$399 Filmmaker Kit Includes Camera-Mount Receiver, Transmitter, Lavalier Mic

At NAMM, Rode announced RodeLink, an inexpensive new fully digital wireless audio system that uses Series II 2.4GHz digital transmission to send a 128-bit encrypted 24-bit 44.1 KHz lossless audio signal up to 100 meters.

Rode said the system transmits on two channels simultaneously. By monitoring the channels and automatically switching frequencies during operation to follow the strongest signal, it avoids interference on location. One-button pairing is designed to make set-up simple and fast. If the system performs as advertised, it will challenge popular wireless audio systems from competitors like Sony and Sennheiser.

"Continuing Rode's mission to provide premium performance products at an accessible price, the RodeLink system will be one of the most affordable wireless solutions on the market," said Rode founder and president Peter Freedman in a prepared statement.

The RodeLink "filmmaker kit" includes a camera-mountable receiver, a belt-mount transmitter, and a lavalier mic. The filmmaker kit is expected to sell for $399. (Rode's lavalier typically sells for around $249 by itself, making this an especially aggressive price point.)

The TX-BELT transmitter has a three-stage gain adjustment selecter (0dB, -10dB, and -20dB), a mute-lock function to keep the signal from being accidentally muted, and a locking 3.5mm jack for input from body-mounted mics. The RX-CAM receiver has a removable hot-shoe mount (so that it can be used as a belt-pack receiver instead of being attached to the camera) as well as an OLED display showing mute status, input level, and battery status of the receiver as well as the associated transmitter. The RX sports a 3.5mm output jack for connecting to an audio recorder.  Power is supplied to both the transmitter and receiver via MicroUSB cables or two AA batteries each.

Rode originally announced the kit for global availability in April, but online retailers are reporting an expected in-stock date in March. Other versions of the system targeted at newsgathering, presentation, and on-stage use will be announced in the future, Rode said.