Skype was one of the tools that broadcasters and podcasters used daily to make calls for collaboration and to have remote interviews and contributions. Of course there are other solutions out there, but none is universally used and understood as Skype was. Vortex Communications is in the broadcast market, offering IP Audio Codecs for a few years and understood that many journalists need to work from home and connect with the hardware existing in the station. That's how CallMe Click-&-Connect was born, allows users to connect Live from their browser with 20kHz low-delay audio. But Vortex also had experience with embedded applications for broadcast equipment used in the field.
Available now via a free firmware update, Røde CallMe enables creators to connect remotely over Wi-Fi or Ethernet, without reliance on intermediary software, complex setups, or additional gear. Powered by CallMe's secure, fully integrated SIP IP audio connectivity, users can now immediately connect to another RødeCaster Pro II or Duo. They can also connect to a guest contributor using a browser-based interface, by sending an invite via email or QR code.
"Røde CallMe marks a groundbreaking leap forward in remote production," says 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. It’s intuitive, powerful, and built into the gear that creators already know and trust."
Røde CallMe offers three flexible tiers, available through account.rode.com, to meet the diverse needs of content creators at every level. Available at no cost via a firmware update, Røde CallMe Lite supports one remote contributor (one CallMe channel), offering up to 10 hours of RødeCaster-to-RødeCaster audio calls per month along with a 5-hour trial of Web-to-RødeCaster calling.
For just US$9.99 a month or US$99 a year, creators can unlock extended capabilities, including support for two remote contributors (two CallMe channels) and unlimited RødeCaster-to-RødeCaster and Web-to-RødeCaster audio calls.
Finally, priced at US$49.99 a month or US$499 a year, Røde CallMe Pro unlocks advanced tools designed for professional broadcasters. In addition to all standard CallMe features, it offers multi-guest support (three CallMe Channels), a fully integrated IP audio codec with third-party interoperability, and advanced SIP calling with full protocol support.
Pro users also benefit from resilient multi-network streaming with external 4G/5G support, broadcast-grade codec options with adjustable jitter buffering, and flexible control via touchscreen, web UI, and CallMe Hub. A 14-day free trial is also available for the Pro tier, with the flexibility to cancel anytime. A one-time purchase perpetual license is also available from Vortex and its Distributors.
Each tier enjoys Røde’s hallmark high-quality, ultra-low latency stereo audio and access to 24/7 support, with Røde CallMe Pro subscribers receiving specialty assistance from the Vortex Technical Support Team.
"We are 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 including broadcasters, podcasters, Internet radio creators and voice-over professionals," Vortex MD Ian Prowse adds.
This new partnership unlocks professional-grade remote contribution and collaboration with a level of simplicity and quality never before available, enabling creators to collaborate without constraints, anywhere in the world.
Røde CallMe is now accessible through a free firmware update on the RødeCaster App for all RødeCaster Pro II and RødeCaster Duo users.
www.rode.com
