RØDE Wireless GO II Q&A

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Following RØDE’s recent release of the Wireless GO II, we were able to meet with Ryan Burke from RØDE to answer some common questions and further explain the system’s special functions.

32-Bit Float

Q: What is 32-bit float, and how does the Wireless GO II utilize 32-bit float technology?

  • Devices that record in 32-bit float allow you to avoid distortion or noise regardless of the level at which you record, thanks to the file’s ability to adjust gain post recording.
  • The Wireless Go II records at a maximum resolution of 24-bit/48 kHz, and thus does not provide the benefit of recording at 32-bit float. Using the RØDE Central app, you can export files in 32-bit float format, which offers convenience for importing files into 32-bit float DAW sessions, but not the benefits stated above.

Line Input on Transmitter

Q: Is it possible to bring line- or instrument-level sources into the transmitter?

  • For line-level sources, use an optional adapter cable with an inline pad. Ryan recommends a -20 dB pad to avoid distortion.
  • For instrument sources, you will still need to use an optional adapter cable with an inline pad, but the attenuation required depends on the instrument source.

Gain Control for Onboard Recording

Q: How can users be sure the transmitter’s onboard recordings won’t clip?

  • Although there isn’t an input gain control on the transmitter, RØDE optimized its gain structure for typical speech levels in lav-style arrangements.
  • A -6 dB hardware pad on the transmitter can be used to prevent distortion when being used with handheld interview mics or loud subjects.

Compatibility with External Lavalier Mics

Q: Will the transmitter power professional external lavalier microphones?

  • The Wireless GO II transmitter supplies 4V plug-in power, which should properly power any lapel mic that adheres to the plug-in power spec of 3 to 5V and uses a standard 3.5mm TRS connection.

Monitoring with Headphones

Q: Can the receiver’s analog output be used for headphone monitoring?

  • Yes. Since it’s always recommended to monitor using dedicated headphones, RØDE designed the 3.5mm analog output to drive low-impedance, high-sensitivity headphones such as earbuds (though it may have difficulty driving studio-style headphones).
  • When connecting the receiver to a recorder using its USB-C connection, its gain setting will function as a headphone volume control for the 3.5mm analog output. If your recorder has its own dedicated headphone output, RØDE recommends using it, especially for studio monitor headphones with higher impedances.

Recording to an XLR Input

Q: How can the Wireless GO II be connected to the XLR inputs of an external recorder?

  • To connect to a SINGLE XLR input on an external recorder: Use the included 3.5mm TRS cable and a separately available 3.5mm female to XLR male adapter, and set the receiver’s output to Merged mode.
  • To connect to STEREO XLR inputs on an external recorder: Use a separately available 3.5mm TRS to dual XLR male cable, and set the receiver to Split mode.

Using the Wireless GO II with Apps

Q: Can the Wireless GO II be used with non-RØDE apps?

  • The Wireless GO II is a class-compliant USB device and should work seamlessly with any Mac/Windows/iOS/Android app that allows you to select external audio devices using proper cables.

Automatic Power-Off

Q: How does the Wireless GO II’s automatic power-off function affect recording?

  • If the transmitter is set to “Always” recording mode, the transmitter will record from power-up until manually powered down, regardless of the receiver’s power status.
  • If the transmitter is set to “Backup” record, it will only record when the transmitter and receiver have an active wireless connection.

Saving Recorded Audio

Q: Can recordings on the transmitter be saved to mobile devices and computers?

  • Currently, audio recorded to the transmitter can be saved to a Mac/Windows computer via the RØDE Central app. However, Mr. Burke stated that an Android/iOS app should be available quite soon to allow saving audio files to a mobile device.

That brings us to the end of our Q&A. Have we answered all your questions about the Wireless GO II? Anything that we missed? Add your own questions, or thoughts about this new system, in the Comments section below.

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