During testing, we discovered the system to be helpful and simple to use, though it might be simpler to adjust the gain levels while in use. Our complaints are minor, and there are many advantages here that make this a great choice for creators looking for a wireless mic system. A 2.4GHz digital wireless transmission was employed by the first Wireless Go, a diminutive digital wireless microphone system. It was the smallest wireless microphone system in the world when it was first released. Budget filmmakers, YouTubers, and Vloggers all took notice of it right away. Many counterfeit versions of the Wireless Go have entered the market over the past few years from a variety of producers. RDE’s original idea was developed upon by other firms, who created systems with twin TX units and an RX unit that could receive signals from two transmitters. We think the RDE Wireless GO II was created in direct response to some of these recently released rival products.
Rode Wireless Go II review: Design
As we’ve already noted, the Go II retains a lot of the pioneering design elements of the original Wireless Go, but the modifications added to this version have significantly raised standard of living. Each unit weighs about 30g and is incredibly lightweight for what it promises, measuring roughly 44 x 45 x 18mm. Despite their small size and low weight, they seem to be quite durable, however we wouldn’t want to test this claim with too many drops and without weatherproofing. When attaching any of the units to clothes, the plastic clips are quick and easy to use. They also serve as a hot shoe mount that fits nicely on top of your camera gear. These clips’ small size and compact design make them perfect for lavalier microphone use when clipped to a belt or for using the built-in microphone when clipped closer to the wearer’s mouth (in a jacket or even a dress). It is simple to overlook just how little and compact the entire system is by simply looking at the photographs. Measure it; it is only the size of a matchbox. It goes without saying that it has a very small footprint; in fact, the smallest professional wireless transmitter and receiver combination we are aware of. The only moving parts in the Rode Wireless GO II are the hinges, and those parts are well-protected, so it also receives good marks for durability. It is comparable to a cellphone in all other respects. It features a highly responsive colour display that alerts you when you may be clipping or are about to clip. Similar adhesive is used to attach the screen to the body, preventing water from passing through. Water-resistant but not waterproof, for sure.
Features
with the extension of the range and the installation of a second recording channel. The two transmitters’ signals can be blended together or recorded on different channels by switching between mono (Merged) and stereo (Split) recording. For the Wireless Go II, Rode used its new Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption to enable the increased range of 200m. Additionally, it is optimised for stability in regions with high RF activity, which ought to result in fewer dropouts. The two Wireless Go II transmitters feature built-in microphones, but they also each have a 3.5mm TRS input so a different microphone can be used. This implies that you can utilise a tiny clip microphone or turn a 3.5mm-output microphone into a wireless microphone. Of course, Rode updated the Wireless Go II’s receiver screen to make it possible for you to simultaneously monitor important data like the signal strength, battery level, and output level for the two transmitters. Through the receiver, the gain can be jointly adjusted. Additionally, the Rode VideoMic NTG and Wireless Go II also have a safety channel option. When enabled, the Wireless Go II stores a backup channel at a level that is -20 dB below the primary channel in case the main channel experiences clipping or distortion. This feature, which is in addition to the three-stage pad (gain control), which can be expanded to a 10-stage pad, is helpful if the sound volume is likely to change unexpectedly. also you will learn our article on Rode Wireless Go II review.
Rode Wireless Go II review: Connectivity
Almost any gadget on the market can be connected to the upgraded transmitters. The transmitters can now be connected to the USB-C connection on your Android device or the lightning port on your iPhone and iPad using new adapter cables. The updated device can now be used to connect to your computer and is even instantly recognized as an external microphone. Both the transmitters and the receivers contain a USB-C connection for charging, much like the original. Of course, the 3.5mm plug can still be used to connect to a phone or camera.
Sound quality
The quality of the microphones you use will have a significant impact on the overall audio quality you obtain from this setup. Since the noise generated by the system itself is substantially lower than that of any lavalier mic, it does not rely as heavily on the transmitter in this situation. Therefore, the best course of action for raising quality is to replace your microphones. Rode does offer you this choice, which is important. You can experiment and quickly swap out your external mic or use the built-in option. The Rode Wireless GO II’s transmission stability and susceptibility to radio interference are the other two noteworthy features. We didn’t have high expectations for the built-in since we personally have a wide range of options, some of which are rather pricey. As mic reviewers, we are also occasionally dubious anytime a product’s price seems too alluring, as in the case of the Rode Wireles GO II. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that it made very little noise on its own. The built-in here isn’t any better than any $50 mic, as you can hear some colour and other flaws despite the claimed smooth frequency response. However, you can easily create high-quality YouTube videos using it due to the low self-noise. Listen to some examples:
Software
Users of Wireless Go II have access to Rode Central and Rode Connect, two pieces of software. You may configure your Wireless Go II devices, unlock additional capabilities, and upgrade them to the newest software using Rode Central, an intuitive desktop and mobile application. Users can record or stream high-quality audio to their phone or desktop computer using Rode Connect, a podcasting and streaming application. On Rode’s website, you can download the free Rode Central and Rode Connect software for macOS, iOS, Android, and Windows.
Rode Wireless Go II review: Performance
The Rode Wireless Go II is just as simple to use as the original Wireless Go, but with a few more settings, it’s worth considering which ones might be most appropriate for your circumstances. Would a safety channel be a good idea instead of needing to record from the transmitters on two different channels, for example? As is customary when using a microphone, it’s critical to consider how you intend to use it or where you’ll place it before adjusting the level. Generally speaking, it’s best to reduce the camera gain and choose the recording volume using the Wireless Go II’s gain controls. The output metre on the Wireless Go II provides a good idea of the levels being recorded, but if you have the time, running a few tests will be helpful. For instance, we turned on “Manual” sound recording on the Canon EOS M50 Mark II camera in the menu and set the “Recording level” to the lowest registered value. Lowering the value by one turned off the audio recording. After a few trials, we discovered that the Wireless Go II produced the best results when the recording level was set to -3dB and the transmitter was attached to our jacket. You can only set one gain value for the system at this time, so if you’re recording two people who speak at different volumes, you might want to move the transmitter closer to the mouth of the quieter speaker. The Wireless Go II creates high-quality audio when configured properly. When filming outside or in an environment with background noise, the system picks up some of that noise, but the talent’s voice is always audible. It implies that your recording has some context.
Battery life
The tiny lithium-ion battery in the Go II will allow you to record for up to seven hours, and we personally went beyond that time limit multiple times. We have no idea how they manage it. On a frigid day outside, we record for an average of 6.5 hours, whereas indoors, we record for an average of 7 hours.
Price and availability
Two transmitters, one receiver, a soft carrying case, and a set of cords that let you connect to a computer or camera are included in the $299 Rode Wireless Go II kit. The device comes with three SC20 USB-C to USB-A connections and a single 3.5mm TRS cable, but Rode also sells $20 worth of additional cables that may be used to connect to a phone or tablet. The Wireless Go II is also available for $199 with a single transmitter and receiver setup. In contrast, if you only require one microphone and are on a tight budget, you might want to consider the $99.99 Razer Seiren BT Bluetooth wireless mic that we recently reviewed. A very identical set of wireless microphones from DJI that includes a receiver and charging case was just announced. Although we haven’t yet reviewed them, they are currently $329 at B&H Photo.
Conclusion
Rode significantly improved the Wireless Go II over the initial model, addressing a lot of faults while also introducing some unexpected features, and as a result, dramatically enhancing its appeal. Most obviously, the twin transmitters now enable recording interviews, whether for audio podcasts or on camera, so much easier than before, and from a practical perspective, the annoying original windshields now twist on and stay put securely. For our part, we would have been content with just these two improvements, but the Go II also extends the range, increases connectivity to include phones, tablets, and computers, and offers an internal recording option for backup in addition to an optional safety channel for defense against errantly loud sounds or improperly adjusted levels.
