The compact Wireless GO system from RØDE, along with its companion microphone, the Lavalier GO, receives a new paint job. White. The company has also introduced Interview GO, a handheld microphone solution, and MagClip GO, a magnetic mount.
The basic Wireless GO package comes with a receiver (RX) and a transmitter (TX) that has a built-in microphone. The wireless signal is transmitted over 2.4GHz, which provides a decent range (roughly 230ft) with a clear line of sight. The transmitter also has a 3.5mm TRS input, which can be used with a lavalier. RØDE has its Lavalier GO, an omnidirectional lav with a sensitivity of -35 dB and a signal-to-noise ratio of 67 dB. The Lavalier GO is available in black or white. A clip on the backside of the transmitter allows it to be easily attached to talent.
The receiver has a display that shows battery life, signal strength, and audio levels. It has a selectable dB output pad to better match with the camera's audio input. There's also a dual-purpose clip that can be mounted to clothes or to the camera's cold shoe. Both are powered by built-in rechargeable batteries that provide about 7 hours of life.
Overall, Wireless GO is a solid wireless system. It's included in my favorite wireless kits. The built-in microphone provides quality audio that limits background noise. Now with the white colorway, if the talent is wearing a white shirt or lighter color, it won't jump off the screen as much as the black model. The white version also comes with a white fur windshield. Many of the higher-end lavalier makers like DPA, Sanken, and Countryman, have an assortment of colors available for this very reason.
What's nice about the system is its expandability. For those on a budget, the basic Wireless Go system provides everything you need. When you want to incorporate a lavalier, it can, thanks to its 3.5mm input. There's no need to buy another wireless system. While RØDE has its Lavalier GO, the transmitter can be used with any 3.5mm TRS input. While it would require a redesign, it would be nice if the lav input had an optional locking thread.
The one sore spot is the windshield. It brands the RØDE name on both sides, which can be unsightly on camera. You might need to consider a different windshield that is not branded or find a way to position it so the name doesn't appear in the frame. I understand why RØDE did this—free marketing—it tends to brand everything it can. The company did the same thing with the VideoMic series windshields. But come on, man. If you're listening to customers by introducing a white colorway, let's simmer down on the branding for anything appearing on camera. (Cut to 3 months later, RØDE starts branding the pop shield on lavs.)
Overall, I like what RØDE is doing here. They are expanding and creating modularity with the Wireless GO system, which is always a good thing.
Pricing & Availability
I'm assuming we will see different discounted kits in the future, but the white or black Wireless GO package is $199. The Lavalier Go in either color is $79. Interview GO is available only in black for $29 and the MagClip GO is $19. Everything is available now.
Last question. Is it only me? Whenever I say "RØDE," I always think of the David Spade and Chris Farley scene in Black Sheep when they riff on the word "road" and "limit" before getting pulled over by an officer. Hilarious. Do you have a favorite Chris Farley moment? Let us know in the comments below.
