Released last November, Rode’s $149 Wireless Micro system includes two compact, rechargeable lavalier microphones paired with a wireless receiver that directly interfaces with mobile devices via their USB-C charging ports— or Lightning ports for older iPhones and iPads. The receiver can simultaneously connect to and record from both microphones using Rode’s mobile app, offering a wireless range of up to 328 feet.
The newly introduced Direct Connect feature eliminates the need for the wireless receiver, allowing the microphones to connect straight to a smartphone. This simplifies the setup but comes with certain limitations: it’s only available for iOS devices (not Android), and audio can be recorded from only one Wireless Micro mic at a time. Additionally, the use of Bluetooth may diminish the range of the microphones, and the wireless connection’s stability may not match that when using the receiver.
The firmware update brings other enhancements, including a noise reduction feature designed to minimize unwanted background sounds during recordings in less-than-silent environments. This feature can be activated independently for each microphone. Moreover, users will benefit from a new output gain control, which allows for easy adjustment of recording levels directly within the app. When using the wireless receiver connected to both mics, users can choose to capture audio on a single merged stereo track or record it separately on different channels for increased flexibility in post-production editing.
