Rode Wireless Go II

scorsesefan

scorsesefan

Veteran
Just pre-ordered: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1622642-REG/rode_wigoii_wireless_go_ii_compact.html/specs

I'm a little confused whether or not it records 32 bit: "Via the app, each transmitter provides an onboard audio recorder offering up to seven hours of uncompressed recording (24-bit / 48 kHz WAV) or 24 hours of compressed recording, perfect for worry-free backup recording or a fast and easy way to capture sound from your subjects. Export files in various formats such as MP3 or WAV (16-, 24-, or 32-bit float) with date and time stamp information as well as automatic markers anywhere the transmitter-receiver link was broken."
 
It's probably some weasel phrasing. To me, it reads that it does not record in 32-bit float, but you could export it(after ingesting it somewhere) in any format you like. Kinda like a camera company who's camera shoots in HD, but saying you can "export it in 4K, 6K, 8K or 12K"(after you import it into an NLE and uprez it and output it at whatever rez you want). As hot as 32-bit float is right now, it seems like if it could really record that natively, it would be MUCH more clear and obvious.

Also, highly doubtful that it will record and transmit simultaneously on the US models due to Zaxcom's patent. But who knows, maybe Rode has the balls and the money to slug it out with Zaxcom in court. If they prevail/overturn the patent, it's only a good thing for us...
 
I interpret as it records 24bit but allows export as 32bit as an option but I can’t conceive of a benefit to doing that.

I’m curious how they got around Zaxcom patent of recording while transmitting.
 
I got what the original Wireless GO was all about, and I knew I was categorically not the target audience for it. But this new release actually intrigues me.

Though, they tout backup recording to transmitters via internal memory... I can’t imagine Zaxcom is going to let that happen.
 
Alex H. said:
I got what the original Wireless GO was all about, and I knew I was categorically not the target audience for it. But this new release actually intrigues me.

Though, they tout backup recording to transmitters via internal memory... I can’t imagine Zaxcom is going to let that happen.
Click to expand...

I think for run n' gun solo work these units may fit the bill. I'm hoping for truly increased RF interference protection... As for Zaxcom, let's hope Rode (and their deeper pockets) put an end to this overreaching patent...
 
Just spoke to Rode tech support. He confirmed that it doesn't record 32 bit but the US units do transmit and record. Let's hope he's right...
 
Rode Wireless GO II

Rode Wireless GO II

PLEASE REDIRECT HERE: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?369585-Rode-Wireless-Go-II

https://www.newsshooter.com/2021/02/24/rode-wireless-go-ii/

Newly updated. Only $300 for a 2 person kit without lav mics.

I was a bit out of the loop... why choose the much more expensive Sennheiser AVX kit over this? Are these reliable? I’ve been wanting to add wireless kit to my set, and at this price point maybe it’s worth foregoing sennheiser?
Click to expand...
 
Alex H. said:
Though, they tout backup recording to transmitters via internal memory... I can’t imagine Zaxcom is going to let that happen.
Click to expand...
Maybe the recording feature will not be available in the US like the Lectro recording Tx. Though I see it will soon be available from B&H in NYC (part of the USA.. or at least it used to be).
The 600 Ft range is intriguing as well.
 
I just pre-ordered one of these. Just verified with Rode tech support that the US version DOES transmit AND record. I hope he's right (or I get my unit before they can deactivate it LOL)
 
Rick R said:
Maybe the recording feature will not be available in the US like the Lectro recording Tx. Though I see it will soon be available from B&H in NYC (part of the USA.. or at least it used to be).
The 600 Ft range is intriguing as well.
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Yeah, I can confirm BH is in the US. Last time I went there they didn't check my passport on the subway ;)
 
SF, let us know how the system works for you. I'm especially interested in range when running a lav to a transmitter attached behind the talent so the signal has to pass through the body.

Thanks for being the first to dive into the pool!
 
Regarding the patent looks like the device has the built in ability to record but must be activated by their app and a future firmware release. Which means they're going to test how much push back they'll get from Zaxcom or wasn't that patent due to expire.

From a review about recording..."these features have to be turned on proactively in the Rode Central app, which Rode will also use to deliver future firmware updates"

I've seen reviews of the first version and it seems more susceptible to dropouts when line of sight is broken. I'm guessing in order to operate that long with a builtin battery and being that small the transition strength is lower. Probably fine for normal interview/talking head situations.
 
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The software Rode Central app is out now, and looking at Rode's product page and press release, they don't mention TX recording being an upcoming feature. OTOH, Rode says the TX can "store over 24 hours of compressed audio and seven hours of compressed audio." So perhaps they still need to do a bit of editing to get everything up to date. ;-) Will be interesting to see how the whole Zaxcom-patent issue works out.
https://www.rode.com/microphones/wireless/wirelessgoii

If I remember correctly, the TX one of the earlier Rode wireless systems put out something like 10mW. That information was hard to find...same as finding the output of the GO II TX (which I don't see). A few years ago, the general rule was that for a given transmission power, wireless mic systems operating at 2.4GHz had less than half the range of wireless mic systems operating in UHF (~470MHz - 600MHz and shrinking fast). But 2.4GHz tech has advanced pretty quickly, so maybe these will work as long as the TX is within 50-feet of the RX, which would be just fine most of the time.
 
Confused because Rode tech support says no 32 bit recording, but BH is saying it's 32 bit recording to the receiver via Rode app:

"Does this record 32-bit float files directly to the transmitters like a Zoom F2 or Tentacle Sync?1 ANSWERAsked by Nathan on Feb 23, 2021

Yes it does. Using the Free Rode app you can record the files recorded on the transmitters in 32 bit float. It records on a continues loop. As the internal memory is full it will continue recording by overwriting the oldest file."

I'm assuming Rode would know better. In any case should receive and test in a day or two.
 
Regarding the patent, Rode is likely a much bigger company with more cash to burn in court. It could be fun. Maybe they are paying a licensing fee to Zaxcom. Maybe the fact that it is recorded internally and not on an SD card gets around the Zaxcom claims.

What magic does Rode have that they can get such distances out of a well-known technology with no external antenna (assuming you are operating with the internal mic) while no one else does it?
 
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Based on the inexpensive tiny 32-bit recorders from Zoom and Tentacle, I'll guess there's an inexpensive chip (or collection of chips) that'll do 32-bit recording with a low power draw. And the people at Rode aren't dumb; so ya, I could see 32-bit recording being in there. But you'll probably have the units before there's solid info on the net.

Thanks for diving in! (Did I already say that?)
 
Paul F said:
Regarding the patent, Rode is likely a much bigger company with more cash to burn in court. It could be fun. Maybe they are paying a licensing fee to Zaxcom. Maybe the fact that it is recorded internally and not on an SD card gets around the Zaxcom claims.
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I suspect it is either lack of SD card or the fact that recording is not initiated by the receiver, but an app. This is even more thoughtfully designed than Zaxcom products. The fact that you can set it up to automatically record whenever transmitting and as soon as it is filled up, it starts recording over old files. That's genius and exactly what a backup recording should do. THat means I never need to download files unless I have dropout. It's basically a 7hr buffer of audio. It just goes to show you how much innovation Zaxcom has single-handedly killed in audio. No sympathy. Live by a technicality, die by a technicality.
 
Paul F said:
Regarding the patent, Rode is likely a much bigger company with more cash to burn in court. It could be fun. Maybe they are paying a licensing fee to Zaxcom. Maybe the fact that it is recorded internally and not on an SD card gets around the Zaxcom claims.

What magic does Rode have that they can get such distances out of a well-known technology with no external antenna (assuming you are operating with the internal mic) while no one else does it?
Click to expand...

I asked the Rode tech rep if they were worried about the Zax patent and he hadn't even heard of Zaxcom ;)
 
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