RØDE CallMe Remote Audio Feature for RØDECaster Pro II and Duo Introduced

Audio Gear News

by Nino LeitnerJuly 30^th, 2025

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Australian audio giant RØDE partners with Vortex Communications to bring integrated remote connectivity to RØDECaster Pro II and Duo users: RØDE CallMe is available as a free update to both devices.

RØDE has just announced RØDE CallMe, a new feature that could significantly impact how content creators handle remote audio production. Developed in partnership with UK-based Vortex Communications, this technology promises to deliver studio-quality remote connectivity directly through the RØDECaster Pro II and RØDECaster Duo interfaces.

What RØDE CallMe promises

The core proposition is compelling: ultra-low latency, high-fidelity remote audio connections without requiring third-party software or complex technical setups. Users can connect RØDECaster to RØDECaster or invite guests to join via web browser, all while maintaining what RØDE claims is broadcast-quality audio.

The technology leverages Vortex’s established CallMe Codec capability, integrating it directly into RØDE’s hardware via firmware update. This means existing RØDECaster Pro II and Duo owners can access the feature immediately without purchasing additional equipment.

“RØDE CallMe marks a groundbreaking leap forward in remote production,” states 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.”

Three-Tier Approach

RØDE is rolling out CallMe in three distinct tiers:

RØDE CallMe Lite (Free): Includes one CallMe channel supporting a single remote contributor, with 10 hours monthly of RØDECaster-to-RØDECaster calling plus a 5-hour trial for web-based connections.

RØDE CallMe ($9.99/month or $99/year): Expands to two CallMe channels with unlimited RØDECaster-to-RØDECaster and web-to-RØDECaster calling.

RØDE CallMe Pro ($49.99/month or $499/year): Delivers three CallMe channels, advanced SIP calling, full codec control, and third-party interoperability with IP Audio Codecs. This tier also includes resilient multi-network streaming with external 4G/5G support and broadcast-grade codec options.

How it works

The setup process appears straightforward. Users assign CallMe to a fader channel, similar to configuring a microphone or USB input. Making calls involves entering joining codes, while receiving calls requires enabling hosting and sharing a personal CallMe code.

For browser-based guests, the process seems equally simple: they receive a unique URL or QR code, grant microphone access, and connect within seconds. The system automatically applies mix-minus to prevent echo issues and allows full channel processing including EQ, APHEX effects, and noise gate functionality.

Smart solution for remote interviews

This announcement comes at a time when remote production has become increasingly important across film, broadcast, and content creation industries. The pandemic accelerated adoption of remote workflows, but many existing solutions require complex technical knowledge or suffer from latency and quality issues.

RØDE’s approach of integrating this functionality directly into hardware that creators already own and trust could remove significant barriers to adoption. The company’s track record with products like the RØDECaster series suggests they understand the balance between professional capabilities and user-friendly operation.

How well does RØDE CallMe work?

While RØDE’s claims are impressive, several questions remain unanswered without hands-on testing:

• How does the actual audio quality compare to traditional studio setups or other remote solutions?
• What are the real-world latency figures under various network conditions?
• How reliable is the connection stability during longer recording sessions?
• How does the monthly hour limitation in the Lite tier work in practice?

The pricing structure also raises some questions. While the free Lite tier provides an entry point, serious users will likely need the paid tiers, potentially adding ongoing subscription costs to what was previously a one-time hardware purchase.

RØDEcaster goes cloud, a logical step

RØDE CallMe represents an intriguing development in the convergence of hardware and cloud-based services. If the execution matches the promises, it could indeed “forever change” how remote audio production works, as RØDE suggests.

The partnership with Vortex Communications brings established IP audio expertise to RØDE’s hardware engineering strengths. Vortex MD Ian Prowse notes they’re “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.”

For filmmakers and content creators who have invested in RØDE’s RØDECaster ecosystem, CallMe offers immediate access to professional remote audio capabilities. Whether it delivers on its ambitious promises remains to be seen, but the concept addresses real pain points in modern content production.

RØDE CallMe is available now via free firmware update through the RØDECaster App, with registration required to unlock full access to the various tiers.