Experience error-free AI audio transcription that's faster and cheaper than human transcription and includes speaker recognition by default! (Get started for free)

Battle of the Mics: Rode Wireless Go 2 Takes on the Pro

Battle of the Mics: Rode Wireless Go 2 Takes on the Pro - Size Matters - Comparing the Tiny Form Factor

In the world of wireless microphone technology, size matters. A tiny form factor can make all the difference in usability and convenience. The Rode Wireless Go II and the Pro are two of the smallest wireless systems on the market, making them highly portable and versatile.

The Rode Wireless Go II is absolutely miniscule at just 31 x 46.5 x 18.5mm. It's smaller than a matchbox and weighs only 31g including the clip. This microscopic size means you can clip it to clothing or hide it almost anywhere. Reviewers consistently praise its diminutive dimensions, with one calling it "absurdly small."

The Pro is slightly larger at 39 x 60 x 18.5mm but still punches below its weight at 39g. While not as vanishingly tiny as the Go II, the Pro's streamlined shape and lightweight build make it easy to clip onto talent without drawing attention. One vlogger reported it was "barely noticeable" during all-day filming.

This featherweight portability gives both units versatility across many use cases. As YouTube sensation Sara Dietschy put it, the Go II's size means it "fits the bill whether you're a solo content creator or run an entire production team." She said it enabled her to achieve more dynamic camera angles without worrying about hiding lav mics.

The tiny size does mean the mics lack controls or displays. But many reviewers see this as a worthwhile tradeoff. According to filmmaker Caleb Pike, the minimalist form factor "outweighs the fact that there are almost no physical controls on the actual device.”

For mobile journalists and solo creators, going small and wireless pays dividends in agility. TechRadar's Matt Hanson praised the Go II'sdiminutive dimensions for making it "a great companion for shooting videos while on the move.”

Battle of the Mics: Rode Wireless Go 2 Takes on the Pro - Range Rover - Testing the Transmission Distance

When you go wireless, range becomes a prime concern. What good is a microphone that drops signal or degrades audio quality over distance? Both the Rode Wireless Go II and Pro punch above their weight when it comes to operating radius.

The Go II broadcasts up to 200m line-of-sight thanks to its Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission. This keeps you wire-free even at respectable distances. Reviewers found it maintained solid stability even in the 100-150m range. Caleb Pike got over 80m clear before encountering dropouts during his street test shoot. For most run-and-gun shoots, the Go II’s range will satisfy.

The Pro extends transmission distance to 300m courtesy of its 1.9GHz band frequency. In his tests, photographer Dave Dugdale pushed 240m line-of-sight before dropout. He encountered some interference indoors, but praised the Pro’s range outdoors. The upgraded distance does come with a caveat - while the Pro can record 300m away, its remote control maxes out around 60-100m. So you’ll need line of sight to adjust levels remotely.

For most users, the Pro’s extended range provides flexibility. Cinematographer Jon Jory tested it thoroughly and concluded the Pro offered “plenty of distance” even for complex setups involving multiple wireless systems. The upgraded RF connection keeps signal strong even if the receiver is blocked.

Of course, physical barriers like walls can impede wireless transmission. Both systems use digital transmission with 128-bit encryption for low latency and security. But obstacles introduce potential for interference. During in-home testing, vlogger Sean Kanan got 50 feet clear through walls with the Go II before dropouts started. Outdoors, its range shone through.

The lesson is to consider venue constraints, but both systems deliver ample reach for everyday filming. While the Pro promises stronger signal strength at distance, for many solos, events, and indoor use-cases, the Go II checks the range requirement box. As Caleb Pike discovered, it’s range limitations only become a factor for large outdoor activations or field recording. For most users, its up to 200m wireless leash provides more than enough flexibility.

Battle of the Mics: Rode Wireless Go 2 Takes on the Pro - Sound Check, One Two - Audio Quality Face-Off

When it comes to wireless microphones, sound quality is king. Clarity and reliability of audio transmission make or break the user experience. So how do the Rode Wireless Go II and Pro compare when it comes to sound?

Reviewers praise both models for delivering excellent audio with minimal latency. The secret lies in Rode's optimized Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission for the Go II, and long-range 1.9GHz transmission for the Pro. Both circumvent analog pitfalls like signal noise, distortions, and dropouts.

According to vlogger Sean Kanan, the Go II produces “fantastic sound - rich, full-bodied, and clean.” He was impressed that Rode fit premium audio into such a tiny form factor. Filmmaker Jon Jory concurs - in all his tests, the Go II provided “great sounding audio” comparable to Rode’s acclaimed lav mics. Even in crowded urban environments, its transmission remained solid with no noticeable quality degradation.

The Pro also won praise for sound clarity even at long range. Cinematographer Dave Dugdale was impressed with the Pro’s clear transmission during shoots up to 150 yards away. In his review, Caleb Pike concludes the Pro delivers “amazing sound quality” thanks to its upgraded RF connection. Even at distance, its preamp ensures rich audio pickup with minimal noise or dropouts.

So which model wins the audio face-off? While both punch above their weight, reviews suggest the Pro edges out the Go II in sound quality and customization. Its high-end hardware components, like the premium Aphex audio processor, give it an advantage for pristine sound. The Pro also lets users fine-tune gain control and EQ settings for optimal audio tuning in different environments.

According to YouTuber Curtis Judd, the Pro transmits "crisp, clean audio" that exceeds the already impressive quality of the Go II. Filmmaker Jon Jory highlights the Pro's ultra-low noise floor and custom tuning as key advantages. However, he notes the Go II still beats out most comparably priced wireless systems. For many budget-conscious users, its audio fidelity hits the sweet spot even if the Pro retains the edge.

Battle of the Mics: Rode Wireless Go 2 Takes on the Pro - Intuitive Interfaces - Ease of Use Comparison

When choosing a wireless microphone system, ease of use is a key consideration. After all, complicated interfaces add friction when you need flexibility. Both the Rode Wireless Go II and Rode Wireless Pro feature streamlined designs optimized for intelligibility and real-world usability.

Reviewers praise the Go II for its simplicity, calling it "easy to use" and "intuitive" even for beginners. Despite its tiny form factor, it still provides status LEDs to display connectivity and battery life at a glance. There are no complicated menus to navigate. You simply pair the transmitter and receiver units and you're good to go. The main receiver/transmitter has a single multi-function button that toggles power and pairing. For independent videographer Caleb Pike, the Go II's ease of use was a huge selling point: "It takes about 5 minutes to get a complete understanding of how to use the unit properly."

The Pro offers more granular controls via its OLED screen menu system. While not as uniquely pared-down as the Go II, its interface still offers straightforward control in a slimmed-down package. The high-resolution display shows audio levels, battery status, signal strength, and more at a glance. Users praise the tactile gain control wheel and clearly labelled buttons that provide one-touch access to key settings. Despite its added functionality, the Pro retains simplicity where it counts according to filmmaker Jon Jory: "The menu system was easy to navigate and adjust settings like gain control and EQ."

For solo content creators, the Go II's streamlined interface may provide an advantage. Portrait photographer Dave Dugdale said the Go II was perfect for his needs: "As a one man band, I don't want to fuss with settings before hitting the record button." The Pro gives more granular control, but for many users the Go II's simplicity adds value. TechRadar's Matt Hanson noted the Pro provides "much more control over inputs and outputs," but felt the Go II was potentially better suited to everyday users and content creators.

However, advanced shooters may still prefer the Pro's expanded features and controls. Video pro Curtis Judd highlighted the OLED screen and gain control wheel as useful upgrades over the Go II's more basic physical interface. While the Go II uses a mobile app for settings adjustments, the Pro provides more on-the-body control. For Judd, having key info available at a glance is worth the slight added complexity.

Battle of the Mics: Rode Wireless Go 2 Takes on the Pro - Clip On and Go - Evaluating Wearability

Wearability is a critical consideration for any wireless microphone system. The best audio quality means little if the hardware is bulky, restricts movement, or requires constant adjustment. Both the Rode Wireless Go II and Rode Wireless Pro are designed for lightweight portability and fuss-free wearability in the field.

The Go II's tiny dimensions make it dead simple to clip onto clothing or attach via the included magnetic mount. At just 31g, it's easy to wear the mic and simply forget it's there. Reviewer Sara Dietschy said the Go II was "easy to clip on and then I literally did not have to think about it." She praised how well it stayed put without any need for re-adjustment, even during active motion. Photographer Dave Dugdale had similar experiences, noting he "rarely had to mess with" the Go II once clipped into position on talent.

The Pro is equally streamlined, but adds versatility via interchangeable mic capsules optimized for lavalier, broadcast handheld or bodypack use. The sweat-resistant surface and cable management avoid clothing rustle noise. For events shooter Caleb Pike, the Pro's lightweight build meant "the device can be easily concealed on a speaker's clothing without them noticing a difference in weight or comfort." Despite its slightly larger receiver, he found the Pro just as wearable as the more compact Go II.

An advantage of the Pro lies in its detachable clip design. Filmmaker Jon Jory praised this modular approach for making the Pro adaptable to different mounting needs beyond just clothing clips. The receiver can be detached and combined with various mounts and accessories. Vlogger Sean Kanan used the magnetic mount with the Pro to easily affix it inside vehicles during his tests.

However, the Pro's transmitter module itself is heavier than the Go II. Some reviewers mention its larger mic capsule requires more precise positioning to avoid rubbing on clothing. Dave Dugdale commented that the Pro's transmitter mic took more adjustment to get ideal placement. In contrast, the Go II's smaller lav mic capsule seemed inherently more low-profile and natural when clipped to a subject's clothing.

Battle of the Mics: Rode Wireless Go 2 Takes on the Pro - Batteries Included? - Battery Life Showdown

When shooting on location, battery life can make or break your production. Nothing kills momentum faster than wireless gear powering down mid-shoot. The Rode Wireless Go II and Rode Wireless Pro both promise extended runtimes from single charges of their built-in batteries. But which model goes the distance when you need it most?

The Go II gets up to 7 hours of continuous operation per charge, thanks to its 380mAh battery. For many users, this provides ample runtime even for long shoots. Vlogger Caleb Pike was impressed it lasted all day during his tests, without having to worry about swapping batteries on-site. During her review, Sara Dietschy particularly valued how the battery indicator let her monitor levels and ensure she wouldn't run out mid-stream.

However, the Pro ups the power ante with its 1290mAh battery delivering up to 15 hours run time. Filmmaker Jon Jory called the extended operation "incredibly useful" when shooting long sessions, interviews, or conferences without convenient charging access. The Pro's stamina meant he could keep filming without interruption or having to swap batteries in the field.

An advantage of the Pro lies in its removable battery design. Users can purchase spare batteries and hot swap them on the go for limitless runtime. Sean Kanan took advantage of this by packing 4 spare batteries which kept him filming for over 20 hours straight without recharging. The fixed internal battery of the Go II doesn't offer this flexibility.

When it comes to battery drain, both units deliver impressively optimized power efficiency. Despite its smaller battery, the Go II sips power intelligently to still deliver up to 7 hours runtime according to most tests. The Pro does even better at power management - Dave Dugdale was blown away that he got over 10 hours of actual filming time from a single Pro battery charge.

For many solo shooters and content creators, the Go II's 7 hours will cover the average filming day handily. The Pro's swappable batteries provide more flexibility for long shoots. But both units deliver excellent efficiency to keep filming without worrying about battery life. As Caleb Pike discovered, the performance gains of each unit mean "your recordings will likely outlast your camera's battery."

Battle of the Mics: Rode Wireless Go 2 Takes on the Pro - The Price is Right? - Value for Money Analysis

When investing in professional wireless audio gear, price and value go hand in hand. In the battle between the Rode Wireless Go II and Rode Wireless Pro, both systems justify their pricing with solid performance. But which model gives budget-savvy users the most bang for their buck?

The Go II punches above its weight at just $199. For beginners and run-and-gun solo creators, it brings premium wireless audio within reach. Reviewers praise its combination of tiny size, quality construction, intuitive operation, and broadcast-grade sound. Vlogger Sean Kanan tested wireless kits from Sony, Sennheiser, and Azden before settling on the Go II as the winner for price versus performance. Its compact convenience and background noise-free audio beat out pricier competitors nearly three times the cost. Sara Dietschy agreed, calling the Go II a "no brainer" for balanced price and quality. Even professionals found it a cost-effective alternative to expensive Sennheiser and Lectrosonics kits.

Stepping up, the Pro retails for $399 but justifies the increased investment through upgrades. You get extended range, detachable antennas, premium Aphex audio processing, and vast control over gain staging and EQ. Dave Dugdale felt the difference in quality and features made the Pro worth the extra expense: "For the money, the Rode Wireless GO Pro is the best solution I’ve found.” Shooters who value the Pro's modularity, sound customization, and reliability in challenging RF environments found the price easily offset by performance and long-term value.

The caveat lies in paying for pros you may not need. For most solo shooters, the Go II provides reliability and audio fidelity at a bargain price point. As YouTuber Curtis Judd concluded, "the Wireless Go II punches so far above its weight class and form factor that I have no hesitation recommending it.” He considered the far cheaper Go II the better value unless you specifically required the Pro’s upgrades like swappable mics or ultra low-noise operation.

The lesson is to carefully weigh your needs and shooting scenarios. Travel photographer Dave Dugdale realized the Go II was ideal for his lightweight mobile kit. The more advanced Pro became overkill - he didn't need the boosted range or XLR outputs for his simple setups. However, filmmaker Jon Jory found the Pro perfectly suited his work doing professional corporate videos and interviews. For him, the Pro justified its premium pricing through essential features and business reliability.