RØDE Wireless ME User Guide & Support
The Wireless ME is an ultra-compact wireless microphone system that makes recording professional audio for your videos effortless.
Discover everything you need to know about using your Wireless ME here.
Features
Receiver (RX)
- 1 Power Button: Powers the unit on and off.
- 2 USB-C Connector: For charging and data transfer.
- 3 3.5mm TRS Output: For connecting to cameras, audio interfaces, or other devices.
- 4 In-built Microphone: Captures audio directly from the receiver.
- 5 Battery Indicator LED: Shows the battery status.
- 6 Connectivity Indicator LED: Shows the pairing status with the transmitter.
A visual representation shows the Receiver (RX) unit with numbered ports and features.
Transmitter (TX)
- 1 Power Button: Powers the unit on and off.
- 2 USB-C Connector: For charging and data transfer.
- 3 3.5mm TRS Microphone Input: For connecting an external microphone.
- 4 In-built Microphone: Captures audio directly from the transmitter.
- 5 Battery Indicator LED: Shows the battery status.
A visual representation shows the Transmitter (TX) unit with numbered ports and features.
Getting Started
The Wireless ME system comprises a transmitter (TX) and a receiver (RX). The transmitter captures audio using its built-in microphone or an external mic plugged into its 3.5mm input, and wirelessly transmits it to the receiver. The receiver then outputs this audio via USB-C or its 3.5mm output to a camera, phone, computer, or other audio device.
Powering On and Pairing
To power on the Wireless ME, press and hold the power buttons on both the transmitter and receiver for three seconds. Repeat this process to power down both units.
The Wireless ME's transmitter and receiver are pre-paired. When powered on, the receiver's connectivity indicator LED will flash amber briefly before turning solid amber, indicating a successful pairing.
Manually Pairing
With both units powered on, briefly press the power button on both the transmitter and receiver to enter pairing mode. If neither unit is paired to another device, they will pair quickly, and the connectivity indicator LEDs will remain solid.
Note: Both units will automatically power down after three minutes if they are not paired.
* The connectivity LED may be green instead of amber if the ME Mic is switched on. Refer to the ME Mic section for more details.
Attaching Wireless ME
Both the transmitter and receiver units feature a clip for attaching to clothing or other items. The clip can also be inserted into a camera's cold shoe mount for secure placement.
MagClip GO
The MagClip GO (sold separately) can be used to attach the Wireless ME directly to the back of a MagSafe-compatible smartphone.
Connecting an External Microphone
The Wireless ME transmitter has a 3.5mm TRS input for external microphones like the Lavalier GO or VideoMicro II. Plugging in an external microphone bypasses the built-in mic and uses the external mic as the audio source. For on-camera microphones, use the included SC2 TRS cable (with two black plugs) to connect the transmitter's input to your microphone.
Pro Tip: For a more discreet setup, clip the transmitter to the belt or rear of clothing and run a lavalier microphone to the shirt collar. The "Dim" LED setting in RØDE Central can reduce the brightness of the indicator lights.
Device Connectivity
Connecting to a Camera
Use the supplied SC2 cable (with two black plugs) to connect the Wireless ME receiver to a camera or other device with a 3.5mm TRS input. The SC2 cable is ideally sized for connecting the receiver in a camera's shoe mount to the camera's input.
Connecting to a Computer
Use the supplied USB-C to USB-C cable to connect the Wireless ME receiver to a computer with a USB-C input. In your computer's audio settings, select "Wireless ME RX" as the input device. This effectively turns the receiver into a wireless USB audio interface. For computers with only USB-A ports, use a USB-C to USB-A cable like the RØDE SC18.
Connecting to a Mobile Device
To connect the receiver to a smartphone or tablet, use the SC21 USB-C to Lightning cable or the SC22 USB-C to USB-C cable included with the Wireless ME.
Alternatively, use the SC7 TRS to TRRS cable (with a grey plug) to connect to phones, tablets, and laptops with TRRS inputs. Plug the black end into the Wireless ME receiver and the grey end into your device or its 3.5mm adapter.
Connecting to the RØDECaster Series
Up to two Wireless ME transmitters can be paired with the RØDECaster Pro II or RØDECaster Duo, functioning as additional input channels. To pair, access the channel setup screen on the RØDECaster, select the 'Wireless' option, and then 'Pair New Device'. Power on the Wireless ME transmitter and briefly press its power button to enter pairing mode. The device's connectivity, mute, and battery status will be displayed.
Note: Assigning an input channel to 'Wireless' overrides the physical XLR/TRS input for that channel.
LEDs, Battery and Charging
The Wireless ME's indicator LEDs provide information on battery and connectivity status. The connectivity LED flashes slowly when unpaired, faster when attempting to pair, and solid when successfully paired.
Note: The receiver's connectivity LED is amber when the ME Mic is off and green when it is on.
Batteries
The transmitter and receiver each have an internal lithium-ion battery with up to seven hours of life. The battery LED turns amber when low, red when critically low, and flashes red when critically low.
The Wireless ME can be recharged using the supplied SC22 USB-C to USB-C cable. The battery LED flashes green while charging and turns solid green when fully charged. The device can be used while charging.
Note: LED brightness can be adjusted via the "Dim" setting in RØDE Central.
Adjusting Wireless ME Settings Using RØDE Central
RØDE Central is a desktop and mobile app for complete device configuration. Settings adjusted in RØDE Central persist on the Wireless ME when used with other devices.
Key settings include:
- Enabling or disabling the ME Mic
- Setting the GainAssist mode (Auto, Dynamic, Off)
- Pairing and unpairing up to two transmitters
- Switching between Split and Merged modes
- Setting output gain
- Adjusting LED brightness
- Updating firmware
Download RØDE Central for free to unlock the full potential of your Wireless ME.
Note: OS Requirements - macOS 10.14 or later; Windows 10 Version 1803 or later; iOS 14 or later; Android 9.0 or later.
ME Mic (Receiver Microphone)
In addition to the transmitter's microphone, the receiver has a built-in microphone (the 'ME Mic') that captures audio from both in front of and behind the camera. When the receiver is connected to a phone or computer, open RØDE Central and turn the "ME Mic" on. By default, the ME Mic is off.
Note: When the ME Mic is off, the receiver's connectivity indicator LED is amber. It turns green when the ME Mic is switched on.
GainAssist
The Wireless ME features intelligent GainAssist technology to automatically control microphone levels and prevent clipping. Two GainAssist modes are available: Auto and Dynamic, with an 'Off' option. Different modes can be selected for the receiver and transmitter microphones.
Connect the receiver to your phone or computer, open RØDE Central, and adjust the "GainAssist" setting. Both transmitter and receiver are set to Auto by default.
- Auto: Provides a smoother, more consistent sound, ideal for interviews with fluctuating audio levels.
- Dynamic: Balances audio while maintaining dynamics for a more natural sound, suitable for controlled environments with more even sound.
- Off: Disengages GainAssist.
Setting Gain Levels With A Camera
While GainAssist helps prevent clipping, camera preamp distortion can still occur if audio levels are set incorrectly. It's important to set both the Wireless ME output gain and the camera's input gain appropriately.
Output Gain
The Wireless ME offers three output gain levels: Low (-0dB), Medium (-10dB), and High (-20dB). It's recommended to set your camera's input volume low and adjust the Wireless ME's output gain to increase volume as needed.
Camera Settings
Many cameras have default audio settings like equalization, noise reduction, and AGC (Automatic Gain Control) that can interfere with the Wireless ME. Turn these settings off. When setting camera gain, start low and use the Wireless ME's output gain to increase volume. Aim for audio levels around 70% on the meter while speaking. If the output gain is set to High, gradually increase camera gain until the desired audio level is achieved.
Note: For more information, refer to the article on getting the best audio from your camera.
Pairing Multiple Transmitters
You can pair up to two RØDE Series IV wireless transmitters (like the Wireless GO II or another Wireless ME) to a single Wireless ME receiver. Connect your Wireless ME RX to RØDE Central, turn on the transmitter, put it in pairing mode, and tap the 'pair' button under TX1 or TX2 in RØDE Central. Tap 'unpair' to remove a transmitter.
Note: If two transmitters are paired and the ME Mic is enabled, transmitters will record to the left channel, and the ME Mic will record to the right channel in Split mode. In Merged mode, all three audio sources are summed to a single mono channel.
Merged & Split Mode
When using multiple microphones with the Wireless ME (with the ME Mic on, two transmitters paired, or both), you can choose between 'Split' or 'Merged' mode for recording transmitter and receiver microphone audio onto separate channels or combining them.
To switch modes, connect the receiver to your computer or smartphone, open RØDE Central, and click the "Mode" setting to toggle between 'Split' and 'Merged'.
- Merged Mode: Combines transmitter and receiver audio into a single summed output, ideal for minimal post-production. Merged mode is the default.
- Split Mode: Records microphones onto separate channels (left and right) for independent editing in post-production. The transmitter's audio is on the left channel, and the receiver's audio is on the right channel.
Note: In Split mode with two transmitters and the ME Mic activated, the two transmitters are summed to the left channel, and the ME Mic is on the right channel.
A diagram illustrates the audio routing for Merged and Split modes, showing how TX and RX audio is combined or separated.
Transmitter (TX) | ME Mic | Output Mode |
---|---|---|
No transmitter paired | On | Merged Mode Only |
1 Transmitter | Off | Merged Mode Only |
1 Transmitter | On | Merged or Split (Left: TX, Right: ME Mic) |
1 Transmitter (paired but off) | On | Merged or Split (Left: TX, Right: ME Mic) |
2 Transmitters | On | Merged or Split (Left: TX1 + TX2, Right: ME Mic) |
2 Transmitters | Off | Merged or Split* |
* This option appears if a transmitter is assigned on both TX1 and TX2, even if one of them is turned off.
Using the Windshields
The Wireless ME includes two furry windshields. To attach them, align the white dots on the windshield with the black dots on the TX or RX unit, push the windshield down, and twist clockwise to lock. Reverse the process to remove. The windshields are designed for a secure connection and will not fall off, even with vigorous use.
A visual representation shows a Wireless ME transmitter with a furry windshield attached.
RØDE Capture
RØDE Capture is a video recording app that pairs seamlessly with RØDE microphones for professional video and audio capture. It allows access to Wireless ME device configuration. RØDE Capture's dual-camera mode is ideal for recording video and audio from both in front of and behind the camera when the Wireless ME's transmitter and receiver microphones are on.
When using Wireless ME with RØDE Capture, setting the ME Mic to 'Auto' mode automatically enables the receiver's built-in microphone when dual-cam mode is engaged and disables it when returning to single-camera operation.
Note: Settings adjusted in RØDE Capture persist on the Wireless ME for use with other devices.
RØDE Connect
RØDE Connect is a software solution for podcasting and streaming with the Wireless ME. It can connect up to four Wireless ME receivers or transmitters to a single computer, facilitating professional podcast creation. It also offers dedicated outputs for streaming software like OBS or XSplit.
Note: Settings adjusted in RØDE Connect persist on the Wireless ME for use with other devices.
RØDE Reporter
RØDE Reporter is a mobile recording app for iOS and Android that complements RØDE microphones. It provides a simple and intuitive solution for recording audio to your phone when connected to your Wireless ME.
Updating Firmware
To update your Wireless ME firmware, connect both the receiver (RX) and transmitter (TX) to your computer and open RØDE Central. For mobile, repeat the process for each unit individually. You should be prompted to update firmware automatically if an update is available. Manual updates can be accessed within RØDE Central.
A visual representation shows a firmware update prompt within RØDE Central.