How to Connect the Rodecaster Pro & Shure SM7B into Clubhouse
Mar 07, 2021How to Connect the Rodecaster Pro & Shure SM7B into Clubhouse
Clubhouse, the audio-only, social media platform has created some serious waves in the content creation space, and my first thought is always how can I capture content and repurpose that content that I create for my business.
That introduces a concern regarding the Clubhouse rules for when recording is acceptable and when it's not.
BEWARE: Recording others or other speakers and their conversation without their permission is against Clubhouse app rules and their Community Guidelines and can result in being removed from the platform.
Please see the Community Guidelines for the specific details HERE.
Everything You'll Need to Connect the Rodecaster Pro to Your Microphone to Record Clubhouse
Note: I personally use the Shure SM7B Microphone but any XLR microphone will work but for the purposes of this article, I'll be demonstrating use with the Shure SM7B.
Also note, any links to gear will be an affiliate link in which I'll receive a commission for your purchase through the link at no additional cost to the purchaser.
Main Audio Equipment You'll Need
Audio Accessories Equipment You'll Need
iPhone 3.5mm Headphone Adapter
How to Connect the Rodecaster Pro to Your Microphone to Record Clubhouse
The connection to set up the Rodecaster Pro to your phone is pretty simple. Once you have all the necessary pieces it's very easy and simple to use.
Unlike other setups that require the use of an iRig or similar, you won't need that at all.
STEP 1: CONNECT YOUR SHURE SM7B TO THE Fethead
The female end of the XLR cable will connect to your Shure SM7B.
The base of the Shure SM7B has a built-in male XLR port attached to the microphone shock mount.
This is where you'll connect the female end of the XLR cable in the Shure SM7B.
STEP 2: CONNECT THE FETHEAD TO THE RODECASTER PRO
I do not connect the Fethead directly to the Shure SM7B because I personally don't like the way it looks.
So, I choose to connect the Fethead to the back of the Rodecaster Pro.
The Fethead is an audio preamp like the Fethead or Cloudlifter.
I prefer the Fethead because it requires less fuss setting it up.
Plus, with the Cloudlifter you need a second XLR cable, and it makes you have to find someplace to put it or mount it underneath your table. This can be done with double-sided tape and sticking it underneath your table but it's not super portable or worth it in my opinion.
STEP 3: ENABLE MIX MINUS SETTING ON THE RODECASTER PRO
Enable the Mix-Minus setting will make sure that you can be heard by those on Clubhouse and you'll mix in their audio minus them hearing themselves.
Basically, that means that it'll work as it should so the people on Clubhouse hear you and any sounds your play on the Rodecaster Pro and you hear them without any issues.
1.) Click on the Gear Wheel icon (in the top left menu) on the Rodecaster Pro
2.) Select "Audio"
3.) Select "Processing"
4.) Ensure "USB Mix-minus" is enabled
STEP 4: CONNECT THE TRRS CABLE TO THE REAR OF THE RODECASTER PRO
This is probably the easiest step to have which is connecting the TRRS cable to the rear of the Rodecaster Pro where you see the smartphone icon.
STEP 5: CONNECT THE TRRS CABLE & THE 3.5MM TRRS CABLE
If you're a regular iPhone user, dongles aren't anything you're unfamiliar with.
In the same way you'd usually do this to connect your wired headphones to your iPhone, it's the same function to connect the TRRS cable coming out of the Rodecaster Pro to your phone.
STEP 6: CONNECT THE LIGHTNING ADAPTER TO YOUR PHONE
Another super simple step that doesn't require you to do anything you are probably unfamiliar with.
Connect the iPhone adapter with the attached TRRS Cable to your iPhone/smartphone.
STEP 7: CONNECT YOUR PHONE & START CLUBHOUSE AUDIO APP
Now comes the fun part!
Once you've connected your phone to Clubhouse you'll see a notification that pops up that will ask you if you want to enable "Music Mode" or "Speaking Mode".
You will want to select the "Music Mode" option to ensure everything works properly.
Now, you're all set to Record!
This is used the wired connection to get the best audio results possible when connecting your Rodecaster pro to Clubhouse.
You can use the Bluetooth option to connect to the Rodecaster Pro, which can be faster and also a great way to make sure you're also able to charge your phone while hosting or participating in longer Clubhouse rooms.
Why I don't recommend using Bluetooth to connect your phone to Clubhouse
If you're like most content creators wanting to get the best quality possible, Bluetooth doesn't provide that.
Your audio to the Clubhouse room will still sound great but the audio from those in the Clubhouse room will sound distorted. Similar to phone sound effects that sound a bit muzzled and less clear.
However, it is an option, so let's get into the details!
How to Connect the Rodecaster Pro to Clubhouse Using Bluetooth
STEP 1: ENSURE BLUETOOTH IS TURNED ON YOUR IPHONE/SMARTPHONE
You'll want to make sure that your phones Bluetooth is turned on so when the Rodecaster Pro pushes out a signal your phone will recognize it.
STEP 2: PRESS THE BLUETOOTH BUTTON ON THE RODECASTER PRO
When you press the Bluetooth button on the Rodecaster Pro, the menu will change to the Bluetooth menu.
Slide the Bluetooth icon to "ON" by seeing the green slider become enabled.
STEP 3: SELECT THE "PAIR" BUTTON ON THE RODECASTER PRO
Once you select the "Pair" button, you'll see the Bluetooth button on the Rodecaster Pro start flashing.
On your smartphone/iPhone in the Bluetooth Settings, you'll see the Rodecaster Pro show up as an option on your phone.
Select "Rodecaster Pro" on your iPhone/Smartphone and you will have successfully paired the Rodecaster Pro and your iPhone/Smartphone.
STEP 4: OPEN THE CLUBHOUSE APP AND ENJOY!
Unlike the wired connection setup, you do not need to select the "Music Mode" option when you enter a Clubhouse room.
Tips when recording audio from Clubhouse on the Rodecaster Pro
Oftentimes the Rodecaster Pro will include some type of memory card with it but they're rarely ever enough space when recording .wav files on the Rodecaster Pro.
I tried a few but I really love the Samsung 256GB MicroSD Memory Cards with the Rodecaster Pro.
If you're planning to host regular rooms on Clubhouse or host a show or podcast using Clubhouse, I'd highly recommend getting larger MicroSD cards vs 64GB or 128GB cards.
You may thing you won't need that much space but I assure you it adds up quickly!
You can grab a Samsung MicroSD card from Amazon HERE.
Have you hosted any rooms using Clubhouse just yet?
Share your thoughts below and let me know how your recordings work out for you!
Up Next: My Audio Settings for the Shure SM7B w/ Rodecaster Pro
