Rode Wireless ME Review // Auto Mic Level Control That Works

GEAR MENTIONED

VIDEO CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
0:48 ME vs GO II - What’s the Same
1:25 ME vs GO II - What’s New/Different
4:33 GainAssist and How it Works
6:31 Sound Tests
8:47 RX New Microphone and App
9:59 What I Don’t Like
10:47 What I Want to See from Rode
11:31 Final Recommendations

MY FAVORITE GEAR:

DISCLAIMERS & AFFILIATIONS

Affiliate Links:

Rode supplied me with the Rode Wireless ME for review.
The content of this video and my opinions were not reviewed or paid for by any outside persons.

[rodemic]

Hey Caleb! Thanks so much for checking out the Wireless ME and RØDE Capture. And great demo of GainAssist! Just a quick note regarding the Wireless GO II - the wireless transmission is exactly the same as the Wireless ME, so the recorded audio will sound the same, with the main difference being the Wireless ME has GainAssist and the Wireless GO II has the fine (10 step) gain control. And thanks for your suggestions for new wireless products – all duly noted :)

[impatrickt]

every email i get from a company with a wireless mic i reply "32 bit float"

[Trevellian]

Considering that the Wireless Go II is now over 2 years old, suspect a Wireless Go 3 will be released imminently. It will probably include GainAssist and all the new features of the ME. And hopefully, 32 bit float recording that records directly, without the Go II's need for their app and an export dance.

[Guairenito]

for someone just getting started who doesn't want to fuss with levels and stuff like that, basically a beginner like me, I think this is a great option

[samfraulino]

Folks talking about the fact it doesn't have internal recording are not understanding that Rode didn't make this mic/set for them. This is for simple set ups, getting good audio into a phone or GoPro, etc. If you are doing anything at the level where you can take audio from a recording and match it up in FCP or Premiere in post, then this mic isn't for you. Simple. Just buy the Wireless Go II or the new Wireless Go Pro.

[Ootini]

The Wireless GO III needs to have internal 32-bit float and a locking mic port. It would be the perfect wireless mic setup and I would instantly buy it lol

[Iget]

Gosh, instead of a third option, I hope they add the dynamic sound to the Go 2. Heck, I'd probably even got for a $20 upgrade license as long as it is a permanent unlock.

[JonAdamsMinistries]

So glad to hear you’ve been having clipping issues with the wireless go ii. I thought I was crazy that I couldn’t figure out how to keep them from clipping

[onocoffee]

This is a cool update but I'm going to hold out to see what the GO3 will bring. I think losing the internal recording of the GO2 is a significant loss - that internal recording has saved my butt twice now! Thanks for the video Caleb!

[ReelFilm]

I still use the original wireless go mics. They still suit my requirements perfectly. Great video.

[michaelangelo]

No internal recording is unfortunately a dealbreaker for me. I had my receiver die mid recording once and because the Rode IIs recording internally, I was able to save an interview from needing to be redone. Also you can throw the transmitters anywhere with a mic attached and it’ll record to itself when you turn it on - no need for a receiver. It’s insane frankly lol

[JoelYork-jrwe]

Love that all the things you wanted to see in the next version are exactly what they incorporated into the Wireless Pro...well except for calling it the Wireless Go Plus.

[TechOutAdam]

The Wireless ME is like an iPhone of microphones. Just plug and play. I honestly don't have time to try to set up the perfect gain and sound quality especially if it's just a talking head or vlogging video. For the price, I think they did great!

[uniworkhorse]

I just did a bunch of "run and gun" style interviews at a pop-up gallery with lots of noise and different voice levels. Using the Rode Go IIs, I was getting peaking on the more outspoken artists and guests. Having this for a situation would have been a game changer! I can imagine specifically for street interviews this would be amazing - especially with the back-facing mic on the RX.

Hopefully Rode sees the demand for such cool mics and decides to put this into the Go III or even... make this a firmware update??? That would be so cool for Rode Go II users - I really hope they don't pull a "Canon m50 II" and just release a Go III if this is a simple update away...

[benjhaisch]

love that your background slightly changes so often. makes me feel better about my own ADHD for mine ;)

[attaboyBrad]

The compromises for the ME seem substantial compared to the GO II, and the ME is entering a vastly more competitive marketplace than did the GO II several years ago. In a vacuum the ME is a mildly intriguing option, but in the reality of today’s marketplace its value proposition doesn’t seem immediately compelling. I would have hoped for better from Rode by this point—at least a more aggressive price point.

[gitpho]

EM EE EM EE EM EE EM EE EM EE EM EE EM EE

[mpegtom]

Thanks for the awesome comparisons! BTW also great job on being well-lit but not having the light reflect from your glasses. That must have taken some effort to set up!

[AllTerrainFamily]

Gain is never my priority when monitoring audio from a wireless transmitting lavalier. Noise from clothing to talent fidgeting is #1, interference from other wireless sources is #2 and waiting for the battery to die is #3. In my experience, not monitoring autio isn't a viable option regardless of gain. That said, I love the RODE wireless mics!

[christianarivera]

I never realized that the Wireless 2 records internally haha so thanks for that takeaway! :D