RØDE Wireless PRO Announced – Including 32-bit Float On-Board Recording and Internal Timecode Generator

Wireless Audio

by Mascha DeikovaAugust 22^nd, 2023

Today, RØDE announced a new microphone system that should take their popular Wireless GO series to the next level. The RØDE Wireless PRO maintains its compact and user-friendly design, while also offering the capability to connect two audio sources to a single receiver, similar to its predecessor, the Wireless GO II. Furthermore, the new product offers a variety of other powerful features like 32-bit float on-board recording, 40 hours of internal memory, and even a timecode sync.

When the RØDE Wireless series entered the market, it quickly gained popularity among independent filmmakers and content creators all over the world. And why wouldn’t it? It’s small, handy, and a so-called grab-and-go mic, which can record internally and is compatible with various cameras and smartphones. It doesn’t even require extra lavaliers.

Of course, there is always room for improvement. That’s why the new RØDE Wireless PRO is introducing features like an internal timecode generator to make our indie filmmaking life even more convenient. I must admit, some of these updates can make you reconsider your mic choice.

RØDE Wireless PRO – key features

Based on its appearance, it seems that RØDE went for the same pocket-size form factor and made only minor adjustments. The units remain lightweight, slightly exceeding the weight of the previous models by a few grams, and they include onboard omnidirectional microphones. In the set, you get two transmitters and a receiver, which utilize RØDE’s state-of-the-art Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission and proprietary near-zero latency codec with 128-bit encryption. You can get stable, high-quality audio at distances of up to 260m line of sight.

Other key features include:

• 32-bit float on-board recording, which allows for the recovery of clipped or quiet audio files. We will touch on this powerful improvement below;
• Advanced timecode capability for quick-and-easy audio sync in post-production – that’s good news! This can really simplify the workflow on a film/video set;
• Intelligent GainAssist technology (introduced in Wireless ME) and flexible output gain control. (Still unsure whether this feature will let you adjust the gain separately for each transmitter, which was missing in the Wireless GO II. We’ll update you on this later);
• Extended internal memory: 32GB of storage on each transmitter for over 40 hours of backup recording;
• Plug-in power detect on the receiver for extended battery life. This new function automatically powers the unit on and off in sync with a connected camera;
• Locking 3.5mm lav mic connectors; 
• The 3.5mm output can also function as a headphone output for audio monitoring, or as TRRS input for another “narrator” microphone, such as a Lavalier;
• Merged and split recording modes, marker dropping, and customizable buttons;
• Universal compatibility with cameras, smartphones, tablets, computers, and other audio devices – as in the previous series – via its analog 3.5mm TRS and digital USB-C outputs.  

Consistently clean audio recordings with RØDE Wireless PRO

What makes this new product very convenient to use (especially for creators with little to no professional audio background) is the 32-bit float on-board recording. Essentially, this feature ensures you won’t experience audio clipping, even in extremely dynamic situations. Having this feature means you can’t ruin your recording, and there’s no real need to pre-set gain levels.

However, for extra peace of mind, you can also use a safety channel feature, which outputs a second channel of audio 10dB lower than the primary channel in case the signal clips the camera input.

Also, if you record audio directly into the camera, RØDE’s GainAssist technology will do its best to automatically control audio levels on the fly. As in the previous model, it takes care of balancing the output and minimizes the risk of clipping.

These features combined make ruined recordings a thing of the past. No matter the preferred workflow, users can set their Wireless PRO up to deliver perfect audio in any environment, taking the guesswork out of recording and unlocking more creative freedom.

RØDE press release

Timecode sync – for real?

That’s what I asked myself when I read the press release for the first time. Working with RØDE Wireless Go II, my team and I always needed an external timecode system (or an old but gold clapperboard, of course). Did we ever think that those tiny black units would be capable of generating timecode internally? No. Yet, that’s exactly what RØDE Wireless PRO offers. It looks like it might be a piece of cake to seamlessly synchronize audio with any camera.

According to the company, users will be able to easily set up this advanced timecode sync feature on a computer or smartphone via RØDE Central, with flexible configuration options to suit any recording setup.

What do you get in the RØDE Wireless PRO kit?

The wireless microphone system from RØDE comes with a complete accessory kit, which includes everything one might need to start recording straight away. Apart from the obvious receiver and two transmitters (that can be used as mics), you also get:

• a smart charge case, which also facilitates data transfer for the quick export of on-board recordings to a computer;
• two Lavalier II microphones:
• all necessary cables;
• MagClip GO magnetic mounting clips;
• and even furry windshields.

Price and availability

The RØDE Wireless PRO kit sells for $399. That’s $100 more than the previous dual-channel model, Wireless GO II. Yet with the extended features, 32-bit, and all the extra accessories, the price seems fair.

Wireless PRO is currently available to preorder.

What do you think about the latest wireless mic system from RØDE? What features that were introduced caught your interest the most? Would you consider moving from your actual audio gear to Wireless Pro? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature image source: RØDE