Paradoxically, the Wireless Go II, the second version of the ultra-compact dual-channel radio microphone system developed by Røde, leaves you speechless: the ease with which the transmitter and receivers are configured and used, as well as the excellent audio quality, amazes. which return up to 200 meters distance in the absence of obstacles (compared to 70 meters in the previous version). All for a system with an affordable price, which can be connected to cameras, smartphones, tablets and computers to record videos and podcasts of excellent quality. And which has now also been presented in the “Single” version, with a transmitter and a single microphone (coming soon also in Italy).
For all creators
Improved in all respects from the first generation, the Wireless Go II also costs a good 40% more, but it also does everything to deserve the higher price. Compact and easy to use, it is definitely meant for content creators who need to move freely such as Video Blogger and reporter, but it is also suitable for podcasters. The set includes a receiver equipped with a display for controlling the main functions and two transmitters, which is particularly useful when, for example, you have to interview someone. Any camera with microphone output can be easily connected with the supplied TRS cable, while smartphones and tablets require an optional cable. Here Röde offers both a version for lightining and USB-C, but we opted for the SC7, a 3.5mm cable from TRS to TRRS, to which we then added two adapters as needed: from jack to Lightning or from jack to USB-C, to connect the system to iOS and Android smartphones respectively. By doing so, the possibility of configuring the advanced functions of each transmitter with the Røde Central Mobile app is no longer possible, but you can always connect the devices to the PC with the supplied cables and use the Røde Central software (for Windows and Mac).
Complete equipment
Each unit weighs about 30 grams: despite the compact design and small size, the transmitter and receiver transmit a feeling of solidity between the hands and appear very well built, according to the quality standards that Röde has long accustomed us to. Behind each device there is a clip thanks to which it is possible to fasten it to a dress or a belt. The same clip appears behind the receiver, and fits perfectly in the flash shoe, if you want to anchor it firmly to the camera – in the case of the test, a Fujifilm X-T2 – so as not to get lost while moving during the shooting.
Each transmitter incorporates a premium quality microphone that features an easy-to-assemble and disassemble fur windscreen. The three devices work thanks to a rechargeable battery via USB-C port, which promises seven hours of continuous operation and almost always manages to bring them all home. On both transmitters there is also a 3.5 mm port, to which you can connect a Lavalier microphone (which Røde sells separately for 60 euros).
Commands and main functions
In addition to the microphone, each transmitter has a power button and two indicator lights: one lights up with the device and informs about the battery status, while the other flashes or stays steady depending on whether the device is disconnected or connected to the receiver. On this last one the 3.5mm port is missing (and therefore there is no possibility to connect a headphone that acts as a monitor for recording), but there are two more buttons: one is used to adjust the Gain control and to activate Mute mode, while the other allows you to activate the “pairing” mode or select the channel. Pressed together for a little longer, they allow you to switch from “split” mode, in which each transmitter operates on its own separate channel (ideal for interviews), to “merged” modes, where together the two devices feed a single channel.
The LED screen of the receiver is divided into four main sections, where we find different icons: for the receiver we have battery status and Gain level, while for the transmitters the icons show the channel number, the signal strength and the status of the respective batteries . Above all is the output level meter for the receiver, which allows you to monitor the levels to the recording device.
Free to move, without interference
The Wireless GO II system uses the new RØDE Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission system with 128-bit encryption. According to the manufacturer, it guarantees a range of up to 200 meters, as long as there are no obstacles such as walls or doors that – obviously – block the signal. In a world full of interference from all kinds of connected devices, the Wireless GO II is optimized to perform well even in environments where there is a lot of RF activity. Over the past two months we have tested transmitters and receivers during an automotive presentation, in a shopping center and, above all, in an airport: in every situation they seemed to deliver on their promises very well. In fact, you have to go very far from the receiver so that the microphones begin to “disconnect”, losing and reacquiring the signal, however, quite quickly. Even the presence of interference does not seem to bother the system too much, which brings home a signal that is always very clean even when you find yourself recording in cramped environments characterized by strong reverberation, such as the cockpit of a car or a small room. However, you can set up the system so that the microphones record quality audio even when not connected to the receiver.
Advanced configuration with Røde Central
In the box, along with a practical handbag, three windshields and a TRS cable (to connect the camera) there are also three USB-C cables: they can be used for simultaneous charging to connect the Wireless Go II to the computer. In the second case, using the Røde Central program it is possible to update the firmware of each device (and updates are frequent), but also and above all to configure some advanced parameters: in the case of transmitters, for example, it is possible to activate the memory recording function. internal, capable of storing over 40 hours of compressed audio or seven hours of uncompressed audio.
By activating the “Always” mode, the transmitter starts recording audio as soon as it is switched on and continues until it is switched off, regardless of whether it is connected to the receiver or not, which makes it practically a stand alone recorder. On the other hand, when the ‘Backup’ function is activated, the transmitter starts recording audio when it connects to the receiver, and stops only when the latter is switched off: in this way you have a copy of the recording without interruptions even in the in the event that the connection is disconnected or you forget to start recording on the target device.
Still using RØDE Central it is possible to set the recording quality, access the tracks and browse their content, also displaying any markers that the system affixes when the signal drops below an acceptable level, then export the tracks by naming them, choosing the file type (Mp3 / Wav ) and bitrate. Finally, direct access to the receiver allows you to reset the Gain adjustment mode, or to adjust the very useful Safety Channel: it can only be activated in ‘Merged’ recording mode, it allows you to create two recordings of the same source on two different channels, where, however, one of the two will reduce the gain by 20dB. In this way, you avoid the risk of losing part of the recording due to distortions generated by sudden noise spikes.
Per i podcaster
Finally, RØDE Connect deserves a separate mention, the free software that the Australian company makes available for podcasting and streaming with professional quality audio from your computer. The system allows you to use up to two Wireless Go II sets (4 transmitters and two receivers to manage up to four guests at the same time. To be managed with the interface is inspired by the RØDECaster Pro, the “integrated production studio” launched in 2018.
Conclusions
In an age where smartphones with increasingly powerful cameras theoretically allow everyone to create 4K video, audio quality is the element that can make the difference between acceptable content and professional content. The wireless Go II system, compact and flexible, allows recordings of excellent quality in almost all conditions, providing that extra gear that journalists and content creators increasingly feel the need, in the face of absolute ease of use. And when Røde has found a way to allow the adjustment of the most advanced features without having to physically connect to a computer, then the Wireless Go II system can be said to be almost perfect.
Pro
– Easy to connect to cameras, smartphones and tablets.
– Dual-channel recording up to 40 hours.
– Lightweight and easy to carry.
– Works (really) up to 200 meters away in open space.
– Quick setup: you are ready to record in seconds.
– Professional-grade audio quality.
– Frequent software updates.
Versus
– The configuration of the advanced parameters is only possible by connecting the system to a PC (for smartphones and tablets you need two dedicated cables, one for iOS and one for Android, both of which cannot be found).
– Internal recording (and not only) can only be activated via PC.
– The cost is not exactly entry level
– The “Single” version (just launched) in Italy is not yet officially on sale.
Price
In the configuration tested, the Wireless Go II system costs 309.00, but it is easy to find it on sale for about 270.00 euros from the various authorized dealers in Italy. From January there is also the “Single” version, which should arrive shortly in Italy with a price yet to be defined. Meanwhile, it is already on some European markets (such as Germany, Austria and Ireland and the UK) at a price ranging between 200.00 and 220.00 euros.