The Rode product stable is already deep and diverse, with products catering to seemingly everyone – recording studios, podcasters, mobile content makers, venues and video shooters. And now Rode has introduced the Wireless PRO (yes, the ‘pro’ is capitalised), a video-focused wireless microphone kit that packs a lot of promise into its small frame. But does it live up to the capitalised name?

Opening the package and it’s off to a promising start. There’s enough bundled into the kit to deal with almost any situation a typical videographer is likely to encounter. Two wireless transmitters, one receiver, two threaded lavalier microphones, a short 3.5mm to 3.5mm coiled cable, two different sets of dead cats, various clips and magnets, a USB-C-to-Lightning cable and enough USB-C cables to be useful. These are all housed snugly across two small cases: one acts as charger/battery for the transmitters (think Airpod holder/charger) while the other contains the various accessories. 

JUST IN CASE

The cases are almost identical, save for the weight. The charging dock is undoubtedly clever and very welcome – the unit has enough juice inside it for two full extra charges away from any power source. However, the decision to package a Wireless PRO system across two cases is a little confusing. There’s not enough space in the charger case for the various accessories you’re likely to want to have with you, so you’re most likely going to always need to take two cases with you anyway. It’s not a show-stopping issue, however it seems like a complication when it comes to packing out a shooting kit, and it’s not difficult to envision nightmare scenarios where the wrong case is packed, or even worse, left behind.

There’s a lot more to Wireless PRO than its transport cases. The transmitter/receiver combo is the star of the show and they’re instantly impressive pieces of kit. Sharing the same form factor as the Wireless Go and Wireless Me units, they’re similar in size and feel to a smartwatch — well built, and with just enough heft to appreciate that it’s a cutting-edge piece of tech. The trio are almost exactly the same size and shape, but the receiver is differentiated by having a small LCD screen built into it. Crisp and bright, the screen conveys level meters and important parameter settings with a minimum of fuss. There’s no real menu-diving required to get up and running, and the screen is easily readable in full sunlight and dark spaces alike. Syncing the transmitters to the receiver is effortless, and the three-button operation required to get up and running is intuitive straight out of the box.

BECAUSE I’M APP-Y

Like any modern gadget, as soon as it connected to my phone it wanted to do an update, which thankfully was quick and pain-free. Once updated, it then launched the app store, where three apps were recommended to me. After a quick search online, two seemed to be relevant to my needs – Rode Capture and Rode Central. Unsurprisingly, the Capture app is centred around recording video, while Rode Central allows you to Bluetooth into the receiver and get into the nitty-gritty of the unit and manipulate its settings and functions.

With over 40 million streams, New Zealand-born country-pop artist Kaylee Bell now considers Sennheiser’s Evolution Wireless Digital microphone systems an on-tour essential. Fresh from supporting Ed Sheeran on the six-date New Zealand leg of his Mathematics World Tour, Sennheiser EW-D has become a constant companion — with the band having previously chosen Sennheiser equipment for its reliable sound and dependable quality.

The self-managed musician kicked off 2023 by winning an Australian Golden Guitar Award for ‘Vocal Collaboration of the Year’, and now embarks on her own tour — the 16-date ‘Boots ‘N All’ debut tour of New Zealand — where the same wireless convenience will take her full live band shows to the next level.

Since setting themselves up with Sennheiser’s wireless system, the band has changed how they approach live performance. “As a performer — especially on the Ed tour, with the stage being so big — we had the freedom to run everywhere, which was amazing. Having such a minimal stage setup allows us to have so much more fun as a band. It gives a sense of unity, and being able to move around freely really allows our personalities to come through,” shares Bell.

From the production perspective of the band’s audio technician, Nick Campbell, the initial engagements with Ed Sheeran’s team were revelatory. “When asked about our setup we realised that all we needed onstage was a drum kit because everything else was now wireless,” he said. “All of our vocal mics and guitars, and all the backline that we have sitting off-stage are wireless, which they were really happy about as it made things a whole lot easier.”

During the tour, the team were able to bond with Ed Sheeran’s stage management crew. Kaylee’s front-of-house engineer Josh Anderson shared some insights saying, “They just don’t have issues on their shows. They are very particular about what they take on the road, and because of this they are able to run a very reliable set-up. The fact they use Sennheiser speaks volumes.” 

When chatting with Dave White, Ed’s RF and looper tech, Campbell gained an understanding of how shows of that magnitude work, and how the scalability of a Sennheiser setup like that could tie into it. Campbell says, “We can rock up to a pub with this gear and play to 50 people, or at the other end of the scale we can show up and support Ed Sheeran with the exact same gear and have more or less the same set-up time.” While the introduction of wireless may have reduced set-up times, it’s not all about convenience. The Sennheiser gear has also helped to reduce touring costs as the entire rig can be taken on the road in a 23kg pelican case.

Kaylee’s band have been using Sennheiser’s EW-D, but will now extended UHF range and channel count as they transition to the EW-DX on their ‘Boots ‘N All’ tour. By simplifying their workflow with its scalable transmitter and receiver options and automatic multi-channel RF set-up, the EW-DX is setting the standard in the live audio industry. “We don’t lose tone going wireless, all of our guitars have the same great level of consistency. This is the first thing we consider when adding new gear into the rig, so there will be no loss of quality as we move forward with the EW-DX,” says Anderson.

Also helping Anderson and Campbell to deliver an all-round professional sounding production are the G4 in-ear monitors that have been paired with Evolution Wireless Digital microphones, as well as the Smart Assist app which allows remote adjustments to be made from around the venue.

The Evolution Wireless Digital family of products brings a level of consistency and range that helps Kaylee and her band to transcend genres, and float across country, rock and pop. Kaylee finishes by explaining how Sennheiser enables this amalgamation saying, “There is a strong reliance on guitars to create a ‘rock’ element to our shows, but it’s also important to be able to deliver something quiet and reflective by breaking down a song with some beautiful acoustic guitar.”

Kicking off on 4 May 2023, Kaylee heads on her national NZ Boots ‘N All tour, for event dates and ticketing information visit here.

Photo credit: Mike Braid

The Røde Wireless Go took the world by storm (as do many of Røde’s products) through its simple ingenuity. Sure, the peculiar little square form factor took a while to get used to, but once we discovered the diminutive transmitter unit also housed the mic itself, no one seemed to mind clipping it onto lapels and dresses for the sheer convenience of it all. No dangly, knotted cables to run through people’s clothing or fiddly clips that spring into the stratosphere if mishandled. Besides, I have seen the compactness of Wireless Go spark creative use cases not otherwise possible with a typical beltpack and lapel setup – for example, gaffing a Wireless Go to a wedding celebrant’s handheld mic for a no-fuss audio feed to the videographer. But Wireless Go is also darn cheap for a reliable 2.4GHz channel of wireless audio – an absolute godsend for vloggers and smartphone journos.

Digital connectivity is another beloved feature of Wireless Go. The convenience of plugging the receiver straight into my Samsung smartphone via the USB-C port can’t be overstated. Suddenly, capturing quality wireless audio for smartphone-filmed video is well within reach. Even the supplied USB-C cable at the receiver end is suitably short, and the clip opens wide enough to perch on the end of my phone (at least on my Galaxy S21).

WIRELESS WHO?

The new Røde Wireless Me one-ups Wireless Go in one key area: Røde has introduced a mic into the receiver unit as well – a ‘Me’ mic, if you will. So it’s a dual-channel system where both transmitter and receiver have built-in microphones. 

What’s the point, you may ask?

The clue’s in the name: Wireless Me. Yes, you – Wireless Me validates the voice of the person behind the camera. Interviews are the obvious application here, but also think about slating scenes or shots, filming the ever-popular reaction videos on a smartphone (both front and rear cameras can be recorded via the Røde Capture iOS app), or even using it as a way to grab ambience or room sound. The mic on the receiver faces backwards when slid onto the hot shoe of a camera, kind of like a shotgun mic in reverse.

Shure has introduced its new and improved GLX-D+ Dual Band Wireless System, providing the perfect solution for guitarists, bassists, vocalists, and presenters who want to go wireless with confidence and without complexity. A major enhancement from the previous generation that more than doubles available bandwidth, the system’s new Dual Band Wireless Technology can operate in 2.4GHz and now 5.8GHz, providing reliable and consistent signal by automatically scanning for and selecting the cleanest available frequencies. GLX-D+ Dual Band intelligently avoids interference and ensures dropouts won’t stop the show, enabling users to focus on performing while benefitting from superior, transparent wireless audio.

New Features:

• Dual Band Technology More Than Doubles Available Bandwidth and Intelligently Avoids Interference and Dropouts
• Improved 12-Hour Battery Life
• Guitar Pedal Receiver Now Features 1/4-inch input

GLX-D+ is available in rack-mount, tabletop, and guitar pedal receiver options with a wide selection of lavalier, headset, and handheld microphone choices — including the legendary SM58. 

Always Charged When You Need It

End battery life uncertainty with GLX-D+ Dual Band’s rechargeable battery. Featuring improved battery life over the previous generation, GLX-D+ now offers up to 12 hours of runtime. The system’s useful quick charge capability provides 1.5 hours of use from a 15-minute charge, perfect for times when getting and staying on stage swiftly is a priority.

GLX-D+ features multiple smart rechargeability options. The new lithium-Ion SB904 battery can be charged directly on the tabletop and half-rack receivers or through a USB-C connector on the transmitter.

Mike Nagel, Associate Director of Product Management, Shure says, “Equipped with our legendary Shure audio technology, GLX-D+ users are guaranteed to experience exceptional digital wireless audio that captures their tone and includes everything you need for rechargeability in the box.”

For Those About To Rock

Engineered in a rugged metal design that can be completely integrated into a pedalboard (9VDC power), the GLXD6+ Digital Wireless Guitar Pedal makes it easy for guitarists and bassists to go wireless without compromising tone or complicating their rigs.

The guitar pedal receiver includes a tuner and a new 1/4-inch input for flexibility when wired practice and performance are preferred. Players can easily switch between two or more transmitters linked to a single receiver, making on-stage transitions between instrumentation seamless.

Rock-Solid RF Performance For Multiple System Installations

GLX-D+ Dual Band Wireless provides improved RF performance, antenna distribution, and automatic frequency management for up to 11 half-rack systems in typical environments (16 under optimal conditions). Separately available Frequency Manager (GLXD+FM) and directional antenna accessories are required.

Eduardo Valdes, Associate Vice President of Global Marketing, Shure shares, “From modest concert halls and auditoriums to the largest global tours and stages — musicians, presenters, and houses of worship count on Shure wireless microphone systems to instil the confidence that their performances will be extraordinary. GLX-D+ provides an effortless setup, eliminating barriers to entry for those who want to take their first step on their wireless journey.”

Endlessly Customisable Wireless With Legendary Microphones

The tabletop and rack mountable GLX-D+ systems are available with three handheld wireless microphone options, including the legendary SM58, BETA 58A, and BETA 87A. GLX-D+ systems and components are available in various configurations designed to meet the needs of musicians and presenters. Since all GLX-D+ Dual Band Wireless systems operate in a license-free frequency range, users won’t have to worry about technical hurdles while traveling.

The all-new Axient Digital AD600 Digital Spectrum Manager from Shure is a powerful, next-generation tool for planning and managing frequency coordination in professional audio applications. Use Guided Coordination menus to plan, RF scan, and deploy frequencies to your entire system, or dive deeper for complete control. Additional tools are available to analyse the spectrum, capture data, and perform site RF surveys. AD600 features a large, full-colour 6.6-inch front panel screen, making viewing information easy while real-time scanning and monitoring of RF activities keep live information available when you need it most. 

Features:

• Fast, real-time scanning to find available frequencies and monitor RF activity 
• Large, 6.6-inch colour display for viewing and analysing the RF spectrum 
• Guided RF coordination to save time and effort in challenging RF environments 
• Tools for viewing, analysing, and listening to RF activity 
• Tuning Range: 174 MHz to 2 GHz for support of multiple frequency bands 
• 6x antenna connections to support coverage for multiple antennas and zones
• Data capture and storage to archive RF information for analysis 
• Network enabled for large-scale system deployments 
• USB connections for external data storage of scans, event logs, and other data  
• Dante enabled for advanced audio monitoring of your network 
• Compatible with Wireless Workbench to extend control and monitoring options
• AC and DC powered options