How to Connect the Wireless GO II to a Computer or Laptop

The Wireless GO II is the ultimate microphone for recording high-quality wireless audio to a camera or smartphone, but one of the key features that makes it even more versatile is the ability to record directly to a computer or laptop.

The USB-C input on the receiver is used for charging, but it is also a digital audio output, allowing you to connect it to a computer and use it as a wireless USB microphone. This makes the Wireless GO II not only ideal for run-and-gun filmmaking, but also for recording video directly to your computer – great for vlogging, filming classes, lectures or tutorials, or even making Zoom calls.

Below we’ll take a look at how easy it is to connect the Wireless GO II to a computer or laptop, and some tips and tricks for getting the best audio possible.

How to Connect the Wireless GO II to a Computer or Laptop

Connecting the Wireless GO II to a computer or laptop is super simple. If your computer has USB-A ports, simply plug the receiver into any input using one of the supplied SC20 USB-A to USB-C cables, which are also used to charge the Wireless GO II.

If your computer only has USB-C ports, you will need to use a USB-C to USB-C cable, such as the RØDE SC16.

Once you have connected your receiver to your computer, turn it on and pair one of the transmitters. Next, you will need to select the Wireless GO II as your computer’s audio source. Simply access your sound settings or preferences and select ‘Wireless GO II RX’ as the input device. Now speak into the transmitter’s in-built microphone – you should see the audio level meter on your computer’s audio preferences screen jumping up and down (or left to right), indicating that your computer is receiving audio from the Wireless GO II.

That’s it, you’re ready to record!

Using Your Wireless GO II For Recording To Your Computer

You can use your Wireless GO II for a wide range of applications where you need to record crystal-clear, high-quality audio to your computer. It is particularly useful for recording a lecture, presentation, vlog or any other video content where you need to stand back from the camera.

Being a wireless system, you can be as far as you need to be from the camera to get the right shot and still have the microphone close to your mouth, giving you clean, clear audio. If you were using a standard desktop USB microphone, being further back from the computer would introduce an unpleasant echo or “roominess” into your recording and unwanted background noise, especially if you are recording in a room that is not acoustically treated. In this situation, a wireless microphone is ideal.

The Wireless GO II can be used as the audio input for any software or app you are recording with. Just make sure that ‘Wireless GO II RX’ is selected as the input source in the software/app settings. This may be called “Microphone” or something different, depending on what software you are using.

Tips For Recording to a Computer With the Wireless GO II

Choosing the Right Recording Environment

When doing any type of audio recording, it’s important to consider your environment and how it will impact the sound of your recording. While it would be great if we all had an acoustically treated space to record in, this simply isn’t the case, especially if you are recording at home. However, there are some quick and easy things you can do to ensure your audio sounds as good as possible.

Choose a recording space that has minimal reflective surfaces, such as hardwood or concrete floors, large windows and bare walls. Where possible, cover up these surfaces with soft materials that will help absorb reflections, such as rugs and curtains. You could even consider installing some acoustic panelling in your recording space if you are planning on using it regularly.

Also be sure to turn off fans and air conditioners, shut all doors and windows, and think about curtailing anything else that may contribute to background noise in your recording, such as TVs and music.  

Microphone Placement

As mentioned, the key benefit of using a wireless system for recording video is that you can stand back from the camera and still have the microphone close to your mouth, so take full advantage of this when setting up to record.

In order to record clean, clear audio, make sure the transmitter is a good distance from your mouth, roughly a handspan. Clipping the microphone onto your jacket lapel around your chest is ideal, however, if you’re not wearing a jacket, using your shirt collar under the chin is fine. The Wireless GO II features a high-quality omnidirectional capsule, which records sound evenly from every direction, so it’s quite forgiving in terms of placement, but it’s always a good idea to do some audio tests before recording to ensure you’re capturing the best sound possible.

In addition to its in-built microphone, the Wireless GO II features a 3.5mm input for plugging in an external lavalier microphone. Using an external lavalier will give you even more flexibility when placing your microphone, as they are more compact and lightweight. The Lavalier GO is the perfect companion for the Wireless GO II.

Find out more about the Wireless GO II here and be sure to check out the Wireless GO II Learning Hub for more in-depth information about its features and functions.