NAB 2026: Rode [LIVE REUPLOAD]

Product Reviewed

RØDE RodeLink II (UHF wireless system, “powered by Lectrosonics” collaboration) — 2 transmitters + 1 camera-style receiver, aimed at single-operator production that needs both:

• High reliability (UHF stability, anti-body-blocking)
• Simple operation

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Key Features Mentioned

• UHF frequency range: 470–614 MHz (region-locked in practice)
• Region setup: Configured to the local region; hardware is effectively the same worldwide except for permitted frequency rules.
• Fast auto setup (“scan”) with backup channel:
  • On power-up it can scan for frequencies
  • Assigns one main frequency + one backup frequency
  • Auto frequency hopping on dropouts/errors (main → backup)
• Adaptive transmit power:
  • Lowers power when signal is strong to help battery life
  • Increases as needed as signal degrades
• Designed for usability like earlier RodeLink:
  • Experienced users can still set frequencies manually
• Recording on transmitters:
  • MicroSD card in the transmitters
  • Records 32-bit floating point audio
    • Positioned as reducing risk of clipping and helping when boosting
  • No transmitter gain adjustment (receiver handles output processing); transmitter provides “raw” 32-bit float recording
• Control and workflow:
  • Big red record button on transmitters
  • OLED display on receiver (easy modes referenced; bright screen noted)
  • Receiver coordinates with transmitters for frequency/power/settings and record start/stop
  • RodeCentral Bluetooth app for control/config
  • USB can be used for configuration; USB audio output mentioned (stereo/channel behavior)
• Timecode support:
  • Timecode in/out, including jam sync
  • Uses a TCXO clock with very low drift (stated <1 frame drift over 24 hours, often up to 48 hours)
• Low latency: described as ~1–2 ms (follow-up mentioned ~1.4 ms, similar but not Lectro-compatible)
• Antenna design & mounting flexibility:
  • Camera-friendly mounting (cold shoe on top)
  • Mounting accessories can be detached/reconfigured for sound bag use (antennas can be placed/aimed separately)
  • Transmitter antenna is fixed (not detachable)
  • Antenna complaint addressed: avoids awkward placement next to the screen
• Diversity:
  • Antenna diversity (both transmitters are picked up by both antennas; system selects the better antenna)
• Audio output:
  • 3.5mm (1/8-inch) output plus USB output
  • 1/8-inch output described as unbalanced
• Mic powering:
  • Full 5V bias for lavs
  • Designed to support higher-current draw mics in the future
• Simultaneous transmit + record: noted as a “global transmit and record” approach (similar concept to Rode’s newer wireless lines)
• Battery runtime: target of ~8 hours at medium power (exact runtime varies with adaptive power and environment)

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Pros (Implied by the Discussion)

• Very operator-friendly workflow: quick scanning, main+backup frequencies, intuitive controls
• High reliability for real-world production:
  • UHF stability, dropout handling via hopping, antenna diversity, adaptive transmit power
• 32-bit float internal recording on transmitters for strong capture safety (“no clips” and less trouble when boosting)
• Professional sync capability: timecode in/out with very low drift
• Low latency suitable for video workflows
• Flexible mounting/accessory system, especially for avoiding common antenna placement complaints

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Cons / Limitations Noted

• Closed system / no compatibility with existing Lectrosonics digital systems
  • Cannot pair RodeLink II transmitters/receivers with existing Lectrosonics digital units
• Transmitter antenna is fixed (not detachable)
• Multi-unit app triggering uncertainty
  • Speakers were not 100% sure whether the app can trigger multiple units at once (not confirmed)
• Region-frequency availability constraints
  • The full 470–614 MHz range is region-specific; upper frequencies aren’t available everywhere (e.g., US attenuation)

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Comparisons Mentioned

• Compared to earlier RodeLink (2.4 GHz):
  • Previous RodeLink paired quickly with auto frequency in 2.4 GHz
  • RodeLink II is UHF but aims to keep similar ease-of-use
• Compared to Rode’s Wireless Go / Pro / Wireless Go 3 style workflow:
  • Similar “global transmit and record” concept, but implemented as a UHF pro kit
• Lectrosonics collaboration context:
  • UHF/decoding/operating codec informed by Lectrosonics experience
  • Despite that, RodeLink II remains a RodeLink II closed system

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Price & Availability

• Price: $1,499 for the kit (2 transmitters + 1 receiver, plus accessories incl. lavs, cables, clips, etc.)
• Release/availability: “around August” (as discussed)

Latency figures:

• ~1–2 ms (and later ~1.4 ms)

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Overall User Experience (Emphasized)

• Built for single operators doing audio + video simultaneously
• Focus on:
  • Setup speed (scan → main/backup)
  • Robust RF behavior (frequency hopping + diversity)
  • Reduced mic management risk via 32-bit float recording directly on the transmitter
• Receiver provides secondary workflow options:
  • Processing/output
  • App control
  • Timecode sync

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Unique Points Mentioned (Complete List of Distinct Claims)

1. RodeLink II is a RØDE UHF wireless system built through long-term collaboration with Lectrosonics, later within Freedman Group context.
2. Kit includes 2 transmitters + 1 receiver with camera-hop style receiver; mountable for sound bag use.
3. Designed for single operators running audio/video simultaneously.
4. Stated UHF range: 470–614 MHz, then region-specific constraints apply.
5. System is region-set, then limited to permitted spectrum.
6. Auto setup scans and assigns main + backup frequencies.
7. Automatic hop occurs upon error/dropouts (main to backup).
8. Uses a sub-gigahertz back/control channel; receiver manages control and pushes changes to transmitters.
9. Adaptive transmit power extends battery life (example: 20 mW → 10 mW until signal weakens).
10. Transmitters have microSD and record 32-bit floating point, positioned as “no clips.”
11. Receiver has OLED display; transmitter has big red record button.
12. Receiver workflow can trigger recording on the transmitter.
13. Timecode in/out including jam sync; TCXO clock with stated drift performance.
14. USB supports audio output and configuration.
15. “32-bit float over the air” described via receiver processing (gain assist/intelligent dynamics control using voice activity detection); transmitter performs no gain adjustment.
16. Receiver output gain can be adjusted without changing recorded dynamic range.
17. RodeCentral Bluetooth app; multi-unit triggering capability was uncertain/not confirmed.
18. Compatibility discussion referenced Lectrosonics S1/L1; RodeLink II is separate.
19. Transmitter antenna is fixed (not detachable), described as robust like some Lectro products.
20. Delay stated ~1–2 ms.
21. Runtime about 8 hours at medium power (adaptive depends on environment).
22. Antenna diversity + frequency hopping on dropouts; system selects best antenna automatically.
23. Output via 1/8-inch unbalanced and also via USB; stereo channels mentioned.
24. 5V bias for lav powering; support for higher-current mics planned.
25. Price: $1,499 kit.
26. Availability: around August.
27. Batteries: can be bought/charged separately; charger (RS2) charging via USB-C; battery labeled LB2 (described as a common DSLR-style battery example).
28. Streamer X2 development question addressed: focus is on RodeCaster video product family, not Streamer X2.
29. Follow-up: RodeLink II does not work with existing Lectrosonics digital systems (closed system).
30. Follow-up confirms transmit & record simultaneously via internal microSD, worldwide operation with region-based frequency setting.
31. Region determined via GPS locked to RodeCentral app; reconfigurable when traveling.
32. For restricted-frequency pro sets: can manually set and use app to define allowed ranges (frequency fencing), then scan within allowed frequencies.
33. Auto mode chooses two frequencies per transmitter (main + backup) within allowed range.

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Speaker-Specific Views / Contributions

• Ryan Burke (RØDE):
  • Product design/workflow philosophy for single-operator usability
  • RF behavior (scan + main/backup, adaptive power, diversity/hopping)
  • Recording approach (32-bit float)
  • Timecode/jam sync
  • Mounting/antenna behavior
  • App control details
• Gotham Sound / moderator (NAB coverage host):
  • Asked questions and drew comparisons (prior RodeLink, Lectro compatibility, antennas, bias, delay, runtime, price, availability, multi-unit triggering)
• Follow-up “future” segment (host/team):
  • Clarified closed-system compatibility (does not pair with Lectrosonics digital systems)
  • Confirmed worldwide transmit+record with region locking/GPS via app

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Concise Verdict / Recommendation

Recommended for professional and solo operators who need reliable UHF wireless with a fast “set and go” workflow, plus internal 32-bit float recording and timecode sync.

Main drawback: lack of compatibility with existing Lectrosonics digital systems (closed ecosystem), along with some uncertainty about multi-unit app triggering convenience.