Audio and VisualReviewsUnboxing

RODE Wireless Pro Review – Compact Wireless Microphone System

Today, we’ll be taking a look at the RODE Wireless Pro, an ultra compact wireless microphone system for professionals videographers and content creators.

It uses state-of-the-art, Series IV – 2.4 GHz digital transmission, with 128-bit encryption for crystal-clear, incredibly stable audio, with a range of up to 260m.

It offers universal compatibility with cameras, smartphones and computers, and provides over 40 hours of recording

It features 32-bit float recording capability with intelligent GainAssist technology, which means you can recover clipped or quiet audio files.

It comes with two professional Lavalier II microphones, 2 x transmitter and 1 x receiver with 2 outputs which includes a 3.5mm jack and USB-C port.

What’s more, you can connect these wirelessly to any RODE audio interface including the RODECaster DUO, the RODECaster Pro II and the Streamer X.

The RODE Wireless PRO delivers incredible crystal-clear recording for any professional content creators on the move.

 

 

Compact Wireless Microphone System

The Wireless PRO is the ultimate wireless microphone, packed full of powerful features that offer incredible flexibility for recording pristine audio for your content. Never lose a take with 32-bit float on-board recording, keep all your video and audio flawlessly synchronised with timecode, and capture incredible-sounding content effortlessly with intelligent GainAssist technology. The Wireless PRO delivers everything you could possibly want from a compact wireless microphone system, and much more.

Harness the Freedom of Wireless

RØDE pioneered the ultra-compact wireless microphone category with the original Wireless GO and this legacy carries on with Wireless PRO. Utilising state-of-the-art Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission and proprietary near-zero latency codec with 128-bit encryption, it delivers crystal-clear, incredibly stable audio with a range of up to 260m. Wireless audio you can rely on in almost any recording application.

Never Lose a Recording

There’s nothing worse than pulling your audio into your editing software and realising your recording clipped and can’t be used. With the Wireless PRO, this is a thing of the past. 32-bit float on-board recording means your audio is safely backed up every time you record, with the ability to recover any recording in post-production that was too loud or too quiet. Never worry about setting your gain perfectly again. Gamechanger.

Audio and Video, Perfectly in Sync

With the Wireless PRO’s timecode capability, you can perfectly synchronise your audio and video with ease – no need for complex and expensive external timecode systems.

Pristine Audio in Any Situation

In addition to its 32-bit float on-board recording, the Wireless PRO offers a plethora of features that promise pristine audio in any situation. Ensure your audio is smooth and balanced with intelligent GainAssist technology. Precisely match your mic to your camera with flexible gain controls and tailored presets. Add an extra layer of protection with the safety channel. Perfect recordings, every time.

The Ultimate Pro Recording Kit

The Wireless PRO comes with everything you need to get set up and recording wireless audio right out of the box. Included are two professional Lavalier II microphones that are perfect for recording on-screen talent, as well as furry windshields for outdoor use, a pair of MagClip GO to attach your transmitters anywhere, a smart charging case and a handy accessory pack to store your lavs, cables and clips.

 

Connect to All Your Devices

Thanks to its analog (3.5mm) and digital (USB-C) outputs, the Wireless PRO is universally compatible with cameras and other audio devices, both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, and Windows and Mac computers.

Easy Configuration and Control

Check your audio levels at a glance with the bright LCD display and configure settings on the fly with dedicated controls for everything from gain adjustment to triggering recordings. Customise the system to your needs anywhere using your computer or smartphone with the RØDE Central app. Complete control over your setup, so you can be ready for any recording situation. DOWNLOAD

Monitor and Record

Monitor your audio in the field with the Wireless PRO’s high-power headphone output, complete with on-board level control, or connect a headset or narrator microphone such as a lavalier to capture a third audio track. Ultimate versatility.

Compact and Highly Portable

The Wireless PRO features the same super compact, ultra-lightweight design that the Wireless GO series is renowned for. Discreet on talent and highly portable, this is the perfect addition to any recording setup.

Road Ready

The included smart charge case not only protects the Wireless PRO while you’re on the road, but ensures it’s always charged and ready to go. It also allows for ultra-fast data transfer, so you can quickly export recordings on the move.

Locked and Loaded

Locking 3.5mm lavalier connectors mean you never have to worry about your mics being pulled out mid-shoot. Perfectly paired with the included Lavalier II premium lavalier microphones.

Wireless PRO User Guide

The Wireless PRO User Guide explains everything you need to know about using your Wireless PRO and recording incredible audio for your content. This comprehensive guide covers everything from getting started and learning how to use your device through to configuring 32-bit float, timecode and advanced settings with the RØDE Central companion app. More.

 


 

Specifications


 

Box and Packaging

The box and packaging is nice and compact.Inside, you’ll find 2 carry cases, a USB-C charing cable, as well as anti-dust cloth.

 

Carry Case and Accessories

The 2 carry cases holds different items. One holds the accessories, while the other carry case doubles as a USB-C charging dock for the transmitter and receiver units.

I was surprised with all the accessories that came with the RODE Wireless Pro. You get the 2 x USB-C cables for connecting the transmitter units to any laptop/PC so that you can tansfer all your recordings (up to 32GB). There’s 5 x furry windshields, 3 for the transmitters units and 2 for the lavaliver mics. You’ll also get 2 x MagClip GO, 1 x RODE SC2 cable (TRS), and 2 x RODE lavalier II mics with clips.

 

Receiver Unit

The receiver unit is compact and ligh-weight, measuring just 46.5 (W) x 44 (L) x 20 (H) mm, and weighing just 36g.

The power on/off button is located on the top of the receiver. On the left side of the unit, you’ll find a USB-C port and a 3.5mm jack for audio out. On the bottom, you’ll find the volume +/- gain buttons. One of the buttons can be used to switch channels, select the gain mode and/or pair with a new device/transmitter.

 

 

Transmitter Unit

The transmitter units is also compact and ligh-weight, measuring the same dimensions as the receiver, but weighing 1 gram, lighter at 36 gram.

On the top of the transmitter unit, you’ll a record button, the mic mesh with mounts for attaching the furry, and the 3.5mm jack for connecting the lavalier mics. On the right side of the unit, there’s a USB-C port for  connecting the transmitter units to any laptop/PC.

The power on/off button is located on the bottom of the transmitter. A long press powers on/off the unit, while a short press activates the mute.


 

Setup and Usage

We used an iPhone 15 Pro with a lightning-to-3.5mm cable, and connected it to the receiver using the included RODE SC2 coiled cable (red). It works. However, there’s we found a better way … by using a single 3.5mm TRS to Lightning coiled cable which costs around USD 18 from Amazon – https://amzn.to/47CqD43

For Android phones or phones with USB-C connector, you can buy the 3.5mm TRS to USB-C coiled cable for around USD 16 from Amazon – https://amzn.to/3tSBNUe

We also connected the receiver to our Sony A6400 mirrorless camera using the same RODE SC2 coiled cable (red). It worked perfectly, with no issues at all.

 

RODE Central Configuration

The RODE Central software allows you to configure and setup your wireless microphones and receiver. Yuo can also use the software to pair it with your RODE audio interface, such as the RODECaster DUO, the RODECaster Pro II and the Streamer X.

 

Audio Recording Quality (Outdoors)

Test setup …

  • Sony A6400 mirrorless camera with kit lens 16-50mm
  • RODE Wireless Pro
  • RODE SC2 audio cable
  • Gain at -12dB
  • Furry Shield used

 

Audio Recording Quality (Live Stream)


 

Verdict and Conclusion

I’ve used several wireless microphone systems in the past, most of which worked as intended, and offered decent audio quality during recording. However, these wireless microphone systems don’t offer audio monitoring or the ability to adjust the gain visually.

Well, I’m glad to say the RODE Wireless Pro gives all that and more! One of the main selling point is the 32-bit float recording capability with intelligent GainAssist technology, which means you’re able to recover clipped or quiet audio files.

It offers universal compatibility with cameras, smartphones and computers, and provides over 40 hours of recording over a distance of up to 260m.

The package comes with  2 x transmitter and 1 x receiver with 2 outputs which includes a 3.5mm jack and USB-C port. You also get two professional Lavalier II microphones, which is an added bonus.

Each transmitter has 32GB of onboard storage, allowing you to record directly to the units itself. No need for a separate recording device.

I especially like the included carry case, which doubles as a USB-C charger for the transmitter and receiver units, and has a battery capacity of 4200 mAH. The carry case not only protects the Wireless PRO while you’re on the road, but ensures it’s always charged and ready to go. And if you connect the case directly to a laptop/PC, can you transfer the audio data and your export recordings with ease.

Furthermore, using the RODE Central app, you can connect the RODE Wireless Pro to any RODE audio interface including the RODECaster DUO, the RODECaster Pro II and the Streamer X.

 

Final Thoughts

If you’re a professional content creator who’s always on the move, the RODE Wireless Pro is the only wireless microphone system you’ll ever need. It offers amazing features such as 32-bit float recording, intelligent GainAssist, and works great with other RODE audio interfaces, as well as cameras, smartphones and computers.

Take your content to the next level with the RODE Wireless Pro.

 

 

Related articles

 

Related posts

Leave a Comment

* By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More