I decided to treat myself to a new set of radio mics the RODE Wireless GO 2 dual channel system. Many moons ago a system of this specification would have been in the thousands of pounds rather than £279 from Guitar Guitar, Glasgow.

Key Features:

• Dual channel wireless microphone system for recording two sound sources simultaneously
• Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission, 128-bit encryption – crystal-clear audio at up to 200m (line of sight), optimised for extremely stable operation in dense RF environments 
• 3.5mm TRS analog output, USB-C and iOS digital output – universal compatibility with cameras, mobile devices and computers
• On-board recording – over 40 hours of internal memory
• Option to record each channel separately or combine them for ultimate flexibility in post-production
• Safety channel, flexible gain control (three-stage pad, expandable to 10-stage)
• In-built rechargeable lithium-ion battery up to 7 hours battery life

My first test was line of sight as the last set of RODE Wireless GO was appalling, 50m or less with bad dropout.

The Test… A Rode Wireless GO 2 £279 against my trusty Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 PRO Set £738

I used the inbuilt mic as the updated windshield has been vastly improved, ie. It stays on without falling off…A reason I did not use the last RODE radio mic in this configuration.

Day ONE…RODE claim this radio mic system is good for 200m line of sight (LoS) a vast improvement on the first Wireless GO system. I went to the end of my road which is 70m and both mics performed with no dropout.

Day TWO…Today I did the ultimate test of 200m line of sight. Now when RODE mean line of sight they mean face to face. I got dropout from about 100m walking away from camera till I reached the park gates then as I turned to face the camera back came the sound, slightly disappointing as the Sennheiser performed without a hitch. The saving grace of the RODE is the audio backup that is switched on every time you connect the transmitter with the receiver so you may get a dropout in a live situation but you can easily edit in the missing sound via the recording stored on the transmitter. You have 2 choices Compressed giving you 43h of audio or Non compressed giving you 7h of stored audio, you can export the audio from an app called RODE Central in WAV or MP3.

The Wireless GO II gives you the option to record in either ‘Merged’ or ‘Split’ mode. This allows you to record each transmitter onto separate channels on the output or combine the two into a single output. The Wireless GO II’s transmitters and receiver each have an in-built lithium-ion battery that can last up to seven hours.

Using the dual radio mic with XLRs

If you want to use the dual radio mic setup with professional XLRs you will need to buy extra kit.
Firstly you will need a splitter cable called the RODE SC11 (£15) and two mini jack to XLR adapters called a VXLR priced at £8 each. Remember to split the sound so that you are sending CH1 & CH2 independently.

Filming events will be a breeze with this radio mic system as the transmitters also record the sound sound giving you a great back up especially for weddings. As its a dual channel system you could mic the groom and have one on the celebrant. Remember to have a third mic to record the singing and wild track onto Chanel two of your camcorder as you do not want to hear the groom or celebrant singing.