The internal backup recording could be a decisive feature but unfortunately the way it is implemented it’s not more than a “prosumer feature” in the best scenario. You can’t control this backup function properly, when you can stop/start recording, it could delete the older files if the memory got full, so you need to track it somehow and you need a PC close to you to be able to know for sure, and you can loose it entirely if the RX/TX don’t connect at all and die before the connection happens. So it’s a nice feature but with serious flaws for a paid environment workflow. Maybe a mkIII with 32 bit float could make it :)
I normally have questions, but in this case you covered them all. I particularly appreciate that you have us both the raw audio, plus an example of applying some processing to convey what the potential sound is like. Thanks!
As usual , a good presenation easy to follow. Personally I am tired to all inbuilt batteries and, I reject most of gears eaven if they work for 10 years and the reson is that I dont want moore stress factors for different maintenance of batteries during all time when I dont use them and I feel more confident for other sollutions. How hard can it also be to put a adjustment knob/button in gain steps instead of always have to go for unother app during a set eatch time or untill know, a computer. That is the most important con why I dont by it. The other different possibilities is for sure something you know in advanze but the gain .... and as a compromise for a good product sake you can adjust theese things in advance. Perhaps just only for one occation. The Sanken lavallier was much better then the Rode.
The new firmware of wireless Go II is mind blowing. Literally killed competition. Two mini field recorders plus wireless receiver for $299 with Rode software support.
Brilliant review as always Curtis! You've definitely become the go-to for these kind of audio reviews. Although I would've liked to have seen a range test vs the original Go and filmmaker kit. Maybe that's something I'll do myself when I buy one of these 🙂
Hey Curtis, I've been an online marketer for the last year and a half. I just decided to improve my content with better audio and video. I am so glad I stumbled into your channel. Keep it up the great work. You know, probably better than I do, that you can never provide too much value, and you give a ton!
@@curtisjudd darn Curtis! I really appreciate the video! I purchased the Hollyland Lark 150 about 2 months ago! And it works great! But you’ve just said that these new rode wireless go II’s are better. I might need to swap em out now yikes
@@andrewsperspective I don't know about that. If the Lark 150 is getting the job done...But if you need the recording capability, the GO II is pretty compelling.
@@curtisjudd you make a good point here! Im honestly going to get the tentacle sync work flow next and just keep this hollyland as an easier wireless set up for smaller projects
Thank you for the incredible effort you put into these videos. Hopefully doing live events again soon and this seems like it will be a suitable upgrade from the mess of wires we have.
@@curtisjudd Specs say it doesn’t record in 32 bit float, but can export in 32 bit float? What’s the point in exporting in 32 bit float if it can still clip while recording?
The Wireless Go II receiver acts as an audio input device via USB-C, when plugged in to my Mac (probably same on Windows), in a live environment. This can be useful in an internet conference scenario, such as a Zoom call.
Was waiting for your review as yours is always the most thorough out there! You did not disappoint here. I’ve been leaning toward the RODE Wireless Go II and think this just clinched it!
Great review! I'm done with all my testing as well and shooting my review today after three weeks of field use and tests. I agree with the phone app for field use, because I ain't trying to take a laptop with me on the field. LOL!!! Also, have you tried to record uncompressed for over 30 minutes? I shot an interview with backup recording for over 30 minutes multiple times and the uncompressed audio files are broken into 30 minute clips. Stitching them together is a bit of a pain with the name filing system, and there's a minute stutter at the stitching seam when the audio needs to be stitched together. I'm hoping for an app update to rename the files to custom names. This is just a sneak peak of my review. ;) I got so many more requests for doable features via firmware updates. My review is gonna be OVERKILL!
the only one to speak about the competition and to approach (always) all the aspects that a standard consumer like us does not know !! Always very relevant this Curtis!
Great review Curtis, you really set the standard for what you do. Just got my RODE Wireless GO II yesterday and look forward to using it. FYI, just tested a Samson lavalier mike with it and it had an unacceptable hum, not compatible for whatever reason. Then tried what some have reviewed as the best cheap lavalier, Boya $20, and it sounded quite good, very quiet background and clear.
I would give a lot to see who was the ONE who voted "no" on his video. LIKE YOU could do better? Really? Good job helping the various levels of training to US geeks and producers. Thanks.
Sir , Thanks for sharing your wisdom to the world ! I find your videos very knowledgeable because these days most of the reviewers only yells doing weird acting in front of their camera.
Thanks for the review Curtis! The adjustment you made with the equaliser really made a big difference. I’d love to see a video of you making those adjustments and listening to your thoughts will you do it. Making adjustments to audio has always been a bit daunting to me.
What about using an adapter to go from 3.5mm to XLR? My cameras all take XLR native; additionally, this would be preferable for a field recorder or similar.
Thanks Curtis, We bought 3 days ago and love it! The killer feature is the ability to link to the rode Ntg usb for wireless shotgun mic recording! Many thanks Sandy
@@Photovintageguy hi John we just wired it using the supplied black cable that came with rode ntg USB the noise floor impeccable and the mic powers on and off with the transmitter, cheers sandy
@@sandyande that's the VideoMic NTG and it's usb-c headphone output to the usb-c input if the rx? If so how did think to even try it. That's interesting.
Ok for anyone looking into this it's not the usb but just the regular audio output. Referred to by black cable. It would have been interesting if could be usb to usb on boom to tx connection. But on further thought, if possible you might have to live with added latency. Fyi there are videos showing how the original NTG works with wireless GO ver 1. It's the same setup. And does look nice. For about $250 you add some great added ability.
If your camera has 2 microphone inputs, yes, should be possible in theory. Note that wireless systems like this generally tend to become less stable, the more transmitters you have running at the same time.
Mine are supposed to deliver Tuesday, so this review is the final seal of approval even after the purchase was made. Rode and Blackmagic are sure providing the best bang for buck.
Very helpful, thanks as always. I actually bought two sets of these to record 4 people at once into the camera using your previous technique you showed to hook up two of the original wireless go's. It works great. It's going to be an absolute game-changer for me and what I shoot. I've been wanting something where I can record 4 people at once without external recorders (because of weight and size) since basically forever.
@@curtisjudd Just an update in case this will help anyone in the future. When using two receivers and four transmitters outdoors and people are moving around, there are pretty frequent dropouts (everything works pretty flawlessly when everyone is facing the camera and not moving). So the backup recordings in the transmitters are essential. However, when using the Rode Central app to get those recordings onto the computer, the wav files don't have the original timestamp of the recording anymore, so it doesn't organize very well with your footage. I could live with the dropouts if those wav files could easily be dropped in with the rest of my footage all at once and be organized by the timestamp in the file. Anyway, hope this helps anyone who might see it!
@@RobbyHuang Thanks for sharing your experience, Robby. I try to warn people that 4 channels of 2.4GHz wireless microphones can be tricky. Sounds like this is your experience as well.
Great review. Before buying any audio equipment, I always check your opinion on it. Thank you for your brilliant effort helping others and sharing your knowledge. It is much appreciated ❤️
Another great review Curtis, and from my limited time with it, an excellent product. I love the fact It also works with a USB-c enabled phone, by using the Rode sc16 lead. That lead allows stereo recording into an android device, and works great with filmic pro, showing both left and right channels separately.
Hey Curtis, as always excellent job. I also saw a bunch of your Microphone reviews and tutorials. I hope that You got a spare minute. I currently have a small, acoustically treated room for which I plan to buy top microphone for my online tutorials. Due to the fact that I don't like when my Rode Procaster obstructs my view when making live tutorials or recordings I plan to change to super/hyper cardioid or shotgun Microphone which would be mounted on boom pole. I like Sennheiser mics so I was thinking about MKH50 or 8050, what's your take on this? I saw that Geralt Undone uses MKH 50 and it sounds awesome. I like that those Microphones also sound more natural (closer to a real life). Any recommendations from the top of your head?
I prefer the 8050 over the 50 - slightly mellower sound. Keep in mind that desks and computer monitors are pretty reflective so you'll have to contend with the sound bouncing around. I often use a mic from below rather than boomed above when at a desk.
Got it the first day released. Very impressed. It's my swiss army knife... if I didn't have to record music I would not need my Zoom H8. It is that good. The audio interface and USB-C to lightning along with the backup recording is an absolute winner.
Actually just received it a few hours ago. If plugged into a camera, it records the safety track on one channel of the video as well. So everything is the same as internal. Once you play with camera input levels and the output, it really does sound good on camera. So no exaggeration.
Thanks Curtis, good review. I don’t think you mentioned how the transmitters handle high level sound. As there is no input gain settings for the transmitters, it would be good to know how easy it is to distort the internal recordings.
It is hard to distort as you can see by the distortion test later in the video. I had to set it to the max gain level on the receiver and nearly yell. So unless you plan to record a LOT of really loud yelling, it seems like it should be fine.
Hey Curtis. As mentioned around 2:30. If you do experience break up to the receiver, do you know if you still get a clean recording on the transmitter?
Thanks, Curtis. I was on the fence - looking at the Holland and the Rode, but - as you say - the in body recording feature is a must. Can you recommend an attenuator cable so that I can send audio from my Zoom H6 to my camera wirelessly please?
Still confused how the 32 bit float works on these. If they don't record 32 bit how am I able to download 32 bit? 🤔 that said, the 32 bit has saved me in a couple of situations where the subject peaked the audio and sounds great. In a simple test I did, the 32bit download definitely sounded better retaining more info than the 24bit download.
The problem is in the marketing. 32-bit float is merely a file container format. It is NOT synonymous with "wide dynamic range". In the case of the Wireless GO II, the transmitters do not use multiple analogue to digital converters so it is not able to deliver the wider dynamic range that a 32-bit float file container can hold. In my tests, it is still very much possible for the audio to clip with the RODE Wireless GO II.
Thanks for another great review Curtis. Just what I was looking for as I was comparing the Saramonic Blink 500 Pro with this Rode Wireless Go 2. Now I'm swaying to the Rode.
I am so glad you reviewed this product. It was so in-depth comparing to other reviewers. I have one question though. How do you set your mic input gain on the transmitters? Can you do this? Or you just adjust input gain on the reciever? How do you make sure that you don't clip the signal on the reciever side? You can plug different mics to that. I guess you need to have analog gain there before ADC. Did I got wrong?
Hi Paweł, yes, you set it on the receiver between 0 and -30dB. It is a different way of approaching gain staging. I can't tell if that is just output attenuation or mic gain. I think it is mic gain.
@@curtisjudd OK... So let's assume that this is proper analog gain that let us avoid clipping separately for both channels. How about the output gain from reciever to camera? Is it adjustable? Do you know, how it is designed in Blink 500 and Lark 150?
@@curtisjudd Update... In the specs on Rode website there is written mic gain 20dB. No one present this parameter for a mic. Rather they present gain range for preamps. That let me believe that they apply fixed amount of 20dB of analog gain assuming that this is best amount for most uscases and 0-30dB of gain control is a digital gain in the reciever so it would work as output gain also. But I would be worried if this 20dB of analog gain in transmiter is optimal for every lav mic you can plug to this transmitter.
Curtis, 1- Can this system be used as 2 standalone pocket recorders ? 2- Could a pocket recorder like the Tentacle sync be used to record the audio from the receiver instead of going to a camera ? ** could 32 bit float be used to record the audio from the receiver to the pocket recorder ?
Hi RV Addict, 1) I haven't specifically tried it, but it should. Will give it a try next opportunity I have. 2) You could plug the output of the receiver into an input of a recorder like the Tentacle Track E, yes. You could record in 32-bit float mode on the Track E, yes. But the signal coming from the output of the receiver is an analogue signal, so if the audio is already clipped at the GO II transmitter, it will be distorted coming into the Track E.
@@curtisjudd would you use these in a commercial shoot? If not, do you have any recommendations for wireless mics besides the rode go ii that have built in recording and monitoring? I like the 32 bit option with the tentacles, but I'm concerned about not monitoring them. I currently own four AWS-2000 wireless mics but they're not the best. I also have used Sennheiser wireless mics but recently have been getting interference when at a car dealership. I have four tentacle syncs, so the sync e is appealing, but again no monitoring is a little risky. So, curious if you have any recommendations.
@@jonathanblair2283 No, I'd use my Audio Ltd. A10 system for a paid commercial job with possibly some RODELink as backup. I have no idea how these will fare at the car dealership - everything is so different location to location - but I did, one time, find that my RODELink worked at a location in Austin where my Sennheiser UHF system just couldn't find a good frequency without interference. That's rare, but it did happen once for me.
@@curtisjudd thank you! The Audio ltd A10 looks like a really good solution. 15k for a set of 4 is definitely on the pricy side, but well worth the investment for reliability. I'll put these on the wishlist and try to pick them up over the next few years. I hope they come out with a 32 bit internal recording version, but I guess it's less important as it's a backup. I appreciate your recommendation!
At 16:08 you say to "set your gain" to avoid clipping but there is no input gain adjustment that can be set to counteract a louder person laughing or yelling for example. Care to elaborate? By the time that audio reaches your camera input it's already clipped so setting your input gain on camera wont do anything.
They have a pad you set on the rx, if the bars show clipping on the rx you can lower it by button. They show it in this video. ruclips.net/video/coSxxNIcHCs/видео.html
In some places, RODE refers to the gain setting on the receiver as a gain setting rather than as an output setting. So I'm a little unclear, but I can say that I could not get the transmitter to clip unless I set the receiver's gain setting to its highest - 0dB. And then the audio recording on the transmitter was also clipped. So it seems to be an input gain rather than an output level setting.
Yet again, a fantastic video! The Rode wireless go can also be connected to your computer through USB to be used as a USB mic to be used for Zoom, voice overs, skype, etc. I have tried this with a Mac, and while it does connect, the volume level is a little low. Usually you can adjust levels in the 'sound settings' but you cannot with the Rode. The 'input level' slider is not available. I emailed Rode about this, and they responded (great customer service!) They released a new update to Rode central, but it didn't fix this problem. Hopefully in a future update they will, as it would be great to use this as a USB mic. Thanks again for the great video!
I want to keep my Rode wireless Go but I have an issue when recorded into a camera/recorder, or even headphones in the receiver. I get high frequency distortion/crackle, almost like its clipping but its not actually clipping. The internal recording is clean as a whistle, but via the receiver I have this issue. Have you ever experienced this? Edit: You have the same issue at 17:49 "I will say" on the word "say", any way to prevent this?
@@curtisjudd Yes tried all of that. It is present in your video, but very little of it. So my wild guess is it my voice (pretty bright). I will just stick with the DJI mic and noise reduction plugin I guess
Greetings. Does the safety track only work when recording one person? Will the safety track work when recording two people on separate channels? My appreciation to you for your review.
First I greatly appreciate you answering my question! And based on your answer do you think rode would/possible in a firmware update allow safety track to work when recording two people on single tracks? Looking forward to more videos Again i appreciate your insight...Blessings!
@@Emind7 when in safety channel mode everything has one channel normal, one 20db lower. That includes both rx units and output to the camera. I would hope they could make a mode where each tx puts its own safety but the rx gets the normal db channel from each tx. But right now everything has to be the same by combining channels when in safety mode. Hopefully they can offer a choice later.
Hey Curtis, hope you're doing well and thanks for the review. Three questions that I asked Rode but they hadn't gotten back to me yet: 1) Is the signal that's transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver compressed, or uncompressed audio? 2) How does what is transmitted compare to the internal recording? Do they both have the same amount of automatic gain control? Anyway, apologies if you've answered these questions before. I swear I remember you talking about the differences between internal recording vs transmitted audio, butI just can't remember what video that was. Thanks so much.
Hi Andrew - 1) I don't know for sure but I believe the system is transmitting at least 16-bit 44.1kHz, but on consumer kits like this, the manufacturers usually don't like to share those details. 2) I was told by RODE that the internal recording is 24-bit, 48kHz. 3) Not sure on auto gain - a detail they haven't shared with me.
Excellent guide Judd, thanks a lot! I can't manipulate the gain on the receiver, also can't switch to merged pressing both buttons together. I just can do it at the software Rode central. Maybe the mute button was locked, is it posible? If yes, could please tell me how can I lock/unlock the mute button from the receiver?
I don't remember off the top of my head, but RODE's documentation or support should be able to help. Best wishes! www.rode.com/user-guides/wirelessgo-ii
Hey there, when it comes to setting the DB levels. Is it best to have it set as high as you can on the rode tx so +0 in this case and then as low as you can on the camera (I'm using a Sony ZV-1) Or is it better to have it set as low as possible on the rode tx and higher in the camera settings? What are the pros and cons? Cheers! 🍻
Curtis, you are the most trusted source for my research. I've learned a great deal from you and I am grateful for your reviews and insight. I just purchased this system and I'm ecstatic about the field recording capabilites of the transmitters (based on a recent update) without the need for receiver connection. I recorded some ambient surf sound, crashing waves and such, on a recent trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and am pleased with the quality of the capture.. Being new to audio recording, I would like to know your opinion on the quality of the transmitter recordings. I just don't know how to quantify the recording quality.
Hi Loren, Congrats on your new GO II! My main use case is for dialogue recordings and I would say it is pretty typical of a decent lavalier microphone in the prosumer range - decent, but generally requires a bit of post work to make it sound really great.
@@curtisjudd I forgot to mention I used a Rode VideoMicro with a dead cat...the beaches are prone to harsh wind conditions. But, overall the recording capabilities with an even better microphone seems promising.
@@curtisjudd got it learned this one accident. So if I plug it in to the aux/mic in one channel one I change input to aux1 and on channel 2 I change input to aux 2 and it does the same thing.
It would be super nice to know if the quality from the transmitter is of higher quality than the receiver out to the camera, like can we use the transmitter as a good quality portable recorder.
Fantastic review as always! Your editing style and calm way of relaying interesting information is like ASMR for my eyes. Fun dynamic with your spouse there, still wondering if you got the reciting of the song on your walk (when the audio dropped, but still was stored internally on the transmitter :) )
Hi Curtis. Great review showing all the many cool new features!! Your review is the best...of the best! Thumbs up! Plus nobody can afford to use those fancy Sanken lav mics...besides you! Kidding! :-)
I have a question. How can you replace the audio from the Rode for the audio with cut offs? I mean, the rode system is recording all the time, but in the camera we just record clips of some minutes...how can you find then the small pieces of correct audio? Thank you in advance. Great review as always!
Fabulous review. From the review I couldn't really tell how any of tx or rx controls worked or if they had a hold feature to prevent accidental key presses. In the Zoom F2 review there was plenty of detail about how the buttons worked, including the nice hardware "hold" switch> I'm still debating whether to go for a simple F2 since it comes with a lav and always having to sync double system sound or going with the Go II and having to worry about gain staging, but not having to sync double system sound unless there are drop outs. Sigh.... Pretty cool tech either way.
Thanks for the feedback Gerard. I don't find wide dynamic range recording critical in very many situations for dialogue recordings, personally. I've found that being able to monitor while recording is far more important than wide dyanamic range because often the problems are things like noise in the room or clothing rustle, and not mis-set gain. So for me, I'd opt for the GO II over the F2.
@@carlosq00 Hey Carlos, Are you thinking of having the Tentacle Track E at the receiver end as a super small recorder? Or would the idea be to use it at the transmitter end before passing the signal on wirelessly? I think the former should work fine, but the latter will not work because the headphone output turns off once you start recording.
Thanks for this one Curtis, for what I can gather there is no way to set the level of the internal backup recording? Is that what you determined or am I missing something? Also, really wish they would add a way to start and stop the internal recordings so they align with camera takes. I've also found the internal recordings have failed or take multiple attempts to recover sometimes which is unsettling when relying on them as backups. Thus far for me they gotten the most use as a quick way to get decent audio into a Zoom meeting haha.
Curtis sets the standard for how RUclips reviews, of any type, should be done.
Thanks Dan!
Agreed.
for Mic, yes. for Camera, it is Gerald Undone!
Ohhhh it looks so chilly where you are! Great review Curtis, thanks for checking out the Wireless GO II 😄
Thanks for making an even better wireless system!
The internal backup recording could be a decisive feature but unfortunately the way it is implemented it’s not more than a “prosumer feature” in the best scenario.
You can’t control this backup function properly, when you can stop/start recording, it could delete the older files if the memory got full, so you need to track it somehow and you need a PC close to you to be able to know for sure, and you can loose it entirely if the RX/TX don’t connect at all and die before the connection happens. So it’s a nice feature but with serious flaws for a paid environment workflow.
Maybe a mkIII with 32 bit float could make it :)
@@baufilmesPT that's because it's a prosumer product. It's meant for prosumers, not for professionals.
@@florisb1 I agree! That´s totally right :)
@@baufilmesPT Good point. Perhaps a micro sd card slot would have been the solution?
The quality of your reviews must have reached legendary status by now.
Thanks a lot!
His series could be called "The Expert Judd-G-Ment"
Thanks Geert.
Hahaha!
I normally have questions, but in this case you covered them all. I particularly appreciate that you have us both the raw audio, plus an example of applying some processing to convey what the potential sound is like. Thanks!
As usual , a good presenation easy to follow. Personally I am tired to all inbuilt batteries and, I reject most of gears eaven if they work for 10 years and the reson is that I dont want moore stress factors for different maintenance of batteries during all time when I dont use them and I feel more confident for other sollutions. How hard can it also be to put a adjustment knob/button in gain steps instead of always have to go for unother app during a set eatch time or untill know, a computer. That is the most important con why I dont
by it. The other different possibilities is for sure something you know in advanze but the gain .... and as a compromise for a good product sake you can adjust theese things in advance. Perhaps just only for one occation. The Sanken lavallier was much better then the Rode.
Thanks Thomas!
LOVE your start-of-the-video summary screens!
Even though you need them least, because you don't usually miss or skip anything anyway :)
Thanks Builder!
Was waiting for your take. So let's go and see.
👍
The new firmware of wireless Go II is mind blowing. Literally killed competition. Two mini field recorders plus wireless receiver for $299 with Rode software support.
Yes, nice step forward!
Outstanding video. I pulled the trigger and couldn't be happier.
Thanks for all you've shared.
👍 Happy recording!
The review that I was waiting for. 😊
Thanks Tharindu.
me too! a little late to the game.
This guy is legend and the go to person when it comes to audio for video. Thank you so much for your videos :)
Thanks Blurryface.
Brilliant review as always Curtis! You've definitely become the go-to for these kind of audio reviews. Although I would've liked to have seen a range test vs the original Go and filmmaker kit. Maybe that's something I'll do myself when I buy one of these 🙂
Thanks Clark James.
Hey Curtis, I've been an online marketer for the last year and a half. I just decided to improve my content with better audio and video. I am so glad I stumbled into your channel. Keep it up the great work. You know, probably better than I do, that you can never provide too much value, and you give a ton!
Thanks David - very kind of you.
Ok, now these are approved for purchase. Thanks for the in-depth quality review!
You bet and happy recording!
@@curtisjudd darn Curtis! I really appreciate the video! I purchased the Hollyland Lark 150 about 2 months ago! And it works great! But you’ve just said that these new rode wireless go II’s are better. I might need to swap em out now yikes
@@andrewsperspective I don't know about that. If the Lark 150 is getting the job done...But if you need the recording capability, the GO II is pretty compelling.
@@curtisjudd you make a good point here!
Im honestly going to get the tentacle sync work flow next and just keep this hollyland as an easier wireless set up for smaller projects
Outstanding review Curtis. You certainly put together such a good review. Thanks for continuing to share such great content.
Thank you Gary - good to hear from you.
Thank you for the incredible effort you put into these videos. Hopefully doing live events again soon and this seems like it will be a suitable upgrade from the mess of wires we have.
Thanks for watching Christian. Yes, I'm hoping to be back at recording out and about soon!
@@curtisjudd Specs say it doesn’t record in 32 bit float, but can export in 32 bit float? What’s the point in exporting in 32 bit float if it can still clip while recording?
@@zataraadventures I don't know. That was an odd product design decision.
One of the most underrated channels on RUclips. :) I’ve known this for a while.
Thanks Matthew.
The Wireless Go II receiver acts as an audio input device via USB-C, when plugged in to my Mac (probably same on Windows), in a live environment. This can be useful in an internet conference scenario, such as a Zoom call.
Yes, convenient!
Was waiting for your review as yours is always the most thorough out there! You did not disappoint here. I’ve been leaning toward the RODE Wireless Go II and think this just clinched it!
Thanks Ron, I hope they work well for you. Happy recording!
Great review!
I'm done with all my testing as well and shooting my review today after three weeks of field use and tests. I agree with the phone app for field use, because I ain't trying to take a laptop with me on the field. LOL!!!
Also, have you tried to record uncompressed for over 30 minutes? I shot an interview with backup recording for over 30 minutes multiple times and the uncompressed audio files are broken into 30 minute clips. Stitching them together is a bit of a pain with the name filing system, and there's a minute stutter at the stitching seam when the audio needs to be stitched together. I'm hoping for an app update to rename the files to custom names. This is just a sneak peak of my review. ;)
I got so many more requests for doable features via firmware updates. My review is gonna be OVERKILL!
Nice, looking forward to it! I have done a bunch of 26 - 28 minute recordings but not 30 - good catch!
Now, I can buy it without any hesitation. Thanks Curtis 🙏
Happy recording!
Wife rules.... "leave that light on" that was awesome and so real life. thank you Curtis
😀
Thank you for always creating such thorough videos!
Thanks Avis.
What happened with the dropout/pairing issue you had last week in your livestream demonstration?
I had accidentally pressed the mute button on one channel. 😀
Shows that even experienced audio producers can make a mistake like that. No I don’t feel so bad lol!
There is so much work to produce these videos. Thank you very much, for your great reviews!
Thanks WupperVideo!
the only one to speak about the competition and to approach (always) all the aspects that a standard consumer like us does not know !!
Always very relevant this Curtis!
Thanks MRNT! TV!
Great review Curtis, you really set the standard for what you do. Just got my RODE Wireless GO II yesterday and look forward to using it. FYI, just tested a Samson lavalier mike with it and it had an unacceptable hum, not compatible for whatever reason. Then tried what some have reviewed as the best cheap lavalier, Boya $20, and it sounded quite good, very quiet background and clear.
Congrats on the new wireless kit and thanks for sharing your experience with the Samson and Boya!
I would give a lot to see who was the ONE who voted "no" on his video. LIKE YOU could do better? Really? Good job helping the various levels of training to US geeks and producers. Thanks.
Thanks KCJ 2021!
Sir , Thanks for sharing your wisdom to the world ! I find your videos very knowledgeable because these days most of the reviewers only yells doing weird acting in front of their camera.
Thank you.
Thanks for the review Curtis!
The adjustment you made with the equaliser really made a big difference. I’d love to see a video of you making those adjustments and listening to your thoughts will you do it. Making adjustments to audio has always been a bit daunting to me.
Thanks Colin and I have good news - already made that video: ruclips.net/video/Jn6iB1SNvRQ/видео.html
A bonus to the review is getting to see the high country again. Moved to sea level eleven years ago and do miss seeing the hills, elk and snow.
Thanks! And I miss the ocean. I spent many days surfing at C-street in Ventura when I lived there.
Just came home. 4am. Saw the video. Had to watch. Thanks Curtis. I've been waiting for your take on the GO II. Time to buy.
Thanks onocoffee. I hope it works well for you & happy recording!
What about using an adapter to go from 3.5mm to XLR? My cameras all take XLR native; additionally, this would be preferable for a field recorder or similar.
Hey Justin, I put a link for an adapter cable in the description. Best wishes!
Thanks Curtis, We bought 3 days ago and love it! The killer feature is the ability to link to the rode Ntg usb for wireless shotgun mic recording! Many thanks Sandy
Is that a standard mike input or can it record to the tx by USB-C?
@@Photovintageguy hi John we just wired it using the supplied black cable that came with rode ntg USB the noise floor impeccable and the mic powers on and off with the transmitter, cheers sandy
Very cool, Sandy! Happy recording!
@@sandyande that's the VideoMic NTG and it's usb-c headphone output to the usb-c input if the rx? If so how did think to even try it. That's interesting.
Ok for anyone looking into this it's not the usb but just the regular audio output. Referred to by black cable. It would have been interesting if could be usb to usb on boom to tx connection. But on further thought, if possible you might have to live with added latency. Fyi there are videos showing how the original NTG works with wireless GO ver 1. It's the same setup. And does look nice. For about $250 you add some great added ability.
HHH. I just sold my Lark150 and purchase this Rode set. Great experience using wireless go 2. Great video as always. THX.
Glad to hear the GO II is working well for you!
Hi, Please I need your help if you can just let me know any 4 People Interview on Camera sound recording from 2 sets of Rode Wireless GO II systems?
If your camera has 2 microphone inputs, yes, should be possible in theory. Note that wireless systems like this generally tend to become less stable, the more transmitters you have running at the same time.
Mine are supposed to deliver Tuesday, so this review is the final seal of approval even after the purchase was made. Rode and Blackmagic are sure providing the best bang for buck.
Congrats. I hope they work well for you!
Excellent review. Have already bought this system and it works great. I often record to my Zoom F6 and use a splitter from TRS to XLR.
👍 Happy Recording!
Love the review as always Curtis. Massive help!
Thanks!
Always awesome to have your thoughts on a product. Hope things are as well as could be, for you and family, during this pandemic.
Thanks so much huyked, I hope the same for you and yours!
Very helpful, thanks as always. I actually bought two sets of these to record 4 people at once into the camera using your previous technique you showed to hook up two of the original wireless go's. It works great. It's going to be an absolute game-changer for me and what I shoot. I've been wanting something where I can record 4 people at once without external recorders (because of weight and size) since basically forever.
That's great news - glad to hear they're working well!
@@curtisjudd Just an update in case this will help anyone in the future. When using two receivers and four transmitters outdoors and people are moving around, there are pretty frequent dropouts (everything works pretty flawlessly when everyone is facing the camera and not moving). So the backup recordings in the transmitters are essential. However, when using the Rode Central app to get those recordings onto the computer, the wav files don't have the original timestamp of the recording anymore, so it doesn't organize very well with your footage. I could live with the dropouts if those wav files could easily be dropped in with the rest of my footage all at once and be organized by the timestamp in the file.
Anyway, hope this helps anyone who might see it!
@@RobbyHuang Thanks for sharing your experience, Robby. I try to warn people that 4 channels of 2.4GHz wireless microphones can be tricky. Sounds like this is your experience as well.
Best audio gear review channel (by far). Thank you!
Thanks!
Thank you for the great attention to detail Curtis!
👍
Been waiting for this review! Thanks for taking the time!
You bet, thanks Matt!
Enjoy General Conference, Curtis! Delightful, informative video as usual! 🙏🏼💛
Thanks Glen!
Here in my kitchen, and things are completely bonkers. Excellent work as always Curtis👍.
👍
Great review. Before buying any audio equipment, I always check your opinion on it. Thank you for your brilliant effort helping others and sharing your knowledge. It is much appreciated ❤️
Thanks jokubasvaicius.
Another great review Curtis, and from my limited time with it, an excellent product. I love the fact It also works with a USB-c enabled phone, by using the Rode sc16 lead. That lead allows stereo recording into an android device, and works great with filmic pro, showing both left and right channels separately.
Glad to hear it is working well for you! Happy recording!
OH MY GOD THIS GUY IS GREAT.I HAVE LEARNED SO MANY GREAT THINGS FROM HIM FOR FREE.THANK YOU SIR,THUMBS UP.
Thanks Sidy.
@@curtisjudd I WILL FINALLY TRY TO GET RODE GO 2 AND MIXPRE 10 AFTER JUST WATCHING YOUR VIDEOS,THANK YOU SIR
Hey Curtis, as always excellent job. I also saw a bunch of your Microphone reviews and tutorials. I hope that You got a spare minute. I currently have a small, acoustically treated room for which I plan to buy top microphone for my online tutorials. Due to the fact that I don't like when my Rode Procaster obstructs my view when making live tutorials or recordings I plan to change to super/hyper cardioid or shotgun Microphone which would be mounted on boom pole. I like Sennheiser mics so I was thinking about MKH50 or 8050, what's your take on this? I saw that Geralt Undone uses MKH 50 and it sounds awesome. I like that those Microphones also sound more natural (closer to a real life). Any recommendations from the top of your head?
I prefer the 8050 over the 50 - slightly mellower sound. Keep in mind that desks and computer monitors are pretty reflective so you'll have to contend with the sound bouncing around. I often use a mic from below rather than boomed above when at a desk.
@@curtisjudd Excellent. Thanks!
Thanks Curtis. Really enjoy your reviews
Thanks N' Nuel!
Drawers and doors, thanks for the review, Curtis. And, no one was dismissed!
Thanks Jason! Everyone is welcome on this one! 😉
Very good in depth review. Does not go unappreciated
Thanks much!
I liked the safety channel idea when I bought my Tascam field recorder...good to see this feature in this equipment too...
Yes, handy when things get louder than expected.
Thanks again for your reviews Curtis
👍
This is a brilliant review. Thanks for the effort!
Thanks!
The last straw for me to make the wireless go II XD Thank you so much!!!
👍 Thank you!
Got it the first day released. Very impressed. It's my swiss army knife... if I didn't have to record music I would not need my Zoom H8. It is that good. The audio interface and USB-C to lightning along with the backup recording is an absolute winner.
Thanks for sharing, Ria!
Great job as always Curtis.
Thanks Michael.
Brilliant review as always - thorough & concise
Thanks Dark Knight!
The 1 review we were all waiting for. The amount of amateur reviews out there on this product, with misleading information is terrifying...
Thanks jpemile.
This is incredibly comprehensive and informative, thank you!! I immediately subscribed.
Thanks Nathan.
Thanks Curtis, always awesome vids in many levels!
Thanks for watching Lucas!
Actually just received it a few hours ago. If plugged into a camera, it records the safety track on one channel of the video as well. So everything is the same as internal. Once you play with camera input levels and the output, it really does sound good on camera. So no exaggeration.
Good to hear it is working well for you!
Thanks for the review... I just bought these based on your input!
I hope it works well for you! Happy recording!
Thanks Curtis, good review. I don’t think you mentioned how the transmitters handle high level sound. As there is no input gain settings for the transmitters, it would be good to know how easy it is to distort the internal recordings.
It is hard to distort as you can see by the distortion test later in the video. I had to set it to the max gain level on the receiver and nearly yell. So unless you plan to record a LOT of really loud yelling, it seems like it should be fine.
@@curtisjudd ok great. I thought the distortion test at the end was the internal camera recording rather that the actual TX recordings?
Hey Curtis. As mentioned around 2:30. If you do experience break up to the receiver, do you know if you still get a clean recording on the transmitter?
Yes, the recording on the transmitter is still good, even if the wireless signal drops. Pretty amazing feature.
love your outdoor test shot scenery!
Thanks!
Thanks, Curtis. I was on the fence - looking at the Holland and the Rode, but - as you say - the in body recording feature is a must. Can you recommend an attenuator cable so that I can send audio from my Zoom H6 to my camera wirelessly please?
Thanks. This one should do the job: geni.us/z5c0i
Full Disclosure: This is an affiliate link. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
@@curtisjudd Thenks, Curtis.
Still confused how the 32 bit float works on these. If they don't record 32 bit how am I able to download 32 bit? 🤔 that said, the 32 bit has saved me in a couple of situations where the subject peaked the audio and sounds great.
In a simple test I did, the 32bit download definitely sounded better retaining more info than the 24bit download.
The problem is in the marketing. 32-bit float is merely a file container format. It is NOT synonymous with "wide dynamic range". In the case of the Wireless GO II, the transmitters do not use multiple analogue to digital converters so it is not able to deliver the wider dynamic range that a 32-bit float file container can hold.
In my tests, it is still very much possible for the audio to clip with the RODE Wireless GO II.
We have been waiting for this review forever 🤩😁
I hope it was worth the wait.
@@curtisjudd oh yes Curtis Sensei 👌🏿
Thanks for another great review Curtis. Just what I was looking for as I was comparing the Saramonic Blink 500 Pro with this Rode Wireless Go 2. Now I'm swaying to the Rode.
Thanks Jason. Happy recording!
Fantastic in depth review
Thanks Mike.
IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR SOOOO LONG I LOVE YOUR CONTENT!!!!!
Thanks ArabianDork!
I am so glad you reviewed this product. It was so in-depth comparing to other reviewers. I have one question though. How do you set your mic input gain on the transmitters? Can you do this? Or you just adjust input gain on the reciever? How do you make sure that you don't clip the signal on the reciever side? You can plug different mics to that. I guess you need to have analog gain there before ADC. Did I got wrong?
Hi Paweł, yes, you set it on the receiver between 0 and -30dB. It is a different way of approaching gain staging. I can't tell if that is just output attenuation or mic gain. I think it is mic gain.
@@curtisjudd OK... So let's assume that this is proper analog gain that let us avoid clipping separately for both channels. How about the output gain from reciever to camera? Is it adjustable? Do you know, how it is designed in Blink 500 and Lark 150?
@@curtisjudd Update... In the specs on Rode website there is written mic gain 20dB. No one present this parameter for a mic. Rather they present gain range for preamps. That let me believe that they apply fixed amount of 20dB of analog gain assuming that this is best amount for most uscases and 0-30dB of gain control is a digital gain in the reciever so it would work as output gain also. But I would be worried if this 20dB of analog gain in transmiter is optimal for every lav mic you can plug to this transmitter.
@@przybylskipawel Thanks!
Curtis,
1- Can this system be used as 2 standalone pocket recorders ?
2- Could a pocket recorder like the Tentacle sync be used to record the audio from the receiver instead of going to a camera ?
** could 32 bit float be used to record the audio from the receiver to the pocket recorder ?
Hi RV Addict, 1) I haven't specifically tried it, but it should. Will give it a try next opportunity I have. 2) You could plug the output of the receiver into an input of a recorder like the Tentacle Track E, yes. You could record in 32-bit float mode on the Track E, yes. But the signal coming from the output of the receiver is an analogue signal, so if the audio is already clipped at the GO II transmitter, it will be distorted coming into the Track E.
@@curtisjudd , thank you Curtis, no need to test further. This is exactly what i needed to know. I appreciate you.
Wow! The treated room vs the rest of the house! Great review!
Thanks Jonathan. That treatment makes a substantial difference, indeed!
@@curtisjudd would you use these in a commercial shoot? If not, do you have any recommendations for wireless mics besides the rode go ii that have built in recording and monitoring? I like the 32 bit option with the tentacles, but I'm concerned about not monitoring them. I currently own four AWS-2000 wireless mics but they're not the best. I also have used Sennheiser wireless mics but recently have been getting interference when at a car dealership. I have four tentacle syncs, so the sync e is appealing, but again no monitoring is a little risky. So, curious if you have any recommendations.
@@jonathanblair2283 No, I'd use my Audio Ltd. A10 system for a paid commercial job with possibly some RODELink as backup. I have no idea how these will fare at the car dealership - everything is so different location to location - but I did, one time, find that my RODELink worked at a location in Austin where my Sennheiser UHF system just couldn't find a good frequency without interference. That's rare, but it did happen once for me.
@@curtisjudd thank you! The Audio ltd A10 looks like a really good solution. 15k for a set of 4 is definitely on the pricy side, but well worth the investment for reliability. I'll put these on the wishlist and try to pick them up over the next few years. I hope they come out with a 32 bit internal recording version, but I guess it's less important as it's a backup. I appreciate your recommendation!
At 16:08 you say to "set your gain" to avoid clipping but there is no input gain adjustment that can be set to counteract a louder person laughing or yelling for example. Care to elaborate? By the time that audio reaches your camera input it's already clipped so setting your input gain on camera wont do anything.
They have a pad you set on the rx, if the bars show clipping on the rx you can lower it by button. They show it in this video.
ruclips.net/video/coSxxNIcHCs/видео.html
@@Photovintageguy the pad adjusts the output of the receiver not the input of the transmitters. That video confirms that.
In some places, RODE refers to the gain setting on the receiver as a gain setting rather than as an output setting. So I'm a little unclear, but I can say that I could not get the transmitter to clip unless I set the receiver's gain setting to its highest - 0dB. And then the audio recording on the transmitter was also clipped. So it seems to be an input gain rather than an output level setting.
Yet again, a fantastic video!
The Rode wireless go can also be connected to your computer through USB to be used as a USB mic to be used for Zoom, voice overs, skype, etc.
I have tried this with a Mac, and while it does connect, the volume level is a little low. Usually you can adjust levels in the 'sound settings' but you cannot with the Rode. The 'input level' slider is not available.
I emailed Rode about this, and they responded (great customer service!)
They released a new update to Rode central, but it didn't fix this problem. Hopefully in a future update they will, as it would be great to use this as a USB mic.
Thanks again for the great video!
Thanks for sharing, Jeff!
I want to keep my Rode wireless Go but I have an issue when recorded into a camera/recorder, or even headphones in the receiver. I get high frequency distortion/crackle, almost like its clipping but its not actually clipping. The internal recording is clean as a whistle, but via the receiver I have this issue. Have you ever experienced this?
Edit: You have the same issue at 17:49 "I will say" on the word "say", any way to prevent this?
I assume you've tried reducing the input level on your camera and output level on the receiver?
@@curtisjudd Yes tried all of that. It is present in your video, but very little of it. So my wild guess is it my voice (pretty bright). I will just stick with the DJI mic and noise reduction plugin I guess
@@kudobeats 👍
Greetings.
Does the safety track only work when recording one person? Will the safety track work when recording two people on separate channels?
My appreciation to you for your review.
Hi Emind7, you can use the safety channel with both transmitters/2 people as long as the receiver is in "merged" mode (both are already mixed).
First I greatly appreciate you answering my question! And based on your answer do you think rode would/possible in a firmware update allow safety track to work when recording two people on single tracks?
Looking forward to more videos
Again i appreciate your insight...Blessings!
@@Emind7 when in safety channel mode everything has one channel normal, one 20db lower. That includes both rx units and output to the camera. I would hope they could make a mode where each tx puts its own safety but the rx gets the normal db channel from each tx. But right now everything has to be the same by combining channels when in safety mode. Hopefully they can offer a choice later.
Great and thorough as usual Curtis!
Thanks!
Hey Curtis, hope you're doing well and thanks for the review. Three questions that I asked Rode but they hadn't gotten back to me yet: 1) Is the signal that's transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver compressed, or uncompressed audio? 2) How does what is transmitted compare to the internal recording? Do they both have the same amount of automatic gain control? Anyway, apologies if you've answered these questions before. I swear I remember you talking about the differences between internal recording vs transmitted audio, butI just can't remember what video that was. Thanks so much.
Hi Andrew - 1) I don't know for sure but I believe the system is transmitting at least 16-bit 44.1kHz, but on consumer kits like this, the manufacturers usually don't like to share those details. 2) I was told by RODE that the internal recording is 24-bit, 48kHz. 3) Not sure on auto gain - a detail they haven't shared with me.
@@curtisjudd Thanks Curtis! If you don't know, then I feel more okay that I don't know, lol.
great pro review as usual, Curtis, thx!
👍
Excellent guide Judd, thanks a lot! I can't manipulate the gain on the receiver, also can't switch to merged pressing both buttons together. I just can do it at the software Rode central. Maybe the mute button was locked, is it posible? If yes, could please tell me how can I lock/unlock the mute button from the receiver?
I don't remember off the top of my head, but RODE's documentation or support should be able to help. Best wishes! www.rode.com/user-guides/wirelessgo-ii
Hey there, when it comes to setting the DB levels. Is it best to have it set as high as you can on the rode tx so +0 in this case and then as low as you can on the camera (I'm using a Sony ZV-1) Or is it better to have it set as low as possible on the rode tx and higher in the camera settings? What are the pros and cons? Cheers! 🍻
Yes, I'd use the RODE to do most of the gain and set the camera to its lowest setting.
Best audio tech reviewer out there ❤
Thanks GoWind!
Curtis, you are the most trusted source for my research. I've learned a great deal from you and I am grateful for your reviews and insight. I just purchased this system and I'm ecstatic about the field recording capabilites of the transmitters (based on a recent update) without the need for receiver connection. I recorded some ambient surf sound, crashing waves and such, on a recent trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and am pleased with the quality of the capture.. Being new to audio recording, I would like to know your opinion on the quality of the transmitter recordings. I just don't know how to quantify the recording quality.
Hi Loren, Congrats on your new GO II! My main use case is for dialogue recordings and I would say it is pretty typical of a decent lavalier microphone in the prosumer range - decent, but generally requires a bit of post work to make it sound really great.
@@curtisjudd I forgot to mention I used a Rode VideoMicro with a dead cat...the beaches are prone to harsh wind conditions. But, overall the recording capabilities with an even better microphone seems promising.
@@lorenlimberis9602 I agree.
Thaks you Curtis. Cinematic Exterior.
Thanks Ismael.
Are you able to pair these with a mix pre 3 and record the L R track Separate? Because I am unable to get the 2 separate on a mix pre 3.
Yes, but you need a cable to split out to two XLR connectors.
@@curtisjudd got it learned this one accident. So if I plug it in to the aux/mic in one channel one I change input to aux1 and on channel 2 I change input to aux 2 and it does the same thing.
It would be super nice to know if the quality from the transmitter is of higher quality than the receiver out to the camera, like can we use the transmitter as a good quality portable recorder.
Depends on the camera. I didn’t notice a difference when recording to a Panasonic GH5.
Fantastic review as always! Your editing style and calm way of relaying interesting information is like ASMR for my eyes. Fun dynamic with your spouse there, still wondering if you got the reciting of the song on your walk (when the audio dropped, but still was stored internally on the transmitter :) )
Thanks! No luck on the reciting of the song, sadly.
Hi Curtis. Great review showing all the many cool new features!! Your review is the best...of the best! Thumbs up! Plus nobody can afford to use those fancy Sanken lav mics...besides you! Kidding! :-)
Hi Casey! Haha! The Sanken is pretty tough, so I guess it earns its price tag. 😀
@@curtisjudd Haha I'm sure the Sanken mic will keep working long after the Rode Wireless Go rechargeable batteries go flat dead, LOL!
I have a question. How can you replace the audio from the Rode for the audio with cut offs? I mean, the rode system is recording all the time, but in the camera we just record clips of some minutes...how can you find then the small pieces of correct audio? Thank you in advance. Great review as always!
The transmitter recorders will add markers where wireless dropouts occurred which makes it a little easier to find the spots you need.
@@curtisjudd fantastic! Thank you a lot!
Thank you Curtis, very thorough and helpful. I'm definitely going to pick up some of these!
Thanks Aaron. I hope it works well for you!
Fabulous review.
From the review I couldn't really tell how any of tx or rx controls worked or if they had a hold feature to prevent accidental key presses. In the Zoom F2 review there was plenty of detail about how the buttons worked, including the nice hardware "hold" switch>
I'm still debating whether to go for a simple F2 since it comes with a lav and always having to sync double system sound or going with the Go II and having to worry about gain staging, but not having to sync double system sound unless there are drop outs. Sigh.... Pretty cool tech either way.
Thanks for the feedback Gerard. I don't find wide dynamic range recording critical in very many situations for dialogue recordings, personally. I've found that being able to monitor while recording is far more important than wide dyanamic range because often the problems are things like noise in the room or clothing rustle, and not mis-set gain. So for me, I'd opt for the GO II over the F2.
as always, great video. You answered my big question which was this vs the competitor. Thank you!
Thanks Carlos!
@@curtisjudd if I was to use the tentacle sync recorder for n conjunction with this would interference be an issue? I’m thinking about solo projects.
@@carlosq00 Hey Carlos, Are you thinking of having the Tentacle Track E at the receiver end as a super small recorder? Or would the idea be to use it at the transmitter end before passing the signal on wirelessly? I think the former should work fine, but the latter will not work because the headphone output turns off once you start recording.
What a great view! Love everything about it except for the cold.
Hahaha! Yes, the view, unfortunately, comes with the cold.
Can you plug a wireless go into a preamp? Can you use a splitter cable to then mix the audio with a dual channel preamp/audio mixer
Yes and yes.
@@curtisjudd so I could recreate the lark 150 with the rode go with just a splitter cable and a dual channel mixer. Awesome!
Thanks for this one Curtis, for what I can gather there is no way to set the level of the internal backup recording? Is that what you determined or am I missing something? Also, really wish they would add a way to start and stop the internal recordings so they align with camera takes. I've also found the internal recordings have failed or take multiple attempts to recover sometimes which is unsettling when relying on them as backups. Thus far for me they gotten the most use as a quick way to get decent audio into a Zoom meeting haha.
No, not that I can see - just the level setting on the receiver which I'm not 100% sure whether that is mic gain or output level/attenuation.
Curtis, great review as usual. Would you suggest running this into a zoom F6 or is that overkill?
It can't hurt - probably cleaner than most cameras.