BUYERS’ GUIDE
RODE WIRELESS GO (GEN 3) £249/$299 rode.com
SARAMONIC K9 £775/$999 saramonic.com
SENNHEISER PROFILE WIRELESS £229/$265 sennheiser.com
Rode’s latest Wireless Go (Gen 3) is a dual-channel kit that comes with a single receiver and two transmitters which have built-in 32-bit float recording, plus intelligent Gain Assist technology to ensure you don’t clip your highs. The new Go comes in black, white or lots of other limited-edition colours. The Wireless Go (Gen 3) now uses Rode’s latest Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption for stable audio at up to 260m, with line of sight. There are more than 40 hours of 32-bit float on-board recording, but the signal sent directly to the camera is not in 32-bit. A safety channel can be set at a lower gain in case of sudden loud noises. The Gain Assist has two modes – Auto and Dynamic – or can be turned off to allow manual adjustment. The kit has locking lavalier connectors and headphone monitoring with on-board level control. To extend battery life, the Go detects when the camera is on or off and follows suit. The system can be configured on a computer or smart device via the Rode Central app, although the most important adjustments can be selected via the LCD display and control buttons. Its built-in microphones have omnidirectional pickup patterns, and the Go outputs a signal via USB-C for digital audio or 3.5mm TRRS analogue for phones.
Saramonic’s latest K9 is a dual-channel UHF wireless audio system for professional users with high-spec demands. It’s built for robust performance in real-world environments, operating across a wide 550-960MHz UHF band, enabling global deployment via GPS-based frequency unlocking. The system features 32-bit float on-board recording with 32GB of internal storage, allowing lossless capture of audio even during RF dropout as a fail-safe for location work. Audio is recorded with a 130dB input dynamic range and delivered via a 120dB analogue output. Precise wired and wireless timecode synchronisation ensures frame-accurate AV alignment across multicam shoots, significantly reducing post workflows. Dual displays on the receiver – including a top-mounted screen – show critical info. The included IP67-rated, 3mm lav mic is compact and resistant to water and dust. Control and configuration are handled through the Saramonic System app, which allows remote pairing, gain adjustment, real-time level monitoring and firmware updates across up to 48 systems. The K9 offers up to nine hours of battery life per transmitter with USB-C fast charging. Two models are available – the global version includes all features while the US one disables simultaneous recording and transmission due to patent restrictions, enforced by GPS-based software.
The Sennheiser Profile Wireless 2-Channel Set is something very different in a world where many wireless mic systems offer strikingly similar features. The Profile system comes in a unique case, which doesn’t just charge up the TX and RX units but also becomes a functional handheld microphone. Pop on the included foam windshield and you’re ready to go, as it uses the transmitter unit inside to broadcast 24-bit, 48kHz audio straight to the on-camera receiver. The carry case stores the two clip-on transmitter units, a receiver, USB-C and Lightning adapters for smartphones plus a coldshoe for mounting on a camera. It also comes with a coiled TRS cable for standard 3.5mm mic inputs. Pairing is instantaneous when the units are removed from the case. The receiver’s compact touchscreen offers gain control, low cut, mute, LED brightness, headphone monitoring and screen orientation as well as stereo, mono or safety-track audio output. It displays the available recording time left on each transmitter, with up to 30 hours of internal backup per unit in 24-bit or 22.5 hours in 32-bit float quality. Each TX unit features a built-in omnidirectional mic, plus a 3.5mm locking input for lavaliers. The on-board backup recording is activated via a button on the transmitters or using the RX touchscreen. Recordings are easily retrieved via USB-C; no app or proprietary software needed.
Pros: The Go-to for mini wireless audio Cons: Older Pro version is often cheaper
Pros: High-spec and top-grade lav mic Cons: Not great for American buyers
Pros: Great price and functions Cons: Reporter mic doesn’t look great
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