The RODE Wireless Me consists of two identical black boxes weighing just 32 grams each. It uses digital transmission of the IV series 2.4 GHz with 128-bit encryption for incredibly stable crystal-clear sound. Both the transmitter and receiver feature built-in microphones with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, meaning that the person handling the camera can also record their sound, for example, in an interview.
The full review here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lIVbsUSe4w&t=15s
More specifically, one is the transmitter unit (TX) – that is, the microphone you connect to your subject, and the other is the receiver unit (RX) that you connect to your recording device with one of the available cables. There is no display, only a power button on both units (transmitter and receiver), and the connection is established automatically based on the smart GainAssist technology. Something very practical is that the transmitter has an extra microphone input. Both have clips that are useful for easy attachment to the front of the clothes you will be wearing.
Choosing from the set of four cables, you can connect them to any device you wish. For connection to a camera microphone jack, we select the TRS 3.5 mm, for smartphone - a TRRS 3.5 mm cable, for Android/PC devices a USB Type-C cable, and for iPhone devices - the Lightning cable. It is extremely plug-and-play. All microphone settings are accessible using the RODE Central smartphone app, which requires connecting the receiver to your phone. From here, you can turn the receiver's microphone on or off, as well as choose how the audio tracks will be recorded. You can also use the app to update its software and adjust the GainAssist settings. It also has applications like Rode Reporter, which is user-friendly and ideal for recording a solo podcast or when interviewing someone while using the Wireless Me microphones. Rode Capture is for iOS devices that allows you to capture excellent sound and video using just your smartphone.
The ME Mic setting controls the microphone on the receiver (which is normally connected to the camera). When this is activated, it allows for dual audio recording from both the receiver and the transmitter. You turn it off when you just want to record sound from the transmitter. The two audio files can be recorded either as separate tracks in "Split" mode or saved as one track using the "Merged" function. Separate recording of audio files allows for greater flexibility during editing. The range of 100 meters is sufficient, but if your subject turns their back or moves to a different room, the range will drop. Essentially, we had no issues recording sound indoors.
Battery Life
The transmitter and receiver are rated for seven hours of continuous recording. In my tests, they indeed hit the limits. I should add that they do not come with a charging case; however, a full charge takes about 45 minutes when connected to a computer with the cable. Unfortunately, the lack of a display means you cannot see the battery level during recording, only through the RODE Central app.
Pros
- It is a lightweight, quality, and user-friendly wireless microphone system.
- Good battery life (7h).
- There is the possibility to activate or deactivate the microphone on the receiver.
- Good frequency range with crystal clear sound.
- Merging audio recordings with the ability to connect an additional transmitter for simultaneous recording of three microphones.
- Easy control of settings via RODE Central.
- A variety of cables for connection with cameras, smartphones, and tablets (iOS and Android) and computers (Mac and Windows).
Cons
- For changing settings, only through the app.
- There is no screen to display information (battery life/device recording status).
- There are no menus or buttons on the devices.
- The carrying case does not offer protection.