RØDE has dominated the wi-fi microphone marketplace for some time now. RØDE popularized these helpful microphones that may transmit audio indicators as much as 100 meters and are a significant device in trendy video manufacturing. Due to the huge recognition of TikTok and YouTube, wi-fi microphones have taken off as individuals search higher sound high quality on movies. A superb wi-fi microphone could make all of the distinction between poor sound and glowing audio, giving any video an expert end.
RØDE’s ambition to proceed dominating the wi-fi microphone market seems like it will likely be cemented with the launch of the brand new RØDE Wi-fi PRO package. This excellent product consists of two RØDE wi-fi microphone transmitters and a receiver unit that may be plugged right into a digital camera, smartphone or audio recorder. Having two transmitters to play with makes the Wi-fi PRO the right answer for interviews.
Every transmitter consists of an omnidirectional microphone plus a chargeable battery that may present as much as seven hours of use between fees. The transmitters even have a 3.5mm jack in order that an exterior Lavalier microphone can be utilized for a better sound. A Lavalier mic might be clipped on a jacket lapel and is far simpler to cover. The transmitter might be put in a pocket, whereas the Lavalier cable might be fed underneath a jacket.
The 2 RØDE Wi-fi PRO transmitters even have 32GB of onboard reminiscence to retailer as much as 40 hours of high-quality audio domestically. The transmitters might be linked to a pc with a USB-C cable and the unit mounts on a pc desktop like all exterior arduous drive. This storage characteristic makes transferring audio straightforward and it’s an effective way of recording podcasts with out a lot litter.
The brand new RØDE Wi-fi PRO units look virtually equivalent to the RØDE Wi-fi GO 2 and RØDE Wi-fi ME models. Nevertheless, the RØDE Wi-fi PRO transmitters now have a lockable 3.5mm enter to make sure Lavalier mics keep linked and might’t be pulled out. The 2 transmitters and the receiver models are housed in a zippered storage case that doubles as a recharging station. The case may hook up with a pc for updating firmware or transferring recordsdata saved on the transmitters.
The transmitter models have a versatile output with a 30dB vary. This implies the models might be matched to the sensitivity of the video digital camera they’re feeding. Setting the acquire degree is now fast and simple, because of the availability of preset output ranges for numerous fashionable video cameras.
The short-and-easy setup can save time on location, which is very welcome if it’s chilly and windy. As well as, the transmitters can report a secondary audio sign to their inner reminiscence at a degree 10dB decrease than the first channel. This secondary security channel is an ideal security web if the first audio will get too sizzling and begins clipping.
One other new characteristic of the RØDE Wi-fi PRO is its capacity to seize audio clearly underneath virtually any situations. The system helps 32-bit float recording, which suggests audio might be recorded on to the transmitter models with none hazard of clipping. This characteristic is a primary for wearable wi-fi microphones and the 32-bit float means you’ll all the time have a clear backup channel; you don’t even have to set the acquire as ranges might be adjusted in post-processing.
The RØDE Wi-fi PRO has built-in timecode syncing alongside 32-bit float recording. The time code makes fast work of synchronizing audio in post-production. The timecode eliminates the necessity for a posh and costly exterior timecode system and the Wi-fi PRO’s inner timecode generator can synchronize audio with any digital camera.
In addition to the 2 transmitters and the receiver unit, the RØDE Wi-fi PRO has a complete set of equipment housed in an identical zippered case. The equipment embrace two Lavalier mics with screw-in connectors. The microphones have windshields and RØDE gives all of the cables wanted to attach the receiver to a digital camera or smartphone, together with these with USB-C or Apple Lightning interfaces. RØDE even throws in a few helpful clips for attaching the transmitters to clothes.
I spent per week or so testing the RØDE Wi-fi PRO package. The system is as straightforward to make use of as the superb RØDE Wi-fi ME. The second transmitter may be very welcome. The 32GB of reminiscence and 32-bit float recording means you’ll by no means have a duff recording. You may seize sound immediately on the transmitter whereas utilizing the receiver to choose up the wi-fi sign and report it to a video digital camera. The latency is as near zero as doable, so there aren’t any synchronization points.
The true game-changer with the RØDE Wi-fi PRO is its charging case. To recharge the transmitters and receiver, you pop them within the case and plug the case into virtually any USB charger. And whenever you need to entry audio recordsdata saved on the transmitters, simply put the models within the case and join it to a pc with the provided USB cable and the units will mount on the desktop like USB thumb drives.
Verdict: RØDE has scored a bullseye with the Wi-fi PRO. There’s every little thing on this helpful package to seize pristine audio for podcasts or movies. The excellent sound high quality and the flexibility to make use of the transmitters’ omnidirectional or Lavalier mics make the system so versatile. When you’ve used a high-quality wi-fi mic on a video, you gained’t need to return to utilizing your smartphone’s built-in mic. The RØDE Wi-fi PRO affords distinctive worth for cash and high-quality sound for video manufacturing. RØDE was already the primary alternative for a lot of content material creators, however with its complete set of equipment, 32GB inner storage and 32-bit float recording, the RØDE Wi-fi PRO leaves its opponents within the mud. Extremely Really useful.
Pricing & Availability: $399.
Extra information: www.rode.com
Tech Specs:
- Acoustic precept: Pre-polarised stress transducer.
- Polar sample: Omnidirectional.
- Frequency vary: 20Hz – 20kHz.
- Most SPL: 123.5dB SPL.
- Equal noise (A-Weighted): 22dBA.
- Sign-to-Noise ratio: 72dB.
- Analog inputs: 3.5mm locking TRS (TX).
- Analog outputs: 3.5m TRRS (RX).
- Transmission vary: 260m (line of sight).
- Digital connectivity: USB-C.
- Minimal working methods: macOS 10.15, Home windows 10 and above, iOS 14, Android 11.
- Energy necessities: Lithium-ion batteries charged through USB-C (5V, 0.4A).
- Working time: As much as 7 hours.