Rode, the Australian audio company that enjoyed huge success with the Wireless Go and GO II, has introduced a dual transmitter version of the more affordable Wireless ME microphone. If you can do without the built-in recording, the dual transmitter version could save you from purchasing additional equipment for a multi-microphone setup.
As digital wireless clip-on microphones have gained popularity among creators, the Rode Wireless ME (single transmitter) has been a popular budget alternative ($149) to the $299 GO II. Otherwise, this dual transmitter model is the same as the single microphone version. So you get the same 2.4GHz Series IV digital transmission, Rode's GainAssist technology, and “universal compatibility” with cameras, phones, and computers.
Additionally, like the single transmitter version of the Wireless ME, the new model's receiver includes an additional “behind the camera” microphone for an additional audio source. In this case, that theoretically gives you a third microphone, as long as your setup allows you to connect it directly to your recording device. Works with the Rode Capture app (available for iOS and Android), which is aimed at creators.
Since the Wireless ME is at the budget end of Rode's lineup, the same compromises of the single-transmitter version apply. That includes the lack of a receiver display, onboard recording/storage, or an option to record a backup track at a lower gain level. In exchange for those trade-offs, you'll probably save a few dollars compared to the higher-end GO II.
We say “likely” because Rode hasn't yet said how much the dual-transmitter version will cost. (The single-mic variant costs $150, so you can probably assume it will be more.) The ME Dual Wireless arrives this spring, so expect to find out pricing as its release date gets closer. It will be available in black and (for the first time in the ME series) in white.
Rode has increasing competition in this space. JBL launched a similar budget product, the $100 Quantum Stream, at CES 2024, and DJI just introduced the Mic 2, which includes a $349 dual-transmitter variant.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/rode-reveals-a-dual-transmitter-version-of-the-wireless-me-lapel-mic-181534298.html?src=rss
