Rode’s Wi-fi ME squeezes a second mic into its receiver

When Rode launched the unique Wi-fi GO, it was an on the spot success. The convenience of use, audio high quality and affordable worth made wi-fi microphones far more accessible. In truth it was so profitable that it spawned quite a lot of copycat merchandise from rivals. After releasing the Wireless GO II ($299) with twin mics, the corporate is again with a extra inexpensive possibility – the $149 Wireless ME. There’s additionally a brand new video app known as Rode Seize aimed toward creators which presents tight integration with the Wi-fi ME and different merchandise from the corporate.

For those who’re pondering “extra inexpensive” means fewer options, then you definitely’d be proper. But in addition you could be stunned. Despite the fact that there initially seems to be only one transmitter (mic) and one receiver, the latter additionally has a mic built-in so you’ll be able to nonetheless file two audio system on the similar time with their very own separate audio recordsdata. That stated, Rode is looking the second mic the “ME mic” and describes it as a “narrator” microphone as a result of you’ll be able to’t use it wirelessly (it’s the one which plugs into your recording gadget) so it might probably solely actually be utilized by somebody off digital camera. That clearly isn’t any drawback when you’re not recording video, however value understanding in case you are.

There are, in fact, different minor compromises. For one, the receiver doesn’t have any kind of show, so visible suggestions for connectivity is proscribed to a pair of LEDs. There doesn’t look like any suggestions for achieve ranges in any respect. There’s additionally no onboard storage for recording away from a digital camera, pc or a cellphone. This additionally means there’s no choice to file a security observe at a decrease achieve degree which, given the shortage of a approach to see ranges means you’ll have to actually be certain you might have every little thing set proper up entrance. As a reminder, although, the ME is half the worth of the GO II.

There are instruments to assist, although. The Wi-fi ME comes with a function known as GainAssist which internally displays the sign and units ranges robotically relying in your surroundings and the quantity of the topic. This positively helps hold issues from clipping, however you’ll be able to nonetheless go into the pink with it. It seems to be utilizing both a limiter or compression (or each) however you’ll be able to nonetheless make it go into the pink. There’s a “dynamic” mode too for when recording issues with a extra constant quantity than speech.

By way of vary, you’ll be able to count on about 100 meters / 328 toes (line of sight) however in follow this will differ somewhat in both route relying on the situations. It is a shorter vary than the Wi-fi GO II (200 meters / 656 toes) and DJI’s Mic (250 meters / 820 toes) however probably ample for many situations. As for battery life, it’s a decent seven hours however there’s no charging case as with DJI or Anker’s options.

With no approach to change settings immediately on the gadget, you’ll need to get accustomed to the Rode Central app. It’s right here the place you’ll be capable to flip the receiver’s microphone on or off if you wish to use it, change whether or not it information to at least one or two separate recordsdata (if utilizing each mics) and alter the achieve settings. There are variations for each desktop and cell (Android/iOS) so you’ll be able to change modes on the go, even when it’s a bit extra concerned than doing it on the receiver as with DJI and Anker’s merchandise.

On condition that the narrator-guest setup isn’t perfect for recording two audio system on digital camera on the similar time it is a disgrace that the receiver would not have the choice to plug an exterior 3.5mm lav mic into it. This could imply you may theoretically run one with an extended cable and have two on digital camera hosts. You may nonetheless use 3.5mm mics with the primary transmitter although. Alternatively, in case you have entry to a different transmitter, reminiscent of a Wi-fi GO II, you’ll be able to pair it with the ME’s receiver and file as much as three folks on the similar time – although two of them should share an audio channel in case having separate recordsdata for all audio system is vital to you.

The interoperability between the Wi-fi GO II and the ME reveals that Rode is considering how these merchandise can work collectively, that means creators can collaborate seamlessly with their very own gear or proceed utilizing older merchandise whilst new ones come round. Count on to see extra interoperability with different wi-fi units sooner or later.

Together with the brand new microphone package is the aforementioned Capture app. It’s a devoted video app with a twist: direct entry to the settings of suitable Rode microphones. Most video apps don’t even let what mic you’re utilizing which might trigger nervousness if you’re undecided it’s working with the one you plugged in. Having this assurance alone is helpful and the direct entry to microphone settings is at all times going to be a welcome bonus for creators. The app is totally free and doesn’t require a Rode product to work however will want considered one of Rode’s compatible products when you want to entry its settings.

The Wi-fi ME is obtainable for $149 beginning in the present day.