Rode Wireless Go II review: PERFECT wireless mic?

My in-depth review of the Rode Wireless Go II - the perfect wireless microphone?
#rode #microphone #wireless

[cameralabs]

My in-depth review of the Rode Wireless Go II. PS: it now seems to charge fine with all my chargers.
#rode #microphone #wireless

[benharveyphotography]

Thanks for having me on the Gordon show! That internal recording really is a life-saver and a great bonus feature. Hopefully they streamline the workflow for getting those files off the microphone. Interesting that the signal degraded well before the 200m range, even though that is still a very excessive distance from the camera!

[johndrew]

I was looking for a small self contained recorder. then I came across this little set up. I bought it straight away. It will be so useful once I get my head around it. I often do two person interviews and this will make it so easy. And nothing...NOTHING is more frustrating than losing audio due to an RF issue or distance dropout on a wireless system. The internal recorder is the best back up possible. Just wonderful piece of mind.

[iandickerman]

The day these were announced I placed an order for them. Can't wait till they arrive! thanks for the video confirming my purchase haha

[JustifyJustin]

It seems these wireless systems (non-uhf) don't quite have the same dynamic range as your traditional high quality lav systems. The sound although not bad seems thin/bright without much depth or bass - almost like a low bitrate mp3... it isn't that it's scratchy or hissy, but lacks overall depth (for lack of a better description), as if someone down-sampled an audio CD to mono, if that makes sense? I'm looking for a replacement for my older Sony UHF lapel system and these (along with the Saramonic) have great features, but I do feel it's let down by the overall sound quality.

[theindianbucketlist]

Your video is not only crisp but very informative as you covered all possible aspects. We are ordering Rode Wireless Go II as I write. Cheers

[christobella]

I actually ordered these as soon as I saw them, before I saw this review. As someone who films run&gun regularly with traditional mic packs, with antennae getting bent/broken almost daily with audio dropping out as a result, the internal backup recording is an absolute godsend. And no fragile antennae!

Thanks for the video, regarding the safety channel test, why does the internal recording from the transmitter sound better than the safety channel?

[kilroyfilms]

I got these last week and have only used a couple of times, once for a live stream test of live music performance. I think I must have set them up wrong as we couldnt get the sound right on a live stream and I ended up switching to my rode filmmaker kit which was way better. Do have any advice for setting up for use when live streaming please?
My scenario was taking a line out from the artists amplifier so capturing clean audio from his microphone with his applied reverb etc.

[christobella]

Great review as always. I've now used this system on 5 shoot days - a mixture of run&gun and more controlled set ups, indoors and out, at various distances. Coming straight from using more traditional UHF systems, I've been very impressed. The form factor is so eay to work with, and range has been good - easily on a par with my previous system. I haven't needed to make use of the internal backup recordings thus far, but it's very reassuruing to know that they're there. The other big plus point is battery life - I was a little concerned that the batteries aren't swappable, but so far (and two of the shoot days were fairly long) the packs haven't been much below 50% when plugged in to recharge at the end of the day.
I had one issue on day 2, which it seems has been a problem on the previous Wireless Go system - the on/off switch on the receiver didn't always respond, and it would take a while to switch the unit on or off. The solution for me (and others on the web) is to use my fingernail in the centre of the button, and it has since worked every time. Time will tell whehter this has an effect on longevity.
Regardless of that, this little system is brilliant for my needs.

[ive]

Here is an update on the issues I had with my wireless go 2. After returning the original set, I received a replacement this morning, I can confirm everything works as it should no feedback or RF issues, I can only assume the original set or cable was faulty. Great news as it now works as it should and I can concentrate on other things rather than audio issues. Gordon thanks for your input and opportunity to be able to connect with other users. I can’t wait to get back down to Brighton once we are able.

[MarkusSenior]

Great review Gordon. Looking forward to testing it out and using it. Cheers from LA.

[GarethWalkerPhotographer]

Hi Gordon, great video. One of the great new features of the GOII that was not mentioned in your video is the gain adjustment feature via in the app rather than the more corse adjustments on the receiver. Is this feature not functioning yet?

[rhondatennis]

The receiver connects by USB-C to a tablet/laptop for audio. Have you tested if audio can be recorded when the receiver connects by USB-C to compact cameras like the Canon G5x Mark ii and the GoPro Hero 9?

The primary deal breaker between the G5xii vs G7xiii is the microphone input. If the USB-C solves that audio problem on the G5xii, then there would be no need for the G7xiii.

For the GoPro Hero 9, it would be great not to need the brick dongle for audio lol.

[DanRichardFishing]

I love my Rode wireless go but they need to get the battery time just a bit higher. I do outdoor vlogs and need a good 10 hour battery time. 7 or 8 is just too low, wish they could get it to 10 or 12.

[OroNZ]

Hi Goron, thanks for the review. Those audio safety features will be key on the big jobs. What's your take on battery life - for dual channel, safety channel and/or remote backup recording?

[georgethelender]

Great video! Man how do you get such crisp audio out of your recordings? Used it to record a video end it seems to not be as crisp when it comes to sound

[joshcorum]

Love the review. What have you found to be the optimal gain levels? High, medium, or low?

[artkarp]

When testing distance, it would be helpful if the transmitter was clipped to your side pocket or belt and use a lav mic. This way the transmitter can always be facing the receiver, even when you turn around.

[SamandSteve]

Got mine yesterday, love them. How did Ben fasten the receiver onto the Pocket 2? Or did he have it in his pocket with a long cable to the 3.5mm input on the do it all handle?