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.
- 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.
⚠️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.
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 🙂