Rode Wireless Go 2 in the everyday test: does it need an external microphone?
A TEST REPORT from Nils Ahrensmeier 
on July 01, 2022, 17:30 | Write a comment
With the Rode Wireless Go 2, the audio manufacturer "Rode" has launched a wireless radio microphone system. We tested it.
Smartphones have now become the center of our lives. They have become telephone, communicator and camera at the same time. The latter can now easily do 4K with 60 frames on the go pro Second, where the question arises for many media professionals: Can my smartphone already replace the camera and thus allow me to work on the move? But many fail because of the sound, because the microphones in smartphones are insufficient, especially over long distances, and several are needed for interviews. The Australian company "Rode" has taken on this challenge and, with the Wireless Go 2, has launched a mobile lavalier microphone solution.
Our test mainly focused on the use that many younger people will probably have in everyday life: the Wireless Go 2 together with the smartphone. In other words: For people who are interested in connecting the Wireless Go 2 to their smartphone in order to film videos, interviews or podcasts with it. We're not audio experts, so we see everything from a consumer perspective.
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Delivery handling, design and processing:
The Rode Wireless Go 2 have a simple design and are only available in the color "black". In addition to the receiver, the scope of delivery includes the two transmitters, 3 windshield pop screens, three USB-C cables (for charging) as well as a 3.5 mm cable and a bag. The workmanship appears to be of high quality, and the clip for attaching the microphones to the t-shirt or sweater in particular doesn't look cheap.
The transmitters themselves measure 44 x 45,3 x 18,5 millimeters and are very light at 31 grams. On the top is a round microphone and a 3,5mm jack for an external lavalier microphone. There is a USB-C port on the side for charging the transmitter. Apropos Charging, according to the manufacturer, the built-in battery should last for up to 7 hours.
Setting up the Rode Wireless Go 2
The microphone can either be attached to a “normal” camera with a hot shoe and then connected to a 3.5 mm jack, or conveniently to a smartphone via USB-C/Lightning. This works without an app, but firmware updates are also possible via USB-C.
The Rode Wireless Go 2 are connected via USB-C. (Picture: TechnikNews)
Microphone test
Rode connects the transmitter to the receiver using the Series IV 2,4 GHz transmission standard, which should last for around 200 m in the open. The manufacturer also promises that the standard cannot be easily disrupted by other signals such as Bluetooth or WLAN. In the integrated video you can see the clear difference due to the better microphone quality, especially when the microphone is pointed towards the mouth, i.e. it was attached to a shirt.
Conclusion: is an external microphone worth it?
With an RRP of €200, the Wireless Go 2 is not exactly cheap. But for many media professionals, this could be an investment that is worthwhile. If you proIf you want to record professional videos, or if you want to take your TikTok or Instagram account to a new level, then the Wireless Go 2 is worth it.
