Rode Rodecaster Pro II Vs. Soundcraft Signature 22MTK: 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: Rode Rodecaster Pro II vs. Soundcraft Signature 22MTK.

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 Rode Rodecaster Pro II and Soundcraft Signature 22MTK. 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.

Rode Rodecaster Pro II

Real Talk: The RØDECaster Pro II Experience

High Expectations Met

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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.

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK

Everything The Product Sales Page Doesn't Tell You About The Soundcraft Signature 22MKT…

I tested the Soundcraft Signature 22MKT for a couple of weeks. I know, not that long, but it's been a revelation every day.

I work with a local piece band and they've been able to lay down live recordings in one take, capturing everything onto separate tracks in the DAW.

The ability to record up to 22 tracks simultaneously has been a game-changer in this respect.

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK 2
Click To View

Sound Quality and Support

Warm, Analog Sound ✅

The sound quality is exactly what we were looking for. The mixer provides a broad, balanced frequency range, delivering that warm, analog sound.

Plus, the onboard effects buses allow for creative mixing. Not to mention, the support from Soundcraft has been exceptional, both before and after purchase.

Who Is The 22MKT For? Not Beginners

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK
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Difficult Setup and Poor Documentation ❌

I always have to give the good, bad and the ugly… so here it is:

It's not all smooth sailing. Setting up the mixer with Windows was a nightmare, with no useful online resources.

The manual was no help either. It's a great board for those who know what they're doing and know their way around boards, but I can definitely see how for a beginner, it would be a steep and frustrating learning curve.

Early Impressions ✅

Impressive Functionality

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK 3
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In the early days of testing out the 22MTK, I was impressed with its routing capabilities, especially to outboard gear.

The onboard Lexicon effects are a bonus, and the ability to use DAW plugins during live play is a huge plus. However, the lack of an on/off switch and inserts is a bit puzzling.

Channel Issues and Sturdiness

Some Quality Concerns

Unfortunately, I soon ran into issues with channel one having low gain and a hum. This was unexpected, especially considering the mixer hadn't seen much use.

While the mixer is generally sturdy, these issues do raise some concerns about its long-term reliability.

Perfect for Specific Needs

Ideal for Unique Applications

This mixer was perfect for running a mic through guitar pedals. Its small footprint and built-in effects make it versatile for creating unique sounds. It's a solid choice for those needing a compact mixer with good functionality.

Soundcraft 12MTK: A Better Choice For Beginners

Soundcraft Signature 22MKT record up to 22 tracks simultaneously
Click To View

I know I have kind of shifted between the 12 and the 22 and thats because they are pretty much the same thing, you either need the extra channels (22MTK) or oyu don't (12MTK).

But the like its big bro, the Soundcraft 12MTK offers good sound quality and is fairly lightweight. The preamps are notable, as is the mid-range EQ. However, there are significant design flaws, like the problematic gain ratio and the lack of an on/off switch, which can be frustrating. It's a good mixer overall but be prepared for some quirks.

Check Out The Soundcraft Signature 22MKT
View The 12MTK

Head 2 Head: Rode Rodecaster Pro II or Soundcraft Signature 22MTK

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK: A Curate's Egg of an Audio Mixer

Not Quite Firing On All Cylinders

The Soundcraft Signature 22MTK, while an impressive piece of podcasting equipment, falls a tad short when it comes to ease of use. This digital mixing desk offers outstanding creative capabilities with the power to record up to 22 tracks simultaneously – a feature that would make any band giddy with excitement.

But here's the rub. Setting up this audio interface was like trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded. The lack of user-friendly documentation and online resources left me feeling like I'd been thrown into the deep end without a life jacket. Granted, if you're an audio wizard, this might just be your cup of tea. But for us mere mortals? It's a whole different ball game.

A Mixed Bag of Sound Quality and Support

Delivering the Goods but Falling Short on Durability

On the bright side, the Soundcraft Signature 22MTK does deliver when it comes to sound quality. The warm, analog sound it produces is music to any audiophile's ears, no pun intended. And let's not forget the onboard Lexicon effects and DAW plugin functionality during live play – all in all, pretty neat features.

Despite these perks though, there are some chinks in its armor. For starters, channel one seems to have taken a sabbatical with low gain and an annoying hum – not exactly what you want from your studio gear. And while it feels sturdy overall, these issues do raise eyebrows on its long-term reliability.

Rode Rodecaster Pro II: The Podcaster's Dream

Not Your Average Broadcasting Console

Enter the Rode Rodecaster Pro II. This sleek piece of studio recording equipment had me at hello. It's like a Swiss Army knife for podcasters – multi-track recording with polywav files, one-button Bluetooth, USB in/out with mix-minus, and soundFX banks. I mean, what's not to love?

Sure, it had its initial teething problems. The lack of a three-frequency EQ control was a bit like turning up to a fancy dinner party without your trousers on – slightly embarrassing and definitely something you'd rather avoid. But Rode seems to have pulled up their socks with the new software update that addressed these concerns.

A Workhorse With Few Hiccups

Worth the Investment?

The Rodecaster Pro II has become quite the workhorse in my studio setup, delivering reliable performance for my podcasts and live streaming sessions. However, it isn't all rainbows and unicorns. The power and USB issues were about as welcome as a skunk at a garden party.

Despite these bumps along the road, I'm inclined to say that the Rodecaster Pro II is worth its weight in gold. It offers some serious bang for your buck when you consider its feature-packed offering and user-friendly design.

The Verdict: And the Winner Is…

Rode Rodecaster Pro II Takes the Crown

So here we are at the finish line. Which of these two audio behemoths takes home the trophy? Drumroll please…It's got to be Rode Rodecaster Pro II.

Yes, the Soundcraft Signature 22MTK has its merits, but it's a bit like a high-maintenance sports car – great when it's running smoothly, but a nightmare when things go wrong. The Rodecaster Pro II, on the other hand, is more like a reliable SUV – it’s not perfect but it gets the job done with minimal fuss. Its intuitive design and robust features make it an easy pick for podcasters and live streamers alike.

So hats off to Rode for creating a top-notch USB mixer that strikes the right balance between functionality and user experience. It's an investment that keeps on giving, making it a clear winner in this head-to-head battle.