Today the Australian-based audio equipment manufacturer RØDE Microphones has unveiled their first major NAB announcement: the introduction of the Wireless GO wireless system. With a built-in omnidirectional microphone inside the transmitter as well as a mic input, it's also being touted as "the world's smallest belt-pack transmitter for a lavalier microphone."
With an impressive 7-hour internal battery life and its small form factor, the Wireless GO could find wide application in many production environments. Given that RØDE's previous foray into wireless audio technology — the RØDELink Filmmaker Kit — has been met with mixed reactions, they seem poised to answer with something innovative like the Wireless GO system. Let's take a look:
RØDE Wireless GO
- Up to 70m range, "optimized for shorter-range operation in congested radio-frequency environments"
- Built-in omnidirectional condenser microphone
- Series II 2.4GHz digital wireless transmission with 128-bit encryption
- Operates as a clip-on microphone or belt-pack transmitter for a lavalier/headset microphone
- TX and RX have built-in rechargeable batteries, charged via USB-C
- Up to 7 hours on a full charge, including a battery saver mode
- Super lightweight and ultra-compact: TX and RX are only 29g each
- The transmitter and receiver pair in just 3 seconds
- • 3-stage output pad: 0, -6dB and -12dB
- Shipping April
- Use up to 8 systems in one location
- Price TBD
The Transmitter (TX)
- Built-in omnidirectional microphone
- 7 Hour Battery life
- 44mm x 45.3mm x 18.5mm
- Weighs 29g
- 3.5mm TRS Input for lavs
- Clip-on
The Receiver (RX)
- 7 Hour Battery life
- 44mm x 46.4mm x 18.5mm
- Weighs 29g
- Shoe mount and clip-on mounting
- 3.5mm TRS Output (other outputs available with adapters)
The transmitter/receiver combo is battery powered through an internal rechargeable battery that lasts up to 7 hours. I've generally been skeptical of any wireless audio system without AA battery options, as in any heavy field use it's not always practical. However, an internal battery life is totally sufficient and even ideal for many situations, including corporate videos, short films, and daily video use.
The Wireless GO is being marketed as a wireless system for the everyman, for "content creators in all disciplines: filmmakers, on-camera presenters, vloggers," to "emerging filmmakers" and "real estate agents." The built-in microphone and small size is intriguing -- I'm always excited to find new possibilities in audio recording and this is one I'm looking forward to getting my hands on at NAB (booth #C10916) next week.
Source: RØDE
