Live streaming is more popular than ever. Over the last ten years, the amount of content streamed every day has grown exponentially. This popularity hasnāt gone unnoticed by audio and video manufacturers. Although mostly known for their musical instruments, Roland has decided to further expand its A/V equipment lineup. The company now offers more pieces of gear to make solo and team productions easier to accomplish. Amongst these products, the AeroCaster Livestream System is a unique and very interesting interface tool that will help you get streaming in no time, with great looking results. Read on to find out more about this wireless audio/video interface.
First, make sure you check out this video that features my initial impressions and a demonstration of the companion app. Iāve also included an example of what your streaming results will look like.
The AeroCaster leverages the power of mobile devices
The Roland AeroCaster is a very specific type of audio/video interface. It bridges an iPad and up to four mobile devices (either iOS or Android) through Wi-Fi or 4G/5G networks. Thanks to the companion app, the AeroCaster Live App, you can control all of these devices remotely. Additionally, you can add your camera on your iPad as well as share screens from computers through Google Chrome. This connectivity amounts to a tremendous amount of streaming options. You can also use the AeroCaster as an audio interface with your computer.
AeroCaster hardware connectivity and features
The AeroCaster itself has a flexible structure that includes very important options to make your streaming sound professional. First, there are two preamps intended to be used with external microphones. Phantom power is also available for condenser mics. The unit features a gain knob and level faders for each channel. Also, a built-in compressor/limiter will help you even out volume differences and make for a more enjoyable listening experience. There are additional faders for the Line input and overall volume. Youāll be able to monitor everything thanks to a headphone jack. You can use the same connector to plug in a headset with a microphone. There is also a built-in microphone if ever you donāt have any of these options on hand.
There are some additional audio features available, which include handy utilities built-in to give you the best results possible. The echo cancel button will reduce the repetition of the other personās voice coming back to them from your speakers. The auto-leveller will apply volume correction, so that every speaking voice is consistent. There is a lip-sync delay knob to manually adjust the timing of the sound so it matches the video (the system is set to automatic by default). This is a great tool, considering that syncing is very important in live A/V productions. You can even add a certain amount of reverb to supply some ambience to your audio.
There are additional buttons that control low cut, a de-esser, the pairing of both audio inputs into a stereo track (panned left and right), thereās a background music on/off switch and two special FX buttons. This section of the unit doubles as the user assignable deck, which can be edited in the Live app.
The AeroCaster offers full video and streaming control
You can fully control the video of your stream thanks to various buttons on the AeroCaster interface. Youāll be able to activate four video sources, via dedicated controls. The scene selectors will recall the layouts registered to scenes 1 – 4 on the app. These include various picture-in-picture options, split screens, and graphic superimpositions (for a watermark or company logo for example). Last, but not least, you can start your stream thanks to a dedicated button.
Take control with the AeroCaster appĀ
Rolandās Aerocaster App is the companion app to the livestreaming system youāll need to connect every device together. Itās really well-made and gives you total control over your stream and your devices. Thanks to easy to navigate menus, each detail of the stream, audio, camera selection, settings, and layout are quick to adjust.
Camera selection and connection are easy and youāll have access to a preview window before you send it out to your viewers. Youāll be able to easily fade from view to view, offering a professional experience to anyone watching. For every mobile device, youāll be able to make adjustments such as lens selection, zoom, exposure, white balance, etc. In my tests, Iāve set everything to automatic, but you can adjust all the options to your liking and to match different devices. The same goes for the audio options that are available through a separate menu.
Roland included a media section on the app where you can cue different audio/video clips and pictures. Itās a fast way to get playable media to your viewers. Thanks to the scene menu, youāll be able to show picture-in-picture and split screens with your various cameras and imported clips. It also allows you to easily display logos and watermarks.
Streaming is quick to set up with your YouTube, Twitch or Facebook account. You can also set up a custom channel through RTMP. All of this is achieved either through Wi-Fi or 4G/5G networks, so make sure you have available bandwidth. Youāll also have the option to save the stream directly to your iPad.
To see how the app works, make sure you watch my video, where I walk you through the various menus and options.Ā
AeroCaster gives great results with little hassleĀ
The AeroCaster Livestream System is really an impressive unit. Roland included every little thing youād need to have a wireless streaming setup, with a minimum amount of gear. They also thought of every useful option to make a live stream production sound and look professional. Itās really no wonder it got tons of attention at various tech shows.
If you are into streaming and you happen to work alone, Rolandās AeroCaster is an excellent choice to make your life easier. Not only will you enjoy awesome results, youāll have a versatile tool to take with you to remote locations for IRL streams. With a few items you probably already own (iPad and a smartphone), youāll be up and running in no time. Thanks to a powerful, well-made app, youāll also have complete control over your devices and, ultimately, the look and sound of your stream. This Roland A/V interface is the perfect tool to either get started streaming or to take your production to the next level.
The AeroCaster Livestream System is available now on bestbuy.ca.
would use echo cancellation the most
The echo cancellation is the feature I would utilize the most.
The echo cancellation feature is the one I would use the most
the four video sources is a great feature
I think I would use the picture-in-picture and split screen options a lot.
I think I would use the echo cancellation feature a lot.
I would love to use the echo cancellaion feature.
Sounds like it would save a ton of time post editing! I think that I would use the audio transitions option the most.
I think I would use the echo cancellaion feature a lot.
four video sources seems like a great feature
I may need the auto-leveller to apply volume correction when using text to voice characters,
I’d use the special effect buttons for everything š
The echo cancel button is a good feature
I think the compressor/limiter feature that equals out sounds would be pretty useful.
I think the best feature would be having the capability to switch between four video sources.
Being able to connect all of my devices together using the Aerocaster App is a huge benefit.
Having four video sources is a great feature
I think I would use the echo cancellation and the background music on/off switch the most!
I would use the auto-leveller a lot!
The option I would use the most is the Echo Cancellation feature.
Echo Cancellation for cleaner sound would be excellent.
Iād use the picture-in-picture and split screen options the most.
My favorite feature that I would utilize most of the Roland AeroCaster livestream system is the ability to wireless connect and switch between 4 cameras.
The echo cancellation feature is the one I would use the most
AeroCaster app!
My favorite feature that I would utilize most of the Roland AeroCaster livestream system is the ability to wireless connect and switch between 4 cameras. I also love how I can use cameras that I already own. I just started producing YouTube videos where I plan to do consumer tech reviews. Having the right tech (like this) will help give my channel credibility and a professional look and feel. Roland was surely thinking outside the box when they designed this masterpiece. I can’t wait to review it on my channel.
Echo Cancellation for cleaner sound would be excellent.
I’d use the picture-in-picture and split screen options the most.
The echo cancellation feature is the one I would use the most
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