The original Rode Wireless Go was probably the best microphone system for the money when it came out. The new version, the Rode Wireless Go II, is better in every single way and still incredibly affordable.
What is it?
The Rode Wireless Go I and II are ultra-portable wireless lav mic systems where the transmitter itself has a microphone built-in. You can clip the transmitter on your shirt and use it as is or plug in any wired lav microphone and attach the transmitter to your belt like a standard lav system. The transmitter and receiver are both incredibly small and foolproof. Charge up the internal battery with a USB-C cable and turn them on, and they start working.
What's New?
- Whereas the original Wireless GO employed a single channel, version II is a dual-channel system, capable of handling two transmitters at the same time for simple two-person shoots with low latency (3.5 to 4 ms).
- Use the Rode Central Mac/Windows companion app (iOS/Android apps coming soon) to unlock powerful features and device customization: onboard transmitter recording, configurable safety track recording in dual-mono mode, file playback and export, and more.
- Via the app, each transmitter provides an onboard audio recorder offering up to seven hours of uncompressed recording (24-bit / 48 kHz WAV) or 24 hours of compressed recording, perfect for worry-free backup recording or a fast and easy way to capture sound from your subjects. Export files in various formats such as MP3 or WAV (16-, 24-, or 32-bit float) with date and time stamp information as well as automatic markers anywhere the transmitter-receiver link was broken.
- In addition to the traditional 3.5mm TRS analog output, the Wireless GO II receiver has a USB Type-C digital audio output for operation as a 24-bit/48 kHz audio interface. This can be connected to a computer with the supplied USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable, to the Lightning port of an iOS mobile device via the Rode SC15 cable, or to the USB Type-C port of a laptop, iPad Pro, or Android mobile device with the Rode SC16 cable (SC15 and SC16 cables available separately).
- The new Series IV technology extends the line-of-sight operating range of the Wireless GO II to approximately 656 feet compared to the 230-foot maximum range of the original Wireless GO. It also offers increased signal strength in crowded wireless environments. Plus, the system is designed to run both transmitters without affecting the range performance.
Conclusion
The Rode Wireless Go II lav mic system is the most versatile audio recording product we've ever tested. For most people, it's probably the only mic system they will ever need to buy. For any product in this space with this many features, we'd expect it to cost thousands of dollars, but shockingly, this system with two transmitters, one receiver, a carrying case, cables, and two dead cats only costs $299. This is one of the most incredible bargains we've ever seen.
We own a ton of expensive recording gear at Fstoppers, but for the last two years, I've found myself reaching for my original Wireless Go mics simply because they were so convenient. Now, with all of the new features, I may sell my Sennheiser G4s and move completely to the Wireless Go II system. Literally the only downside is that you can't swap batteries in the Wireless Go, but they are so small and so cheap, it's probably easier to buy extra kits, rather than dealing with charging AA batteries.
If you're looking for a wireless mic system, you should buy the Rode Wireless Go II. If you are willing to spend a little extra, I highly suggest buying this package, which includes wired lav mics as well. Even if you're a video industry professional and you planned to spend thousands of dollars on lav system, you should still buy the Rode Wireless Go II. Obviously, you won't use them to record audio on set, but these little things have so many incredible features, you'll certainly find a use for them, and it will probably be the cheapest piece of audio gear you'll ever buy.
That forehead shadow from his cap is distracting beyond words. Lighting, lighting, lighting!
I have been waiting for your review of this. Thank you!
Did they solve the line of sight issue with the original? With the original version if we got more than say 50 feet away, the signal would cut out the talent put their transmitter behind their body instead of in front of their body. It would also cut in at 30 feet if they walked in front of a concrete wall even though we were in the same room (big open room in a museum when I shoot all the time).
I'd love to know this as well. Never owned the version 1, but would love these for weddings. People turning at distance would definitely be an issue.
Yes, I belive so. At least this guy say so:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rht2gt0SlP8
They'll fix that in next years update after the 3rd party companies copy their design and have it first.
Nah I bought the beta version they released a year ago before finally releasing the final version for more money.
Rode Wireless Go was one of my best pandemic purchases by a long shot. I've recommended it several times. My setup gets used multiple times/week for in-studio video productions. Pairing it with a lavalier or the Rode HS2 headset mic has been a fairly foolproof way to capture clear audio. Shoots don't last more than a few hours in a given day, and I've had no issues with battery life. I have had a few issues with the mic cutting out when too much pressure is applied to the transmitter connection to the lavalier input (we're shooting yoga videos and have learned to be extra mindful of where the transmitter is placed in order to avoid this), but other than that, no complaints. Verion II with the ability to capture audio from multiple transmitters looks like a cool upgrade.
Clicked 'Play' on the video and saw "Includes Paid Promotion" so I am sure this is a nonbiased review since you're urging users to "buy extra kits, rather than dealing with charging AA batteries".
Yeah, why just have extra batteries, which are useful for a range of devices, when you can just buy more receivers and transmitters instead. What a great idea.
Tamron was the sponsor.
Damn you Tamron trying to make us by Rode products!!!
Then you should have done an actual review of the Rode Wireless Go II if you were being paid to do it. Instead you made a product ad. This system has downsides, like the internal battery, and your solution was to, and I quote, "buy extra kits, rather than dealing with charging AA batteries". I am not the only comment that noted this either but I thank you for singling me out and only responding to half of my original comment.
I said that was a downside.