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Rode Wireless Go II Introduced – Everything I wanted… Almost

Anybody needing wireless dual microphone setup should order a set of these.

The Rode Wireless Go II is a lightweight wireless microphone pack designed for the on-the-go podcast producer who wants to use light gear and easy to carry gear bag, while still being able to use a dedicated off-camera audio system. With this next generation, the Go II now offers dual channel recording for two sources, an extended wireless range for a more stable transmission, and on-board recording capabilities as a failsafe.

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Key Features

  • 2-Person Interviews, Vlogs & Podcasts

  • Built-In Omni Mics & 3.5mm Mic Inputs

  • 2 x Mini Clip-On Transmitters/Recorders

  • Records 7 Hours of Uncompressed Audio

  • Easy Setup with No Menus

  • Stereo or Dual-Mono Output Modes

  • 7-Hr Rechargeable Batteries + USB Power

  • Powerful Features/Customization via App

  • USB Audio Interface Functionality

  • Up to 8 Mics on Set / 656′ Range

Version II Upgrades

Whereas the original Wireless GO employed a single channel, version II is a dual-channel system, capable of handling two transmitters at the same time for simple, two-person shoots with low latency (3.5 to 4 ms).
Use the Rode Central Mac/Windows companion app (iOS/Android apps coming soon) to unlock powerful features and device customization—onboard transmitter recording, configurable safety track recording in dual mono mode, file playback and export, and more.
 
Via the app, each transmitter provides an onboard audio recorder offering up to seven hours of uncompressed recording (24-bit / 48 kHz WAV) or 24 hours of compressed recording, perfect for worry-free backup recording or a fast and easy way to capture sound from your subjects. Export files in various formats such as MP3 or WAV (16-, 24-, or 32-bit float) with date and time stamp information as well as automatic markers anywhere the transmitter-receiver link was broken.
 
Since the Wireless GO II can handle two transmitters at once, it features the ability to switch between stereo or dual-mono output modes. This enables each transmitter, and therefore each subject, to be recorded to a separate channel. Alternatively, signal from both transmitters can be mixed together and recorded identically to left and right channels. Use the app to activate safety track recording (-20 dB on the right channel).
 
In addition to the traditional 3.5mm TRS analog output, the Wireless GO II receiver has a USB Type-C digital audio output for operation as a 24-bit / 48 kHz audio interface. This can be connected to a computer with the supplied USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable, to the Lightning port of an iOS mobile device via the Rode SC15 cable, or to the USB Type-C port of a laptop, iPad Pro, or Android mobile device with the Rode SC16 cable (SC15 and SC16 cables available separately).
 
The new Series IV technology extends the line-of-sight operating range of the Wireless GO II to approximately 656′ compared to the 230′ maximum range of the original Wireless GO. It also offers increased signal strength in crowded wireless environments. Plus, the system is designed to run both transmitters without affecting the range performance.

What else I would have wanted:

I’m already buying it.  Its a huge improvement on paper compared to the Go version 1.  Also it saves me money from buying two and a mixer to integrate into my setup.  Still, there are some areas for improvement for a version III.

So here’s my wishlist for version III (yes, its early):

  •  Integrated headphone monitoring on receiver.  Yes, I know most of us will monitor using the camera’s headphone jack (if its built-in).  But now that the transmitters have built-in recording, what about monitoring also?  I can only hope that one can add bluetooth headphone monitoring too directly to my Airpods Max.
  • Built-in in addition to microSD recording on the units.  Whether its transmitters and/or receivers, it would be a nice addition that would just blow the competition out of the water.  24 hours is a lot or recording time, its really about being able to organize and just swap out memory cards for different projects or days so that just in case one of these tiny transmitters get lost, I have a backup / or backup of a backup somewhere in the form of memory cards.
  • Swappable batteries or user serviceable batteries.  I realize this may make the units slightly bigger, but having it completely integrated means its good for RODE, not so good for those of us that want to keep using these for years, and years to come.  (My Sennheiser EW G series is still going strong, and just requires AA batteries).
I realize the items on this list may never happen because it would cannibalize sales from their pro series wireless systems.  But maybe the competition will put pressure onto Rode.  I get mine in a few days, maybe I’ll post a quick first impressions video.  If you are interested in one, let me know below.
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