Rode RODELink Filmmaker Kit
 RØDELink Transmitter, Receiver, Lavalier mic and accessories. |
The RØDE RØDELink Filmmaker Kit is a wireless lavalier microphone system. It has a bodypack-style transmitter with exchangeable lavalier mic (via 3.5mm jack connector).
The RØDELink kit has been made somewhat obsolescent by more modern, ultra-compact wireless microphone sets like the Hollyland Lark M2, however it still offers some distinct benefits (see #Comparison).
Contents
The RØDE RØDELink Filmmaker Kit contains:
- 1 Wireless transmitter (TX-BELT)
- 1 Wireless receiver (RX-CAM)
- 1 RØDELink Lav microphone
- Foam wind screen
- Microphone pouch
- 3.5mm jack M-M cable
Specifications
| RØDELink Filmmaker Kit | ||
|---|---|---|
| Microphone | ||
| Type | Lavalier (small condenser) | |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional | |
| Frequency Response (Hz) | 20 - 20,000 | |
| Accessories | Foam windshield | |
| Max. SPL (dB) | 110 | |
| Connector | 3.5mm TRS Jack | |
| Transmitter | ||
| Power requirement | 2* AA battery, or MicroUSB | |
| Features | Wireless (2.4GHz) | |
| Mount | Belt-clip/cold-shoe | |
| Range (m) | 100 (LOS) | |
| Battery Capacity (mAh) | - | |
| Weight (g) | 190 | |
| Receiver | ||
| Connector | 3.5mm jack | |
| Power requirement | 2* AA battery, or MicroUSB | |
| Features | Wireless (2.4GHz) | |
| Mount | Clip/cold shoe | |
| Battery Capacity (mAh) | - | |
| Weight (g) | 190 | |
Usage
The RØDELink kit has no internal storage, so you will always have to connect it to a separate recording device, like a regular microphone. The transmitter was made to connect to a camera, but can also be connected to XLR recorder or Audio Interface, or even to a PC, phone or laptop, using adapters that we have available.
- Insert batteries into the transmitter and receiver units (press button and slide back cover down), or connect them to a USB power source via microUSB.[1]
- Plug the lavalier microphone into the receiver.
- Connect the receiver to your recording device via 3.5mm jack cable.
- Turn on the transmitter and receiver. They should connect and pair automatically.
For the best results, make sure the lavalier microphone is not covered by any layers of clothing or hair that may rustle against it.
Attach a wind screen when recording outside in windy conditions.
When not using the kit, please remove the batteries from the transmitter and receiver.
Comparison
Compared to ultra-compact wireless microphone sets like the Hollyland Lark M2, the RØDELink system offers the following pros & cons:
Pros
- ✅ Swappable batteries, or limitless power via USB. Lets you record long days without having to (remember to) charge internal batteries.
- ✅ Smaller mic. The mic itself is smaller because it does not have a built-in transmitter, so it's easier to hide/less obtrusive.
- ✅ Replaceable mic. The lavalier mic can potentially be swapped out for other microphone styles, or with other polar patterns.
- ✅ Large, readable controls. Big buttons and clear OLED displays make the set fool-proof and easy to use.
- ✅ "Unlosable"? The mic connection, sturdy clips, and bulky transmitter make the set harder to accidentally drop, lose, or forget.
Cons
- ❌ Swappable batteries. You need to remember to always pack spare batteries, just in case.
- ❌ No digital output. The USB port is for power input only.
- ❌ Single channel. Each microphone requires its own transmitter and receiver. Most ultra-compacts offer 2 mics/channels per receiver.
- ❌ Wired mic. The mic still connects to the transmitter via wire, which could snag, or has to run underneath your speaker's clothes (=more intrusive)
- ❌ No noise-cancelling. Most ultra-compacts offer built-in ANC which helps when recording in noisy environments.
- ❌ Bulky. The entire set is bulky and less portable.
The TSG will always consider these tradeoffs when advising a wireless microphone for you to use 🙂
See Also
External Links
References
- ↑ When powering the transmitter and/or receiver via USB, we recommend using clean and isolated power sources like a powerbank, NOT a regular wall-charger. The latter can introduce noise.