Thank you to Rode for sending us the Interview PRO for review purposes!

Rode, the podcaster’s trusted microphone company, is back with a new wireless device – the Interview PRO.  But what sets the Interview PRO apart from other wireless microphones? How does it perform? And what sort of features does it have to compete with what seems like an unending number of microphones aimed at podcasters? I’ll be answering all these questions and more in my Rode Interview PRO review:

What is the Rode Interview Pro?

It is a wireless microphone that requires a receiver to transmit its signal to a recording device. It is important to note that not any receiver will do, nor does it come with one. Currently, the Rode Interview PRO can only be paired with Rode Series IV receivers like the Wireless Pro, Rodecaster Pro II, Rodecaster Duo, and Streamer X.

You can still use it without a transmitter, just not on a wireless basis.

The Interview PRO can be used as a standalone field recorder, but for wireless operation, a RØDE Series IV receiver or compatible product is required.

Rode

In the box, you get:

The mic itself

1 Mic Clip

1 SC34 superspeed USB C to USB C cable

1 USB C to USB C cable (long)

1 foam sock (pop filter)

1 zipper pouch

Features of Note for the Rode Interview PRO

This mic definitely has bells and whistles geared toward live audio usage. However, it can still be used for an edited after-the-fact show. The Rode Interview PRO can record internally. It gives you about 30GB of storage and records at 32-bit floating point. This means two really neat things—it can be used as a 32-bit floating point field recorder OR as a backup source. Wireless recording devices can drop signals without warning; when that happens, it’s dead. There’s no way to recover the missing audio from a dropout. 

With the Rode Interview PRO, you have the ability to record internally as a backup source.  If you pair it with a compatible Rode Receiver, you can utilize a time code track to more easily sync afterwards if you’re working with video with audio.

Cost of the Rode Interview PRO

At the time of writing, you can buy the Rode Interview PRO brand new for $249 USD. Bear in mind, though, that you’ll need a Rode Series IV receiver to use it to its full capacity.

Our link to the Rode Interview PRO is an affiliate link, meaning we’d earn a commission if you buy through it. Affiliate income helps support all of our free content, though it never clouds our judgment when reviewing products or services. You’ll always get our honest opinions, no matter what!

Check Rode Interview PRO prices on Amazon

Quality of the Rode Interview PRO

Onwards to some audio testing, then. Overall, I thought the tone was very neutral, which is great! The Rode Interview PRO is marketed as an omnidirectional handheld wireless mic.  So, of course, I simulated what an on-camera journalist would do, moving the mic from me to an interviewee. There was no handling noise, which is a huge plus!

Rode Interview PRO Auto-Gain Test

I transmitted the Rode Interview PRO to the Rodecaster Pro II, where I was able to take advantage of its auto-gain features.  Both auto and dynamic settings resulted in mostly healthy recording levels of -28LUFS.  It’s not as nice/tight as Shure’s auto gain from the MV7 or MVX2U, but it’s by no means bad.  My personal sweet spot is -24LUFS for healthy recording levels, but -28LUFS is still okay.

Rode Interview PRO Plosive Test

Take a listen to the following audio sample that was recorded with the foam sock on:

As you can hear, there are no popping plosives with very little effort put in to prevent them!

Directional Test

In theory, an omnidirectional mic should not have tonal issues caused by off-axis recording… in a perfect world.  So, again, I simulated myself as a reporter, perhaps not aiming the mic towards the mouth as much as they should.  Take a listen:

The Rode Interview PRO compensates very well for poor mic-to-mouth placement. There’s virtually no change in tone—perfect!

Distance Test

Below is an audio file of me talking about this mic from a distance of 20 feet from the receiver, with a wall between me and the receiver and a bunch of wireless devices streaming. How would it handle this test?

The actual recording is a lot longer, but no drops occurred. No hums were introduced. The Rode Interview PRO is advertised to be able to transmit up to 200 meters (656.168 feet) but with a direct line of sight. The more physical obstacles and other wireless signals you introduce, the more this can fluctuate. However, the Rode Interview PRO seems to be fairly stable in undesirable circumstances.

Rode Wireless PRO Review: Specs

Here’s the technical lowdown…

Frequency Response

This microphone doesn’t have a flat response. There is a slight boost around 100Hz and a slight boost around 10kHz where the sibilance sounds like “ess” are more prominent. However, with my voice, this response didn’t cause any issues.

Maximum SPL

This mic has a maximum SPL (sound pressure level) of 122dB SPL. This means that, in theory, it shouldn’t overload the mic’s capsule in most interview situations, like on the floor of a large convention with lots of people making noise.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

The Rode Interview PRO has an SNR of 74dB. Performance-wise, it means any self-noise it may create is still lower than most recording studio room levels.

Rode Interview PRO Review: Conclusion

Now that you’re clued up about what the mic does, what it costs, and how it sounds, let’s summarize with a few pros and cons:

Pros

Internal 32-bit-float recording internally

Internal recording can be used simultaneously while transmitting to a receiver

Sounds good

No handling noise

No interference issues when used around other wireless devices – though this can fluctuate on a case-by-case scenario

Fairly user-friendly when setting up as a wireless microphone

There’s a detailed user manual on the Rode website

Cons

Doesn’t come with a receiver

The number of compatible devices it can transmit to is limited

To take advantage of the auto-gain functionality, you need one of the supported gears from Rode, like the Rodecaster Pro II or Rodecaster Duo

If you’re only recording in your home or studio or you’re looking for your first startup gear, the Shure MV7+ is still probably a better choice (other great podcast mics are available). However, the Rode Interview PRO really shines in live and/or on-location scenarios, where it has some very useful options.

Build Quality: 5/5

For Studio Use: 4/5

For live/on location: 5/5

Features for Price: 5/5

Originally posted on May 28, 2024 @ 11:29 pm