When Rode launched the unique Wi-fi GO, it was an on the spot success. The benefit of use, audio high quality and affordable value made wi-fi microphones way more accessible. Actually it was so profitable that it spawned plenty of copycat merchandise from rivals. After releasing the Wi-fi GO II ($299) with twin mics, the corporate is again with a extra inexpensive possibility – the $149 Wi-fi ME. There’s additionally a brand new video app referred to as Rode Seize aimed toward creators which provides tight integration with the Wi-fi ME and different merchandise from the corporate.
In the event you’re considering “extra inexpensive” means fewer options, then you definitely’d be proper. But additionally you could be shocked. Though there initially seems to be only one transmitter (mic) and one receiver, the latter additionally has a mic built-in so you’ll be able to nonetheless document two audio system on the similar time with their very own separate audio recordsdata. That mentioned, Rode is looking the second mic the “ME mic” and describes it as a “narrator” microphone as a result of you’ll be able to’t use it wirelessly (it’s the one which plugs into your recording gadget) so it might solely actually be utilized by somebody off digicam. That clearly is not any downside when you’re not recording video, however value figuring out in case you are.
There are, after all, different minor compromises. For one, the receiver doesn’t have any kind of show, so visible suggestions for connectivity is proscribed to a pair of LEDs. There doesn’t look like any suggestions for achieve ranges in any respect. There’s additionally no onboard storage for recording away from a digicam, laptop or a cellphone. This additionally means there’s no choice to document a security observe at a decrease achieve degree which, given the dearth of a method to see ranges means you’ll have to actually ensure you have got all the things set proper up entrance. As a reminder, although, the ME is half the worth of the GO II.
There are instruments to assist, although. The Wi-fi ME comes with a characteristic referred to as GainAssist which internally screens the sign and units ranges mechanically relying in your setting and the quantity of the topic. This undoubtedly helps hold issues from clipping, however you’ll be able to nonetheless go into the purple with it. It seems to be utilizing both a limiter or compression (or each) however you’ll be able to nonetheless make it go into the purple. There’s a “dynamic” mode too for when recording issues with a extra constant quantity than speech.
When it comes to vary, you’ll be able to anticipate about 100 meters / 328 toes (line of sight) however in follow this may range a bit in both route relying on the circumstances. It is a shorter vary than the Wi-fi GO II (200 meters / 656 toes) and DJI’s Mic (250 meters / 820 toes) however doubtless ample for many eventualities. As for battery life, it’s a decent seven hours however there’s no charging case as with DJI or Anker’s options.
With no method to change settings straight on the gadget, you’ll need to get aware of the Rode Central app. It’s right here the place you’ll have the ability to flip the receiver’s microphone on or off if you wish to use it, change whether or not it data to at least one or two separate recordsdata (if utilizing each mics) and regulate the achieve settings. There are variations for each desktop and cellular (Android/iOS) so you’ll be able to change modes on the go, even when it’s a bit extra concerned than doing it on the receiver as with DJI and Anker’s merchandise.
Provided that the narrator-guest setup isn’t preferrred for recording two audio system on digicam on the similar time it is a disgrace that the receiver does not have the choice to plug an exterior 3.5mm lav mic into it. This is able to imply you can theoretically run one with an extended cable and have two on digicam hosts. You possibly can nonetheless use 3.5mm mics with the primary transmitter although. Alternatively, if in case you have entry to a different transmitter, corresponding to a Wi-fi GO II, you’ll be able to pair it with the ME’s receiver and document as much as three folks on the similar time – although two of them should share an audio channel in case having separate recordsdata for all audio system is vital to you.
The interoperability between the Wi-fi GO II and the ME reveals that Rode is considering how these merchandise can work collectively, that means creators can collaborate seamlessly with their very own gear or proceed utilizing older merchandise at the same time as new ones come round. Count on to see extra interoperability with different wi-fi gadgets sooner or later.
Together with the brand new microphone package is the aforementioned Seize app. It’s a devoted video app with a twist: direct entry to the settings of appropriate Rode microphones. Most video apps don’t even let you already know what mic you’re utilizing which might trigger anxiousness while you’re undecided it’s working with the one you plugged in. Having this assurance alone is helpful and the direct entry to microphone settings is at all times going to be a welcome bonus for creators. The app is solely free and doesn’t require a Rode product to work however will want one in all Rode’s appropriate merchandise when you want to entry its settings.
The Wi-fi ME is obtainable for $149 beginning at the moment.
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