DJI Mic vs Rode Wireless Go II - What's the best wireless mic for YouTubers?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.ค. 2024
- What's the best wireless mic for TH-camrs? We compare the brand new DJI Mic against the venerable Rode Wireless Go II. Which one will Jordan choose to record this show?
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - Jordan’s mic history
2:24 - Design
4:31 - Charging
5:15 - Interface
6:35 - Range
9:47 - Reliability
10:50 - The wrap
Music provided by BeatSuite.com
www.beatsuite.com
Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store
www.thecamerastore.com
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Seems to me the Rode wins with recorded audio (less distortion and better range), while the DJI wins on user experience and design. Perhaps the real winner will be the Rode Wireless 3 or the DJI Mic v2.
Didn’t he say he preferred dji audio??!
and has these two mics come to market yet?
@@DavidKfilmmaker I believe he was merely referring to the tonal quality of the built in mics in that case, which is a relatively trivial matter as that becomes moot with the choice of external mics or post processing.
First!... In line to say that Jordan did a great job in this video!
Very much agree
I wonder where the other guy is, the one with
the hair I think his name is Jared
I've been experiencing a lot of interference: th-cam.com/video/1j6NLBrY3zw/w-d-xo.html
Think I found a solution, changed the cable.
I've found that the biggest limitation with these kinds of wireless kits is that they pretty much all use the 2.4GHz frequency band. This makes them less expensive to manufacture, but makes them susceptible to interference from other technologies like WiFi and Bluetooth. Sennheiser's AVX system uses the 1.9GHz band (which has far fewer consumer technology devices using it) and the classic analog G3 system uses TV-band frequencies -- but both of them are more expensive. High-end (and highly reliable) production wireless systems from companies like Lectrosonics and Sound Devices cost thousands of dollars per channel. Wireless audio is really one of those things that completely lives up to the adage of "you get what you pay for."
The problem is that 2.4 is the only range that can be freely used all over the world.
I've got both and prefer the WG in most situations. I use them at sporting events for on cam dialogue. I use lav mics with them so the packs are on their belt behind them. Never had these problems in this video (receiver cutting out, mic packs cancelling each other in close proximity).
what do you mean by WG?
@@pixpaxpostproduction Wireless GO
No doubt the Sennheiser system would be a better quality unit, but as a wedding videographer, I can't go back to those bulky body packs. Some grooms have very fitted suits, or even no suit jacket at all, the tiny footprint of the Rode (and DJI) is a game changer, I haven't had a problem with it as a lapel mic in over 100 weddings. - the only problem I"ve had with the rode Go is when attaching it to some DJ/MC microphones using elastic or tape. (a common practice amongst us wedding videographers) - as it has caused interference with cheaper wireless mics its attached to.
I have been a long time users of the Wireless Go but am looking for a replacement and was tempted on the DJI but you have confirmed my fears. Issues and bugs. While DJI make some nice products is rare one is with with out issue. The random noise and buzzing is just a dealbreaker. I loved what they had done with the dock but nope the other issues are just too much. It looks like I will be getting another new set of the wireless go.
You guys have no idea how much I wanna hug you each and every time you deliver such great info! Please don’t ever doubt yourselves for conveying personal preferences or giving heartfelt recommendations because you always make the difference between facts and opinions transparent, and I’m pretty certain that’s what the vast majority of subscribers here clearly appreciate. There is hardly ever THE perfect product or solution available for any given task, but knowing as much as possible about the hands on strengths and weaknesses through the seasoned eyes and ears of you two incredibly capable geeks is always a feast! Thank you so very much, and please never stop!! I find it extremely enlightening and helpful to hear such comments as “…and this is the xyz adget we’ve been using on the past five videos…” because then everyone can go back and check on their own what works.
thank you for saying what I've been wanting to say to these guys since 2012
As usual, you guys come up with a question I need answered - thanks!
Great info. More info/videos like this on all equipment types. Thanks !
Your tech videos are always detailed and clear!
This was amazing! thank you from deep down for making this video and giving me the motivation I needed. 💚
One thing I notice with all DJI products is their attention to detail on the little design choices of their gear. The battery enhanced charning station with a single point to connect a charging USB is a perfect example. It seems like a small thing but when in use in the field it's such a big help. I don't know who comes up with these ideas at DJI's engineering and design group but they are the best for things like that.
Maybe they looked at the Hollyland mic
this is true wirh their drones too... i love their products
I enjoyed that. More audio tests like these, please. :)
Well done. Absolutely interested in more sound related content.
Great video. Yes please, for video *production* it's both audio and video, so more videos about, uh, sound would be great. Thanks!
DJI knows how to make things more fun and easy. Thanks for the comparison! Looking forward to get my hands on the DJI Mic!!!
Great video! Thanks! It proves some claims by some buyers from Chinese market: noise arise when lavaliere microphone is attached. Hope it can be solved in the future with software update.
excellent video comparison and great review on the pros and cons.
Thanks for the great videos.
I have a question.... Is there any solution to record one lavalier microphone to two separate cameras? To just save time in post.
Thank you again
way to go for both manufacturers but the parameters to improve on are quite clear. would definitely love to see more audio videos, also some basics so we can all get better 👍
As a wedding videographer, the distortion you get from the DJI when the subject isn't facing you is a complete no go for me. I'd much rather deal with all the other problems with the Rode II, after all your main goal is recording the audio.
Also, no word about the internal recording was said here. Would have worked for the problem he gave with the GO II he talked about in the beginning.
I use the WG 2 and had a drop out with the internal recording feature.
@@BastianSchick how? My internal record saved my as s quite some time. If the connection drops the recording still works fine
Me too. If people are having problems with their WG2s they might not be updated or possible lemon. Knock on wood but mine have been pretty solid. The internal recording is a must and is reliable with the latest updates.
@@DAVISION-YT thats what i thought about, the internal recording is an absolute livesafer for weddings!!!
Thanks for the info, Great job.
Btw love the wear on that Jacket, looks good 👍🏻
Very Well done and great info. Thank you.
great video.. thank you! swayed to DJI - what are all the bits and bobs needed to use the DJI system with an iPhone?
I'd like to hear more audio reviews thanks guys.
Good work as always.
Great comparison. Very helpful. TU
Thanks for the in depth review! I was thinking about picking one up with my DJI gift card, but I might as well just stick with my Rode Video Micro for now. I don’t technically need a lav, but it would have been cool if there wasn’t distortion due to the band they chose. I guess I’ll spend my money on a new drone this summer instead.
Very insightful video! I have two questions:
Question number 1: What if we buy a lavalier in terms of sound quality? Is the sound quality only dependent on the lavalier or also on the transmitter?
Question number 2: The rode wireless go 2 is also sold with only one transmitter and one receiver for a much cheaper price as its normally sold, with 2 transmitters. However i couldn’t find the dji set with only one transmitter for a cheaper price. Do i get any benefit from having two transmitters even if i only want to record myself?
Hi Jordan, is it true that you can't plug in microphones like the mke2 (with the screw) in the DJI unit? You haven't mentioned the internal recording function of the DJI on the reliability section, is it because it's not a "go to" function to use? I was looking for another option but with the internal recorder (maybe I'm asking too much 😁). Thank you!
Really useful, thank you.
Obviously another take on the HOLLYLAND LARK 150. Right down to the convenient dead mouse mount, the charging case... I would love to see you compare them!
Great review man, thanks. There's an equally good review that has the DJI as the winner during the facing away distance test. Where was this filmed?
It’s great to hear about all the short coming of the DJI Mic. I too am considering hopping over to that system over the Wireless Go ii for the charging convenience and plug an play feature of the lightening and USB options. Sometime, the phone is my best camera on me, so just slap on the connectors that I need that’s packed in the little charging case.
That sounds like a good comparison. I've been using the Go IIs since they came out and haven't faced any issues, thankfully. I'm curious to know if you also record audio in the internals of the transmitter, and if the audio drops you mentioned affected the internal recording as well. Thanks for another lovely review, guys!
Yes, I just found out DJI Mic has internal recording so range is not really an issue
Great video. Suggest to try out the Saramonic Blink500 Pro. Not bad.
They made a mic before, the one of the DJI pocket, and it’s fantastic!
Yeah I have the rwg1, I think I’ll continue on with rwg2. That range is exactly what you’ll need if you need to stay dynamic. From simple interviews, to weddings and cinematic stuff.
what about recording on the transmitter and bit depth and dynamic range?
Congratulations on the great review, Jordan. After watching the comparison between the DJI mic and the Rode mic, I concluded that the DJI mic wins in sound quality but loses in battery life.
Good video. I haven’t used the DJI mic but I have Rode 2 and it works well.
Charging is a non issue for me as the mics last all day without charge.
The Rode software needs improving. I’d rather dump all the contents of the recordings from the mics than cut them up in Rode software.
It would be good to be able to turn on mic recording from the mic instead of on a computer.
If you plug a better quality mic the sound improves both with internal recording and signal to camera.
I haven’t achieved the muddy audio quality Jordan did. I have found the transmitter breaks up in a busy city. Best turn on the internal recorders in town.
Thanks for the review look forward to more.
Something that is important for me thanks I have xlr audio system for sony but sometimes I want smthing compact
I need something that is equally strong whatever side you turn really hope for something new
A big thank you for pointing out the flaws with both of these systems. I hate it when reviewers will only point out the positives, because it's the same as false advertising. Same goes with reviewers who will only review products they recommend, because they're not providing their audience with enough warnings about systems to avoid. Personally, I don't think I'm comfortable going with any 2.4Ghz system and will stick with UHF systems, and even then, only with systems that use diversity receivers. Maybe not as portable or as cheap, but a whole lot more reliable.
I agree I hate being bum steered to products only to discover later the ytuber was paid to promote the product. Those vloggers or reviews are essentially useless and costly.
That one of the biggest problems now.
Truth.
Getting the truth when sellers game the system in a cunning and surreptitious way is often very difficult to discern.
I wish sellers/manufacturers would just innovate and not game the system to win.
Once I know I've been bumbed I UNSUBSCRIBE Immediately and never go back.
You get one chance and one chance only.
I know it's tough out there! It's tough for all of us.
The tendency to want to cheat is high.
The manufacturers may give you a tough ultimatum ...
Just remember if you become a ho I won't respect you in the morning and you lose my subscription.
Too much said but now you know.
Very interesting, thanks
Excellent comparison
What you’re calling “distortion” is actually digital dropouts. Distortion in audio usually describes square wave clipping of the audio signal.
2nd, this is exactly why both systems include on-board recording, which you didn’t mention at all! That completely solves the dropout problem. The camera recording will also be lower fidelity both because of the wireless signal conversion/transmission as well as the digital to analog conversion out of the receiver and then the additional analog to digital conversion into the noisy mic input of the camera.
One more piece of feedback: wireless signals are greatly affected by topography. There is a chance that your test in that concrete-lined valley next to calm water allowed for a stronger or different wireless connection than one would experience indoors or in an open field. When testing wireless connections, it would be super helpful to have test is both indoor and outdoor settings - with obstructions and without.
And then as far as the buzz with the external lav mics, I would love to know which specific mics had a buzz. I really with both these systems had the locking collar of the Sennheiser. I wound bet that the buzz is not a shielding problem, but a poor connection problem with the 3.5mm jack losing some contact when the stem of the connector pushes against your body or clothing. I’d also love to investigate that problem further, which I know is not very exciting TH-cam content. 😁
you guys should review the. Pico Gear Mics! No one talks about these great tiny mics. Awesome review as always with the comparison here!!!
I’ve owned both the rode WG I & II and had issues with the inconsistency of the power button of the receiver. Sometimes it wouldn’t turn on at all. I’ve sent it back and got a replacement. But I’ve ordered the DJI to give that a try. Fingers crossed!
Let us know your opinions. :)
Great review.
Quick update for you guys! Keep up the great work too, you guys keep me laughing while learning! LOL On Wednesday January 4th, 2023 DJI released new firmware version 02.00.72.87 for the DJI Mic. Here are the new features and notes.
1. Added auto power off feature for receiver. The receiver will power off automatically if disconnected from transmitter for more than 30 minutes.
2. Added LED off option for transmitter. Go to TX Settings > LED Brightness > Off to turn off the transmitter LED and reduce the light affect during recording.
3. Fixed issue: transmitter audio data was occasionally lost when recording for a long time.
Notes: When the firmware is updated, the settings of DJI Mic will be restored to default. If the firmware fails to update, restart the transmitter and receiver and try again. Contact DJI Support if the firmware update fails again.
Yes please, more audio segments.
I've had no end of trouble with wireless and I've given up on the technology. Even way out in a river, away from all interference and with perfect line-of-sight, I can barely get 20' of range with a $300.00 CAD unit. Since I'm both the talent and the crew, some problems only manifest themselves in post.
Currently I use a lav permanently attached to the brim of a ball cap, along with an ear piece so that I can monitor the audio while filming. The ball cap approach is great as the audio level remains consistent as I turn my head, the mic is shielded from the wind and I never get rustling from my clothes on the mic.
The cables run out the back of the cap, down my back, under my arm, to a pocket containing a Zoom H1. The camera is also recording scratch audio which I use to sync up the H1 audio to the video.
This is what it looks like and sounds like: th-cam.com/video/7awqjjffU5k/w-d-xo.html
I would happily ditch all of this for a reliable wireless system that won't require a mortgage on the house. Still looking . . .
Audio is just as important as video, so yes please! More audio topics!
Something to note is these both have internal recording in addition to recording wirelessly on the camera, and the DJI has a far better user experience to get the audio off the mics (they just work like USB drives) where as the Rode mics require a piece of software to export.
And ultimately you can use your NLE to sync the camera’s wireless recording of the mic and the mics internal recording together.
And generally speaking the internal recording of the mics is going to sound better than what’s captured in the camera, since the internal recording bypasses the pre-amps in your camera.
Do you happen to know if it's possible to both record wirelessly to the camera, and record internally in the mics at the same time?
@@muziektelevisie I don't have the DJI mics, I do that all the time with the RODE. I use the interal camera audio as a backup but always use the audio recored on the actual rode mics. It is annoying having to use the RODE Central app to export the audio though.
@@muziektelevisie yes it is
Perfect review! It’s about the very two kits that I’ve been thinking of buying. And it gets even better: Now I know I won’t buy any of them, so I’m saving money! Looking forward to any future follow-up, say after NAB. Thanks a lot.
🤣😂
Coolest wireless mic set up. Adding the DJI Mic to my filming essentials.
Hi! Does the buzzing from the lavalier also appears in the internal recording? And how about the electronic distortions? :)
I was hoping to be able to use these without a receiver, I've heard the transmitters are capable of storing their own recordings?
Great episode Jordan
Great review as always! With the DJI's ability to record internally that may help with the reciever line of sight issues but will it also help against the interference from electronics?
Rode also has internal recording too
No
Placed an order for mine months ago. Hopefully they will not continue delaying the shipping.
It's getting tough. I feel pretty strongly that the DJI wins in this video for me on the sound, the visual style, the overall "apple-style" compact design that "just works"
electrical interference is a big problem for me - I'm using these for my synth performances lol
still, think I can't go wrong with the DJI as an upgrade to what I'm using at the moment
I like Rode, they make good stuff at a good price. My vocal booth is currently running a relatively inexpensive Rode as the main mic.
Anyway, it's tough to choose but I bet they're both worthy options for the money
I ordered the DJI last November from B&H after seeing a video from Potato Jet and a couple others. It was gonna replace my Rode Wireless Go (original). After shipping was delayed from January until this week, the DJI finally arrived a few days ago. Aaaand the receiver completely froze during setup. I had to return it. B&H has no replacements in stock, and no ETA as to when they'll get more.
I agree, that shoe mount on the receiver looks fragile AF. I was afraid to even open it all the way to try mounting it. But, the lockup made that issue moot. Too bad, because the sound appears good and there are multiple other functions I like.
2:50 How did they arrange for that bird to land on the water right in their shot!? Wow.
How did it compare with the AVX you're rocking?
Nice good to hear about audio
me likey. Thanks Jordan, didn't saw this mic coming, the DJI, and it will be added to my recording set
Good video…. Maybe distortion with DJI was because the laptop screen was blocking the line of sight….can barely see it in the video. Awesome review. Ty
Did I miss that you even mentioned the in transmitter recording that the DJI unit has? To me that’s a huge plus given the possibilities of interference between the transmitter and receiver.
The Rode has the same feature. The only difference is that you need to connect to the Rode with their proprietary software. The DJI just works like a usb drive and it uses standard file types, unlike the Rode that uses a proprietary file type that needs to be exported with their software.
woulda loved to see a comparison to with the deity mic too : D
I love the way the DJI sounds compared to the RØDE, great video Jordan
Excellent review. I’ve had my DJI wireless mics on back order from Adorama for many months. Hopefully they’ll ship soon. In the meantime, I’ve had good luck with the Rode Wireless II. I agree. The square shape and big glossy logo on the receivers are obtrusive and kind of obnoxious. That’s why I turn them around and have the clip exposed on the outside of the talent’s shirt or jacket. It’s much more subtle and the sound is just as good.
I just cover the logo with gaffer tape. Problem solved.
@@aquariartspictures Yes, that's a good option, too. I just like to flip it over because the clip has a much smaller footprint and is less visually distracting than a big, black square. Kudos to you for a good workaround.
From personal experience, I would highly suggest trying Best Buy or BH or even Amazon when they get in stock. I ordered the Panasonic S5 at launch and recieved it almost 4 months after it was released because of the back order. Meanwhile, I could have cancelled it and got the camera in 2 days from BH or even Best Buy a month or so in. I only stayed for a free lens from pre ordering. I also had an iPad that was never restocked after about 8 months of it being on backorder that I eventually just bought through BB and got same day. Just my experience with Adorama and back ordered items.
I was set on the DJI until I saw this video and a couple others. reliability is king because a lot of times, you only get one shot at grabbing audio. Also, I thought I would prefer the display on the edge but the issue is when you're setting up everything, you're behind the camera which means on the dji, you have to have things facing you and then when you're on the other side of the camera, you have to flip things around. I don't see a strong need to have a front-facing display when recording because chances are you tested before recording and in the event that something happens, you have the safety channel as well as transmitter recording.
Thank you for the detailed comparison...my choice is clear now
Dji or Rode?
Great video as always! I am confused though... you said the DJI wasn't as good without line of sight, and more prone to RF interference, then said you liked it better.
There were other metrics he liked better -- overall sound quality, screen placement, on unit settings, charging convenience, aesthetics on camera, dead chinchilla quality... Personally, I'd wait until a 2.0 on it for the cons Jordan and you mention, but I also think it's still better than the RODE option.
@@AlFooteIII hello there! Totally, but like you implied those cons seemed like disqualifiers, even if there are some definite other improvements in the DJI over the Rode.
@@I4get42 Hey BF -- As he kind of said: if you're in a controlled environment -- line of sight and no electronics -- the pros outweigh the cons. If I were doing a lot of two person seated interviews? This could be a perfectly viable solution. Run & gun outdoors or reviewing computers? Not so much!
Also, don't forget the RODE system is breaking down on Jordan -- transmitters cancelling each other out, turning on the second mic kills the receiver, etc. That's also affecting his decision making process. Versus a new, fully working RODE system, it might be different.
@@AlFooteIII won’t cameras and phone cause interference? Seems like no matter where you go there is a chance of interference.
@@rexplorer.official It seemed like the issue was when the transmitter was near a computer. The receiver was always near a camera and that didn't seem to be an issue. I'd definitely want to know more about the issue.
Even from this video the goII with lavalier looks like the better option and that's before you take into account internal recording (life saver!) with mark points. I charge them with the same hub I use for the computer usbc connection.
The DJI has an onboard recording option that wasn't mentioned and is a clear option when line of sight issues crop up. Much easier to access and use than the Rode system.
and he hasn't cleared if the locally recoded audio has issues :)
This was my question as well. 👍
Great video. What is the lav that you're using when you're speaking to camera? That sounds awesome! Looks like a sennheiser (at the end). Do you have the name of that make/model?
That’s a Sennheiser MKE2 capsule.
@@dpreview And I thank you, sir
why the internal recording option and battery life was not part of the comparison?
You should compare the DJI to UHF options, like the Sony UWP-D and Sennheiser G4 112 and/or 512. Is 3-4x the cost worth the improvements?
True diversity, transmission power levels, higher voltage to mic port, UHF's better range and less interference, replaceable batteries, more channels for more transmitters in one space, etc.
Maybe wait until after NAB in case there's another UHF option.
UHF for the win
My 14-year-old Sennheiser is still going strong. I wish it had two channels. We might have to get another system soon. So I'm watching the market closely. I'm not sure I would get either of the units tested here!
Excellent
For live streaming using Switcher Studio, what system is there to monitor what the other person is saying, (with no lag) if they are not next to you? For example, commenting on a sports game and the other person walks away a bit more than being in earshot. So we are not on camera, so we can have any type of headphones on and any type of microphone? I note the DJI have an headphone option
Thanks for the review … I ordered the Rode set and you can get the same charging case for the Rode for $59 on Amazon …
I would always sacrifice a bit of convenience for audio quality and consistency. I'm surprised to hear that, despite the DJI being more unreliable, you'll be sticking with it.
How was the backup recording not mentioned in this video? Thats crazy
Great review! At least I know to be careful with the DJI. Being able to clip that DJI to the phone is key.
How about the newer version Deity, the Deity BP TRX?
This DJI product looks pretty good, so thanks for the comparison.
Regarding the hot shoe mount, would shaving off a bit of the plastic tab make it easier to insert/remove, and thus less prone to breaking? Other reviewers have indicated this tab is prone to breaking, so hopefully DJI will address this soon.
I have issues with my Rode Video Mic picking up RF noise from my Hollyland 400S, and wonder if that will also be an issue for the DJI wireless mic receiver. You show examples of RF interference with wired lav mics plugged into the transmitter.
Yes, please produce more audio videos, as videographers need to be proactive with better audio, or hire a proper sound tech.
Also, more puddle shots!
So does it get lots of buzz when using the DJi with a lav?
Where did you get that sick retro jacket! I want to buy one
Which lavalier microphones were you using with which you experienced interference noise? I already saw in another video that some lavalier microphones' cables aren't shielded well, which is resulting in the interference noise so it would be good to know which ones to avoid with the DJI Mic.
I wondered this. I also wondered if there's such a thing as those ferrite attachments for cables there tiny enough for this purpose.
@@DavZell interesting, would like to see this tested (even with a regular ferrite core, just to see if it would make a difference or not)
Agreed. Definitely can't blame the DJI Mic for poor shielding on cables.
If the Rode wireless doesn't distort the audio with the same capsules, then that kinda does shift the blame onto the DJI...
@@Ildskalli not necessarily, maybe the DJI just has a stronger signal, which also inevitably means there will be more interference? I know it didn't seem like it from the range test, but in other videos I've seen people were able to go much further than in their test.
Didn’t I see somewhere that this system has a built in storage so that if there is distortion in the signal you can download it from the microphone?
You're only the 2nd reviewer to talk about how you can't use a wired lav with the DJI. Thank you for being honest!
That’s a deal breaker for me.
@@sipapito Me too! If only they would have done a little shielding in the DJI units.
But what about the onboard recording capability of Rode WG II transmitters? Are DJI transmitters can record too? As Is see, that is a game changer feature.
I'm very torn I had a gift card for Best buy and they only had the rode Mic available... I love DJI I have the Ronin S2 and the mavic Air 2. Please tell me the condition of these receivers has improved
Do you recommend it for podcasting
Nice & Thanks :)
I absolutely HATE that I can’t just get my audio off my wireless to ii’s and I need to use rode’s software to do basically anything that should be simply done on the mic. That and I find the audio range abyssmal so I always end up using a backup shotgun mic between two people as it always sounds better
If you're using a lav mic wouldn't putting the transmitter on the side of your hip help with the dropout of any transmitter ? That way it's never totally out of sight even if it's not directly facing the receiver. Please do a sideways walking test next.
Are you gonna review the Tentacle Sync system?
Did a new set come out at NAB ? Thx
Please compare with Sony UWP-D. Trying to decide whether it’s worth to invest in a more professional UHF system