The RØDE Wireless Pro is a prime example of what is possible when you listen to your users and improve on what matters most. RØDE has had the best quality audio in their wireless mic kits for some time, but one major problem kept me defaulting to other microphones for shooting in the field. That problem is convenience.
Of the highest-tier wireless mic kits, RØDE seemed to be the only one without some kind of storage solution that also allowed for charging. Carrying all of the separate devices loose (or even in their provided bag) always seemed like a clunky solution and didn’t provide the added function of keeping your gear charged. When it’s time to charge, you have many cables plugged into each device.
Well, as usual, RØDE has listened to their consumer base and came up with a phenomenal solution, plus added some major features to make their microphones even better than their previous models. I give you the RØDE Wireless Pro.
Before we get into all of the new features, let’s talk about what improvements were made on the microphone itself when compared to the RØDE Wireless Go II, its predecessor. First, the frequency range has stretched to 20Hz-20kHz from the Wireless Go II’s 50Hz-20IkHz, giving you more in the low end. They’ve also increased the range between Transmitter and Receiver from 200m to 260m. Also added is RØDE’s Gain Assist technology, which is an intelligent algorithm that will automatically adjust the gain based on the current audio levels. This is a game changer for people who are recording without someone to monitor the audio for you.
“The RØDE Wireless Pro is also capable of connecting to all of RØDE’s Series IV receivers, meaning that you can go wireless on virtually any setup.”
The other major feature on the RØDE Wireless Pro that is huge for content creators working on their own is the presence of 32-bit float recording. This is an incredibly forgiving dynamic range that gives you crystal clear audio whether you are whispering or firing up a chainsaw, giving you immense freedom in post to normalize levels without any distortion. These files are considerably larger as a result, so that is something worth noting if you are recording a lot of audio. Your transmitter’s 32GB internal storage can certainly hold a lot of audio (over 40 hours at a lower bitrate), so your needs should be easily met.
The RØDE Wireless Pro is also capable of connecting to all of RØDE’s Series IV receivers, including the receivers for the RØDE Wireless Go II, RØDE Wireless ME, RØDECaster Pro II, RØDECaster Duo and Streamer X, meaning that you can go wireless on virtually any setup. Imagine, as a streamer, getting to go mobile in your space while sounding fantastic.
What you find in the box is also a massive upgrade for RØDE’s wireless series. You’ll find two transmitters and one receiver, an extendable TRS to TRS cable to connect your receiver to a camera, 2 USB-C to USB-C cables, 1 USB-C to Lightning cable, 3 furry windsocks, 2 MagClip Go’s allowing you to clip the transmitter to you magnetically, 2 RØDE Lavalier 2 microphones and 2 separate cases; one to hold all of your accessories, and our prayers are answered with the included Charge Case Pro, allowing you to charge all three devices to 100% twice on a single charge of the case.
Both cases are the same shape and are made of the same hard material to protect your gear easily. I am still on the fence as to whether I would prefer a slightly larger charge case that has storage capability for the accessories because it would be great when you need it, but when you only need the transmitters/receiver, the ability to leave some of that bulk behind is also a big win.
“The RØDE Wireless Pro is another great example of when the company refuses to rest on its laurels and actually listens to the users of their products.”
When using the provided lav mics (which are excellent by the way, I have been a user of them prior to this review), the transmitters allow you to secure them by screwing the lavalier and transmitter together, preventing the lav from being pulled out of the jack while you are shooting and preventing that loss of audio that you dread coming across.
Audio tests for the RØDE Wireless Pro were their usual high quality. I tested indoor recording in the evening, and my typical pattern of speech at night (speaking loudly and inevitably realizing I am the only one away, so I start speaking more softly) was no trouble for the Gain Assist, leaving very little difference in volume between the two extremes.
Outdoor tests found a little bit of unwanted background noise just due to what was going on around me (garbage collection on the neighbouring street, dogs barking in the distance, but nothing that I wouldn’t have expected to hear on any other wireless mic kit. One day the AI noise cancellation that is beginning to appear as an onboard feature of desktop microphones will make its way to the wireless market, but until then, we can fix it in a post like our ancestors.
The RØDE Wireless Pro comes in at $399 USD. It sounds like a lot when compared to other kits until we do a little math. Let me go a little infomercial host on you and break down what you are getting for that $399. You get the actual kit with upgraded transmitters and a charging case plus an accessory case. When you look at the accessories, purchasing them individually would run you well over $350 (including two lavaliers that run $99 USD a piece). You are getting an awful lot for your money, not the least of which being some of the top wireless transmitters on the market.
The RØDE Wireless Pro is another great example of when the company refuses to rest on its laurels and actually listens to the users of their products. It seems as though every time they take the next step with a device it doesn’t just make marked improvements to remain a standard in the industry. It comes closer and closer to becoming the perfect device for their consumers, making it my top choice for content creators of all kinds.
- RODE’s state-of-the-art Series IV 2.4 GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption for crystal-clear, incredibly stable audio with best-in-class range.
- Universal compatibility with cameras, smartphones (iOS and Android) and computers (Mac and Windows).
