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

When Rode launched the unique Wi-fi GO, it was an immediate success. The convenience of use, audio high quality and cheap worth made wi-fi microphones rather more accessible. Actually it was so profitable that it spawned quite a few copycat merchandise from rivals. After releasing the Wireless GO II ($299) with twin mics, the corporate is again with a extra reasonably priced possibility – the $149 Wireless ME. There’s additionally a brand new video app known as Rode Seize geared toward creators which affords tight integration with the Wi-fi ME and different merchandise from the corporate.

For those who’re considering “extra reasonably priced” means fewer options, then you definately’d be proper. But in addition you is likely to be stunned. Regardless 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 report two audio system on the identical time with their very own separate audio information. That mentioned, Rode is asking 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 system) so it may solely actually be utilized by somebody off digicam. That clearly is not any drawback if you happen to’re not recording video, however price realizing 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 restricted to a pair of LEDs. There doesn’t seem like any suggestions for acquire ranges in any respect. There’s additionally no onboard storage for recording away from a digicam, pc or a telephone. This additionally means there’s no choice to report a security monitor at a decrease acquire degree which, given the dearth of a technique to see ranges means you’ll have to actually be certain you’ve got every little thing set proper up entrance. As a reminder, although, the ME is half the value 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 mechanically relying in your setting and the quantity of the topic. This undoubtedly helps hold issues from clipping, however you’ll be able to nonetheless go into the purple 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 purple. There’s a “dynamic” mode too for when recording issues with a extra constant quantity than speech.

When it comes to vary, you’ll be able to anticipate about 100 meters / 328 ft (line of sight) however in apply this could fluctuate slightly in both course relying on the circumstances. This can be a shorter vary than the Wi-fi GO II (200 meters / 656 ft) and DJI’s Mic (250 meters / 820 ft) however seemingly 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 technique to change settings instantly on the system, you’ll need to get aware of the Rode Central app. It’s right here the place you’ll have the ability to flip the receiver’s microphone on or off if you wish to use it, change whether or not it data to at least one or two separate information (if utilizing each mics) and modify the acquire settings. There are variations for each desktop and cellular (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 supreme for recording two audio system on digicam on the identical time it is a disgrace that the receiver would not have the choice to plug an exterior 3.5mm lav mic into it. This is able to imply you may theoretically run one with an extended cable and have two on digicam hosts. You may nonetheless use 3.5mm mics with the principle transmitter although. Alternatively, if in case you have entry to a different transmitter, equivalent to a Wi-fi GO II, you’ll be able to pair it with the ME’s receiver and report as much as three individuals on the identical time – although two of them must share an audio channel in case having separate information for all audio system is necessary 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 at the same time as new ones come round. Count on to see extra interoperability with different wi-fi units sooner or later.

Together with the brand new microphone equipment 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 unsure 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 fully free and doesn’t require a Rode product to work however will want one in every of Rode’s compatible products if you happen to want to entry its settings.

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