You plan to acquire good studio equipment to improve the recording quality of your podcasts outdoors and in your home studio. You will also like to have an ultra-compact dynamic instrument that can easily be slipped into your pocket, without cumbersome wiring.
Ideally, you will want such an audio recorder to be able to display the best sound recording performance wherever you are. If this is the case, then know that the Rode Wireless Go 2 will perfectly meet this expectation. How does this recording mic differ from other dynamic microphones and condenser mics?
Does it (really) represent a wise purchase of a professional and portable wireless at the best value for money? Let's immediately move on to testing the Rode Wireless Go 2 pocket microphone to discover all the potential it hides and also to give you a precise idea of its reliability.
Rode Wireless Go 2 Microphone Overview
The Rode Wireless Go 2 is a , ultra-compact wireless microphone that consists of a receiver and two transmitters . The microphone displays an omnidirectional polar pattern and transmits the sound signal in a 2.4 GHz . This microphone is therefore among the best microphones made for gaming, streaming , and podcasting.
To begin, you need to understand how the Rode Wireless Go 2 works and how it differs from various other (high fidelity) microphones So, for all those who don't know yet, the Rode Wireless Go 2 works on the basis of a transceiver system .
Its specific design allows this omnidirectional microphone to ensure the transmission of the sound signal without having to resort to any cabling. You will just put the transmitter under your pocket to connect the mini-device to your lavalier microphone using a simple mini-jack.
The transmitter will then be responsible for transmitting the audio signal to the receiver which can be either: connected to a computer, attached to a camcorder or connected to a Smartphone. Please note that it is possible to use both transmitters to record audio isolated or combined from the two transmission channels.
Small presentation of the Wireless Go 2 from Rode
Before getting into it, I will first start by presenting the Rode Wireless Go 2 as a whole:
Visibly, the Rode Wireless Go 2 omnidirectional dynamic microphone has an ultra-compact size with a dimension of 44 × 45.3 × 18.5 mm for each of the two transmitters. The receiver, for its part, has a dimension of 44 x 46.4 x 18.5 mm . Each of the three devices weighs only 31 GR. The entire kit therefore (all cables included) weighs approximately 100 GR.
The front of the receiver bears the Rode brand logo accompanied by the model name of the wireless mobile microphone, the Wireless Go 2 . Its front side features an LED indicator screen. The LED screen integrated into the receiver allows you to have an overview of:
- Battery charge status
- The strength (i.e. quality) of the wireless transmission signal
- The input level of each transmitter as well as their respective state of charge
- The level (or more precisely the quality) of sound gain on the receiver.
The same display provides information on the quality of signal reception from the two transmitters to the receiver. This helps to have a better overview of the signal transmitted in real time and coming from the two sound emitting source devices.
This will also allow you to ensure that there is no signal loss when recording audio. Particularly when you need to take audio outdoors and want to use specific devices such as a camcorder or a Smartphone.
Above, there is a button which is used to activate and deactivate it. Its right side has a connector for a USB cable and a TRS port for a 3.5 mm mini-jack . The USB connector can thus be used to connect the receiver to a computer , a Smartphone or a tablet . As for the TRS port, it will allow you to capture analog sound on a camcorder.
The left side of the receiver has two buttons. The first is used to control the sound gain in decibels and also allows you to mute the recording sound . As for the second button, we can use it to select the channels .
Presentation of the two transmitters
On the front of each transmitter, we find the brand logo followed by the model name. Each transmitter also has an on/off button as well as a port through which you can easily connect a USB cable .
Both feature a TRS microphone input for 3.5mm mini-jack. This makes it easy to plug in a handheld microphone or mini lavalier microphone. Also note that each of the two transmitters is equipped with an integrated microphone to directly record the voice. All of this, without having to resort to the use of any microphone.
And likewise, each transmitter has two LEDS indicators . One allows you to have a real-time overview of the battery status ; the other allows you to monitor the correct capture of connectivity via wireless Wi-Fi network. In total, the pack contains: a receiver, two transmitters, 3 anti-hiss windshields, 3 dedicated USB cables, an SC5 cable and a carrying pouch.
Rode PodMic microphone review guide . It is an omnidirectional dynamic microphone that does not require the use of phantom power. Discover in this guide our complete test and opinion on this microphone.
Rode Wireless Go 2: Focus on the technical features
The Rode Wireless Go 2 audio receiver is accompanied by two transmitters, each providing its own sound transmission channel . This design system gives you the possibility of connecting the two transmitters in wireless mode via Wifi . You can therefore record two sound sources to be able to transmit their signal to a single receiver.
The pairing of the two transmitters takes place automatically , because both devices are equipped with a system which allows memorizing the channel to which they are respectively assigned. So you won't have to worry about pairing your wireless devices.
To activate the Rode Wireless Go 2, all you need to do is press and hold the power button on the receiver for one to two seconds. After that, you will need to pair the two transmitters to the receiver.
To do this, simply press each power button on both transmitters simultaneously and hold for a few seconds. Pairing will then start systematically. This may take a few seconds.
If one of the two transmitters has difficulty connecting to the receiver, you will immediately notice this because the blue LED indicator on the transmitter will flash.
The icon corresponding to this channel will also not appear on the receiver's LED screen. From then on, you will easily be able to identify which of the two transmitters has a connection failure and requires re-pairing.
In case re-pairing is helpful, simply press and hold the pairing button on the receiver for three seconds. This operation should normally allow the pairing to be restarted .
Once this is done, all you have to do is press the transmitter activation button and wait a few seconds. You can also disconnect a transmitter by selecting it by simply pressing the pairing button and holding it for three seconds.
Since we are dealing here with a wireless audio recorder , the two transmitters as well as the receiver of the Rode Wireless Go 2 are equipped with an internal battery. Made of lithium ion , it has a battery life of more than 7 hours.
As soon as the battery level is getting low, the corresponding LED (battery level) indicator will start flashing on the transmitters. When the device really starts to run out of battery, the indicator will flash (even) faster.
The LED screen integrated into the receiver also allows you to have an overview of the battery level of each device that makes up the Rode Wireless Go 2. When the battery is full, the corresponding icon indicator appears green. When the battery starts to weaken, it will turn yellow. When the battery runs out, the indication icon will turn red.
You can recharge the Rode Wireless Go 2 using the USB cable provided by the manufacturer.
Since the Rode Wireless Go 2 can also be intended for outdoor use, the entire 3-in-1 device comes with three anti-blow windscreens . high-quality omnidirectional condenser and polar pattern microphone capsule
The professional condenser microphone integrated into each of the two transmitters allows you to capture the surrounding sound with great clarity and more detail .
When you are required to record sound outdoors, it is recommended to cover the devices with their respective blow-proof windshields. This will greatly help you reduce nuisances caused by noise and grain .
The wireless transmission mechanism of the Rode Wireless Go 2
The Rode Wireless Go 2 benefits from the technological advances of Rode's Series IV with digital transmission at 2.4 GHz and 128-bit encryption . This allows the signal to be extended to a radius of 200 meters (but without disturbances or obstacles).
The Rode Wireless Go 2 is optimized for stable sound capture in environments where the digital transmission frequency is high: urban environments, shopping centers, campuses, conference rooms, offices... In short, you can take full advantage of it (almost) anywhere as long as the place in question provides a high level of signal and displays a strong presence of Wifi networks .
As for sound capture (properly speaking) in wireless mode and using the Rode Wireless Go 2, the device allows audio to be recorded in two modes. Split mode allows you to record sound separately from each transmitter to the receiver. The “ Merged ” mode will allow you to record combined sound from the two transmission channels to the single receiver of the Rode Wireless Go 2.
You can thus switch from “Merged” mode to “Split” mode (and vice versa) to separate or combine channels . To do this, simply hold both buttons on the receiver simultaneously for three seconds and monitor the corresponding output level indicated on the LED screen.
When the screen shows two output levels, you are in “Split” mode. Each audio output is therefore recorded separately (on the left and right channel) on the Rode Wireless Go 2. This option is greatly useful when you want to perfect the sound mix to process the two sound sources, one independently of the other. .
When the display only shows one output level, this indicates that you are in “Merged” mode. This option is useful when you want to benefit from homogeneous, optimal and smoother audio capture for your podcast or speech.
With the Rode Wireless Go 2, you can also choose to use both transmitters or decide to use only one. So you can switch between the two transmitters by pressing the pairing button on the receiver.
To select the first transmitter, simply press this button once. By carrying out the same manipulation a second time, we can therefore select the second transmitter. The third press of the same button will deactivate channel selection mode.
To operate the Rode Wireless Go 2, you will first need to activate the two transmitters and connect them to the receiver via WiFi . Then, if you want to use only one transmitter, you must disconnect the other transmitter (which will not be useful to you) or completely cut the microphone volume.
From then on, you will be able to use a single portable transmitter microphone to record sound in the studio or outdoors, as appropriate. To turn one of the two transmitters into “mute” mode, it can be operated via the receiver.
We first start by choosing the transmitter to “mute” from the selection channel on the receiver. Then, simply press the “mute” button once to switch to “mute” mode. This option is especially practical when using a camcorder and you want to quickly put one of the two transmitters in “mute” mode.
From the transmitter to be muted, you can also configure it directly to cut the signal. To do this, you will first have to pair the two transmitters with the receivers. Then, we will just turn off one of the two transmitters using the deactivation button to cut off the sound signal.
In addition, discover our comparison guide between the AKG C414 XLII and the Neumann TLM 102 . This guide offers you a complete test of these two microphones, reviews as well as the best of them for studio use or other vocal recording use.
Rode Wireless Go 2: how to get the most out of it?
The Rode Wireless Go 2 takes advantage of Wifi connectivity technology to optimize the wireless transmission of the sound signal between the three devices that compose it. The audio recorder can be connected to a variety of fixed and mobile terminals via wifi. You can also connect the Rode Wireless Go 2 to a variety of camcorder models.
To connect the Rode Wireless Go 2 to a camcorder, you must use the SC5 cable provided by the manufacturer. We will simply connect the receiver to a camcorder to do this.
Likewise, you can connect the Rode Wireless Go 2 transmitter to an Electro Voice type XLR microphone , such as the Rode Nt1 or Neumann pro microphone . If you plan to use it instead of the transducer built into each transmitter, you should consider using a VXLR Pro .
To connect the Rode Wireless Go 2 receiver to a PC or Mac, you can only use the USB cable provided by the manufacturer. You will need to make adjustments by accessing the audio settings functions of your machine, starting by choosing the Rode Wireless Go 2 as the input audio recording device From then on, you will be able to turn the Rode Wireless Go 2 receiver into wireless mode in the USB audio interface .
To connect the Rode Wireless Go 2 to a Smartphone or tablet via Wifi, you will first connect the receiver to the mobile device. This, of course, after taking care to pair the entire system (transceiver) wirelessly. You will therefore need additional cables to connect the Rode Wireless Go 2 to an iPhone, a Smartphone running Android or a tablet. If you're using an iPhone or iPad, you'll need an Apple-certified SC15 lightning cable If you are using an Android smartphone or tablet, you will need to use an SC16 USB-C cable as the USB input cable.
Zoom on the sound quality of the Rode Wireless Go 2
The Rode Wireless Go 2 differs from most Blue yeti type USB microphones and also differs from the type of dual diaphragm mic like the Se electronics SE 2200 . Here we will rather be dealing with a fairly specific wireless microphone whose operation is based on a transceiver system.
There is therefore no need to use a microphone arm for this type of audio recorder which works wirelessly via Wifi. The two transmitters of the Rode Wireless Go 2 are each equipped with an integrated microphone. These transmitters are significantly compact to be slipped into a pocket.
They do not necessarily require the use of an additional professional microphone , although this option is possible when using certain types of microphones. This is particularly the case with lavalier microphones which can easily be connected to one of the two transmitters via mini-jack.
And the same applies to certain types of XLR condenser microphones such as the Audio-Technica AT2035 or the Rode Nt1 , the Neumann and the Electro Voice. Note that no preamplifier is required to perfect sound recording with the Rode Wireless Go 2.
We will also not need to resort to the use of an external power supply or any phantom power supply to ensure impeccable sound quality in a recording studio.
The three devices that make up the Rode Wireless Go 2 each include a dedicated lithium-ion . This displays a battery life of more than 7 hours for premium quality recording. This autonomy is extendable to 20 hours for standard quality recording.
The sensitivity of the microphone also differs from that displayed by most condenser microphones. The Rode Wireless Go 2 has a maximum sound pressure of 100 dB SPL . This gives it more ability to withstand percussive sounds compared to most condenser microphones equipped with an anti-pop filter. All without distortion or saturation.
To eliminate background noise both outdoors and in all types of studios, the Rode Wireless Go 2 is equipped with three anti-blow windscreens. With this type of wireless microphone with integrated transducers , you will not need to use a pop filter either.
In input, the Rode Wireless Go 2 displays a response curve between 20 Hz and 20 kHz . This is what makes it as efficient as most microphones with unidirectional, directional, cardioid and bidirectional polar patterns, to name only the Yeti and the Blue Yeti X among many others.
With the Rode Wireless Go 2, adjusting the high-pass filter can be done more easily by accessing the dedicated software “ Rode Central ” which can be downloaded for free from the official Rode website. You will also not run the risk of dealing with a voltage problem when choosing the condenser microphone you are going to use.
There is no need to use a converter or go through a transformer to ensure proper capture of the sound source. The Rode Wireless Go 2 can be used perfectly as an ambient microphone like any type of ribbon microphone due to its omnidirectional directivity. This means that the two transmitters that equip the Rode Wireless Go 2 perceive the sound (to be transmitted) equally from all angles.
With a frequency response between 50Hz – 20kHz , this studio microphone is perfectly suitable for outdoor use . As versatile and capable as any other type of dynamic microphone, studio microphone and stereo microphone, the Rode Wireless Go 2 picks up high-frequency and low-frequency sounds as well as mid-frequency sounds.
2.4 GHz digital frequency transmission system , the Rode Wireless Go 2 also covers a wide bandwidth . You won't have to resort to phantom power or any 48 Volt with this directional microphone.
Unlike a boom mic and a radio mic, the Rode Wireless Go 2 also does not require the use of an amplifier or mixing desk, although this option is possible.
To do this, you must use a large diaphragm XLR microphone such as the Neumann TLM 103 pro microphone or the Rode Nt1 to connect it to one of the two transmitters of the Rode Wireless Go 2 and using a VXLR Pro adapter .
This wireless microphone for smartphones is certainly less equipped than a gooseneck microphone . Please note, however, that all the settings functions that the Rode Wireless Go 2 provides allow you to fine-tune (intuitively) the settings while recording and directly from the three devices.
This extremely compact portable microphone also remains practical for portable use . You won't have to hold the microphone by hand; you won't need to use a microphone boom either.
The voice coil integrated into each internal transducer also remains much less sensitive to handling noise than the coil that equips most studio and outdoor microphones.
The Rode Wireless Go 2 provides more flexible gain control and the ability to adjust signal reception with much more precision. Above all, this helps prevent the risk of distortion or audio saturation when recording sound via this mini wireless equipment.
The gain control is directly accessible on the receiver and provides access to three Pad levels to attenuate the output step level to 12 dB . A simple press of the gain control button allows you to select between 0 dB (for treble ), -12 dB (for mids ) and -24 dB (for bass ).
The corresponding icon (displayed in the middle of the LED screen) will tell you the type of sound gain selected. You can fine-tune this control setting to optimize the sound gain through the use of the dedicated software “ Rode Central App ”.
This free downloadable tool in app and software version is used to facilitate and optimize the use of the Rode Wireless Go 2 on fixed and mobile terminals. Rode Central App provides access to a and more complete range of settings
- Configuring audio capture functions (both on computer and mobile device).
- Unlocking advanced features including channel securing , sound gain control tweaking, and more.
- Optimization of file export functions to ensure professional quality audio recording.
The technical characteristics of the Rode Wireless Go 2
- Type: single receiver and two wireless transmitter transducer
- Connectivity: via wireless WiFi
- Microphone design: with integrated capsule
- Digital transmission: 2.4 GHz digital frequency system
- Polar pattern (or directivity): Omnidirectional
- Frequency response: 50Hz — 20kHz
- Maximum sound pickup gain at input: 21.8 dB (A-weighted)
- Microphone input frequency curve: 20Hz — 20kHz
- Maximum Output Level: +3dBu
- Maximum sound pressure (SPL): 100 dB SPL
- Dynamic range: 100dBA
- Power required: only by connection via the supplied USB cable
- Digital connection: via USB (data) cable supplied by the manufacturer
- Compatibility: lapel microphone and XLR microphone (VXLR Pro type adapter required).
- Battery life: over 7 hours
- Analog input: 3.5 mm TRS for lavalier microphone
- Analog output: TRS 3.5 mm for receiver
- Operating system requirements: macOS 10.11 and later; Windows 10 and above.
- Receiver weight: 31 g
- Weight of each transmitter: 31 g
- Dimensions of each transmitter: 44 × 45.3 × 18.5 mm
- Receiver dimensions: 44 x 46.4 x 18.5 mm
Our Overall Opinion
Overall Sound Quality
Value for money
Global mark
Our opinion on the Rode Wireless Go 2 microphone
The Rode Wireless Go 2 responds more to a need for nomadic and outdoor use than in a home studio, given its extreme lightness and ultra-compact size. This mini wireless audio recorder will be very suitable for any reporter or YouTuber wishing to take beautiful audio shots without having to attach an imposing microphone to their camcorder.
This mini audio recorder also has the ideal weight and compactness to accompany you wherever you are. Likewise, you can use it perfectly to optimize the quality of ambient sound recording in almost all types of rooms, and whatever the specific event to be immortalized in both audio and video.
I therefore (strongly) recommend to all those who wish to record qualitative, professional-level sound (without having to bother with cables) to opt for this (fairly) specific type of portable and wireless microphone.
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