PRODUCT
PRODUCT
TESTS
RodeLink Performer Kit Digital Wireless Audio System
By Jon Matthews
Since 1990 , the folks at Australia ’ s Rode Microphones have been perhaps best known for the intersection of value and performance of their recording microphones , but the company ’ s diverse product line also includes solutions for video , podcasting , mobile , and live sound . Late in 2017 , the company introduced an addition to its wireless mic arsenal aimed squarely at the vocal performer : the RodeLink Performer Kit .
First Impressions This package includes just about everything you need to get up-and-running with wireless onstage in one box . The system is based around the TX-M2 condenser microphone , which shares the same capsule as Rode ’ s wired M2 vocal mic . Also included is the RX- Desk receiver unit , featuring two detachable coax antennae and outputs for balanced XLR or unbalanced 1 / 4-in . connectivity . You also get the LB-1 lithium-ion rechargeable mic battery , a padded zip-up microphone pouch , mic clip , a micro USB cable ( more on that later ), and the receiver ’ s DC power pack and international adapters .
I would have liked to see some sort of protective pouch or case included for the receiver as well as the microphone , but the unit does have a sturdy metal chassis and is small enough to fit in a small hard case or bag if you feel the need . During my road testing , I comfortably packed the mic , receiver , and all the accessories into an inexpensive 15 x 8 x 8-in . toolbox for protection .
In Use The RodeLink kit operates on a secure digital series II 2.4 GHz transmission band system , which is designed to be plug-and-play upon power-up , with no need to fuss with channel selection . My experience with the unit confirms this ; upon firing up the receiver and the microphone and completing the pairing procedure , the system never once failed to connect .
It should be noted that for enhanced reliability , the system transmits audio across two channels simultaneously and automatically chooses the stronger signal . Very clever .
The quoted range of the microphone is up to 100 m , and though I never broke out a measuring tape , I didn ’ t experience a dropout at any point during my use of the system . Rode points out that should a dropout occur , the receiver automatically mutes to avoid any unpleasant noise or snaps .
On the front panel of the RX-Desk , you are presented with all the status info you need : incoming audio level , receiver channel , and a charge indicator for the paired microphone . You also get manual controls for power , mute , channel selection , and gain .
Moving on to the handheld microphone , I was definitely impressed with the design and solid build quality . The mic is on the long and wide side compared to the usual wired suspects ( 256 mm x 40 mm ) but feels like it weighs relatively close to them , and it ’ s not at all difficult to handle .
The “ hold in to engage ” power button is recessed into the base of the mic and protected by its antenna assembly . The power LED illuminates in green to show the unit is connected to its receiver , or red if it ’ s not . The mic also features an onboard mute switch that can be locked to the “ on ” position , and there ’ s a particularly smart fail-safe : if the mic is left on mute by mistake , you can press the receiver ’ s mute button to reactivate it remotely !
The mic can be powered either by AA batteries or the included LB-1 rechargeable pack , which can be charged via micro USB while installed in the mic by unscrewing and sliding down the mic body to reveal the charging port ( and the protected pairing button ). The mic can also be charged via an optional drop-in dock . I found the rechargeable battery life to be outstanding , with a single charge lasting through multiple shows , but also feel good about having the option to use regular batteries in case of emergency .
So far , so good , right ? You may now be saying , “ Yes , yes , but how does it sound ?” I think it sounds quite excellent .
The back-electret capsule features a hypercardioid polar pattern for feedback rejection and is quoted to handle an SPL of up
to an impressive 140dB . Bring on the loudest of singers !
Tonally , it follows the usual condenser example of sounding less narrow frequencywise than a dynamic mic , with a crisp but smooth top end , neutral-sounding midrange , and full-bodied lows . I found those big , round lows could occasionally veer into boomy territory in a less-than-ideal room situation , but nothing a bit of EQ couldn ’ t tame . Generally , I found the mic to accurately and pleasantly reproduce the vocalist in front of it , and I personally enjoyed singing on it for a night during a corporate gig in a hospitality suite , through a portable mini line array PA system .
I also used the mic for the emcee at Harmony House Theatre , a cozy 140-seat venue where I often mix FOH , and it served perfectly in this role , reproducing speech with ample clarity and intelligibility , and again , never causing any problems from a transmitting / receiving perspective . It rarely succumbed to feedback during my testing .
Summary If you need a versatile , reliable , expensivesounding but reasonably priced all-in-one wireless microphone kit for vocalists , wedding speeches , corporate functions , or similar applications , I ’ d happily recommend the RodeLink Performer Kit . Put this one on your shortlist .
Jon Matthews is an acclaimed producer and studio and live sound engineer based in Charlottetown , PE . He is the owner / operator of The Sound Mill and is a multiple Music PEI Award winner and ECMA nominee . For more information , visit www . thesoundmill . ca . Facebook : www . facebook . com / thesoundmill Twitter & Instagram : @ redmudmusic or @ thesoundmill .
22 PROFESSIONAL SOUND