Rode Wireless Go II Review | Incredible Wireless Mic/Lavalier! ...But not quite Perfect

[@PotatoJet]

UPDATE! - Batch export is now an option in Rode Central! yes!!! Also, After the latest firmware update, i havn't had any issues connecting them regardless of the type of USB cable used!

[@julianmonarrezjr]

Awesome 🙌🏼

[@JustRomainYT]

Oh nice ! I'm very considering buying it now!

[@TBD_Teebs]

They still haven't added transmitter gain control though and a limiter, as the pad is useless 🙄

[@rodemic]

Great review mate! Thanks for all the feedback and feature requests, I'll pass it onto the Wireless GO development team!

[@o0giri0o]

A case to keep all 3 charged, sounds like a good feature. Also just a single USB C cable to connect to the case and transfer all the files sounds great. Being able to export just one file a time is a sad but a software update can fix that.

[@BassManNv]

Native 32-bit recording: let's talk about it. I've read many reviews/blogs that say RODE had some ... misleading communication. Is it true that a firmware update for true (meaning not upconverting 24-bit files) 32-bit support is not possible?

[@justcarryonnow]

@rode please add a batch export function. And maybe in/out points to export trimmed audio from a long clip. Thanks!

[@FlorentCorchia]

The clipping issue is a big problem, is there any work around?

[@ThanhThanh-it1pm]

remember send him big check =))

[@ThreeTwentyTech]

I love how your reviews are applied in real-world situations as opposed to just being at home. You go out, stick the mic under your shirt, test the receiver and really put the mic through its paces.

[@Schlingelkind]

Exactly!!

[@ExploreInformed]

This - all day long!

[@ThreeTwentyTech]

@@ExploreInformed His humour is just a bonus

[@wcsdiaries]

That's how tech reviews should be done. Not just reading off specs

[@ThreeTwentyTech]

@@wcsdiaries Tell that to all the top tech channels on KZbin

[@ChrisParayno]

This guy always puts in maximum effort to his reviews. No coffee, no gratuitous slow motion, no extreme color grading. Freaking awesome.

[@blairwilliams136]

I have much to learn from the jet.

[@wcsdiaries]

Aka not like peter mckinnon vids lmao.

[@ChrisParayno]

@@blairwilliams136 yes, same

[@ChrisParayno]

@@wcsdiaries everyone has their own methods of entertainment 😉🤣

[@AskAW]

Just say you don't like Peter McKinnon. We all know who you're talking about

[@ThreeTwentyTech]

This channel combines comedy and seriousness and take it to a whole new level!

[@GDoggProductions]

THANK YOU for being the first creator to actually show us that audio can drop out way before 25M with your back turned from the camera etc, I thought it was just my set at one point but nope, this just proved it so thank you

[@Bad-Nick]

I've seen several reviews of these, but this one is what finally moved me to pick up a set, and I'm not disappointed. Thanks for making them seem like so much fun, Jet!

[@BoneCruncherFPV]

You honestly have the best reviews on KZbin because you make it funny and and serious at the same time I kinda want to buy one.

[@gusbromski]

The yell test was the boost I needed this morning 😂

[@IgorRyltsev]

Potato 🥔 Jet is going to make me broke with all the things I have to buy now 😆 Awesome content

[@ChrisParayno]

He already mad me declare bankruptcy lol

[@DanielBaraquiel1]

Realtalk 😝

[@hafizmohtar6301]

Dillan is so talented. I bet he can write a book in his sleep.

[@EazyRed]

Dillan is so talented i bet he can sleep when hes awake tbh

[@starvingartistpodcast48]

I laughed so hard!! No more pudding! 😂Great team Potato Jet(s)

[@SipandFeast]

Thanks for the great review! I've been synching in post to a bunch of clips and that extra time really adds up.

[@dannyderrick]

So glad you did a side by side with the tascam. I wish we could get the tascam quality in a similar receiver that records straight to camera.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

THANK YOU - the Rode NTG Videomic clips at mic level no matter what you set the in-camera volume as well. Similar issue.

[@wcsdiaries]

I love how simply you explain things

[@OlivioSarikas]

@potato jet Quick Question: Why is the sound on the first bike ride 04:51 almost perfect, even the motor is barely audible, then on the second shot 08:10 the sound is really bad and the motor super loud?

[@radiozelaza]

try to de-clip the sound with Izotope RX with some extreme settings. It usually works wonders.

[@dag221]

You should get a Tentacle Sync Track E. It has 32 bit float recording and also is timecode capable. Not a wireless unit but it's quite comparable to the Zoom and Tascam. But simpler and better probably.

[@Bean86]

mentioning the safety channel (20dB lower) at the end and not considering it's exactly there for these moments where sound is unexpectedly loud and hence clipping. Good review apart from that. I also agree that a batch download is needed.

[@AndrewVanBeekOttawa]

I just got mine 3 days ago and I'm amazed by it. It looks like the safety channel is a good idea!

[@djdavidbraz]

I use them for weddings. Super awesome. Never an issue. And I get it transmitted to the camera as well as full recording in the unit, built in backup.

[@mb-watches]

Use the wireless go 1 and now the 2 since a while. Happy with them, especially when I do sort of interview stuff. Have to get a bit more into the different settings and yeah clipping is sort of a thing but have it toned down a bit and raise then the volume in post which helps. Have a nice weekend, cheers mate.

[@MarlonKingShow]

Hey, do you have the option to reduce gain within the rode interface, does clipping com ok every go? I'm surprised they didn't offer some for of limiter like I have on my 12 year old portable recorder.

[@Bean86]

@@MarlonKingShow there's a safety channel at 20dB lower exactly for that and gain can be adjusted on the receiver.

[@CaptainJack63]

🤗AAAWWW!! I was totally taken away watching my question being answered by Gene! I was eating my breakfast and nearly dropped my fork. You just made my Friday Mr. Potato Jet! So I guess I'm buying the Rode Wireless Go II thanks to Gene and others who responded to my question in the previous video. 😋

[@Playerdue]

You should try also the Hollyland LARK 150, in my opinion it's a very interesting option when it comes to compact wireless microphone systems. The box of the LARK150 recharges the components and the receiver has also knobs to control the gain of the two transmitters.

[@AdamFunk]

Kari reading a storybook to a seal was amazing. Protecc this wholesome content.

[@o0giri0o]

A case to keep all 3 charged, sounds like a good feature. Also just a single USB C cable to connect to the case and transfer all the files sounds great. Being able to export just one file a time is a sad but a software update can fix that.

[@DUUKE100]

MAJOR QUESTION: When I stop recording on the camera does the transmitter also stop or does it continues because the receiver is still on ????

[@philipbarry3350]

I've had them for a while now and my experience has been they keep recording. They have a decent amount of storage on them so even set to broadcast quality you can get several hours out if it. It's enough that even after doing several interviews and a Livestream I had a good bit of free space on it. I think the only place you might run in to issues is if you were doing some form of documentary where your subject was being filmed for hrs at a time.

[@billem16]

@@philipbarry3350 what about battery life, is that also several hours?

[@shqipdonsalijaj]

@@billem16 He mentioned it dude 14:30

[@gustaflembre4191]

It just records everything

[@WildBikerBill]

How would the receiver or transmitter know the camera recording has stopped? Therefor, they keep going.

[@RogerBarrera]

Thanks for the time and effort put into this video! Using your link to purchase a unit and that charger too! Well done man!

[@Tech4YourNeeds]

I’m glad that I purchase the Rode Wireless Go II with Rode Go Lavalier a while back best investment I made for my audio. The verdict is I love it.

[@alvinburrell]

Well after watching this I bit the bullet and purchased a set... and after using for 2 days I went and purchased a second set. These are fantastic. I actually used them for something really unusual, an Amateur operatic theatre show where nobody was mic'd. I was able to place the 4 receivers around the stage and one with the small orchestra and the sound quality was fantastic. There was some clipping on very load sections but I have RX8 so I can recover the clipping. Highly recommended.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Damn, I LOVE this review! I, too, have the Tascam (love it!) and the RWGII, and after the recent firmware update cured the corrupt file issues, have been using the RWGII’s onboard recording almost exclusively. Such a useful gadget! Love your work, mate! 👍🦘🇦🇺😄

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

The wind muff and internal recording are major improvements. I wasn't going to upgrade but now I may have to think about it. And, separate charging is a PITA so I would definitely get the multiple charger.

[@tolericktou6047]

that closing part with Dylan really makes this video special!

[@DaveHerrer]

I love the way you review it and make it all so simple and straightforward, yet so elegant and well-thought out in your videos to where it makes sense and gives me a-ha! moments. Thank you for using your talents to teach us/me. I didn't even know about Tascam being an option and now I know as well. Little by little. You are awesome!

[@seb_gibbs]

Clipping was definitely something I wanted to know before buying, some great examples that clears that question up. I personally would have compared silent noise, background noise, distant sounds, and their high/low frequency range too. The Tascam seems such a reliable solution, why bother transmitting, wish they sold Tascam's in packs. I would like to see a device (maybe a phone a app) that shows all Tascam's in the area and allows you to turn them all on/off remotely.

[@ElayneOkaya]

Clipping is really not a concern (for me) because there’s the safety track that automatically records at a lower level. You can also simply turn down the decibels on the transmitters. If it’s clipping at -6db, you can turn it down to -9db or -12db.

[@AdamM]

Omg.. the backup audio.. why haven’t I heard of this before this video… game changer and definitely now have to get this!

[@MollyFitzBrown]

Nice test, you guys have fun, love it!

[@Victor-Rojas]

Yup...I bought these a few months ago and they are super practical for run and gun, but I've had a couple interviews that I did with people who project their voice and even at the lowest possible setting, and with the pad turned on, it still clipped. I don't mean clipping in my camera, I'm referring to the signal itself being fed from the transmitter to the receiver. The signal is too hot from the get-go. So even if I have it lowered on my end within the camera, it's still too hot because it's being sent out that way from the mic. I've had to run a couple clips through izotope to declip them, but they never sounded as good as what they should have originally.

[@raulgolfs]

WOW that internal memory is game changer!! I need to upgrade for my Golf Vlogs!

[@KaiTiura]

Some USB cables are data cables, some are not. That may be the issue with the connection. I was going to say some snarky comment like "Gee, you finally got around to this review, like, a year late? Cool!" But it's, as usual, a good review. These sound awesome with the windscreen in high-wind situations most of the time. (Sounded excellent on the bike; surprisingly so, in fact; NO wind noise!) Really can't complain. Who records screaming people? The padding can help, but screamers just hit the cutting-room floor anyway. If Rode finally listens to YOU and fixes the no-batch-exporting thing (stupid, stupid, stupid!!!) then your lateness with this will have been worth it. (Dude, I LOVE your videos, can't get enough of them! I'm sure you have an excuse for taking so long on this one... 🙄) Always-on recording can be a lot of fun if you want to prank someone... just sayin'. ;) For weddings, I think the only way you can get all three main people (bride, groom and officiant) recorded would be to have two sets, and record one mic internally and put them together in post, but it can be done... kinda pricey tho... Thanks again for another entertaining vid, man. You and your crew are special!

[@NewsPlusBengali]

The handle of you show for interview or rpeorter, it is given with go II or should to buy extra???

[@RusiruRupasinghe]

THE best review i have seen on this mic!!!

[@NakaswaMediaUg]

This is the best review on this microphone. Very adorable

[@arestis22]

Exactly the review I was looking for. Thank you for including the short comings (albeit rare use case) of this and a reasonably priced competitor.

[@OutdoorAdventureTV]

I agree completely with your recommendation for locking microphone cables!! I am having to reshoot sections of one of my videos because my microphone became unplugged. It might seem like a "pro" feature, but it is really valuable for recorders at any price point.

[@odiafarmingdunia]

My one transmitter is shutting down itself after few minutes of recording, any solution

[@JasmineApple]

Really appreciate the comprehensive review! I've been using the Tascam DR10L, and I was ready to consider switching until the clipping tests. Good video, as always!

[@Lam-s-Workshop]

Dylan's level of improvising on the spot is incredible

[@sommeone]

This is the bet review I've seen! This is absolutely what sold me on the wireless go 2! Thanks for the excellent review!

[@MRSMI13Y90]

the clipping issue was a downer .. wanted to use them with my motorcycle but it was not possible to get good audio

[@VitValentaEnglish]

in the app is something caled low sensitivity mode - it is accesible only throught Rode Central - it might do the trick with clipping sound input - I havent test it yet though

[@VitValentaEnglish]

tested: works yes - also you can activate the "pad" function by long pressing the mute button on reciever (the transmitter must be selected by the other button) it indicates by blue triangle - then clipping is appearing less... The gain setup is only for the output of 3,5mm jack not for mic. (they also say it in their learning hub) Mic gain is basicaly this "pad" function.

[@BeyondParadis3]

Finally saw another guy who can clutchless shift 🤘🏼🥺

[@kingskafa]

Hey the zoom has a “hold” switch right with the on/off.. that should prevent it from getting accidentally turned off

[@callmebyyourprisonname8225]

Just got my Sony ZV-E10 two days ago. Can’t wait to grab these accessories. Good review. Very helpful. 👍

[@xonx209]

For the clipping problem, perhaps add some thick lavalier mic cover, or add an in-line attenuator (just two resistors you can DIY).

[@MattShockley]

Great video as usual. Is it possible to plug in a line level 1/8in feed into this instead of using a microphone? Even if it’s mono only?

[@DanUnplanned]

Very excited for your review bro these look amazing I would love them for my videos but I can’t afford them right now so much stuff I want! Keep up the awesome work man

[@EazyRed]

how well does it track ( The Skydio ) when behind trees every once in a while, compared to woodland areas?

[@codyoftheinternet]

You’d love to see how these measure up to Hollyland Lark! They seem to have a lot of similarities.

[@MarekDrives]

A quick question to people using Go2 with Lumix GH5. My RX unit is picking up some interference (buzzing sound) specifically with this camera. No problem on GH4. I talked with Rode support, had the service look at is, I replaced the set, tried different cables, but same result. The go-around is for the camera person to hold the cable. That seems to stop the interference. I wonder whether this problem is specific to my GH5, or occurs with some Panasonic cameras in general.

[@slowfunken]

I have the same issue on my Sony zv1. And it was on Sony a7iii several times. Sometimes everything is great but rarely comes this buzzing. Backup signal is without it btw Maybe replacing the red cable can help?

[@user-xs3db6ox3q]

Have you cleaned the port recently? Also you might want to use balanced cable

[@MarekDrives]

@@slowfunken I replaced the entire set, I had the authorised service look at it, and we tried a bunch of Rode cables from various devices. The buzzing is only between the receiver and the camera. Holding the red cable helps. On rare occasions we don't need to hold it. The backup audio on the transmitters is fine, but then I have to mix it in post. The service suspects insufficient shielding within the receiver.

[@MarekDrives]

@@user-xs3db6ox3q we tried a bunch of cables, original Rode cables for various microphones (including several red memory cables like supplied in the box), as well as a bunch of cables I bought on Amazon. The buzzing sound is almost always there on the GH5 with Wireless Go 2. It may stop for a while, but then it returns. No matter what location. No matter what cable. The problem doesn't occur on my GH4 with Go2, and it doesn't occur on the original Wireless Go with the GH5.

[@purevision957]

@@MarekDrives did you solved this ?

[@joshgarver1197]

The handheld adapter has been out of stock for the past two months. Thanks for the late review to remind me to check if it was available and boom! Ordered 😁

[@nazhif1]

I had a similar experience when it comes to the mic clipping on the GO 1. one of the talents I had to shoot is an advanced driving instructor and he's used to projecting his voice really loud for people to hear. But that does mean he's maxing out the Rode GO so I had to switch to my UWmic9. Just got the GO2 recently and hoping its better

[@ElayneOkaya]

I just don’t see a scenario where you would need to film audio from that far away. There is also literally no real-life scenario where the talent would be shouting like that so the distortion at those extreme levels are a non-issue. I have two of these sets and I reach for them more than my Sennheiser G3s or my 416 boom mic. They are incredibly versatile and very good quality. Paired with the MagclipGO and the InterviewGO, you can do oh so much. That internal recording is super clean and has saved my hide a few times when my audio into camera didn’t work so well. What’s great is that you get redundant audio without having to use additional audio gear- big win. If you are on the fence about them, I would absolutely encourage you to buy them. Buy them! Absolutely worth the money. Rode gets an 11/10 for this unit.

[@rodrigobelinchon2982]

People shout at events like fairs

[@DanielHodotcom]

Thank you for the comprehensive review! I just bought it and I’m having a difficult time avoiding distortion. It overloads so easily. I hope Rode updates their firmware to allow control of the mic gain. The pad is not enough.

[@christopherpackart]

I ordered a set of these and should be getting them tomorrow. I got them so I can go downtown and vlog without having a huge mic on my camera drawing even more attention. Might try it out at some weddings too. I might have to play with using one as a lower safety track if it's just me using it. Might be useful too when shooting some narratives/skits with some friends. Also setting it up in the studio during live streams so I'm not anchored to a standard plugged in mic. Also getting these over the first version because it has internal backup recording.

[@aylorjames848]

Hi PJ perhaps using shift when selecting audio clips will allow you to select multiple files to export. If someone has suggested it then sorry I don't read whole threads.

[@apexsynergy]

Just go mine today! Its amazing!!! Using it for live stream events and its a game changer!!!

[@EddieStudios]

You didn't try the Safety channel for the clipping test. I've had good luck using the safety channel while recording sport cars with loud engines. On most cases I avoid the clipping in the safety channel.

[@seanmalady2968]

Dude, your house is looking great so far! Happy for y'all!

[@Jeff_Putz]

I labored over whether to but these or the Saramonic Blink 500 Pro, and went with the latter. Doesn't have recording in the unit, but it's cheaper because it includes lavs and the charging case is amazing.

[@charbax]

Blink 500 Pro with backup recording would be nice 😁

[@fpvflyer4758]

Quick question : When I'm using merged mode, should I be using both transmitters for the recording? Lets say its just me anf I want to do a one person voiceover.... Will I use BOTH transmitters AND have merged mode turned on? What about the safety mode... Will I need both transmitters for that too? Or can I use safety with just one transmitter?

[@MexicanMartialArts]

SO helpful, bro!! 🙌💯

[@mickeypower]

Thanks, good review. First job I used them on months ago was with actor whose levels were all over the place, from whisper to redlining, but the mic's separate recording saved me since it wasn't as bad and I don't even remember setting the pad. Re batts, wonder how long many recharges before replacing?

[@yigalkatyusha]

dude, it's 2 am here, now i'm laughing over dylan yelling at the mic. LMFAO

[@babourzainullah]

I purchased mine literally like 2 days ago!!! Super excited, wooooohooooo:)

[@J.Polyakov]

i think there is some auto setting though on the tascam on 6:41 when he screams may be a limiter or compression?

[@bhuvanashwar2098]

Potato jet. You taught me so much about cameras. Thanks so much man

[@TomaszBrodecki]

Thanks, I was just looking into those! :D Great review, great Dylan monologue, great Kari ending :D

[@TheAndroidCircuit]

DUDE I AM SOLD!!! Really great test cases here. Thanks for being so thorough with your reviews. Makes my decisions easier.

[@ConceptNewEra]

I was looking into these for my KZbin videos! So helpful to hear you insight as always! 💯✔️🔥

[@AlexanderHaibel]

Were the loud segments the audio into the camera, or from internal? The Tascam records at 24-bit, and so does the Wireless Go internally, but the A7S III only has 16bit on the 3.5mm jack. You may have been unintentionally misleading if you compared 16-bit audio to 24-bit audio.

[@pokedad.fishes]

Was already sold on the Go II for my fishing adventures, but OMG Dylan yelling at the person that ate the bologna sandwich! I DIED! Earned my sub! HAHA!

[@GrillTopExperience]

Can you turn down the gain to avoid clipping like you can in the Tascam TR-05?

[@onocoffee]

At 2:13 I was thinking "that person in the background looks like a background plant. It also looks like Kari." Been using the GOII for a couple months now, great performance!

[@axel.lessio]

Thank you so much for recommending the Tascam recorder, it's right what I needed. I don't sing as loud as Dylan shouts but unfortunately it's loud enough for the Wireless Go II to clip haha. Recording audio with the Tascam and then syncing it with the iPhone footage seems a very good option.

[@CodyStoner20]

Rode Wireless Go II or Hollyland Lark 150? Similar idea and price but the Lark 150 set comes with a charging case. The receiver also has physical knobs for each channel.

[@HoundDogMech]

What's needed with both the Mics w/ Recorders and the Recorder is another feature that allows you to go from Pause to record & back to Pause in Sync with the Camera. This would eliminate a lot of extronus recording plus make Post Sync Easier. Speaking of Syncing Audio in Post why not include an ATOMIC clock in all cameras and Remote Audio devices Even if accurate to a 1/120th of a second there would be no need to ever sync Audio by wave form again. It would be as good or better than any form of Frame Accurate Time Code. Even Iphones or any cell phone would have Universal Time Code.

[@RealLifewithAdrianRuth]

I picked these up about a month ago. My favorite so far

[@MarlonKingShow]

Thank you, can you manually adjust the levels to minimise clipping within the rode interface? its nice you mention the clipping as I noticed this happening on a lot of peoples videos with the version 1, think they were oblivious. I mean the wireless is cool, but if the inbuilt mic can't work well like any other mic its a bit disappointing for the price. Which is same as video Pro plus price. Shame because the internal storage is a great feature. So close to being a worthwhile purchase. But at the moment as a one man youtuber, there is no advantage to my current system going live into a yamaha recorder and syncing separately.

[@Victor-Rojas]

Hi there. I own this set. Yesy, you can lower it, but even at the lowest setting, I've experienced clipping. Not with every single person I've interviewed, it just depends if the person projects their voice or not. But I was conducting interviews with people just speaking loudly, not yelling, and it clipped.

[@MarlonKingShow]

@@Victor-Rojas Heya, thank you for providing details. Sounds like its convenience at the price of quality. Think I will hold fire on these until its resolved or a limiter added. Have a good weekens

[@DarenYoong]

Great and fun review! Got the Rode Wireless Go II recently

[@tonykaizen]

This is the best review I’ve ever seen. Thanks a lot.

[@alexsystems2001]

All things considered, I have this same kit and it’s simple, very easy to use and for the most part does it’s job, I really can’t complain.

[@sharedimages1534]

How do you get your sound so clear with no background noise? Could you share a video of the post editing process?

[@SouthAfricanWanderer]

Hi Gene I have one question - how do I use the the safety channel if I have used the safety. The recording is on a right and left channel with the one -20db (safety) - this makes it sound as if the sound is coming only from one direction. How do I "merge" the two tracks?

[@alexsystems2001]

I just got a 2021 BMW R18 Classic… When are you going to have a motorcycle ride with meet and greet?

[@ErikKoehne]

Thanks for the great review.! Love your humor especially because it doesn’t detract from the vital information at all. Can I hook the receiver to a speaker so that I could do live amplified presentations? I have a Bose sound link speak which has a male speaker jack.

[@sebastianphilippebruggeman2775]

What about the Tentacle Track E? More options for monitoring and internal 32bit float

[@jason1974ification]

On a motorcycle would you keep the device in your pocket or would you do the Lavalier mic. I rock a 3/4 but at times run a full face and thinking that style of mic would handle most - It's a harley - so it's a bit loud I have a triumph with no windshield so wouldn't even bother getting audio without a full face.

[@followmarshawn]

At 4:20 it’s a verrry hard to hear door squeak sound that had me checking the entire house before I found it was the video

[@followmarshawn]

Still a great video thanks!