RODE Interview Pro: Wireless Handheld Interview Mic

[@artdurand511]

Really appreciate you for taking the stance for replaceable rechargeable batteries. This is not only a con against this product, it’s a strike against Rode as a company. I own a number of Rode products and, unfortunately because I deeply appreciate them manufacturing in Australia, won’t be purchasing any more until they change their stance in this area.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks - with enough people giving feedback, they'll hopefully change that aspect of their products.

[@tlingit]

Me too. Rode is good, but they are super stubborn about pushing their logo in our work, and non-replaceable batteries.

[@jayakarthi]

You always bring up something the other reviewers don't! That's why I keep watching your video!

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

👍

[@jayakarthi]

@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions Hi, should I be worried about RF interference with this mic?

[@curtisjudd]

@@jayakarthi I didn't run into any issues with RF interference, but like all 2.4GHz wireless mic systems, if there's a lot of other WiFi or other consumer devices using this part of the spectrum, this mic, like any other, may have trouble staying connected.

[@thedeejlam]

Thank you for the critiques about the battery and branding! For pro-ENG, it's usually an XLR plug-in to a dynamic or shotgun of your choice. The battery replaceable plug-in pack can still give you internal/card recording as well are wireless transmission (depending). Is it usually a more expensive setup? Sure, but you get what you pay for: a custom system, with low-vis branding, which will last many years.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

👍

[@TheTechnoPilot]

Yeah, I would have vastly preferred a 48V Phantom capable XLR plug-on, much in the vain of their old RodeLink units but updated for the modern system. That or at minimum give us interchangable capsules in either the Sennheiser or Shure standard.

[@curtisjudd]

@@TheTechnoPilot Despite the "pro" in the name, it. looks like they're going for a different market than those who would normally choose a wireless system with interchangeable capsules.

[@HouseofRen]

I just used mine a few days ago for the first time. Im. Wedding film maker who brings his own PA system for readers in a ceremony. I’ve been very impressed by ease of use, and the recording. I’ve set it to always record when switched on.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@frubo_ssg]

Curtis, I totally agree with you. Devices with replaceable batteries are now a no-go for me. The market usually offers good alternatives.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

👍

[@Tarets]

You meant without?

[@frubo_ssg]

@@Tarets With replacable batteries.

[@jamesgaszak3685]

Why on earth do they keep making non replaceable batteries. I want something that will last longer than 5 years. Such a disappointment.

[@curtisjudd]

Keep speaking out. They'll hopefully hear when enough of us speak up.

[@jamesgaszak3685]

@@curtisjudd I honestly think it's a marketing strategy. If they need us to keep rebuying their equipment every 3 to 5 years they get better financial numbers. And these unprofessional kids are not forward thinkers so they just keep the machine building more temporary waste products.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

@@jamesgaszak3685 Bad, bad strategy if that's the case.

[@ahmedthabet8200]

Lithium polymère are compact , other lithium -ion replaceable cells are big

[@curtisjudd]

@@ahmedthabet8200 why not put a Li polymer cell in a removable package?

[@Brucelabvideos]

Thanks for this review, Curtis. This system would be ideal for so many of my current applications and projects. The non-replacable battery issue is simply a "deal breaker" for me and that is a shame.😢. Maybe the next version? 🤔

[@curtisjudd]

Hopefully!

[@jimh1946]

Just purchased. I understand the battery issue. But Rode has always been good with battery tech. In addition, if after 5 years if I’m still using this mic, I’d be surprised. The next tech will come out surpassing this one, and I’ll bet the battery still works.

[@curtisjudd]

I hope it works well for you in the meantime. Keep making great sound!

[@jannarkiewicz633]

Rode has enough of my money for now. Great as always, Curtis.

[@curtisjudd]

LOL! Not trying to sell this to you, just providing awareness. 🙏

[@jannarkiewicz633]

@@curtisjudd I know... You're the nice guy reviewer. I just dropped on NTG and NTG5 and my Zoom F3. "enough for now." My plate is full.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

@@jannarkiewicz633 Nice kit. Happy recording!

[@ww1www]

Good review, thank you. I hope Rode will come out with a plug-in XLR wireless/recorder device, similar to the RodeLink TX-XLR but compatible with their new wireless standard and with onboard recording. Then anyone could choose their own mic.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

Good idea. 👍

[@EmeraldAudiovisual]

Got mine today. Such a great product.

[@curtisjudd]

👍 Happy interviewing!

[@ddimento8790]

Great review, I agree with your stance on the non-replaceable battery. It would be nice also if the device had a headphone socket, it would make it a very usable compact interview kit for an audio doc maker like myself. I know it's geared towards wireless transmission and presumably, monitoring at the other end, but would still be a nice feature and perhaps increase the user base. I contacted Rode about the battery, they replied and said it could be replaced if faulty, but didn't really indicate if they were willing to do an "end of life" battery replacement.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for sharing re: the battery. 👍

[@tyadams8776]

Does this come with the receiver or is that sold separately?

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Curtis, thanks for Sabbath Day uploads! It lends a sanctity to the video. I can quote them during Second Hour . . . 😉

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

Ha! Thanks Glen.

[@Edvinas_accordion]

Could I pair this microphone with iphone directly?

[@curtisjudd]

No, unfortunately.

[@12yfilms]

Thank you for sharing!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@Soooeren]

Thank you! Question for one use case: I am thinking about buying this for podcast interviews in small rooms where my guest sits 2-3 meters next to me. I asking myself if the omnidirectional Polar Pattern is a problem as the two mics then could pick up too much noise from eachother. that would mean a lot more work in post editing. Or do you think that should be fine with a little bit post editing? Or would you recommand another mic for my use case?

[@curtisjudd]

There will be mic bleed but if you sit 3 meters apart, it won’t be too bad. But a cardioid directional mic would be preferable.

[@AmadoWildlifeVideos]

You have a great hand model there!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks. 💅

[@DucNguyen-r7l]

Hello Curtis Judd. Thanks Curtis Judd for sharing such great knowledge. I would like to ask Curtis Judd for advice on the Zoom F3 and Zoom H8 recorders. I am currently using it for 1 person interview, 80% and 20% for interviewing more than 2 people. I am currently using the RØDELink Filmmaker Kit Microphone plugged into the mini XLR port on the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K, but when interviewing there is still noise after post-processing, the sound is no longer good. I am currently looking to buy another Zoom recorder. I am hesitating between the Zoom F3 and the H8 because in Vietnam, these two devices are almost the same price. My main need is still interviewing and buying a recorder that can reduce the background noise it creates. I do not know which is better between the Zoom F3 and the Zoom H8. I'm also thinking about getting a Rode NTG 5, but I was wondering if there's a Shotgun mic under $500 that's better suited for interview purposes like the Rode RTG 5. Thanks for the advice Curtis Judd.

[@curtisjudd]

The F3 has lower noise preamps than the H8

[@raduazdril9533]

Would this mic capsule produce a better sound for interviews than using a Rode Wireless Go? Thanks.

[@curtisjudd]

I prefer the sound of this over pretty much any "lavalier" mic, including the Wireless GO II.

[@victoriamalovich1550]

How do I sync it with my wireless go ii?

[@curtisjudd]

Press the pair button on the mic and the receiver.

[@StevenSheeran]

Thanks for the great video. Could these mics work for singing and professional karaoke? Their wireless feature and ability to connect to the rodecaster could make a simple setup for singing. Thoughts?

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, I think so.

[@StevenSheeran]

Thanks for commenting @@curtisjudd. I’ve actually put this question to the few who have made content on and also reviewed this product (Even @rode themselves). NO-ONE has made comment or remark on these mics being an option for singing and or karaoke.

[@curtisjudd]

@@StevenSheeran do note one thing: The Max SPL capability of this microphone is 122dB SPL. It'll handle most singing, but there may be singers out there who can really belt out at higher volumes and if they exceed that 122dB SPL, the sound will distort. That's probably the hesitation that most will have about this microphone for singing vocals.

[@AskJoe]

The Wireless Pro / Go series and the DJIs have non-removable batteries too. The funny thing about devices without user replaceable batteries is that they tend to be how people justify upgrading to newer generations long before the battery wears out. Apple got a ton of flack in 2007 when the first iPhone came out without a removable battery. Now, just about every laptop, tablet or smartphone has a non-swappable battery. It's the new normal. That said, since their previous generations had a way to easily swap batteries, they should've kept the design, or even improved it to use a small off the shelf camera battery, which pros already keep on hand.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

Yes, the difference with some of the bigger companies is that, at least they tell us, they recycle those batteries. And they offer service to replace the batteries. I would hope that RODE will replace these, but I'm not an advocated for planned obsolecense, especially for a product that is named "Pro".

[@noranoskyle4417]

I am on the fence between this and the AVX sennheiser handheld mic. I don't need the best mic but I do need semi professional. I do interviews for sales and events. Which one would you recommend, the sennheiser avx or the rode interview pro? Money is not really a problem..

[@noranoskyle4417]

here its a $400 price difference

[@noranoskyle4417]

Also which would be better for livestreaming?

[@curtisjudd]

The AVX uses a different frequency band which is generally less saturation in the US. So that’s what I’d choose if I had the option.

[@rumblewittheb]

All these videos and no one is showing what are you hooking the mic up to for it to sound off?

[@curtisjudd]

What do you mean? They're connecting them to the receivers which then feed the audio into their cameras.

[@SportFlow]

It always amazes me how nice is the place you live in the countryside. Where is it?

[@recoblade1465]

Utah I think he said in a previous video

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

Yes, Rocky Mountains in Utah.

[@ChrisFlores22]

Curtis, Do you have a recommendation for a 3.5mm on camera mic that I can use for foley/scratch audio? I have the rode videomic ntg but I have sent it to rode to fix and the same issue still remains. Sometimes the mic shuts off when I hit record and I end up not recording audio. It's super unreliable. Looking for a small compact solution. Thanks as always, your audio recommendations have been so solid for me!

[@curtisjudd]

Deity D4 is pretty good, but not sure about reliability after a year or two.

[@ChrisFlores22]

@@curtisjudd I bought that and didn’t really like it. When plugged into my s1h, the camera reads it as a spatial mic and I have to crank the gain knob on the mic and levels in the s1h. Gets noisey. I picked up a godox vds-m2

[@curtisjudd]

@@ChrisFlores22cool. I hope that works well. 👍

[@DjFranz876]

I love it. I bought 3 days ago to use my Osmo Pocket 3 and Insta360 x4. However, I don't like it's the LOUD Rode logo. I had to darken it with a marker. Also I can't place a mic fla on the mic because where the button are. I don' understand why I can't access the recorded files from my phone but only a PC. The built in battery is not a problem for me. It should last up to 7+ years my use case like my phone.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@TheTechnoPilot]

Great review but I think the absolute largest con for me is that they didn't make it an interchangable capsule which is pretty standard in it's actual market segment! I would LOVE to pair this with an EarthWorks SR3117 capsule for general interviews and another directional for my motorsports work but can't and honestly it would have been an instant buy if it was. Super highly disappointed on this front from Rode. I ended up eventually buying the Rode Go Pro, but that equally had the same "this seems perfect...WAIT WHY?!" moment when they described their timecode implementation which didn't conform with the basic industry standard of being able to jam in, or at very least output both a constant TC and split signal. It feels like they want to make amazing products to 90% of their potential but leave at least one very serious gotcha for professional use.

[@curtisjudd]

Ah yes, I think this is aimed at a different market.

[@StarskyHomer]

The capsule then is different from the "RODELink Performer Wireless Handheld Microphone System" ?

[@curtisjudd]

I don’t remember for sure, but I believe the Performer was a dynamic mic, so yes.

[@StarskyHomer]

@@curtisjudd right. Thank you

[@john-lenin]

But as a condensor mic how does it perform in an extremely noisy environment? I've used an SM57 in a nightclub standing directly in front of the DJ booth with the music playing 100+ decibels and it worked incredibly well - but it's a dynamic mic.

[@curtisjudd]

this isn't made for that. Max SPL is 122dB SPL. You're better off with a dynamic mic for that situation.

[@brendamzambrano9776]

I can also count on Curtis to have reviewed audio products before making a purchase

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@GabrielsLogic]

Thank you for your comments on E waste. Its not ok considering it's so avoidable. I suspect they find it more profitable to sell two mics, rather than 1 + an extra battery. 😢

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@PavanRChawla]

Thanks for this review @curtisjudd. Will this pair wirelessly with all, or only with Rode receivers? That'd be another downer for me.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

It pairs with the RODE kits I mentioned in the video.

[@TexpatOTG]

Am 100% with you on in-built batteries. Polluting and the device can outlast your battery. That sucks. I only have 2 devices with built in battery. One is dead, the other ok and will run off of USB.

[@curtisjudd]

Yep.

[@jenky1044]

Great show. Thank you. I wouldn't buy it just because of the non replaceable battery. I'm tired of companies doing this with other items. I'm assuming it's because they fig they can sell more units after the batteries stop lasting so long.? Even if they only last 50%, people will probably replace them from frustration.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks.

[@richiecabral3602]

So, when you say they're compatible with the wireless recievers, I'm confused about this, and maybe not just specifically to do with this mic, but do the transmitters on those sets have to be matched to that reciever, or could any transmitter, or this mic, be used with any reciever? Also, I saw someone, maybe comica, has released a set of four transmitters to a 4 channel reciever. Is that something you anticipate Rode doing as well?

[@curtisjudd]

The transmitters have to be paired with a receiver. This is just an operation you perform by pushing a button on the transmitter (to go into pairing mode) and the same on the receiver. They then talk to each other and "pair". It's pretty simple, much easier than frequency coordination on UHF wireless systems. I have no idea if RODE plans a 4 channel receiver.

[@richiecabral3602]

@@curtisjudd sorry, just a quick follow up, but I've read before that these wireless systems tend to have issues when using maybe 4 or more transmitters in the same space, so figured that was why it's not done, and was surprised by the comica 4 channel. Are you aware of that being an issue? Would it still be if you had 2 sets, meaning 4 transmitters and 2 receivers?

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

@@richiecabral3602 The more 2.4GHz activity there is in the immediate area where you're using these, the higher the risk of audio drop-outs. Adding MORE channels of wireless audio adds to that saturation. It also depends on how many other 2.4GHz things like WiFi and other consumer devices are using that frequency band in the immediate area. It is absolutely POSSIBLE to get 4 channels going in the same area. But I don't trust 2.4GHz systems to manage that well in many office or even home environments. And certainly not places like stadiums or venues with large numbers of people, all with the mobile phones.

[@richiecabral3602]

@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions great! Thank you!

[@andreimanilkin5339]

@@richiecabral3602 Two Rode sets operating side by side give unpredictable interference to each other. If you space the receivers (using an extension cord, for example) over a distance of several meters, the situation improves significantly, but still remains difficult to control. Even in this case, interference can occur completely unpredictably, although to a lesser extent than when two receivers are nearby. So two Rode sets working side by side in one place is almost certainly a technical defect in sound.

[@Robert.DeCorah]

Hey Curtis! Long time subscriber. Sorry for posting here, but I’d love to know your thoughts. I do 3-5 person discussions for clients, sometimes in studio, and sometimes on location. I’ve been running a bunch of labs that end up with phasing issues. If you had to run lavs, would you consider an atomic setup with them, or something else?

[@curtisjudd]

Not sure what an atomic setup is, but I’d use an Automixer like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5fJhniBh7eojdUfeature=shared

[@Robert.DeCorah]

@@curtisjudd I really appreciate the quick response and this solution! Donated in KoFi!

[@curtisjudd]

@@Robert.DeCorah Thanks Robert and happy mixing!

[@Pikmeir]

With cell phones, they make the batteries unreplaceable so it's easier to make them waterproof. But with a microphone you're probably not going to expect it to keep working while being underwater, so there's no benefit to manufacturing. Maybe it allowed them to place the battery in a more convenient location for manufacturing? But they should still make *A* way to access it and replace it, even if it's more inconvenient to the customer to change it.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, even just a very clear battery replacement program with clarity on prices for the service would be a step in the right direction.

[@argusfest]

I wish these companies didn't clutter up their gear with their giant logos. It's an unwanted distraction. I have the Shure SM7B and have to use gaff tape to hide their logo.

[@curtisjudd]

I hear you.

[@thierrydesmedt7982]

I confirm that the internal recorder produces a DC Offset of about -0,233%.

[@curtisjudd]

Interesting…

[@2kime]

Since the other can not hear what I am saying over distance (50m) , I need the other to receive and hear me as well. So a wireless WE please Rode.

[@curtisjudd]

LOL! Clever name.

[@theabirus]

What a nice idea, but batteries have to be replaceable. A couple of years of heavy usage they gonna get really bad. Another horrible thing is that you have recharge it every time. So if you have back to back shootings you have to charge it over nights, which is unsafe

[@curtisjudd]

It charges within a couple of hours so you wouldn’t need to leave it connected all night, but yes, would be nice if the battery were replaceable.

[@chrprior]

Even with my Smartphones: I never, ever buy a product where the battery cannot be replaced.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@mattwruff]

I will not buy a mic with a logo "RODE" that big. If they paid me to use it fine but I'm not going to doing free advertising for RODE!

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

😀

[@MusicalGrail]

nothing easier to buy a new foam if you love the mic

[@michalwalks]

What I hate most about Rode products is the branding all over their products... The PSA1+ arm takes the cake... it's just cringey.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, I’d like to see more subtle branding, too.

[@WupperVideo]

I really hate this non professional politics at Rode, that they print their logo that big on any product. There is really no other manufacturer, that does that. With the Rode Interview Go, I replaced the foam windscreen with one from an third party manufacturer without a logo. Also I put some black tape on all Wireless Go II transmitters to get rid of the large Rode logo in the shot. Even on the lavalier clips of the Lavalier II are Rode prints. Why?

[@curtisjudd]

🤷‍♂️

[@codyclarke]

Goes on the list of Rode products I woulda bought if I could replace the batteries, but won't buy because I can't. Another fail from them.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

Yeah, not my favorite feature. Too bad, too, because the mic is pretty good otherwise.

[@calmthemonster]

Where does RODE actually fit in the market? To me, they just seem like a consumer level product and not something that competes with Shure or Sennheiser. I use a Shure VP89M and a Shure SM7B all the time and the audio is fantastic. What I hear in the RODE mics is a crispy top end, not very warm and nowhere near the dynamic range.

[@curtisjudd]

They started with affordable studio condenser mics and then branched into mics for video. They seem to aim for larger markets than the niche, very top end. Their NT1 signature series studio condenser is probably THE sub $200 I recommend. Not for every voice or every ear, but quite good on most voices. The Interview pro is one of their more colored microphones with what sounds like an intentional "broadcast" sound - big bass boost, big high-end boost.

[@MoatShrimp]

They have managed to capture the prosumer market. Eg: we need something that works for live-streams over at the office and sounds professional enough. I'm not at the office all the time so priority is something anyone can pick up and use so I made us buy a set of Wireless GO II with some lav mics back in 2022 That together with the fact that it's not a huge investment! $300 is much more easy to justify for tools we only use a few times a week vs. more expensive options

[@markusr3259]

User-replaceable batteries benefit the consumer, not the producer, unless they stand to make a bunch of money off selling the batteries too, or can charge a hefty premium for the capability because people will refuse to have something without it. I think we can all understand that these lower-mid end companies have every incentive for you to buy an entirely new product when the battery in your current one dies. Standard planned obsolescence.

[@curtisjudd]

Understood but I hope that isn't the case with RODE.

[@GixrGuy]

Peace be with you! Thank you for this very comprehensive and informative product review. I've read one review of this microphone, in which the reviewer stated that it - Rode Interview Pro - exhibited FEEDBACK when it was positioned near to other mics. Is it possible for you to replicate this condition? Can you (?) review Comica's VM30 wireless shotgun microphone? Thanks again!

[@curtisjudd]

Are you talking about using it in a live sound situation, like on a stage with a PA system?

[@GixrGuy]

@@curtisjudd The person who posted on this issue stated that the Rode Interview Pro had been used during a live music event

[@curtisjudd]

@@GixrGuy Right, this microphone is NOT made for use on stage with a PA system. Its omni-directional polar pattern is an advantage when doing interviews without a PA system, but will not work well when doing sound re-inforcement with a PA system (speaker sound will get back into mic and feedback).