are top-notch, easily rivaling other portable digital consoles in this range. The mic pres are good, and the compressor lets you dial in precisely. It’s a bit bright, but the dynamics are stellar.

Overall Verdict

Despite its few quirks, the QSC TouchMix-8 is a fantastic, powerful mixer in a compact package. It's got big power and a small footprint, making it a solid choice for those needing a robust feature set in a portable design. Just be prepared to deal with that touch screen and keep an eye on those aux sends.

Rode Rodecaster Pro II

Real Talk: The RØDECaster Pro II Experience

High Expectations Met

When I first got my hands on the RØDECaster Pro, I was expecting something phenomenal. The multi-track recording with polywav files, one-button Bluetooth, USB in/out with mix-minus, and soundFX banks – it seemed like a complete package. It's like having your own audio production studio.

Initial Shortcomings

Lacking EQ Adjustments

However, it wasn't all perfect. The lack of basic three-frequency EQ control was a letdown. I thought the beautiful touchscreen would be perfect for this, but no luck. Not having these fundamental adjustments was a bit of a disappointment, especially considering its user-friendly design.

Microphone Compatibility

Not Just for Rode Mics

I don’t use a Rode mic – I’ve got Heil PR40s, which sound incredible with a Mackie mixer. So without onboard EQ, I had to tweak things in post-production. It’s a workaround, but not ideal. I’m curious to see how a Rode mic would fare, given their tuned presets.

Recommendation

Still Worth It?

Would I recommend the Rodecaster Pro? Absolutely. Despite some quirks, its potential is undeniable. It's a bit frustrating that I have to spend more time in post, which I hoped to avoid. But, I'm planning to test it with a Rode mic eventually.

Update: After Extended Use

Impressed by the Updates

After several months of use and with the release of the new software update, my view has shifted. The update addressed my concerns, adding controls for the onboard compressor, noise gate, de-esser, and more. It’s become a reliable workhorse for my podcast.

Power and USB Issues

A Frustrating Experience

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. There were power and USB issues that were quite troublesome. At one point, I couldn’t get the USB 1 to connect to anything, which was incredibly frustrating. This kind of issue is not what you expect from a premium product.

Final Thoughts

Great, But With Caveats

Overall, the RØDECaster Pro II is a powerful tool, but it comes with its own set of challenges. It's packed with features that any podcaster or content creator would love, but be prepared for some potential hiccups along the way.

Head 2 Head: QSC TouchMix 8 or Rode Rodecaster Pro II

The QSC TouchMix-8: An Unstoppable Force in a Small Package

In the world of mixers, size does matter. But the QSC TouchMix-8 isn't about to let its compact design fool you. This not-so-little beast is like having a full rack of EQs, compressors, and gates in your backpack. And if you're wondering about the noise level – whisper quiet, I tell ya! If you're the type that loves to take their work on the road, this mixer is almost perfect for that. The AC adaptor is proprietary and supplies several different voltages. Thankfully though, you don't need to lug around a gas generator – just an AGM battery and a mini sine wave inverter.

Navigating Through The Mix

The touch screen… ah well, it's a bit of mixed bag. It's not as sensitive as Aunt Sally's feelings at Thanksgiving dinner and could use some higher resolution for RTA. An LED screen update would also be nice for those outdoor gigs where sunshine is your enemy. Reliability-wise, there have been reports about aux sends acting up and the board freezing faster than an ice cube in Antarctica. Plus, some lag when moving virtual faders – quite annoying if I say so myself.

Riding High on Sound Quality

But it's not all doom and gloom with this mixer! The sound quality? Absolutely spot on — like a professional barista making that perfect cup of coffee each time. The effects are top-notch too, easily rivaling other portable digital consoles in this range. Despite its shortcomings (what's perfect anyway?), the QSC TouchMix-8 packs big power into a small footprint making it a solid choice for those seeking robust features in portable design.

Meet the RØDECaster Pro II: Your Own Personal Audio Production Studio

When I first laid my hands on the RØDECaster Pro II, it was like opening a present on Christmas morning. Multi-track recording, one-button Bluetooth, USB in/out with mix-minus – it seemed too good to be true.

Initially Falling Short

But then came the disappointments. The lack of basic three-frequency EQ control was a bummer. It's like buying a sports car and finding out it doesn't have cruise control. Also, not being able to tweak things in real-time means more work in post-production, which is less than ideal.

The Mic Test

The Heil PR40s I use sounded incredible with my Mackie mixer but seemed to lose their charm through the Rodecaster Pro. It's definitely something to keep in mind if you don't use a Rode mic.

Improvements Over Time

But after several months of use and some software updates, this mixer has grown on me. The update added controls for the onboard compressor, noise gate, de-esser and more – like finding an extra nugget in your chicken bucket! However, my journey with this mixer hasn't been all smooth sailing. There were power and USB issues that were quite troublesome – certainly not what I expect from a premium product.

A Powerful Tool With Its Own Quirks

Overall, the RØDECaster Pro II is an impressive tool but isn't without its own set of challenges. If you're a podcaster or content creator though, it offers features that can seriously level up your game.

The Final Verdict: And The Winner Is…

After much consideration and weighing of pros and cons between these two beasts of mixers, the clear winner is… drumroll please… the QSC TouchMix-8. Both mixers pack a punch and offer fantastic features, but the QSC TouchMix-8's stellar sound quality, top-notch effects and impressive power in a compact design make it the go-to choice for those needing robust features in a portable design. Just be prepared to deal with that touch screen and keep an eye on those aux sends. The RØDECaster Pro II is by no means a slouch and has its own strengths – it just fell short when compared to the QSC TouchMix-8. If you're looking for a mixer specifically for podcasting or content creation, then this might be your go-to. But overall, the QSC TouchMix-8 wins this bout hands down.