As a content creator who has grappled with the nuances of audio for video for many years, the arrival of a new iteration in RØDE’s renowned Wireless GO series always piques my interest. The promise of compact, high-quality wireless audio is a siren song for anyone who’s ever lost a perfect take to a clipped microphone or a sudden burst of interference. So, when the RØDE Wireless GO (Gen 3) landed on my desk, I was keen to put it through its paces and see if it truly represents the next step forward in this popular line.
Unboxing the Wireless GO (Gen 3), the familiar RØDE aesthetic of sleek, functional design is immediately apparent. The two transmitters and single receiver feel solid and well-built, ready for the rigors of field use. The package includes a useful array of cables – USB-C to Lightning, USB-C to USB-C, and a TRS to TRS for camera connection – which is a thoughtful touch for out-of-the-box compatibility with most devices. There are also three furry windshields for the built-in mics and a soft carry pouch. However, what’s not in the box is just as notable. There are no lavalier microphones included, and perhaps more significantly for many, no hard charging case with an integrated battery. Instead, RØDE provides what they call the SC33 charging hub, which is essentially a three-way USB-C splitter cable allowing simultaneous charging of all units from a single power source. While functional, it’s not the portable power solution many have come to expect.
Firing up the system is as simple as its predecessors – power on, and they pair almost instantly. The bright LCD on the receiver is a welcome feature, providing clear, at-a-glance information on levels, connection status, and battery life. But the real magic of the Gen 3 lies in its internal upgrades. The headline feature, for me, is the 32-bit float on-board recording in each transmitter. With over 40 hours of recording capacity per transmitter, this is an absolute game-changer for audio safety. Knowing that I have a pristine backup recording that can recover audio from even the most extreme dynamic shifts – whether it was recorded too loud and clipped, or far too quiet – brings an incredible peace of mind. This feature alone significantly reduces the stress of monitoring backup levels obsessively during a shoot. It’s important to remember, though, that this 32-bit float goodness applies only to the internal recordings on the transmitters; the signal sent to your camera is not 32-bit float.
That’s where the second star feature, Intelligent GainAssist, comes into play for the camera audio. This technology automatically adjusts and balances the audio levels being sent to my camera, aiming to prevent clipping and deliver a clean, well-leveled track. In my tests, it worked remarkably well, smoothing out dialogue and reducing the need for extensive post-production tweaking on the camera audio. There are different modes, and it can be turned off if I prefer full manual control, which is also available with a generous 30dB range. Coupled with the safety channel option, which records a secondary track at a lower volume, the system provides a robust defense against ruined audio.
The audio quality from the upgraded built-in omnidirectional microphones is genuinely excellent. They share the same improved capsules and preamps as RØDE’s higher-tier Wireless PRO system, and it shows. Voices come through with clarity and warmth, making them perfectly usable for vlogging, interviews, or any situation where a discrete lavalier isn’t strictly necessary. Speaking of lavaliers, the transmitters now feature locking 3.5mm TRS connectors. This is a small but hugely significant improvement, ensuring that an external microphone won’t accidentally get unplugged during an active shoot – a frustration I’ve experienced with non-locking connectors in the past.
Wireless performance, thanks to RØDE’s Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission, is also impressive, boasting a line-of-sight range of up to 260 meters. I found the connection to be stable and reliable, even at considerable distances, and the near-zero latency meant no noticeable sync issues in my video edits. The system is also designed for better performance in crowded RF environments, which is a welcome assurance.
Battery life is rated at up to 7 hours for both transmitters and the receiver, which is respectable and generally got me through most of my shooting days. The plug-in power detect feature, which automatically powers the system on and off with a connected camera, is a smart addition for conserving battery. However, the lack of an included battery-equipped charging case means that for extended field use without access to power, the optional Charge Case+ (an $89 USD extra) becomes almost essential. This case provides two full recharges, extending total use to around 21 hours.
In terms of user experience, the Wireless GO (Gen 3) is largely intuitive. The RØDE Central app (for desktop and mobile) is necessary for firmware updates, accessing advanced features, and, crucially, for exporting those 32-bit float recordings. While the transmitters are compact for the tech they house, they can feel a little bulky when clipped directly to clothing, especially if discretion is key. I also found that, like any built-in mic on a transmitter, careful placement is needed to avoid clothing rustle.
This brings me to the crux of the Wireless GO (Gen 3)’s proposition: its value. Technologically, it’s a superb system. The audio safety features are top-notch. However, the base price of around $299 USD, without lavalier mics or a battery charging case, puts it in a slightly awkward position. If I add the Charge Case+, the total cost approaches $388 USD. At this point, RØDE’s own Wireless PRO system, which often retails for around $315-$349 (sometimes discounted) and includes two high-quality Lavalier II microphones, a smart charging case, and timecode functionality, starts to look like a more compelling package for many.
So, who is the Wireless GO (Gen 3) for? I believe it’s for the content creator who absolutely prioritizes the 32-bit float on-board recording and GainAssist for camera audio, perhaps already owns a set of favorite lavalier microphones, and doesn’t immediately need the extended field power of a charging case or the timecode capabilities of the PRO. The wide array of available colors is also a fun touch for personalization.
In conclusion, the RØDE Wireless GO (Gen 3) is a technically brilliant piece of audio gear that delivers on its promise of high-quality, reliable wireless audio with some truly outstanding safety features. The 32-bit float recording and GainAssist are standout innovations that genuinely make a difference in the field. However, its value proposition is somewhat muddied by the lack of included key accessories, especially when compared to its highly capable sibling, the Wireless PRO. It’s an excellent product, but one that requires careful consideration of your existing gear and overall budget to see if it’s the right fit for your specific needs.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
Pros:
- Exceptional 32-bit float on-board recording provides an incredible audio safety net.
- Intelligent GainAssist technology effectively optimizes audio levels for camera recording.
- Excellent audio quality from the improved built-in microphones.
- Impressive wireless range (up to 260m) and stability with Series IV 2.4GHz transmission.
- Locking 3.5mm connectors on transmitters secure external microphones.
- Broad compatibility and easy-to-use interface.
Cons:
- No lavalier microphones included in the standard package.
- No battery-equipped charging case included as standard (SC33 is a cable hub only).
- Value proposition can be challenging compared to the RØDE Wireless PRO when factoring in the cost of optional accessories.
- Transmitters can be a bit bulky for discreet placement using only the built-in clip.
