Today the Australian audio brand RØDE has announced in a press release that it’s launching a new addition to its range of wireless microphones for video creators. The brand-new Wireless ME is an affordable set of wireless microphones inspired by RØDE’s iconic Wireless GO product.
The original RØDE Wireless GO was the first pocket-sized, clip-and-go wireless microphone to capture professional sound quality from built-in microphones. Since its launch, the concept has been copied by countless other brands and has put wireless mics within reach of almost anyone with a video camera or smartphone.
The new Wireless ME offers the same level of sound quality as the Wireless GO and works with RØDE’s unique and free smartphone app RØDE Capture. The new app is the first to record video and provide complete control over various RØDE microphones often used with smartphones.
The Wireless ME is designed to capture professional-quality audio wirelessly easily. Using the same form factor as the previous Wireless GO product; the Wireless ME has new features that make it easier to use for more creative possibilities. RØDE claims the Wireless ME is perfect for creators who want to record clear audio from a distance without fuss.
The RØDE Wireless ME kit consists of a single transmitter and receiver and the two devices pair automatically out of the box. The two units can be ready to go in seconds. The Wireless ME delivers superbly clear audio with a robust signal using RØDE’s Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission and proprietary near-zero latency codec with 128-bit encryption. I’ve had a chance to play with the Wireless ME and the built-in microphone is excellent at picking up interviewees’ voices. The versatility of using a hidden lavalier mic is perfect, but it’s good to know that no extra equipment is required.
In another innovation, the Wireless ME has a “narrator” microphone built into the receiver unit. Dubbed the ‘ME Mic’, this feature lets creators record audio from in front and behind the camera simultaneously, making it ideal for capturing two-way interviews or voiceovers for video content. For even more flexibility, a second Wireless ME or Wireless GO II transmitter can also be connected to the receiver, enabling dual-channel recording or even a three-way microphone wireless system.
Because the Wireless ME has been designed to be simple to use, it features RØDE’s GainAssist technology, which uses intelligent algorithms to automatically control the input level on the fly, ensuring the sound is perfectly balanced and never clips or distorts. This function is more advanced than the standard automatic gain control features found on most cameras and other audio devices. It can deliver clean audio with no level pumping or background noise elevation.
There are two modes GainAssist modes available, ‘Auto’ and ‘Dynamic’, enabling users to choose the ideal setting for their recording scenario. The output gain can also be adjusted to match the recording device. These features and other configuration options are accessible via the RØDE companion app for desktop and mobile, RØDE Central.
The Wireless ME can work seamlessly with all cameras, iOS and Android smartphones, and Mac and Windows computers, and is supplied with all the cables needed for recording to compatible devices like Android and iOS smartphones, plus regular DSLRs and video cameras.
Alongside the Wireless ME, RØDE has unveiled its new and free iOS video app, RØDE Capture. The company claims that this is the first video app designed with today’s creators in mind. The app offers powerful features with an intuitive interface and is perfect for shooting content for TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels. It’s straightforward to use and makes a big difference to the audio quality on any video.
For the first time, RØDE Capture enables creators to take total control over their video and audio in the same app for producing content that looks and sounds great. It offers direct in-app control of compatible RØDE products, including the Wireless ME, Wireless GO II, VideoMic GO II and more. The app includes features for turning mics on and off, activating digital signal processing, adjusting audio levels, and advanced configuration, letting users get the most out of these devices.
RØDE claims that other video apps can’t match the level of direct control over RØDE microphones, making RØDE Capture the ideal solution for anyone who wants to record professional audio for creating mobile content. RØDE Capture offers control over aspect ratio, video resolution, frame rate and zoom. For extra flexibility, it also offers Dual Cam modes for recording with the front and selfie cameras simultaneously, either in split screen or picture-in-picture mode.
This setup is suitable for interviews where the user needs to capture the interviewer and interviewee at the same time. This unique feature works seamlessly with the Wireless ME’s in-built transmitter and receiver microphones, enabling creators to record high-quality video and audio from in front and behind the camera.
Verdict: I’ve had a chance to test out the RØDE Wireless ME with a beta version of the RØDE Capture app. It’s an incredibly advanced and easy solution for anyone who needs to make videos for social media with the shortest turnaround time. The big plus with the RØDE Wireless ME is the receiver and transmitter units are automatically paired. Furthermore, they can also be used with other RØDE wireless microphones. When used with the free RØDE Capture app, it becomes a powerful video production tool and should change the sound quality of countless Instagram Reels or TikTok videos. So often, videos are ruined by poor sound because the camera is just too distant from the subject. Clipping a Wireless ME transmitter unit on your presenter can improve almost any video massively.
Pricing & Availability: The RØDE Wireless ME is available now and costs $149.
More info: rode.com
Features:
- Compact and easy-to-use wireless microphone system.
- RØDE’s Series IV 2.4 GHz digital transmission.
- Range: 100m.
- Intelligent GainAssist technology automatically controls audio levels.
- Broadcast-grade microphones built into both the transmitter and receiver.
- Ability to connect an additional transmitter for a three-mic setup.
- Connects to cameras, smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android), and computers
- (Mac and Windows) with all required cables included.
- Easy control over settings via RØDE Central; compatible with RØDE Connect, RØDE Reporter and the new RØDE Capture app.