Whether I’m on location recording an interview or in the studio creating content, the RØDE Wireless GO II definitely has its place in my arsenal.
In retrospect, I’ve also worked with the Synco G2(A2) and have to say that I prefer the Wireless Go system.
The Wireless Go II is a compact and versatile wireless microphone system designed for indie filmmakers and content creators who need to capture high-quality audio without being tethered to an audio recorder. As the 2nd generation of RØDE’s Wireless Go system, it promises improved performance and features over its predecessor.
The system consists of a receiver and a transmitter(s) (depending on whether you get the single or dual-channel kit) that can be clipped onto clothing and/or attached to a camera.
The transmitters have built-in microphones, but you’ll need to purchase the lavalier microphone(s) separately if you want better microphone placement.
So, if you’re looking for a set of wireless microphones that’s more affordable than Sennheiser, Wysicom, Lectrosonics, etc…
I think you’ll find that the RØDE Wireless GO II is the perfect companion for your low-medium budget projects.
- Overview
- Technical Specifications
- RØDE Central mobile & desktop companion app
- RØDE Wireless GO II vs Synco G2
- Summary: RØDE Wireless GO II Review
Overview
One of the most significant advantages of the RØDE Wireless Go II is how easy it is to set up and use.
The units pair with each other automatically, and you can connect them to your camera or phone via a 3.5mm.
You can also use the RØDE Control companion app to adjust the settings and monitor the audio levels.
I found that the app was easy to use, and it provided me with a lot of control over the system’s settings. You can adjust the padding, enable onboard recording and so much more (which we’ll talk about later) . You can also monitor the audio levels in real-time and adjust them on the fly if necessary.
Performance
The sound quality of the RØDE Wireless Go II is excellent, especially considering its small size. The built-in microphones are omnidirectional, which means they pick up sound from all directions, making them ideal for capturing ambient sound or dialogue from multiple people.
However, if you need more directional audio, you can attach a lavalier microphone to the Wireless GO II (sold separately).
I tested it in a variety of situations, including outdoor environments with wind and background noise. It performed quite well (with proper mic placement, of course).
The system even has several built-in features to improve the audio quality, including a high-pass filter to reduce low-frequency noise and a safety channel that records a backup track at -20dB in case the main track clips.
Battery life
The battery life of the RØDE Wireless Go II is impressive as well. The units can last up to seven hours on a single charge, and you can recharge them via USB-C.
The transmitters and receivers also have built-in screens that display the battery level and other important information.
I found that the battery life was more than enough for a full day of shooting, even when using the system heavily. However, if you need even more battery life, you can use the units while they’re charging, which is a handy feature (you can always connect them to a portable USB power bank).
I usually charge them at lunch though. After that, they’ve got more than enough power to make it through the rest of the day!
Range
The RØDE Wireless Go II has a claimed range of up to 200 meters in open spaces, which is impressive for a wireless microphone system of this size.
In reality though, you’ll most likely be able to get as far as 150 meters before getting dropouts.
However, it’s worth noting that the range can be affected by environmental factors, such as walls and other obstacles.
In situations where the range is limited, you can use the onboard recording function via the RØDE Control companion app to save the day.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design: The RØDE Wireless Go II is incredibly small and portable, making it easy to carry around and use in a variety of settings.
- Dual channel recording: The ability to record two channels simultaneously provides added flexibility and convenience, especially for interviews or dialogue-heavy projects.
- High-quality audio: With 24-bit/48kHz digital audio resolution and a frequency response range of 50Hz – 20kHz, the Rode Wireless Go II delivers clear and accurate sound.
- Versatile input options: The RØDE Wireless Go II can be used with a range of devices, including smartphones, cameras, and audio recorders, thanks to its 3.5mm TRS input and output connectors.
- App control: The RØDE Central companion app allows for easy customization of settings and firmware updates, making it simple to get the most out of the device.
Cons
- Limited battery life: While the 7-hour battery life is reasonable, it may not be sufficient for longer shoots without the need for additional batteries or charging.
- It doesn’t include a lavalier microphone out of the box (you need to purchase that separately).
- Noisy gain: Some users have reported that the gain on the device can be quite noisy, which can be a problem in quiet recording environments.
Technical Specifications
Overall, the technical specifications of the RØDE Wireless Go II are impressive, especially considering its compact and lightweight design.
The system offers high-quality audio transmission and recording capabilities, along with versatile features like dual-channel recording and app control…
Wireless transmission:
- Frequency range: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
- Maximum range: 200m (line of sight)
- RF output power: 10mW (max)
- Modulation: GFSK, PI/4DQPSK, and Bluetooth
Audio:
- A/D conversion: 24-bit/48kHz
- Frequency response: 50Hz – 20kHz
- Dynamic range: 100dB
- THD: <0.03% (@1kHz, -20dBFS)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 106dB (@1kHz, -20dBFS)
Transmitter:
- Weight: 31g
- Dimensions: 44mm x 45.3mm x 18.5mm
- Power: Built-in LiPo battery
- Battery life: Up to 7 hours
- Charging time: 2 hours
- Microphone: Built-in omnidirectional condenser microphone
- Input connector: 3.5mm TRS (for external microphone or audio source)
- Mute function: Yes
Receiver:
- Weight: 32g
- Dimensions: 44mm x 45.3mm x 18.5mm
- Power: Built-in LiPo battery
- Battery life: Up to 7 hours
- Charging time: 2 hours
- Output connector: 3.5mm TRS (for camera or audio recorder)
- OLED display: Real-time audio levels, battery status, and other settings
- Mute function: Yes
RØDE Central mobile & desktop companion app
The RØDE Control companion app offers additional functionality and control over the RØDE Wireless Go system. The app is available for Android, iOS and desktop.
I think it’s a must-have and what gives the Wireless Go system its competitive edge…
- On-board recording (40h+ compressed audio/7h+ uncompressed audio)
- Safety channel (records a duplicate of your track at -20dB, to prevent clipping)
- Fine gain control (0dB to -30dB in increments of 3dB)
- Camera presets (to match your camera’s audio settings)
- Low-sensitivity mode (-10dB on the transmitter)
- LED brightness (change the brightness of the transmitter)
- Transmitter “Ø” button function (mute, marker or none)
By far, I have to say that the on-board recording and safety channel functions are the most useful.
You can choose between “always recording” (records whenever the transmitter is on) and “backup recording” (stops recording when receiver is off).
The app also allows you to rename your devices, which can be helpful if you’re using multiple Wireless Go II systems simultaneously. You can also update the firmware of your devices directly from the app, which ensures that you’re always using the latest version of the software.
Overall, the RØDE Central companion app is an essential tool for anyone using the Wireless Go II (or any other compatible RØDE product(s)).
RØDE Wireless GO II vs Synco G2
If you’re looking for an affordable pair of wirelesss lavalier microphones, these are the two products you should be comparing…
| RODE Wireless GO II | Synco G2 | |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz – 20,000 Hz | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
| Frequency Range | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Operating Range | 200 meters | 150 meters |
| Battery Life | 7 hours | 8 hours |
| Charging Time | 2 hours | 3 hours |
| Companion App | Yes | No |
| Built-In Microphone(s) | Yes | Yes |
| Includes Lavalier Microphone(s) | No | Yes |
| Onboard Recording | Yes | No |
I’ve personally worked with both and have great things to say about both the RØDE Wireless GO II and the Synco G2.
However, I definitely prefer the Wireless GO II because of the companion app, onboard recording and larger operating range.
Of course, you’ll be paying a little more and even more considering that you’ll need to purchase your lavalier microphones separately.
However, it’s worth noting that the lavalier microphones included with the Synco G2 aren’t that great.
So, which of these two wireless lavalier microphones do you think is best? Let us know in the comments!
Summary: RØDE Wireless GO II
In conclusion, the RØDE Wireless GO II is a powerful and versatile wireless microphone system that provides a lot of value for indie filmmakers and content creators who need to capture high-quality audio without the need to purchase an external audio recorder.
The device’s compact design, dual-channel recording, and app control make it a compelling option for a range of situations. While it has some limitations, such as a relatively short battery life, the Wireless GO II is still a solid choice for those who prioritize convenience and flexibility.
In my experience, I’ve found the RØDE Wireless GO II to be a reliable and effective tool for capturing high-quality audio in a variety of settings.
I’ve also had the chance to work with the Synco G2(A2) and, while it’s a great system, I personally prefer the Wireless Go II for its ease of use and portability.
If you’re in the market for a wireless microphone system that’s more affordable than high-end options like Sennheiser, Wysicom, or Lectrosonics, I highly recommend giving the RØDE Wireless GO II a try.
It offers a lot of features and performance for the price, and is sure to be a useful addition to any low-medium budget project.
Thank you for reading my review! If you have any comments or questions about the RØDE Wireless GO II, please leave them below.
Sources
https://rode.com/en/microphones/wireless/wirelessgoii
https://rode.com/en/user-guides/wireless-go-ii/using-rode-central
