RØDE Announces the Wireless PRO - The Most Powerful Microphone Ever
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RØDE is known worldwide for creating high-quality microphones, and their new Wireless PRO is no exception...
In fact, the RØDE Wireless PRO isn't just a high-quality microphone; it's the most powerful compact wireless system ever and comes with an absolutely mind-bending suite of features not found on any other microphone, let alone a compact system like this.
This compact, dual-channel wireless system features RØDE's state-of-the-art Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption. The result is incredibly clear, stable audio with a line-of-sight transmission distance of up to 850 feet. That's far, folks!
Helping matters is the Wireless PRO's Intelligent GainAssist technology, flexible output gain control, and safety channel, which work together to give you the cleanest audio when you record directly to a camera.
The Wireless PRO has 32-bit float on-board recording with 32GB of internal memory, which enables you to get the audio you need whether you're using the mic with your phone, camera, or computing device. Something that I particularly appreciate about the Wireless PRO is that it has an advanced timecode capability, that way I can more easily sync audio in post-production. Time is money, as they say, and this feature saves me tons of time.
As you'd expect from RØDE, the Wireless PRO comes with many more features that make it a more than compelling option for your audio needs...
For example, there's a headphone output with on-board level control and locking 3.5mm lavalier connectors for the utmost security. RØDE has also incorporated TRRS input for a headset or another microphone for a narrator, which allows you to record as many as three audio channels at the same time. Of course, the mic is super easy to configure using your computer or your phone and RØDE's easy-to-use RØDE Central platform.
Add plug-in power detect to extend the battery life, a smart charge case, two Lavalier II mics, a MagClip GO magnetic mounting clip, and an accessory case, and you have the makings of one heck of a microphone package!
Of course, all these goodies are wrapped up in a tiny, pocket-sized package that carries on the tradition of RØDE's groundbreaking Wireless GO and Wireless GO II mics. When I got the Wireless GO, I couldn't imagine RØDE making any improvements to it. Then they dropped the Wireless GO II, which took all the best parts of its predecessor and added tons of new features that made it an even better mic. Well, now RØDE has done it again and improved upon a mic that I honestly couldn't imagine being any better.
I'm not in a position in which my mic needs to be discrete, but if you are, the RØDE Wireless Pro is for you. Aside from its tiny form factor, the black-on-black design offers the ability to blend in with dark-colored clothing. The integrated clips make setup a fast process, and since it has a broadcast-quality built-in omnidirectional mic, you can clip it virtually anywhere on your shirt, blouse, or jacket and get high-quality audio.
Something else that makes this mic a breeze to use is the aforementioned 32-bit float on-board recording. This enables you to record directly to the transmitters without worrying about audio clipping. Likewise, this feature ensures you have a backup and eliminates the need to set gain levels before you begin recording. The 32GB of on-board memory I noted earlier gives you about 40 hours of record time, so you have plenty of time to get the audio you need before recharging the unit.
But, if you prefer to record audio to your camera, you can do that with ease, too. The GainAssist technology I mentioned earlier automatically controls the audio levels, which gives you a smooth and balanced result with less risk of clipping.
The Wireless PRO additionally offers a 30dB gain range so you can precisely adjust the mic's output to your specific camera. Heck, RØDE even incorporated camera presets to streamline the process of setting up the mic even further. We can add marker dropping, merged and split recording modes, and customizable buttons to the long list of features that make the Wireless PRO a must-have for your video setup.
In other words, RØDE has done it again! The quality of their microphones is unmatched, and with every iteration, I'm left wondering how they managed to improve on something that was so good already.
The RØDE Wireless PRO will be available in the near future for $399. That price might give some of you pause, but this is a you-get-what-you-pay-for situation. As we all know, making a great video doesn't just require beautiful visuals - you also need impeccable audio, and the Wireless Pro looks like it absolutely delivers!
