Rode Microphones has a new and improved version of its much-loved Go portable mic, the Wireless Go II, which uses the same form factor as the original but adds a list of new and improved features. Most notably, the Go II offers two transmitter packs that simultaneously talk to a single receiver, letting you record two individual speakers to the same camera or connected device.
Basics
The Rode Wireless Go II ($299) ships with everything you need to begin recording high-quality audio to a camera or anything that can connect to a 3.5mm jack. The transmitter packs — two in the box — have built-in microphones that offer great sound on their own, or you can use them with any 3.5mm-equipped Lavalier mic, depending on your needs. The receiver pack can output to 3.5mm TRS but can also transmit using USB Type-C (also for charging). This is new for this generation, and Rode also sells USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to Lightning cables, so you can use them with modern Android devices, iPhones, iPads, Macs, and PCs.
Each pack has a built-in rechargeable battery that can provide up to seven hours of operating time on a single charge. You can independently adjust the gain on each transmitter and mute each individually or both from the receiver pack. You also can swap between mono recording with each transmitter as a channel and stereo recording modes. The transmitters can operate at a range of 200 meters (roughly 650 feet) from the receiver, provided they have line-of-sight. The receiver has a display showing input levels, battery status, connectivity, and more. The transmitters each have two LEDs that provide visual feedback for connectivity and gain. Each also automatically records locally, with the ability to store more than 24 hours of audio on built-in storage in case of dropouts in connectivity.
Design and performance
With this update, it feels like Rode has thought of everything. For one, you can get started immediately since the transmitter packs and receiver come pre-paired and assigned to the left and proper channels by default. They’re incredibly user-friendly, and while Rode has introduced a new Windows and Mac app for centralized control of them called Road Central, you don’t need any additional software to get started recording with them. Meanwhile, the best new feature might be tgettingall these improvements in the same great package. Rode’s original Go was rlargely remarkablebecause it came in such a small, portable package, with transmitters that featured built-in mics aandgreat body packs. The size here is precisely the same, and these use the same integrated clips that make them compatible with all of Rode’s existing Go accessories.
Bottom line
There’s a concept of “lapping” in racing, where you’re so far ahead of a competitor that you overtake them again. That’s what Rode has done with the Go II, which pads the lead for the best mobile video/field podcasting mic on the market, with intelligent features that address the few downsides of the original.
