While Rode Wireless Go uses Series III 2.4GHz wireless transmission, the Go 2 uses newer Series IV, resulting in a more reliable, stable, and higher audio quality. Wireless Go 2 also offers new features like dual-channel, safety channel, longer range, optional charging case, and more flexible gain control.
Rode Wireless Go vs Go 2: Better in 4 Aspects
By Naila Syifa
Updated February 2024
Rode Wireless Go 2, which is the successor of the original Rode Wireless Go, is an upgrade in terms of design, audio quality, features, and battery life. However, how do these improvements compare to the original Rode Wireless Go? Is it worth it to upgrade? Let's compare both models across 4 important aspects to find out!
Key Takeaways
While Rode Wireless Go uses Series III 2.4GHz wireless transmission, the Go 2 uses newer Series IV, resulting in a more reliable, stable, and higher audio quality. Wireless Go 2 also offers new features like dual-channel, safety channel, longer range, optional charging case, and more flexible gain control.
Rode Wireless Go
Original Compact Microphone
✓ Single-Channel Audio
✓ 3-Stage Gain Control
✓ Universal Compatibility
✓ Up to 70m Range
Rode Wireless Go 2
Entry-Level Microphone
✓ Safety Channel
✓ 10-Stage Gain Control
✓ Internal Recording
✓ Up to 20mm Range
#1 Design
Rode Wireless Go 2
Rode Wireless Go stands out with its ultra-compact and lightweight design, weighing only 31g. Rode Wireless Go 2 retains this compact profile and is even lighter at 30g, making it just as portable and easy to carry around. A compact microphone also means that it is unobtrusive, making it ideal for filmmakers and videographers who need to capture audio without the microphone being very visible.
Both microphones have a clip design, which allows them to be easily attached to clothing or gear. They can be used directly as a clip-on mic or as a beltpack when connected to a lavalier microphone.
Rode Wireless Go
One thing that the Wireless Go does better than the Go 2 in terms of design is the color options available. While Wireless Go is available in black and white color options, the Wireless Go 2 is only available in black. More color options would have been a nice addition to the Wireless Go 2, but it's not a dealbreaker for those who prioritize other aspects such as audio quality and connectivity.
If you want a white-colored microphone, you may want to consider the DJI Mic 2, which offers a white-colored wireless microphone that looks stylish and modern.
Read also: DJI Mic 2 vs Rode Wireless Go 2
#2 Audio Quality & Features
Rode Wireless Go 2
Both the Rode Wireless Go and Rode Wireless Go 2 have a broadcast-quality microphone built-in, providing excellent audio quality for their size. However, the Wireless Go 2 does have an advantage over the Wireless Go in terms of audio quality, thanks to its improved preamp and digital signal processing capabilities.
While the original Wireless Go relies on Rode's Series III 2.4GHz wireless transmission, the Wireless Go 2 uses a newer Series IV 2.4GHz wireless transmission, which is more reliable and stable even in dense environments.
Rode Wireless Go 2
Rode Wireless Go 2 also offers some new features unavailable in the original Wireless Go, such as a safety channel feature, which records a backup track at a lower gain level to prevent clipping or distortion.
In addition, the Wireless Go 2 supports dual-channel audio, so you can record audio from two transmitters simultaneously in a separate channel, which is a great feature for interviews or other dual-sources scenarios. The original Wireless Go, on the other hand, only supports up to one transmitter per receiver, so you'll need another entirely new microphone system to record from two sources.
Another thing that has been improved in the Wireless Go 2 is the gain control. Just like the original Wireless Go, the new Wireless Go 2 offers a 3-stage gain control, allowing you to switch between high (0dB), medium (-12dB), and low (-24dB) gain settings. However, the gain control in the Wireless Go 2 is also expandable to 10-stage with a wider range of 0dB to –30dB, allowing for even more precise control over the audio levels.
#3 Connectivity & Range
Rode Wireless Go
Both the Rode Wireless Go and Rode Wireless Go 2 boast universal compatibility with a wide range of devices, including cameras, mobile devices, and computers. However, take note that connecting the receiver to different devices may require different cables or adapters that you'll need to purchase separately.
When it comes to range, the Rode Wireless Go 2 has a far superior range compared to the original Wireless Go, with a maximum range of 200m in open space, while the Wireless Go has a range of up to 70m. A longer range can be especially useful for outdoor shoots or when you need to move around a lot while recording.
#4 Battery Life
Rode Wireless Go 2
Both the Rode Wireless Go and Rode Wireless Go 2 have an impressive battery life of up to 7 hours on a single charge. However, charging the Rode Wireless Go 2 can also be done with a compatible charging case, which can extend its battery life to up to 21 hours, making it a better choice for those who need a longer battery life. The charging case is not included in the package, but you can purchase it separately for around US$79.
Rode Wireless Go vs Go 2
Final Thoughts
Rode Wireless Go 2
Overall, the Rode Wireless Go 2 is a clear winner over the original Wireless Go. While both microphones have a compact and lightweight design, the Wireless Go 2 has better audio quality, improved features, a longer range, and the option for extended battery life with a charging case. However, the Wireless Go 2 no longer comes in a white color option that was previously available for the original Wireless Go.
Nevertheless, the Wireless Go 2 is a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and high-quality wireless microphone system for their video or audio productions.
If you like to read more about Wireless Microphone, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Wireless Microphone
DJI Mic 2 vs DJI Mic
DJI Mic 2 vs Rode Wireless Pro
DJI Mic 2 vs Hollyland Lark M2
DJI Mic vs Rode Wireless Go 2
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