RØDE Wireless ME Microphone System Announced

Wireless Audio

by Jürgen MoorsMarch 30^th, 2023

RØDE recently released a small, easy-to-use wireless microphone system for filmmakers, content creators, and vloggers. The set comes with a single-channel transmitter and a receiver, uses 2.4 GHz digital transmission, and has everything on board for you to start recording right out of the box. The Wireless ME microphone system is available for pre-order at $149. Let’s have a closer look!

RØDE, one of the best-known leaders in audio technology, was established in Sydney, Australia, in 1967. In February 2021, they introduced the Wireless GO II dual-channel wireless microphone system. This compact, lightweight, and affordable kit consists of one receiver and two transmitters.

In January last year, a single-set edition of its Wireless GO II microphone system was released, and now RØDE has introduced the new pocket-sized Wireless ME microphone system that’s even more compact, lighter, and cheaper.

RØDE Wireless ME – features

The RØDE Wireless ME is using the Series IV 2.4 GHz digital transmission at a range of up to 100 meters / 328 feet. The single-channel system has a built-in battery with a claimed operating time of 7 hours and is ready to go as soon as you power it up, with no further menus – just instant functionality with LEDs that provide critical information. When you need more, you can use RØDE’s companion app to access further features and customize your settings.

It is advertised as a compact and easy-to-use wireless microphone system for filmmakers, content creators, vloggers, influencers, and mobile journalists at all experience levels. Regardless of whether you’re shooting on a camera, tablet, or mobile device, the RØDE Wireless ME system could be a nice accessory for your camera bag.

Clip-On wireless transmitter

Equipped with a microphone built into the transmitter’s housing, the Wireless ME delivers quality audio without demanding a separate microphone. The internal capsule’s omnidirectional polar pattern ensures a secure audio pickup. You can decide for yourself if you want to clip the transmitter onto your subject or use an external lavalier microphone (optional – not included in the set) and hide the transmitter in your pocket.

The transmitter has a 3,5mm TRS input with plug-in power, so you can connect most lavalier microphones equipped with a non-locking 3,5mm TRS mini plug (such as RØDE’s Lavalier GO). Moreover, you can use low-sensitivity mode to avoid distortion when dealing with individuals speaking loudly. Also, LED brightness adjustment for the transmitters allows visibility in any shooting environment.

Compact receiver for cameras and mobile devices

With its integrated clip and compact size, the receiver offers versatility in mounting, allowing for easy attachment to cameras, phones, or tablets. The receiver features an additional integrated microphone, enabling you to capture both your own voice as well as the interviewee.

A 3-stage level control (0, -12, or -24 dB) on the receiver allows simple optimization of signal levels for your device, or you can use the app to adjust the level in 3 dB increments from 0 up to -30 dB.

The single-channel receiver features both a 3,5mm output jack and a USB-C connector, allowing it to work with a range of cameras and mobile devices. The supplied 3,5mm TRS to TRS cable is meant for connection to cameras, whereas the 3,5mm TRS to TRRS cable is for use with smartphones and mobile devices with a headphone jack.

The USB-C to USB-C cable allows you to connect the receiver to Android phones and mobile devices equipped with a USB-C port; a USB-C to Lightning connector is supplied for use with Lightning-equipped Apple devices.

RØDE Connect

The Wireless ME can be fully integrated with RØDE Connect software, letting you capture sound for your content for streaming, recording presentations or classes, and more. It is also suitable for podcasting applications where you require the freedom of wireless audio, from recording interviews to casual podcasting setups.

RØDE Connect lets two Wireless MEs connect to a single computer. Each transmitter can be allocated to its own channel in the software for two separate wireless audio streams, each with an individual level meter as well as solo and mute buttons. The Wireless ME can also be used in conjunction with the NT-USB Mini within RØDE Connect. For further information, please visit the RØDE’s website here.

Key features

• Compact and easy-to-use wireless microphone system
• RØDE’s Series IV 2.4 GHz digital transmission for clear recording with over 100m / 328 feet range
• Intelligent GainAssist technology automatically controls audio levels for clear sound
• Broadcast-grade microphones built into both the transmitter and receiver for dual-channel recording
• Ability to connect an additional transmitter for capturing three microphones simultaneously
• Connects seamlessly to cameras, smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android), and computers (Mac and Windows) with all required cables included
• Compatible with all RØDE Series IV Wireless Systems
• Easy control over settings via RØDE Central; compatible with RØDE Connect, RØDE Reporter and the new RØDE Capture app

Acoustic and electrical specifications

• Acoustic Principle: Pre-polarised pressure transducer
• Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Dynamic Range: 100dB
• Max SPL: 122dB SPL
• Equivalent Noise (dBA): 22dBA
• Analog Inputs: TRS (lavalier microphone Input)
• Output Connection: 3,5mm TRS USB-C
• Computer Connectivity: USB-C
• Bit Depth: 24-bit
• Sample Rate: 48 kHz
• Power Requirements: In-built rechargeable lithium-ion battery charged via 5V USB
• Operating Time: 7 hours, charging time 2 hours
• Transmission Range: >100m / 328ft (line of sight)

What’s inside the box

• 1x Transmitter
• 1x Receiver
• 1x Carrying pouch
• 1x USB-C to Lightning Cable (SC21)
• 1x USB-C to C Cable (SC22)
• 1x SC2 3.5mm TRS to TRS cable
• 1x SC7 3.5mm TRRS to TRS cable
• 2x Fur windshield

Conclusion

RØDE is one of the iconic manufacturers of microphones worldwide and they have been doing this for more than 55 years already. However, printing the name of the product together with the oversized letter Ø as a logo on the front side of a clip-on microphone designed for video recordings is more than only questionable. You have to decide for yourself if you could live with on Ø on your subject, but this might be a deal breaker for a lot of people, no matter how reliable the Wireless ME system works in the field.

Price and availability

The RØDE Wireless ME is available now for $149 or €150. Lastly, the RØDE Lavalier GO Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone retails for $79 or €66.

For more information, please visit RØDE’s website here.

What do you think of the new RØDE Wireless ME? Do you think it can assist you when creating content? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!