AeroCaster: Quickstart Guide
There are two versions of AeroCaster, this guide is for AeroCaster:
AeroCaster |
AeroCaster Switcher |
| Phone Camera Streaming Switcher app and Controller |
Phone Camera Switcher app with HDMI output |
|
*UVC-01, UVC-02, V-02HD MK II, V-160HD, VC-100UHD, VR-1HD, VR-4HD, VR-6HD, VR-50HD MK II, VR-120HD |
The Quickstart Guide for AeroCaster Switcher is available here.
For additional support, please submit a ticket at roland.com/backstage
Quickstart Topics:
Click on a topic to jump to that section
PRODUCT VIDEOS
-
Roland AeroCaster Livestreaming System Tutorial
- A complete overview on setting up and using AeroCaster.
- A complete overview on setting up and using AeroCaster.
-
Roland AeroCaster Update: Record Without Streaming
- Overview of updates to the recording feature.
-
Introducing the AeroCaster Livestreaming System
- An introduction to Aerocaster and its features.
INSTRUCTION MANUALS
PDF and HTML versions of the Owner's Manual are available on the product page.
- There are separate manuals for the VRC-01 controller and AeroCaster Live iPad app.
- The AeroCaster Live manual is HTML only.
SOFTWARE UPDATES
The AeroCaster Live and Roland Satellite Camera apps are downloaded and updated through your device's app store. The apps should auto update, but to double check:
- Open the app store on your device
- Search for AeroCaster Live (iPadOS) or AeroCaster Camera (iOS/Android)
- In the search list, do not tap Open, first tap the app icon to go to its page
- On the app's page, if it says Update, tap to update
- Otherwise, it will say Open if you have the latest version
The VRC-01 controller is updated by downloading and transferring an update file to it with a USB cable.
- Updating the VRC-01 controller is not required, it's only recommended if you need the following:
- Option to disable Reverb for Line Input and Loopback
- Ability to apply future VRC-01 updates using MacOS
- Improved satellite camera audio compatibility
|
AeroCaster Live iPadOS |
Roland Satellite Camera iOS |
||
|
Roland Satellite Camera Android |
AeroCaster VRC-01 Controller |
- AeroCaster Live on the Apple App Store
- Roland Satellite Camera on the Apple App Store
- Roland Satellite Camera on the Google Play Store
- AeroCaster: How to Update the VRC-01 Controller System Program Firmware
CABLE CONNECTIONS
AeroCaster includes two USB cables in the box. Use them to:
- Connect an iPad with Lightning to the hardware controller
- Connect the hardware controller to an AC adapter (not included)
A data cable for USB-C iPads is not included.
If you want to do the following, you will need additional cables and adapters, which are covered in the guide with diagrams and important notes:
- Charge any iPad while using AeroCaster
- Connect an iPad with to the hardware controller without an adapter (USB-C models only)
- Add HDMI Program output to an iPad (USB-C models only)
- Connect the iPad to the Wi-Fi router with an Ethernet cable (USB-C models only)
This guide shows you how to connect both Lightning and USB-C iPads to the VRC-01 controller:
NETWORK CONNECTIONS
For best results, use a fast Wi-Fi router in the same room as your AeroCaster setup.
- AeroCaster Camera connections to the iPad use local bandwidth, not internet bandwidth.
- Your internet speed only impacts the stream itself, not the camera connections.
There are two ways to stream with AeroCaster Live:
-
1: Connect all devices to a Wi-Fi network that is connected to the Internet.
- A "mesh" router is easy to set up and will give you excellent results.
- They are available as a "2-pack" or "3-pack" to increase coverage.
- They are available as a "2-pack" or "3-pack" to increase coverage.
- A "mesh" router is easy to set up and will give you excellent results.
-
2: Connect all devices to a hotspot for tethering, using either:
- A personal hotspot on an iPad with a cellular data plan.
- A personal hotspot on a phone with a cellular data plan.
- A dedicated mobile hotspot device with a data plan.
This guide covers both ways in more detail:
COMPATIBLE DEVICES
There are two apps, AeroCaster Live and AeroCaster Camera.
AeroCaster Live is where you preview your sources, import media, set up your stream, and more. The included hardware controller is used with this app.
AeroCaster Camera turns your iOS or Android phone or tablet into a satellite camera, sending wireless video to AeroCaster Live.
HDMI cameras and devices are not supported. The only compatible input sources are devices running AeroCaster Camera and computers running the Chrome web browser for screen sharing.
AEROCASTER LIVE COMPATIBILITY
AeroCaster Live requires an iPad with an A12 or better processor and iPadOS 14.6 or later.
- AeroCaster Live is compatible with M1 and M2 iPads but not M1 and M2 Macs at this time.
- AeroCaster Live is not compatible with Windows or Intel Mac computers.
This chart lists compatible iPad models.
- Use this link to find your iPad model.
- Not all models on the chart are tested, but the processor speed meets the requirement.
| Model | Generation | Year | Processor | Connector | Status |
| iPad | 8th Gen | 2020 | A12 | Lightning | Verified |
| iPad | 9th Gen | 2021 | A13 | Lightning | Not Tested |
| iPad | 10th Gen | 2022 | A14 | USB-C | Not Tested |
| iPad Mini | 5th Gen | 2019 | A12 | Lightning | Not Tested |
| iPad Mini | 6th Gen | 2021 | A15 | USB-C | Not Tested |
| iPad Air | 3rd Gen | 2019 | A12 | Lightning | Verified |
| iPad Air | 4th Gen | 2020 | A14 | USB-C | Verified |
| iPad Air | 5th Gen | 2022 | M1 | USB-C | Not Tested |
| iPad Pro 11" | 1st Gen | 2018 | A12X | USB-C | Not Tested |
| iPad Pro 12.9" | 3rd Gen | 2018 | A12X | USB-C | Not Tested |
| iPad Pro 11" | 2nd Gen | 2020 | A12Z | USB-C | Not Tested |
| iPad Pro 12.9" | 4th Gen | 2020 | A12Z | USB-C | Verified |
| iPad Pro 11" | 3rd Gen | 2021 | M1 | USB-C | Not Tested |
| iPad Pro 12.9" | 5th Gen | 2021 | M1 | USB-C | Verified |
| iPad Pro 11" | 4th Gen | 2022 | M2 | USB-C | Not Tested |
| iPad Pro 12.9" | 6th Gen | 2022 | M2 | USB-C | Not Tested |
Older iPads may run the AeroCaster Live app, but may have performance issues with any processor older than A12.
Depending on the number of apps running in the background, the following may occur with older processors:
- Recordings fail when you stop recording
- Solution: Use a compatible iPad
- Dropped frames during mix or wipe transitions
- Solution: Change your Transition type to "Cut"
- Solution: Change your Transition type to "Cut"
- Dropped frames during Picture in Picture or Split Scene layouts
- Solution: Only switch between full-screen camera inputs
- Lower image quality with multiple satellite cameras
- Solution: Click the [Gear] icon and reduce the "Target Receive Bitrate"
- Solution: Click the [Gear] icon and reduce the "Target Receive Bitrate"
AEROCASTER CAMERA COMPATIBILITY
AeroCaster Camera requires a mobile device (iPhone, iPad, Android phone, or Android tablet):
-
iOS
-
iPhone 7 or later
-
iOS or iPadOS 13 or later
-
Apple A10 processor or higher
-
Please use this link to find your iPhone model number
-
-
-
Android
-
Android 10 or later
-
H.264 Hardware Encoder
-
For a list of verified mobile devices, visit this Support page and click on the "AeroCaster iOS/Android operation confirmation list" near the bottom of the page.
SCREEN SHARE COMPATIBILITY
You can also connect a webcam on a Windows or Mac computer using Google Chrome.
- Windows and Mac computers with a webcam running the Chrome web browser.
If you experience any connection issues with the AeroCaster Live or AeroCaster camera app, please check that all of your devices:
- Are on the same Wi-Fi network or hotspot.
- That Camera, Microphone, and Network access is enabled in your privacy settings:
CONNECTING LAPTOPS
You can connect the following sources to the AeroCaster Live app by using the Google Chrome web browser:
- Webcams on Windows and Mac computers.
- iOS and Android devices also work, but it's recommended to instead use AeroCaster Camera.
- Webcam sources cannot be controlled remotely like AeroCaster Camera sources.
- Google Chrome Browser tabs on Windows and Mac computers.
- Software windows or entire screens on Windows and Mac computers.
If you experience any connection issues with Google Chrome and AeroCaster Live:
- Check your Chrome settings and confirm that Camera and Microphone access is enabled.
- Check your Windows Camera Privacy Settings and confirm that Chrome is enabled for Camera.
- Check your MacOS Privacy settings and confirm that Chrome is enabled for Camera (if using) and Accessibility.
VIDEO RESOLUTIONS
You can choose to stream at 720P or 1080P resolution, there is an option in the setup menu for your streaming platform.
AeroCaster Camera sources will automatically adjust their resolution and frame rate based on Wi-Fi conditions and the Target Receive Bitrate setting in AeroCaster Live.
- Please review the tips in the Network Connections section of this guide to ensure the best possible Wi-Fi connection.
- The default value for Target Receive Bitrate is 5000 Kbps. If you increase this value, camera and screen share quality will improve, but the delay will increase slightly, without affecting audio sync.
- Consider setting this at 10000 Kbps if you have a fast Wi-Fi router.
- You need to reconnect your camera and Chrome browser for the change to take effect.
- You can close AeroCaster Live and reopen it to quickly reconnect the cameras.
- Reconnected Chrome will require a new short URL connection.
AUDIO MIXING
CLICK FOR TUTORIAL ON MIXING AUDIO
AeroCaster mixes audio from both the VRC-01 hardware controller and iPad itself. The VRC-01 has analog audio inputs for connecting microphones, audio players, and instruments.
Each time you open the AeroCaster Live app, make sure the iPad's volume is turned up all the way. You may see a message on screen asking you to do so.
The VRC-01's Mic 1 and Mic 2 inputs are mono inputs panned to the center. If you want to connect a stereo audio source like another audio mixer, there are two ways to do it:
- Connect the source to Mic 1 and Mic 2 and press the "Mic 1/2 Stereo" button to pan them left and right and adjust the input level with the Mic 1 and Mic 2 faders.
- Turn down the Gain knobs for both inputs if it is a line level source.
- Or, use the 1/8" Line Input and adjust the input level with the Line In fader.
The Direct Monitor button is useful for checking your mix on headphones.
- When it is turned on, you hear just the analog inputs from the VRC-01 with no latency.
- When it is turned off, you hear the entire mix with a small amount of latency.
There are two XLR/TRS combo inputs, a stereo 1/8" mini input, a stereo RCA output, and you can also use a built-in microphone or headset microphone.
Lip Sync is adjusted automatically, but some configurations may require that you set it manually:
You can also mix audio from imported video and audio clips, background effects and music assigned to the VRC-01 buttons, and audio from one or more camera microphones.
Note that HDMI audio output is not supported at this time, compatible iPad adapters with HDMI ports will only output video.
ADDING MEDIA SOURCES
AeroCaster Live can import up to 100 Still Images, Video Clips, and Audio Files.
- You can only import files from your iPad's Photos Camera Roll at this time.
- iCloud import will be added in a future update.
You can either select the imported Media as an input source and it will appear on the Program output, or you can add it to a DSK Media Scene to change the size and position of it.
- The option to crop DSK Media sources will be added in a future update.
You can also create a DSK Text Scene to overlay custom text.
PNG image files with alpha channel transparency are also supported. You can import them from your camera roll like any other still image, and add them to a DSK Media Scene.
- In your image editing software, export a 32-bit PNG file, 24-bit does not support alpha channel.
Up to two DSK Scenes can be overlaid on your Program output at the same time. Tap or press a Scene button to display it, and tap or press again to turn it off.
STREAMING VIDEO
With AeroCaster Live, you can stream directly from the iPad to any platform that supports RTMP.
What is RTMP? Ever notice how a website link sometimes starts with the letters HTTP? RTMP is like the streaming version of that.
You can also log in directly to YouTube, Facebook Live, and Twitch.
- If using multiple accounts with one of these platforms, please read this guide:
AeroCaster Live: How to Log Into A Different Streaming Account
- If you want your Facebook stream to be public, please read this guide:
AeroCaster: When I set the Facebook Live audience on the AeroCaster LIVE app to “Everyone”, the content is only streamed to my friends.
The following list contains important information on streaming platforms. This information is subject to change at any time. Please refer to the platform's support articles for the latest information.
Services that Support Direct Login
Facebook Live: There are no account restrictions for 30 FPS streams and you can stream to your Timeline, Pages, or Groups either publicly or privately.
- Requirements for Facebook Live videos
- About HD streaming on Facebook Gaming
- How to join the Facebook Gaming Level Up program
Twitch: There are no account restrictions, but private and test streams are not possible, all streams are public.
YouTube: There are account requirements before you can stream directly via login, most require no action from you.
- Most importantly, you have to verify your channel using a mobile phone number and wait up to 24 hours, using this link: youtube.com/verify
These are the requirements, please click here for more information. Note that these are YouTube's requirements and are subject to change at any time:
- Restricted Streaming: Requires 50 followers, no account restrictions in the last 90 days, a verified channel (requires a mobile phone number), and up to a 24 hour waiting period for mobile streaming. There is a limit on viewers (number of followers +25) and archived streams default to private.
- Unrestricted Streaming: In addition to the above requirements it requires 1000 followers and the waiting period may be longer than 24 hours for mobile streaming without restrictions.
-
If you do not meet these requirements: You can connect by setting up Custom RTMP in the menu.
- Log into your YouTube account in a web browser, enter YouTube Studio, and look for the RTMP URL and Stream Key.
Services that Support Custom RTMP
For all other services, set them up as a Custom RTMP in the menu.
Some services listed below may require a paid monthly subscription and some do not support streaming outside of their dedicated mobile app, please see below for additional details.
The following information is subject to change at any time. Please refer to the platform's support articles for the latest information.
BoxCast: Set up as a Custom RTMP service.
More information is in this guide.
Crowdcast: Set up a Custom RTMP service.
More information on Crowdcast's RTMP Studio is in this guide.
Dacast: Set up a Custom RTMP service.
More information is in this guide.
Instagram: Instagram now provides RTMP information to set up a Custom RTMP service.
More information is in this guide.
LinkedIn: There are account requirements before you can stream. You will need 150 followers or connections, a history of posting original content, and no community guideline violations.
Once your account is activated for streaming, set up a Custom RTMP service.
More information in this guide.
Patreon: This platform uses Crowdcast, please scroll up for more information.
Restream: Set up a Custom RTMP service.
More information in this guide.
If you want to stream AeroCaster to Restream Studio, you need a company plan.
More information in this guide.
Snapchat: This platform does not appear to support livestreaming at this time.
TikTok: There are account requirements before you can start a stream with the TikTok app. There may be additional requirements to get a RTMP URL and Stream Key.
Direct mobile streaming from outside the TikTok app is not supported, but you can set up a Custom RTMP service by setting up the stream in the TikTok app to get the RTMP URL and Stream Key.
Twitter: Set up a Custom RTMP service.
More information on Twitter's Media Studio Producer in this guide.
Vimeo: Set up a Custom RTMP service.
More information is in this guide.
RECORDING VIDEO
With AeroCaster Live, you can record directly to the iPad. To set up recording, tap the icon on the right side of the main screen, followed by the "Recording" tab.
- With AeroCaster Live version 1.3.2 or later, you can either stream only, record only, or stream and record at the same time.
- With AeroCaster Camera 1.5.1 or later, you can also record each camera individually for editing later. You can start and stop these recordings using the Live app, or pressing record on one or more camera apps
- The built-in iPad camera cannot be recorded separately.
- You can also set up the Live app to transfer the individual camera recordings when you stop recording/streaming. Make sure to set aside time for the transfer process, it cannot be cancelled.
If you want to watch your recording after you stop it, use this guide to enable sound:
PRODUCT IMAGES
Click each image for a larger version:
ADDITIONAL LINKS
-
AeroCaster Product Page
- Introduction, Overview, Detailed Product Photos, etc.
-
AeroCaster Specifications
- Detailed App Specifications
-
AeroCaster Manuals
- Owner's Manual, etc.
-
Knowledge Base: AeroCaster
- Additional Support Articles