Fresh off the back of releasing the Wireless ME, essentially a grab-and-go mic for creators, bloggers, and journalists, Røde has now unleashed its most powerful compact wireless system ever with the Wireless PRO. Essentially, it's an unprecedented combination of a wireless microphone, recorder, timecode generator, audio interface - all in one. According to Røde, the Wireless PRO excels also in improved audio quality, wireless reliability transmission with increased range, and unmatched versatility for today’s demanding creators and filmmakers.
"In 2019, the Wireless GO was the first truly wireless microphone to enter the market," says Røde CEO Damien Wilson. "Røde was the first company to create a compact and easy to use workflow that forever changed the way creators capture audio for their content. The Wireless GO II took this even further, adding incredible new features and setting a new standard for compact wireless audio. Today, we take this iconic microphone a step further once again with the Wireless PRO. We’ve left no stone unturned when it comes to features in this new system, packing incredibly powerful and useful features like 32-bit float on-board recording and advanced timecode capability into the same compact, easy-to-use form factor that thousands of creators around the world use every day."
Despite its powerful capabilities, the Wireless PRO features the same pocket-sized form factor as the rest of Røde’s compact wireless range, now with a new black-on-black aesthetic for extra discretion. It comes in a dual-channel set with two transmitters and a receiver, all working with Røde's "state-of-the-art Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission and proprietary near-zero latency codec with 128-bit encryption" of which the company doesn't offer more detail - which is understandable. Whatever the secret formula, the result is claimed to be "incredibly stable audio at distances up to 260m (850 ft) line of sight."
32-bit float on-board recording capabilities allow users to record directly to the transmitters with no chance of the audio clipping. This way, users will always have a clean backup of their session – even in extremely dynamic scenarios – and eliminates the need to set gain levels prior to recording, making the whole process more streamlined than ever before. 32GB of internal memory offers over 40 hours of on-board recording, with dedicated buttons on the transmitters that make triggering recordings super easy.
For users that want to record audio directly into their camera, the Wireless PRO provides a plethora of features for capturing pristine audio. This includes Røde’s GainAssist technology – first introduced with the Wireless ME – which utilizes intelligent algorithms to automatically control audio levels on the fly, ensuring the output is smooth and balanced and minimizing the risk of clipping. It also features a flexible output control with a huge 30dB gain range available, allowing users to precisely tailor the mic's output to their camera, as well as pre-configured camera presets for quick-and-easy setup. For added peace of mind, the Wireless PRO also offers a safety channel feature, which outputs a second channel of audio 10dB lower than the primary channel in case the signal is too hot and clips the camera input.
To perfectly complement its 32-bit float on-board recording feature, the Wireless PRO offers advanced timecode sync capabilities, making synchronizing audio to video in post-production extremely easy. Eschewing the need for complex and expensive external timecode systems, the Wireless PRO features an internal timecode generator that is easy to use and seamlessly synchronizes audio with any camera. This can be easily set up on a computer or smartphone via the Røde Central app, with flexible configuration options to suit any recording setup.
Both transmitters feature locking lavalier connectors for complete security when using an external lavalier or other microphone with a locking connector. Plug-in power detect on the receiver – which automatically powers the unit on and off in sync with a connected camera – extends battery life in the field. The 3.5mm output on the receiver also functions as a headphone output for audio monitoring (complete with flexible output level control) as well as an audio input for a headset or other TRRS microphone, such as a lavalier like the Røde smartLav+. Merged and split recording modes, marker dropping and customizable buttons are just a few other features that make the Wireless PRO even more complete.
The Wireless PRO can also be easily configured on a computer or on the go with a smartphone using the Røde Central companion app, allowing users to set it up exactly as they need anywhere. And the system comes with a complete pro accessory kit, giving users everything they need to get recording right away. This includes a USB-C smart charge case, which not only protects the transmitters and receiver when in transit, but also ensures they are always fully charged and facilitates ultra-fast data transfer for quickly exporting on-board recordings to a computer in the studio or in the field.
Two Lavalier II microphones deliver broadcast-grade audio capture and the MagClip GO magnetic clips allow for flexible mounting of the transmitters on talent or the receiver on a recording device. It also comes with three high-quality furry windshields for recording in windy conditions, all necessary cables for connecting to cameras, phones and other devices, and a handy case for keeping these accessories safe.
The Wireless PRO is currently shipping to retailers worldwide and will be available in late August for US $399.
www.rode.com
