RØDE Wireless GO (Gen 3) Wireless Microphone System Released – Pro Features, Colors, and Affordable

Audio News

by Jeff Loch2 days ago

RØDE has just released the latest generation of their compact wireless microphone system: the Wireless GO (Gen 3). This dual-channel wireless microphone system now comes with plenty of professional features inherited from the RØDE Wireless Pro, including 32-bit float on-board recording with up to 40 hours of recording time, an increased transmission range of 260m/850ft, locking 3.5mm microphone input on both transmitters, up to seven hours of battery life, Intelligent GainAssist technology, and much more. So, let’s take a closer look at it!

Three years after introducing the Wireless GO II, Australian audio specialist RØDE is back with its successor: the Wireless GO (Gen 3). However, in the meantime, the company launched the Wireless Micro and Wireless PRO variations of their compact wireless microphone systems. As more and more manufacturers enter the wireless audio market, RØDE had to step up their game by including many features of the PRO version in this third generation, but will it be enough?

RØDE Wireless GO (Gen 3) – features

The Wireless GO (Gen 3) is a compact and lightweight dual-channel wireless microphone system that measures only 46.5 x 44 x 20mm/1.83 x 1.69 x 0.78in – the dimensions are identical for both transmitters and the receiver – and ticks the scale at 35g/1.23oz for the transmitters, and 36g/1.27oz for the receiver.

Similarly to its predecessor, this third generation consists of two transmitters and one receiver. You can choose to capture two separate audio channels with the receiver or combine both channels into one stereo option for seamless recording on downstream cameras or recorders.

For the first time, you can get the Wireless GO (Gen 3) in no less than 14 colors, including black, white, and gray, but also funky colors like pink, cobalt, orange, or purple.

RØDE Wireless Go (Gen 3) – what’s new?

From the outside, the RØDE Wireless GO (Gen 3) doesn’t look vastly different than its predecessor. However, you’ll probably notice that the microphone input on both transmitters has been upgraded to a 3.5mm TRS locking connector, which is handy and way more professional when plugging in a Lavalier microphone.

Also, the receiver’s 3.5mm audio output can now be used as headphone output, which allows you to monitor your sound if your camera doesn’t have a headphone output. Furthermore, the screen at the top of the receiver is, according to RØDE, brighter and easier to read.

Indeed, most of the changes and improvements are located inside the units. First of all, the transmitters’ omnidirectional built-in microphones have been upgraded with new capsules and preamps. These built-in microphones are the same as those in the Wireless PRO.

Next, while the Wireless GO (Gen 3) still uses the same 2.4GHz wireless transmission “Series IV” technology as the Wireless GO II, the transmission range has been increased from 200m/656ft to 260m/850ft. Also, it is compatible with all RØDE Series IV devices, including RØDECaster Pro II and RØDECaster Duo, RØDECaster Video, Wireless PRO, and Interview PRO.

The most considerable improvement is probably the addition of 32-bit float on-board recording directly within the transmitters, with a 40-hour capacity. Also, RØDE included the Intelligent GainAssist technology, which automatically adjusts the audio output gain so your camera’s audio doesn’t clip.

You can engage a safety channel at -12 dB for even more safety and peace of mind. This means that your left audio channel will be at your set audio level, while the right one will be 12dB lower, ensuring that your camera’s audio never clips.

You can connect the Wireless GO (Gen 3) to the RØDE Central app (mobile or desktop) for easy configuration and setup. Lastly, the transmitter and receivers all feature a USB Type-C port to charge them, offload on-board recordings, or use it as an audio interface, with a maximum battery life of 7 hours.

Pricing and availability

The RØDE Wireless GO (Gen 3) is available now for $299/€281.91, and it comes with a carrying pouch, a charging hub, furry windshields, and USB-C/Lightning/TRS cables. A separate Charge Case+ is available for $89/€89.61.

If we compare the Wireless GO (Gen 3) to the RØDE Wireless PRO, which retails for $362, I’m a bit confused with this new offering. The PRO model has the same features, though with the added benefit of Timecode capabilities, and it comes with a charging case and two Lavalier mics for less than the Wireless GO (Gen 3) with the Charge Case+.

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

What do you think about this new wireless microphone system? Have you already used any of the RØDE Wireless systems? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!