RØDE Filmmaker Kit vs Wireless GO: Which One is Right for You?
Filmmakers and videographers, vloggers and journalists, musicians and audio engineers, educators and business professionals – wireless mics are an essential piece of kit for a wide range of content creators, and the RØDE range covers a lot of bases. Two of our most popular offerings are the best-selling RØDELink Filmmaker Kit – which has been the industry standard in on-camera wireless audio since its release back in 2015 – and Wireless GO, the world’s smallest and most versatile wireless mic system.
Both are excellent options for a wide range of use cases, and you’ll find them in video rigs delivering crystal clear audio the world over. However, they are different, and the most suitable choice for you will depend on the kind of filming you do.
That being said, if like most modern creatives you find yourself in a wide variety of situations in the field, both the Filmmaker Kit and Wireless GO would be right at home in your kit bag!
What Are The Similarities and Differences?
Transmission Type
Both the Filmmaker Kit and Wireless GO use 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption to deliver broadcast-grade audio from the transmitter (TX) to the receiver (RX). This is a license-free radio frequency (RF) in every country, meaning they can be used anywhere in the world without any issues. They also both utilise a frequency agile system that automatically seeks out and hops between the best frequencies to maintain the strongest possible signal at all times.
Range
Wireless GO will hold a strong, clear signal up to 70m, and even beyond in some conditions. It is important that line-of-sight is maintained between the RX and TX at greater distances to ensure a solid connection. Wireless GO has been optimised to excel in dense RF environments – anywhere that a lot of wireless technology (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cordless phones etc) is being used. This includes shopping malls, convention centres, offices, crowded urban spaces, even your own home.
The Filmmaker Kit has greater range - 100m and beyond in ideal conditions - and will help ensure a strong signal is maintained even when there may not be line-of-sight between the receiver to the transmitter.
Microphone Type
One of the key reasons that Wireless GO is such a versatile wireless solution is the omnidirectional microphone built into the TX pack. With such a compact form factor, this means it can simply be clipped onto a shirt, tie, jacket or any lapel and you can be recording in seconds – truly wireless audio. For even greater flexibility, it also features an 3.5mm mic input, so you can connect your favourite lav.
The Filmmaker Kit is a more traditional wireless system, with a 3.5mm TRS socket for use with a lapel mic. It should also be noted that the Filmmaker Kit is compatible with locking lavalier mics, making it suitable for more rigorous shooting situations, whereas the Wireless GO features a standard 3.5mm TRS mic input for a quick and easy lav connection.
Both the Filmmaker Kit and Wireless GO can be used with a headset mic like our HS2. You can also use an XLR mic with either system, however, the mic must be self-powered as neither provides phantom power. To do this, you will need an XLR to 3.5mm TRS cable. As the Filmmaker Kit is part of the RØDELink range, it can also be used with RØDELink transmitters with other form factors, including an XLR plug-on transmitter that can provide phantom power (the TX-XLR), and a handheld wireless microphone (the TX-M2).
Batteries
Wireless GO contains a high-quality in-built Lithium Polymer battery that is rechargeable via USB-C and lasts for up to 7 hours on a shoot – more than enough for most scenarios in the field. If you do require more juice, simply plug in a power pack and keep shooting! The battery will ensure reliable performance over a high number of recharge cycles, even with heavy usage, week-in-week-out. The Filmmaker Kit is powered by 2 replaceable AA batteries, which can power the units for over 30 hours, as well as micro USB.
Gain Control
The Filmmaker Kit and Wireless GO both feature handy gain controls to help ensure your audio is clean and clear at all times. Wireless GO offers a 0dB, -6dB and -12dB output pad on the RX. Whereas the Filmmaker Kit offers 0db, -10db or -20db output attenuation on the RX, plus a 0db, +10db or +20db gain switch on the TX, offering greater control over the dynamic range of your audio.
Other Features
The Filmmaker Kit boasts a host of useful features, including a mute switch (and mute lock), quick one-touch pairing with the option to switch between 8 different channels, a status indicator LED, and a OLED display showing battery life, signal status, levels and peak warning. As it is also compatible with other receivers and transmitters in the RØDELink range, it offers additional flexibility and upgrade options in the future.
Wireless GO also features one-touch pairing in just a few seconds (and the units come ready-paired out of the box). The display shows battery life, input level, output level setting, and signal strength. There is also a handy ‘Dim Mode’ for the display to help conserve battery life. In the box you'll find two 'dead kitten' windshields to help diffuse wind noise, as well as a SC2 cable for connecting to cameras and other recording devices. Wireless GO can also be used with smartphones, all you need is our SC7 cable.
In terms of connections, the Filmmaker Kit RX features a removable cold shoe attachment, as well as a sturdy clip in case you need to slide it onto a belt or camera bag strap. Ingeniously, the Wireless GO RX clip doubles as the cold shoe mount.
For both the Wireless GO and Filmmaker Kit, up to 8 systems can used in the same location simultaneously.
Size
Size is one of the key differences that sets the Filmmaker Kit and Wireless GO apart. With more features, greater range, and replaceable batteries, the Filmmaker Kit is of course going to be the bigger of the two, with the TX and RX weighing in at 190gm and measuring a slimline 111m x 65mm x 52 mm. Wireless GO, on the other hand, is absolutely tiny, with the RX and TX weighing just 31g each and measuring 44 × 45.3 × 18.5mm (TX) and 44 x 46.4 x 18.5mm (RX), opening up a plethora of possibilities that simply would not be possible with a bigger unit. It is perfect for content creators looking for a compact, discreet wireless mic that can be thrown into a bag, ready to go at any time.
Warranty
Both are backed by RØDE’s renowned 2-year extended warranty when you register your microphone.
Cost
Wireless GO comes in at $199. The Filmmaker Kit is $399.
RØDE Filmmaker Kit vs Wireless GO: What One Is Right For You?
As you can see the Filmmaker Kit and Wireless GO share many similarities – both deliver incredible quality audio for a start – but there are some key differences too. In a nutshell, Wireless GO is an incredibly compact and versatile wireless solution that is fast to set up and use, and delivers excellent audio quality and is optimised for use in environments with high RF activity. Vloggers, run-and-gun content creators, or anyone looking for a compact hassle-free wireless solution – this is for you. The Filmmaker Kit, on the other hand, is more flexible, with greater range, longer battery life, additional transmitter and receiver options, and a more extensive feature set – ideal for more complex shoots where you may be working with additional microphone and recording equipment.
So, what kind of filmmaker are you?