Rocware RC08 Mini All-In-One Video Soundbar Webcam Review
22In this episode, we unbox and test out the Rocware RC08 Mini All-In-One Video Soundbar to see if it is something you should consider for use as a Streamer, Content Creator, or video conferencing.
When I first started on YouTube in 2007, things were so complicated to capture decent video and audio. I was using a camera with Mini 8 tapes that I had to transfer to a digital file format to be able to edit. Then, in 2015 when I started this channel, I simply shot footage with my cell phone, a Google Pixel XL at the time. Now, I shoot most of my footage with a Canon T7i DSLR, but sometimes it's a pain to deal with and connect. Sometimes I just want something simple and easy to plug in, get good video out of, and be able to capture my audio. This is where Rocware comes into play with their RC08 Mini All-In-One Video Soundbar. Designed from the ground up to provide great features at a quality price, they asked if we'd like to check it out, which we were happy to do.
First of all, it is interesting that Rocware isn't calling this a webcam, instead calling it a Video Sound Bar, emphasizing the fact that is something that focuses on an entire communication package. This full 1080P webcam also features an integrated mic and speaker, and the mic has a really cool feature. The rear has a sensor where you can swipe your finger and mute the mic or turn it back on. The front LED turns red when it's muted and Blue when it's turned on, so you know at a glance if you're audio is live or not.
When you're streaming or broadcasting, being in focus is extremely important. For this reason, Rocware has added a TOF Module, which is designed to gauge the distance between the subject and the camera lens. This TOF module helps the camera autofocus very precisely and quickly, regardless of the distance from the camera. When privacy is important, there's even a lens cover that slides into place, making sure that only what and when you want to be seen is.
Mounting the camera is super easy, and there are a few different ways you can do this. First up, the base of the camera opens and can be mounted to the top of a laptop screen or monitor. Secondly, if you have a tripod shoe mount or any standard mount, there is a threaded screw hole in the bottom of the unit. This makes mounting the RC08 where and how you want an absolute breeze. The camera also can be rotated 360 degrees, and if you touch the rear sensor for 8-seconds it will switch to portrait mode to capture video content for Tik Tok, YouTube Shorts, Reels, or other short-form content.
To connect to your computer ROcware includes a 6-foot USB-C Cable. I am glad to see this has USB-C, and even more glad that it is user replaceable. This is such an awesome feature to have, and even opens up the possibility to use a USB-C to USB-C cable on computers that support it.
Once I had the RC08 plugged in I got to testing in OBS Studio. I played around with color, contrast, saturation, and a number of other settings to maximize my video quality. I was glad to see that these settings all made a legit difference to the video output quality, so you can adjust easily to your lighting environment.
The RC08 dual mics are decent for what they are. In my studio, I sit about 4-feet from the camera, and there's a wall behind it. As such my audio sounded a bit distant to me, however, if I sat closer it did help my audio sound more rich and full. I was very surprised by the quality of the built-in speaker as it sounded very rich whether I was listening to content or if I was on a call with someone. I was also very happy to hear that there wasn't any echo or feedback to those I was talking to, a good sign for the onboard noise cancellation.
Why it RoX:
- All-In-One Camera/Mic/Speaker Design
- USB-C
- 1080P
- Good onboard speaker
- TOF autofocus module
- Portrait mode functionality
- Wide range of motion with mounting bracket
What could be improved:
- Only USB 2.0
- Image quality a little undersaturated
- Microphone could have a more full sound
- An onboard LED light would be really great
Should you buy one?
I love the quality I get from my DSLR, but sometimes if I just want to hang out in a voice chat with people I don't want to drag it out, hook it and the external mics up. The Rocware RC08 is an easy way to get a decent budget-friendly webcam, but it also adds some pretty awesome features. I can't get over the fact that it supports native portrait mode, which will make my YouTube Shorts production so much easier! I love the user-replaceable USB-C cable, it makes life so much easier, and the touch sensor to mute instead of having to mute in software is super convenient. This is something I can see using for captures and streams quite a bit moving forward and something that could help you in your content production as well.
#Webcam #OBSStudio #howtostream