RØDE Announces Its Most Powerful Wireless Microphone Ever

Australian audio brand RØDE has cornered the market in microphones for video use and today RØDE announced an entirely new wireless microphone system for filmmakers and content creators.

Following the recent launch of RØDE’s budget Wireless ME microphone, the company claims the new Wireless PRO is the most powerful wireless microphone with advanced features not found on any other wireless microphones – let alone a compact system.

The RØDE Wireless PRO has the same compact form factor as the company’s Wireless GO product. The dual-channel kit includes two transmitters and a receiver unit using RØDE’s Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission. The near-zero latency codec uses 128-bit encryption and can deliver stable audio signals at distances up to 260m (850ft) line of sight.

Each Wireless PRO unit has an integrated clip for fastening to a presenter’s clothing and includes omnidirectional microphones. The Wireless Pro is compatible with all cameras, smartphones, tablets, computers and other audio devices via analog 3.5mm TRS and digital USB-C outputs.

To ensure content creators can capture clear audio under almost any conditions, the RØDE Wireless PRO has 32-bit float recording capabilities. Float recording lets users record directly to the transmitters without clipping the audio signal. Float recording is a breakthrough feature on wearable wireless mics and ensures clean backup recordings. The 32-bit float feature eliminates the need to set gain levels before recording because it can be adjusted in post-processing.

Each RØDE Wireless PRO transmitter unit has 32GB of internal memory that can capture more than 40 hours of audio. Dedicated buttons on the transmitters make it easy to trigger recordings. For creators who want to record audio directly to their cameras, the Wireless PRO offers a range of features for capturing clear audio. For example, RØDE’s GainAssist technology uses intelligent algorithms to automatically adjust gain levels on the fly, reducing the risk of clipping.

The Wireless PRO transmitter units have a flexible output control with an extensive 30dB gain range. The adjustable output lets users match the mics’ output to their camera’s input sensitivity. Pre-configured presets are also included for quick-and-easy setup with a selection of cameras. RØDE has added a safety channel feature for extra security, which outputs a second version of the audio signal at 10dB lower than the primary channel. This backup channel is handy if the primary signal from the mic gets too hot and starts clipping the camera input.

RØDE claims that the advanced recording features built into the Wireless PRO make spoiled recordings a thing of the past. The mics can be set up to deliver “perfect audio” in any environment, removing the guesswork from the recording process and enabling filmmakers to focus on the more creative aspects of the production process.

To complement the Wireless PRO’s 32-bit float, on-board recording feature, the Wireless PRO has advanced timecode sync capabilities, making synchronizing audio in post-production even easier. The built-in timecode eliminates the need for complex and expensive external timecode systems. The Wireless PRO’s internal timecode generator can seamlessly synchronize audio with any camera. The timecode settings can be easily set up on a computer or smartphone using RØDE’s Central software.

The RØDE Wireless PRO has many other professional features, including locking lavalier connectors for external lavalier mics. Plug-in power detection on the receiver unit automatically powers on and off with the connected host camera, extending the microphone’s battery life on location.

The 3.5mm output on the Wireless PRO’s receiver unit also works as a headphone output for monitoring the audio as it’s being recorded. The output can work with a headset or other TRRS “narrator” microphone, including a lavalier. There are merged and split recording modes, marker dropping, and customizable buttons. These advanced features enable RØDE to reasonably claim that the new Wireless PRO is probably the most powerful and affordable wireless microphone system on the market.

The RØDE Wireless PRO has comprehensive accessories, including a smart charging case that protects the transmitters and receiver and ensures each unit is always fully charged and ready to go. The case can also export any onboard recordings stored on the transmitter units to a computer in the studio or on location.

The Wireless PRO kit ships with two RØDE Lavalier II microphones and RØDE’s MagClip GO magnetic clips, enabling the transmitters to be mounted almost anywhere. Also included are three furry windshields for recording in windy conditions. All necessary cables for connecting to cameras, phones and other devices and a case for keeping the accessories safe are included.

This new wireless microphone range has been designed and manufactured at RØDE’s Sydney HQ in Australia. RØDE claims that no other microphones offer such a wide range of powerful features or can guarantee perfect audio with any recording application. That’s probably a fair and measured claim because the Wireless PRO ticks all the boxes that professional content creators have asked for in recent years.

Pricing & Availability: $399.

More info: www.rode.com

Tech Specs:

• Acoustic principle: Pre-polarised pressure transducer.
• Polar pattern: Omnidirectional.
• Frequency range: 20Hz – 20kHz.
• Maximum SPL: 123.5dB SPL.
• Equivalent noise (A-Weighted): 22dBA.
• Signal-to-Noise ratio: 72dB.
• Analog inputs: 3.5mm locking TRS (TX).
• Analog outputs: 3.5m TRRS (RX).
• Transmission range: 260m (line of sight).
• Digital connectivity: USB-C.
• Minimum operating systems: macOS 10.15, Windows 10 and above, iOS 14, Android 11.
• Power requirements: Lithium-ion batteries charged via USB-C (5V, 0.4A).
• Operating time: Up to 7 hours.