GEAR
MINI TESTS
The new Rode twin-mic wireless solution, Rosco DMG’s pocket-sized LED light panel and a unique Peak Design camera strap are put throught their paces
WORDS ADAM DUCKWORTH
RODE WIRELESS GO II £279/$299 rode.com
SPECIFICATIONS Audio functions: Mono, stereo, safety track, mute Range: 200m/656ft Frequency: 2.4GHz Interfaces: TX 3.5mmaudio input port; RX 3.5mmTRS output, 3.5mmheadphone jack Built-inmics: Omnidirectional mono, 50Hz-20kHz Encryption: 128-bit MaximumSPL: 100dB Gain range RX: -24 to 0dB (12 dB steps) Battery life: 7 hrs Charging time: 2 hrs Transmitter and receiver dimensions (WxHxD): 45x18x44mm/1.8x0.7x1.7in Transmitter weight: 30g/0.06lb Receiver weight: 32g/0.07lb
How on earth could Rode improve on the Wireless Gomic system that won our Gear of the Year award? By adding a secondmic, internal recording and extending the wireless range, that’s how! These added features form the Wireless Go II’s answer to the problem of recording two subjects into a DSLR or mirrorless camera, via a single wireless receiver. Other companies have done it, but not as simply, or integrated, as Rode. Compact wireless systems often use a plug-in lavalier mic, but Rode offers a built-in, broadcast-quality solution, plus the capacity to plug in an external lav. The usual Wireless Go kit consists of a transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) unit, a 3.5mm lead for connecting to your camera or recorder, USB-C cables for charging, two furry windshields and a neoprene slip case. The Wireless Go II includes all this, as well as a second transmitter. But it differs to the original system; it’s a whole new two-channel range, whereas the older system required two TX, two RX units and a splitter cable – nowhere near as neat as this latest release. Wireless Go II units arrive synced. However, if you do need to re-sync, press the sync button on the RX unit for three seconds, and tap the TX power button for the same time. The only other button is ‘dB’, cycling through 0dB, -12dB and -24dB level settings. The LCD is quite small, but clear. It displays both channels’ levels and peaks – turning fromgreen, to orange, to red. The system includes a standard 3.5mm analogue TRS output cable for cameras, plus a digital audio output
via USB-C for smartphones and computers. Both input channels can be combined, recording as a single channel, or kept separate for more control in post. You canmute each channel individually using the RX unit. There’s also on-board recording, each transmitter capturing seven hours of uncompressed audio to its internal memory as a backup. The feature is activated via the new Rode Central app, which provides access to firmware updates and features, such as an active safety channel. It records a second track at -20dB, in case the main channel distorts. The Wireless Go II can switch betweenmono and stereomodes, has a mute button and rechargeable batteries, lasting up to seven hours, with a two-hour recharge period. It’s all about the sound quality and reliability, and the systems work well on both counts. The range has been upped hugely to 200m/656ft – that’s almost triple the old units. The built-inmic’s audio is clear, with decent low- and high-end tones. It’s surprisingly good for this type of audio system. As it’s omnidirectional, the sound is crisp, even as you turn your head, and background noise is well under control. What’s more, the windjammers that clip on to the TX units cut down wind noise well. PROMOVIEMAKERRATING: 9/10 The new Rode Wireless Go II is the ideal audio set-up for small cameras and vloggers, as well as anyone who needs a small, no-fuss system to record two interviewees.
TWO-UP Rode’s new Wireless Go II system comes with two TX
units, plus a new receiver
“The newRodeWireless Go II is the ideal audio set-up for small cameras or vloggers”
Pros: The smallest two-mic solution Cons: Levels for each TX do not vary
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PROMOVIEMAKER.NET
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