Rode Wireless GO II Reviewed
- Rode Wireless Go II Specs and Features
- The Rode Wireless Go II Offers Professional Features for Everyone
- What Functionalities Do You Get With Rode Central?
- Rode Wireless Go II Price
- Some of My Other Favorite Video Accessories
- Dual-channel system that allows you to record two separate sources at the same time, such as two-person interviews (it can also be used as a single-channel mic)
- Two clip-on transmitters/recorders
- Built-in omni mics with 3.5mm mic inputs
- 3.5mm analog TRS output as well as USB-C and iOS digital audio output for compatibility with cameras, computers, and smartphones
- On-board recording capability
- Rode Wireless Go II records over 24 hours of audio to each transmitter
- Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption
- Safety channel that records a second channel at -20dB as a backup
- Stereo or dual-mono outputs
- Supports up to 8 mics with more than 650 feet of range
- Rechargeable batteries with more than seven hours of life (you can use USB power as well)
- The RØDE VideoMic GO II is Here...And It's a Game-Changer
- Inexpensive Upgrades for Your Nikon Camera Gear
- Peak Design Travel Tripod
- Canon EOS R5
- Canon EOS R6
- Acratech GP-SS Ball Head
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
- Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM
As many of you know, I am primarily a landscape photographer. But a few years ago, I expanded into video creation and started our YouTube channel.
Even before I got heavily into video creation, I used Rode microphones for the occasional videos I took of my family. Now that I'm producing video content multiple times a week, I have quite the collection of Rode gear - including the Rode Wireless Go II.
I've had this microphone for over six months now, so I figured it's time I did a quick review to explain why it's such a fantastic little microphone.
Table of Contents:
Rode Wireless Go II Specs and Features
First, let's do a rundown of the basic specs and features of this microphone:
On top of all that, you can switch between Split or Merged recording modes and have flexible gain control. The Rode Wireless Go II has 2 person recording capabilities that makes it a great option for interviews as well.
Additionally, this mic is extremely easy to set up and comes with Rode Central app compatibility that gives you easy access to the system's features.
If I were to describe all these specs in one word, I would say "flexibility."
I mean, just look at all the ways that Rode allows you to customize your experience with this mic...
You can record two sources simultaneously, use up to eight mics, use it with all sorts of devices, output in stereo or dual-mono, power it with batteries or USB, and so forth. Additionally, you can record audio internally or attach a lavalier mic to the Rode Wireless Go II. From my perspective, that kind of flexibility is paramount when you're like me and do most of your video and audio work yourself.
With this mic, I can be out in the field and record excellent video and audio with my phone, and then head home and do the same with the Wireless Go II in my home studio with my Canon EOS R6. Though I have multiple mics, if you invested only in the Wireless Go II, you'd have everything you need to capture great audio no matter where you're at.
The Rode Wireless Go II Offers Professional Features for Everyone
Aside from the laundry list of awesome specs that this microphone offers, it's worth pointing out that you get them in an easy-to-use package.
Rode Wireless GO II is a small, pocket-sized unit that's easily carried and concealed. With over 650-feet of range, you can move freely without worry that the signal will drop and you'll lose your audio. And, the universal compatibility that I mentioned earlier is a huge benefit - if you shoot video with your phone but upgrade to a more capable video camera down the road, your microphone will still work.
Speaking of range, the Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption is a game-changer. Not only do you get the extended range, but you also get a system designed specifically for use in areas with high RF activity like offices, malls, schools, and urban areas.
Because the Rode Microphones Wireless Go II's internal antenna has been designed in a way to ensure a connection that's supremely stable, you don't have to worry about your audio dropping out. That's excellent peace of mind when you need to record your content and get it out quickly!
Additionally, you can attach the Rode Wireless Go II transmitters and receiver to just about anything using the built-in clips. Attach them to your camera, a boom, a rig or cage, or to yourself or whoever is in front of the camera.
Better still, there are no complicated menus to navigate to get this thing going. With the press of a button, you're ready to record professional-quality audio. If you're a beginner videographer, having a mic like the Wireless Go II will make getting started so much simpler.
Part of the reason for this ease of use is that the transmitters and receiver are paired right out of the box. Not only that, they remember which channel they've been assigned, that way you have a super easy setup each and every time.
Learn More:
What Functionalities Do You Get With Rode Central?
As impressive as all the features I've already discussed might be, one of my favorite features of the Rode Wireless Go II is its compatibility with the Rode Central app.
Why? It's simple - it greatly extends the usability and functionality of this mic.
The app enables device configuration from anywhere, including the ability to optimize and export recordings (when working from your desktop computer).
From either your computer or mobile device, Rode Central allows you to access information about the Wireless Go II, enable on-board recording, and access a fine gain control that increases the three-stage pad to a 10-stage pad.
Additionally, the app gives you the ability to activate the safety channel, which, as I alluded to earlier, records a second track to protect against distortion on the main channel. Naturally, the app can be used to update the Rode Wireless GO II with the latest firmware as well.
Rode Wireless GO II Price
At the time of writing, the Rode Microphones Wireless GO II price is $274.00.
Now, I know what you might be thinking - isn't that a high price for a microphone?
Honestly, no, it isn't! At least not for a microphone like this.
Sure, you can get a cheap microphone, but the cheapness of that microphone will shine through in the audio that it records. As I've said before, your videos are only as good as your audio, so don't pair your UHD 4K video with audio from a bargain-basement microphone you find on Amazon.
Besides, Rode Wireless GO II microphone is something that can grow with you. The built-in flexibility it offers means you can use it as a beginner today and as a seasoned pro a few years down the road.
As I said before, I have a lot of mics, and most of them are from Rode. But this one might just be my favorite because of all the features, functionalities, and utility that Rode stuffed into it. I just can't recommend it enough!
