The Problem With All These Wireless Mics

Inexpensive wireless microphones have become super popular and they're generally pretty darn awesome. But every single one of these 2.4ghz systems that I've seen has a major flaw that I think is important to discuss.

This is an issue that applies to basically all of the 2.4ghz wireless mic systems currently available (as far as I know), so I'm not pointing fingers at any one brand. There are lots of Rode mics in the b roll because that's what I happen to have the most of, but again, it's something that applies to all brands.

I also hope it's clear that I'm not trying to say everyone HAS to spend a bunch of money on a UHF system. Like I say in the video, if you're on a budget or you don't use wireless audio very often, then one of these systems could be perfect. I just wish the manufacturers allowed for easy battery sways so that these can last for many many years and save us all a bunch of money while reducing waste.

⏱️Chapter Markers:
0:00 - Tangled Up With Wireless Mics
0:46 - What's the problem? (Spoiler: it's the batteries)
3:19 - My Prose on the Pros of Pro Audio systems
5:30 - What's the solution?
7:49 - My Request to Audio Companies
8:14 - My Advice for Consumers

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Episode 393: The Problem With All These Wireless Mics

[KimeeZM]

Non-replacable batteries is the secret way to make your hardware product a subscription service.

[tsbrownie]

I have taken similar devices to the people who replace cell phone batteries and they have been able to replace batteries. There are 2 main skills: 1) opening the device non-destructively, and 2) soldering in the new battery. Those guys can do it.

[RogerAVHansen]

This is a really good point Tom! Hope the manufacturing companies address the issue ☝🏻

[onTech]

There's the Sennheiser AVX-ME2 and MKE2, which are wireless and have replaceable/removeable batteries. They aren't cheap, but the audio is stellar.

[curtisjudd]

Nicely said, Tom. I believe that the product companies need to simply be more responsible and offer battery replacement services or replaceable battery products.

For those commenting that these consumer systems are repairable by others or yourself, yes, yes, that's technically true, but that's not a great solution for those who aren't DIYers.

[HasanNiz]

Good point! Zoom F2 is a really small 32-bit audio recorder and these 2.4GHz wireless systems are comparable to it in size, while the Zoom F2 takes two AAA batteries, sure the build quality might be a bit questionable but I know I can use it for years, while I can't say the same for my RØDE Wireless GO II

[Superjeanmarc]

They should be a law preventing brands to release products with non removable batteries... not only for price reason, but also for the environment.

[ebinrock]

Non-replaceable batteries are a big issue (don't even get me started on today's smartphones!). But I thought you were going to mention that they all operate on the 2.4 GHz band, which is generally not as reliable for transmission as UHF. I know from experience. One time I tried RODE's RODELink system, and I got the "fuzzies" when an actor dared sit behind a desk to begin a scene (which blocked the line-of-sight that 2.4 GHz is so finicky about). Good thing I also had a wired boom that day.

[thedeejlam]

Spank you kindly for this; the teacher in you served this vid well! On a note about Rode, it's illuminating to recall its previous RodeLink system that offered wireless XLR and 3.5mm pack products with replaceable battery options (including Sony NP-F type ones for the XLR base!). What's followed with Rode and its contemporaries in the 2.4Ghz arena -- and other electronic devices in general -- has often been a race to miniaturize, and to abandon a good 'ol gasket for hardcore IP-xxx-proof ratings. And we've loved it like we loved CFC-pumping refrigeration; however, perhaps with time we're finally ready to talk with these chickens that have come home to roost... and, perhaps, let some pink bunnies have a turn.

[RexxReviews]

I have one of the first sets of OG wireless Gos ever shipped out and have absolutely abused them over the years, I still have no battery issues at all with them. I'm at the point where if I spend $200 and they last me 3-4 years I've gotten my moneys worth. After that amount of time whatever new model is out is probally a decent upgrade for me anyways.

[MikeAzul]

These companies need to offer replacement/recycling and battery recycling programs to reduce all this waste

[Newrecordday]

Man this is brilliant and a great way to tackle a problem that’s not been chatted about enough! Thanks Tom!

[NatashaVincent]

Just got my first wireless mic and appreciate this video. "Right to Repair" is going to be a bigger and bigger trend. Don't be afraid to fix your stuff, especially for something as simple as a battery replacement.

[GuilDormeus]

You’re ABSOLUTELY right I've bought several replacement wireless go mics due to battery issues. I really hope these brands are paying attention. Great video

[Gemini_Connect]

This is a really good point. A lot of folks complained about the DJI Pocket 3 not having a replaceable battery, but I've never heard anyone say the same about wireless mic kits. Also, come to think of it, the original RodeLink Filmmaker kit (the predecessor to the Wireless Go) had replaceable batteries and was quite affordable.

[benpark]

Great shout! You can solve this issue and bag yourself a bargain by buying used Rodelink Filmmaker Kits - 2.4ghz, great lav mic, AA batteries (which last a long time)! You could buy a few for the price of one of the new pro Rode kits.

[funfunfun]

This reminds me of an Apple keynote many years ago, when batteries became non-replaceable in MacBooks. The claim was how much volume was taken up by the housing and compartment that allowed access to the battery. The volume of these two things was greater than the volume of the battery pack itself. Removing the requirement for these two things allowed bigger battery pack in a similar volume and / or reduction is the overall volume of the device. The placement of an inbuilt battery pack also adds more design scope to the placement of the pack. While Apple certainly didn’t invent the concept, I believe they were instrumental in the popularisation of it - after Apple released the iPhone with a built in battery, other companies felt validated in doing it themselves. If replaceable batteries are added, the size of these devices will increase if performance is to be maintained - the size of 2.4GHz microphone systems are a central appeal to me personally. We will also have to accept that build quality will be affected - a device with less moving parts has a natural advantage over one with more. It is a nasty problem - I always wince when I see discarded disposable vapes put in bins

[PhillipRPeck]

It's easy to find used Sennheiser G4 or G3 systems from reputable dealers like BH and Adorama for around the same price as a new 2.4ghz kit (in the U.S. anyway). So that could be a good alternative for some people

[patfase]

I've got an old Shure wireless lav mic system that I bought 8 years ago. Uses AA batteries in the lav pack. Still going strong. In fact it even has great resale value after all this time.

[jorgenudvang]

This video should be taped to the forehead of all video makers. And it's not only about batteries. The power button on my Røde Wireless Go II recently stopped working after 2 years and 2 months. Yes, you guessed it; the warranty was 2 years. Yes, I've been in contact with them. No luck.

From now on, I'll only buy this kind of device if the price is low enough for me to write it off in 2 years, like around $100. What I will buy though is a Comica W200 Pro UHF system with 96 channels, AA batteries and backup to a Micro SD card in each transmitter. It's bigger, heavier and looks "old-fashioned", but like similar systems from Sennheiser and others, it's built like a tractor and will hopefully last as long.

Thank you for a good, honest video!