In November of last year, Rode unveiled its Wireless Micro microphone system, a compact and user-friendly audio solution that ingeniously paired two miniature lavalier microphones with a small receiver engineered to connect directly to a smartphone’s charging port. This innovative approach was designed to simplify audio capture, particularly for mobile creators who needed seamless connectivity and clear sound without cumbersome cables. Shortly after the product’s launch, Rode enhanced the value of this system by releasing an additional receiver at no extra cost, expanding the unit’s versatility to include connectivity with digital cameras. This thoughtful update effectively transformed the Wireless Micro from a mobile-centric tool into a more comprehensive recording system capable of supporting both casual and professional workflows.
Building upon that development, Rode is now introducing yet another evolution of its wireless receiver—this time featuring a vivid OLED display for improved usability and on-site monitoring. Unlike the previous complimentary upgrade, however, this new version comes as a paid enhancement. The enhanced receiver is now available within the newly assembled Wireless Micro Camera Kit, which conveniently bundles two Wireless Micro lavalier microphones with the updated camera receiver, as well as an additional wireless receiver designed to link the same microphones to smartphones or other mobile devices via either USB-C or Lightning connections. This comprehensive package carries a retail price of $149, mirroring the Wireless Micro system’s original introductory cost when it first entered the market last November—before its recent reduction to $99 following the release of new color variants earlier this month. While Rode’s wireless lavalier microphones may not yet rival the full range of functionality offered by competing models such as DJI’s Mic Mini or Mic 3, they maintain a noteworthy advantage in terms of affordability, offering creators an accessible entry point into high-quality wireless audio capture.
Much like its predecessor, the updated receiver has been meticulously designed to attach seamlessly to the top of a digital camera by way of the cold shoe mount. Once secured, it transmits clear, synchronized audio from up to two wireless microphones directly to the camera through either a USB-C or a traditional 3.5mm audio cable. Rode has engineered this receiver to prioritize efficiency: the device powers on automatically when connected to a camera, thereby conserving battery life when idle. Under typical usage, the receiver can operate for as long as seven hours on a single charge, which can be further extended to an impressive twenty-one hours when stored and recharged within the Wireless Micro Camera Kit’s included charging case—an essential benefit for filmmakers and vloggers working in outdoor or travel environments where conventional power sources may not be immediately accessible.
Central to the new receiver’s design is its 1.1-inch OLED display, which provides at-a-glance information about crucial operational parameters, including battery levels and the real-time signal strength of the receiver and its connected microphones. This visual interface works in harmony with three physical buttons, enabling intuitive navigation through various menus and adjustment of key settings such as gain and sensitivity levels. For added convenience, however, Rode has also incorporated an automatic gain assist function, allowing the receiver to calibrate audio levels dynamically in response to fluctuating recording environments. This automation ensures consistent and balanced sound output while reducing unwanted volume spikes—a subtle yet important capability that enhances the overall audio quality of captured footage. Through these continuous refinements, Rode reinforces its commitment to merging innovative design with practical functionality, ensuring that creators can focus more fully on their craft while trusting their audio equipment to deliver professional-grade results in any recording scenario.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/809146/rode-wireless-microphone-micro-digital-camera-kit-receiver-oled-display
