Photography News 87 Web

First test

When most cameras achieve 4K and Full HD, shooting high-quality video isn’t much of an ask. Nonetheless, getting audio to match is a real challenge. To produce watchable videos, sourcing a quality sound set-up – such as Rode’s latest wireless microphone kit – is a must RodeWirelessGo II PRICE: £279

RODE.COM

SPECS ›  Price £279 ›  In the box 1x dual channel

receiver, 2x transmitters, 3x furry windshields, 3x SC20 USB-C to USB-A cables, 1xSC5 TRS to TRS memory cable, 1x carrying pouch ›  Operating time Up to seven hours ›  Transmission range 200m (line of sight) › Operating systemrequirements Mac iOS 10.11 and above, Windows 7 and above ›  Computer connectivity USB-C ›  Analogue inputs 3.5mm TRS ›  Analogue outputs 3.5mm TRS ›  Power Built-in, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, charged via USB ›  Weight TX: 30g, RX: 32g

›  Dimensions (lxwxh) TX: 45.3x18.3x44mm RX: 45.5x18.3x44mm ›  Contact rode.com

ABOVE For a sense of scale, the Wireless Go II transmitter is barely larger than an SD card. These are compact units

WE TESTED THE Rode Wireless Go microphone system in the previous issue of Photography News , and it left us very impressed. Not one to rest on its laurels, Rode has been busy, providing us with the next generation to enjoy, the Wireless Go II. This employs Rode’s new Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption, enabling a line-of-sight working range of 200m. The system ensures stable performance, even in areas where there’s lots of radio frequency activity, such as offices, busy city centres and exhibition halls. Costing £279, the kit comprises a single receiver, two transmitters, three fluffy windshields, as well as the necessary cables to connect and charge the units. The receiver and transmitters are equipped with integral, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and, once fully charged via a USB-C lead, there’s power for about seven hours of use.

Each transmitter has a built-in microphone, while a spring clip attaches it to an item of the speaker’s clothing or a strap. There’s also a 3.5mm jack socket for an external lavalier microphone. That’s great if you want more discretion – the transmitter slipping into a pocket or clipping to a belt. The supplied furry windshields have a bayonet mount to keep them in place. I thought that would prove fiddly to fit, but it wasn’t the case at all. Afterwards, they remained firmly attached. Out of the box and charged up, pairing the transmitters and receiver is the first task. Fortunately, it’s a quick process. Simply turn on the receiver by holding the power button, before powering up the transmitters one at a time – it’s practically automatic! Once paired, the microphone number on the receiver lights up and, if you tap the microphone or speak, the sound level

bars activate on the receiver. There are also two blue LEDs on the transmitter: one indicates battery charge, while the other confirms pairing. Should you need to reconnect a transmitter, press and hold the pair button on the receiver for three seconds to enter pairing mode; then, a single click of the transmitter’s power button does the trick. Nonetheless, pairing generally seemed stable – following initial set-up, I didn’t have to reconnect once. The receiver, like the transmitters, comes with a spring clip that fits snugly on to the camera hotshoe – it also features an LCD info panel. Despite the screen’s small size, it’s easy to work out what’s going on. The bar indicators display output levels, monitoring the strength of signal reaching the camera or recording device. Located in the bottom-right and left corners, you can check each transmitter’s battery

condition, signal strength and input level, while the centre of the screen displays the receiver’s battery level, output gain and backlight mode. In terms of control, the receiver is able to remotely cycle through the two transmitters, as well as mute them. You can also mute each transmitter via the power button. The system also offers split or merged recording modes. Switch between the two by simultaneously pushing the receiver’s two buttons for three seconds. A change in the output level meter on the screen confirms the shift. In split recording mode, the audio from each transmitter is recorded to separate channels – that’s perfect for two-person interviews, where each channel can be edited independently. Meanwhile, merged recording mode combines the output from both transmitters. That may reduce flexibility

in post, but proves handy when only one transmitter is used, recording the output to both channels of your recording device. Using the receiver, it’s also possible to adjust the output level in 12dB increments. That’s vital – too much output can risk clipping. A tiny icon on the LCD marks the current setting. These are great little gadgets to use – they’re reliable and work very well, giving a crisp, clear sound. I tried them out with a Fujifilm X-S10, Olympus LS-P4 audio recorder and MacBook Pro, encountering no issues. The battery life was also impressive. Running the units continuously, the seven-hour working life claimed by Rode was pretty accurate. WC

Verdict

PROS Versatility, sound quality, operating life per charge, size, fits on hotshoe CONS None The Rode Wireless Go II is an excellent piece of kit. It functions well, has great versatility and is really compact. This three-unit kit, plus accessories, proves very good value for money at £279.

ABOVE The Wireless Go II receiver has two push buttons to select transmitters and channels, and adjust output. Its LCD is small, but the info is displayed cleanly. Staying in control is easy, enabling you to concentrate on the real task at hand

ABOVE Each transmitter has an integral microphone. The bayonet fitting accepts a furry windshield, plus there’s a 3.5mm jack socket for an external mic. There’s also a USB-C port for charging, while battery and connection LEDs are also fitted

38 Photography News | Issue 87

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