There seems to have been a flurry of microphone launches of late, with units coming from the Big Three – DJI, Sennheiser and RØDE. And for very good reason, as their new models are aimed squarely at the vlogging and podcasting markets which is booming to say the least.
Which may or not be a bad thing depending on your point of view of course.
First, we had Sennheiser with the very clever Profile Wireless system, which is really 4 mics in one, and suitable for desktop, handheld, lavaliere based or smartphone connected audio depending on how you configure it (review here), followed by the DJI Mini which I haven’t had the chance to look at as yet.
Yesterday I received the new RØDE Wireless Microphone, and whilst it is charging thought I would take the opportunity to have a quick look before I later put it to the test in a real-world environment.
Price
The first thing that needs to be said is the price. At AUD$199, the RØDE Wireless Microphone is exceptional value for money. And you get two transmitters with the receiver, not just the one, all packed into s nifty charging case as is the norm these days for these sorts of devices. RØDE are claiming 21 hours battery life if you include the charger life by the way.
The RØDE Wireless Microphone is aimed primarily for smartphone use of course, and the clever design means you don’t need cables. However, unlike the Sennheiser Profile which comes with adaptors for both, you must get the RØDE model that suits your phone – USB-C or Lightning connection based. Here there is an advantage over the DJI Mini Mic which is USB-C only.
Small
The RØDE Wireless Microphone is also a small package easily fitting in a hip pocket or backpack. And for the fashion conscious, if you must, it is available in black or white (customary for RØDE as it turns out).
The proof in the pudding of course will be the audio recording quality, and this I will be testing tomorrow, indoors and out, to see how it counters this infernal wind we are still stuck with in sunny southwest of Western Australia.
I’ll also put it in comparison with the Sennheiser Profile Wireless and a Hollyland unit I happen to have.
It’s going to be interesting.