Rode Wireless ME Review // Auto Mic Level Control That Works

[@rodemic]

Hey Caleb! Thanks so much for checking out the Wireless ME and RØDE Capture. And great demo of GainAssist! Just a quick note regarding the Wireless GO II - the wireless transmission is exactly the same as the Wireless ME, so the recorded audio will sound the same, with the main difference being the Wireless ME has GainAssist and the Wireless GO II has the fine (10 step) gain control. And thanks for your suggestions for new wireless products - all duly noted :)

[@lionelttl]

Can you pair the ME transmitter to the Go2 receiver?

[@uniworkhorse]

As Spivack said, it would be amazing if you could bring some auto-gain function to the Go II TX! Please continue supporting the Go II, it's an amazing device and I'm sure users would greatly appreciate it (such as myself!)

[@WhereToFind]

Stop wasting time and make a go III

[@slygamer01]

@@lionelttl You did watch the video, right? He said it several times.

[@lionelttl]

@@slygamer01 sure. I heard pairing the Go2 with the ME receiver but wasn’t sure about the other way round. Thanks

[@samfraulino6623]

Folks talking about the fact it doesn't have internal recording are not understanding that Rode didn't make this mic/set for them. This is for simple set ups, getting good audio into a phone or GoPro, etc. If you are doing anything at the level where you can take audio from a recording and match it up in FCP or Premiere in post, then this mic isn't for you. Simple. Just buy the Wireless Go II or the new Wireless Go Pro.

[@Guairenito]

for someone just getting started who doesn't want to fuss with levels and stuff like that, basically a beginner like me, I think this is a great option

[@dct1]

Did you purchase?

[@Guairenito]

@@dct1 not, I haven’t yet. But most likely something like this will do it for me.

[@impatrickt]

every email i get from a company with a wireless mic i reply "32 bit float"

[@desmondmacnamara6068]

Doing the lords work for the community😂

[@iComplainer]

this guy

[@MiroSays]

I want both.

[@garyscaife]

Not all hero's wear capes 👏

[@paulgero]

Yep. An it has to record internally.

[@Trevellian]

Considering that the Wireless Go II is now over 2 years old, suspect a Wireless Go 3 will be released imminently. It will probably include GainAssist and all the new features of the ME. And hopefully, 32 bit float recording that records directly, without the Go II's need for their app and an export dance.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Pleeeeeease 32-bit float!

[@rodemic]

Thanks for the suggestions Michael!

[@lukasjuhitzer1550]

This would be awesome and I would go for it ASAP!!!

[@SCHAUDENLUCAS]

@@rodemic Haha as if those suggestions would be implementable soon. Dev cycles are most likely years. So his feedback would be considered for the Go 4 at best.

[@JonAdamsMinistries]

So glad to hear you’ve been having clipping issues with the wireless go ii. I thought I was crazy that I couldn’t figure out how to keep them from clipping

[@TechOutAdam]

The Wireless ME is like an iPhone of microphones. Just plug and play. I honestly don't have time to try to set up the perfect gain and sound quality especially if it's just a talking head or vlogging video. For the price, I think they did great!

[@AngieHart67]

How is the background sound ?

[@ReelFilm2016]

I still use the original wireless go mics. They still suit my requirements perfectly. Great video.

[@benjhaisch]

love that your background slightly changes so often. makes me feel better about my own ADHD for mine ;)

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Ha! Thanks man. Can't stop!

[@Ootini4]

The Wireless GO III needs to have internal 32-bit float and a locking mic port. It would be the perfect wireless mic setup and I would instantly buy it lol

[@iComplainer]

It _needs to not_ look like a shiny branded nametag.

[@rodemic]

Hey Chris - thanks for the suggestions. We're listening!

[@chrisvighagen]

@@rodemic is the new split screen camera app compatible with Go II mics?

[@Phambleton]

Is 32-bit really necessary for these? I feel 24-bit is more than enough, considering these are supposed to be used for quick interviews

[@bestinkamloops]

I thought the Wireless Go 2 has an option for 32 Bit Float on it.

[@JoelYork-jr3we]

Love that all the things you wanted to see in the next version are exactly what they incorporated into the Wireless Pro...well except for calling it the Wireless Go Plus.

[@DANAMIONLINE]

I second everything mentioned as desires for updates and potential product releases.

[@onocoffee]

This is a cool update but I'm going to hold out to see what the GO3 will bring. I think losing the internal recording of the GO2 is a significant loss - that internal recording has saved my butt twice now! Thanks for the video Caleb!

[@djstarsomatic8068]

When you lost recording was it because of distance or something specific? I don't need all the functionality of the II however if the back up is that important I may reconsider

[@michaelangelo1887]

No internal recording is unfortunately a dealbreaker for me. I had my receiver die mid recording once and because the Rode IIs recording internally, I was able to save an interview from needing to be redone. Also you can throw the transmitters anywhere with a mic attached and it’ll record to itself when you turn it on - no need for a receiver. It’s insane frankly lol

[@uniworkhorse]

Never knew that it internally recorded immediately, what a great idea!

[@tamvibes]

Agreed - it's SO convenient!

[@paulgero]

@@uniworkhorse you have to set that up in Rode central but it does do it.

[@levimberego]

Same here, Rode should take this back.

[@xonx209]

I'm spoiled by the internal recording function. I hesitate to buy any wireless mic without this feature, even if it's a more expensive brand.

[@attaboyBrad]

The compromises for the ME seem substantial compared to the GO II, and the ME is entering a vastly more competitive marketplace than did the GO II several years ago. In a vacuum the ME is a mildly intriguing option, but in the reality of today’s marketplace its value proposition doesn’t seem immediately compelling. I would have hoped for better from Rode by this point-at least a more aggressive price point.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Yeah $99.95 would have made more sense. That said, set it and forget it for content creators who want something form a reputable brand may be what makes the real $$$ for them.

[@ChuckThree]

@@dslrvideoshooter but is it really “set it and forget it” if you’re always having to worry about not having that internally recorded back up? I cannot believe someone on Rode product development made the decision to axe internal recording. Rode, make something slightly better than the DJI Mic within $100 of it (also ditch the glossy finish and garish branding) and you will own the market again.

[@uniworkhorse]

I just did a bunch of "run and gun" style interviews at a pop-up gallery with lots of noise and different voice levels. Using the Rode Go IIs, I was getting peaking on the more outspoken artists and guests. Having this for a situation would have been a game changer! I can imagine specifically for street interviews this would be amazing - especially with the back-facing mic on the RX. Hopefully Rode sees the demand for such cool mics and decides to put this into the Go III or even... make this a firmware update??? That would be so cool for Rode Go II users - I really hope they don't pull a "Canon m50 II" and just release a Go III if this is a simple update away...

[@supercontacts]

RODE is a very good product, it would be even better if it can adjust the noise reduction according to different environments

[@mpeg2tom]

Thanks for the awesome comparisons! BTW also great job on being well-lit but not having the light reflect from your glasses. That must have taken some effort to set up!

[@djstarsomatic8068]

Great review. Best I've seen so far. For me I am looking for automation, specifically the gain control. I am not at the levels of many, using it more to explore recording wirelessly outside of sit down interviews with mics, on the go.

[@letsgocnote]

I never realized that the Wireless 2 records internally haha so thanks for that takeaway! :D

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Gain is never my priority when monitoring audio from a wireless transmitting lavalier. Noise from clothing to talent fidgeting is #1, interference from other wireless sources is #2 and waiting for the battery to die is #3. In my experience, not monitoring autio isn't a viable option regardless of gain. That said, I love the RODE wireless mics!

[@HouseofRen]

The branding is huge and distracting. Still no charging case. Still need software to change settings. This is not an improvement or upgrade in anyway shape or form compared to the wireless go. DJI mic is still way better in every way

[@toycafe-uy]

I use a Wireless ME to record videos for my channel, and the thing that bothers me the most is that the clip is not the greatest to hold to a phone in the RX. All the rest is amazing for my type of content

[@mattgray9297]

Thanks for the solid review! I’m interested in this mythical Go Plus you’ve proposed. Rode should do that!

[@Featherlightstudio]

I would love to see how the ME does with a LAV mic and if that combination still clips as so many Rode users have reported over the years. And...can you pair the original Rode Wireless transmitter with the new ME receiver??

[@PigWrangler]

DJI still wins with that darn awesome case to charge and house them in with magnets, wind screens and phone connections....its really just waaaay more convenient and still my on camera LAV option. Rode Go's are Audio bag hops for professional gigs anymore where I don't need to count on range

[@DanPandrea]

Can’t wait for the tutorial on how to make the ME work with the Pentax Auto 110 😅

[@dslrvideoshooter]

😂

[@WilliamGone]

Got the ME ,love this review

[@chugtalks5077]

You can by the TX module by itself for $80.00. I picked one up w a lavaliere mic and pair it to my Rode Caster Pro II. I currently have a PodMic and while it sounds good, I don't like having my face blocked by the mic. Plus if I move around... I lose sound. I plan on using the ME for meetings and training videos. Now I'm able to move around and talk at the same time. So while I agree with the review... this works great for my set up. I didn't need to buy a receiver (the Pro II has a built in receiver)... although I may be kicking myself down the road.

[@colinjudge1261]

That’s really curious that the Wireless Go II has noticeably lower audio quality in the transmitted signal vs the internal recording. That basically means the transmitted audio should always be treated as a scratch track, and the internal recording imported and synced in post!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thats how I treat it!

[@scottwaddell298]

That case why not just get a body recorder....

[@plentyofsales]

what would be a budget camera for podcasts and another camera for cityscape travel vlog?

[@RangerRickTV]

Can you add EQ and compressor to this?

[@MakeSomething]

I can’t find any info if I can use 1 transmitter to two receivers. Only the other way around. We have a 2 camera setup and our workflow is recording audio directly to the camera card. I’d hate to buy a 2nd set only to find out I can’t transmit to two receivers. Do. you know if this is possible? Thanks Caleb!

[@hiblendmedia]

I love that receiver doubles as a mic now; however, recording with 3 transmitters is useless if two will be on the same channel. You say the line of sight range is 39 yards, but rode says it's 100m or 109 yards. Not enough info on the gain assist algorithm. Auto clipping features usually remove full bodied sound from the sound wave peaks which could be bad. No internal recording is a deal breaker especially since these units are cutting audio at 40 yards vs the 100m spec. Also, we don't know if there are magnets to attach the mics to things.

[@BrandonBurch]

So if I went with this microphone system, And I already have the RODE Smartlav+, can i use their SC3 adapter with it? I have clipping issues and poor audio quality using it with my phone, but I wondered if using it with the wireless ME, will that improve? Or should I just buy the Rode Lav Go or LavII? I'm basically looking for a solid external lav to use with the wireless ME. thanks.

[@TheCoolFactor]

GainAssist seems awesome but I would still pick the DJI Mic system over this, mainly thanks to internal recording on the DJI and the safety track which pretty much negates the need for any automatic gain control. And is just works so easily, every time, has a charging case, all that jazz. The form factor is also better on the DJI. I sold my original Rode Wireless GO as it was way too hot all the time so after that I don't really want to trust another Rode wireless system... Their other mics are fantastic most of the time.

[@danymisafilms]

I have the go ii but that gain assist looks pretty great !🎉

[@crumpetsbuttered]

I would like to see some of the recording features in the ME applied to the GO 2, also a new product that allows up to 4 Transmitters with 32bit Recording.

[@DANAMIONLINE]

I think the launch of the Rode Wireless PRO has answered your wishes.

[@JorgeLG]

The option of connecting all 4 mics should be amazing

[@ParsclickTV]

I like ME especially when you can record on the camera without needing to turn both on but it would be nice if RODE would make that first mic auto turn on with the camera using Plug-In Power.

[@RajeevYadav]

Will it work on normal iPhone camera app or we have to use only rose capture app ?

[@HugoVarvoglis]

I think that ME have a richer sound, has more low and mid frequencies that from GO were missing, nice video very informative.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Yeah I was really surprised by how good it sounded!

[@NeelsWorld]

Off loading files without app control is now enabled with the new beta firmware for the wireless go 2

[@scottmacs]

I think this is the upgrade from the Rode VideoMicro I've been waiting for.

[@AllenRReid]

Love the gain assist, but no internal recording is a deal breaker.

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Hence, the cheaper price.

[@AllenRReid]

@@AllThingsFilm1 And it has only 1 transmitter.

[@reedeema]

Rode sticking to the old outdated Form faktor 👎.. Got me the Hollyland M1 Mics .. Super slim and light weight 👌

[@ChoicesHabitsAttitudeLuck]

ME is good for those run n gun settings. Your second videographer doing interviews and well wishers

[@ForestCinema]

Pentax Auto-110 Spotted 👀 My favorite every day carry film camera

[@PaulFeinberg]

Pretty cool for sure. I would like to see a Pro version as well. Sounds awesome

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Thank you Caleb! 💛🙏🏽

[@notnikola]

How would that be in post though? If your gain goes up and down, so will your noise levels. From a quality standpoint, wouldn't it be best to reasonably lower the gain, and clean up and punch it up in post? But I'm guessing this would be a good solution for those looking for a fast turnaround with as little hassle as possible.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

It seems to mainly keep audio from clipping. Doesn't seem to raise up levels much. Did room tone/loud sound tests and it never boosted audio in quiet environments.

[@KathySierraVideo]

Ohhhh now I’m torn. Thank-you for this, but now I can’t decide if maybe I should wait and hope for another Wireless Go upgrade: I want the gain assist BUT I need the longer range 😢. I don’t care so much about the other capabilities (though internal recording would be nice), but I really really want gain assist now… I have clipping “issues” 🤷🏼‍♀️ but hate having to record my audio with a lowish signal just to avoid the few moments when I get a little too… excited 😅. And I also tend to be what might be near the distance limit from the receiver for the ME (outside, working with horses, so the horse will often be between me and the receiver.) Guess I’ll wait and see if Rode does what you hope for… and try to manage with my ancient Wireless Go “original.”

[@Lazer_Media]

No internal recording on the transmitter ? No thanks, I think I'll pass on buying this. Rode needs to completely rethink this.

[@MichaelCTruth]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@aussieadvrider]

Thanks for the great review.

[@SalsaBailaProductions]

I was hoping for their next model to be even smaller

[@mso1758]

What mic/settings you’re using?

[@HomesickMac]

I'm still on the Røde Filmmaker Kit from years ago but they're lavs and very discrete visually. I can see the need for the run&gun with Wireless GO but I'll need the internal recording for those situations.

[@ritrattoaziendale]

Needing an app for pairing is NO GO (on ANY device); how long those app will be available in stores? How long they will be maintained compatible with new phones? Or with old ones? What happens in 10 years from today? For me needing an app = disposable item, so I'm not going to spend more then 15/20€ tops on anything that hasn't full controls/menu on the item itself. If I buy something professionally, I need to be sure that it will work for at least 8/10 years for cheap stuff, and 15/20 years for expensive stuff (lights, lenses, also camera bodies even if with actual fast tech paces you'll switch them much earlier)

[@glenmorganshaw5869]

Honestly I hope I get the gain assist as a software update to my go 2s

[@DandyDoesIt]

So basically it's cheaper, you lose internal recording but gain a mic on the receiver and it doesn't blow out as easily. So it's not really much of an upgrade or update to the go2 as much as it is a reshuffling of features. I guess the only question remaining is if updates break the units as they do with the go2?

[@aryan_meghani]

I’m looking to get a mic to vlog with my GoPro hero 12, which one would be better?

[@Alexanderthetitan]

Needs onboard recording

[@MZ-so2cn]

wonderful test

[@KINGHD4K]

Bro you were a head of your time here, rode wireless pro is basically me and go II

[@T_Armstrong]

Am I right in thinking you need a wired connection from the receiver to your phone to record audio?

[@kevbomb]

Does dynamic gain control work with an external lav plugged in. I can't find answer to this anywhere

[@elid377]

Hey Caled you planning to do review of ROde wireless go and comparison? curious of your thoughts?

[@adinbradic7092]

I would be so happy if you could answer, in indoor environment would this rode wireless me sound better with Rode SmartLav+ attached to it, or on its own? and how much better? I am thinking about using that set up or Audio-Technica AT875R with Tascam DR-60DMK2 recorder. for two people speaking together in commercial type video.

[@AsiaStreet365]

The clipping on the GO II made the unit not usable, I hope this new system has addressed this issue.

[@foljs5858]

What's with the "split audio" into left and right channels from the 2 transmitters? Why can't it just write 2 independent files? Also, why "dynamic gain assist"? Give us 32bit recording already. And no internal recording? That's just for market differentiation...

[@tomaszbejnarowicz]

2:30 you giving us the meters and then telling how many yards you go lol :D

[@zypresse2726]

great video!

[@gitpho]

EM EE EM EE EM EE EM EE EM EE EM EE EM EE

[@artofmikeobrien]

Does the gain assist still work when plugging an external Lavalier mic into the Rode Wireless ME? Thank you!

[@daveyb6010]

Sounds like Rode is listening. Can't wait until my Rode Wireless Pro's get here!

[@yokomortel6479]

Just wanted to say what’s up to the GOAT 😎👍

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Aw thanks!

[@johnjohnson9961]

Help! I need to get a c stand and want to buy it through you link. I liked the video where you showed the 60d and the clamps, c stand, etc. I looked at the description but didn't find what I was looking for. Thanks Caleb!

[@hereweareagain.4463]

Can this be used as a listening device?

[@iindgren]

What it a jard?

[@carstenortlieb5040]

I really love your videos and mostly the comparisons! This is the kind of mixture of education and entertainment, which makes me like KZbin. BUT: Why not use a Tentacle or Zoom 32 bit recorder and be done. DaVinci Resolve synchronizes the recording of those to scatch audio like a charm. Ich you really have to monitor those recorders plug in an El Cheapo bluetooth transmitter an use earbuds. The 32 bit recordings are a dream in post.

[@SanoyNimbus]

I would like the recording application to do like the FilmicPro application. Record two cameras in separate files. Not SPLIT SCREEN only. :)

[@shawnfoodfever]

thanks for sharing ❤❤

[@mattylamb658]

Great review, very tempted by the ME. My USB C ports are all taken up, would the receiver work with an aftermarket USB A to USB C cable? I'm using a Mcbook Air with a dongle.

[@PavelMy]

How do I change the batteries in them? Or for that kind of money, is it a microphone for 2-3 years?

[@GoldPunch]

Hello. I have Wireless Me already but I want to add one Wireless Go II transmitter to my setup. (I couldn't find single ME transmitter in shops thats why) As I know go 2 support internal record. But it records on transmitter or receiver? May I able to use that feature even when I add Go2 transmitter to my Me Receiver? Thank you.

[@1970abhijit]

Hi is there a video which shows where does the recording happen. What is that software. A simple diagram will help

[@SpyderBlackOfficial]

Can't pinpoint it but there is a hollow tinny sound on those mics. Could be because they don't produce enough low end frequencies.

[@MrHealthyJuice]

Thanks for the video, Caleb! Do you know if it’s possible to record to an external recorder via TRS while streaming?

[@mastbaumfilm]

smells like gain assist is coming in a firmware update?

[@nilakantasrinivasanj]

Hey Caleb.. great video. One question. What about noise cancellation. Your auto mode demo of gainassist feature, kind of answered it. In general, Rode is known for excellent noise cancellation, but I have read some mixed reviews of ME on noise cancellation. What's your take? Would it consume a lot of editing time with background noise? Thanks..

[@DiLLZGFX]

Which one does Sam Sulek uses?

[@borisdunand]

Thank you !

[@workrhymes]

what kind of monitoring software do you use? Do you connect these to a single system and then connect that to a computer?

[@xonx209]

One thing I hate is the power button taking too long to turn on/off. If you have a bunch of these, they take a long time to turn on when the rest of the crew wonder why you're taking so long.

[@CoopaCollardOfficial]

When I plug this into my 4K Panasonic camera, it sounds really loud and muffled, why is that? It doesn’t do that with my phone

[@martinXY]

How does the auto gain handle extraneous noise when the person you are recording is silent, e.g. air conditioning, people far away, traffic noise.

[@allthecommonsense]

Which main mic did you to create for THIS video?? Senn 416?

[@Ranger7Studios]

This seems like this is Rode avoiding float 32, which everyone has asked them for in these mics. The loss of not only the screen, but the internal record features, make these a hard pass for me personally. This seems like a budget beginner version. The phone app is pretty cool, but there is just too much missing from these. Not a great trade off.

[@labrahamabraham9033]

Thank God for giving you such understanding. God bless you.Please guide me . I think that it can also be used for live programs also by connecting through a mobile / laptop .Is it by connecting through a mixer /amplifier.Please explain Thank you sir .

[@covingtonrace1]

Do they suffer from constantly low battery?