By technical editor Matt Allard:

At IBC 2015 in Amsterdam, Ryan from Rode showed us the latest addition to the RØDELink range, the Newsshooter Kit, which includes a camera-mounted receiver and the new XLR transmitter (TX-XLR). Wireless handheld microphones are one of the staple audio solutions used by news crews out in the field and Rode is aiming this kit directly at that market.

The RØDELink digital wireless system was released earlier this year with the Filmmaker Kit, which included a camera mounted receiver (RX-CAM), beltpack transmitter (TX-BELT) and broadcast-grade lavalier microphone. Using 2.4GHz digital communication technology it allows for robust, secure transmission of audio at ranges up to 100m. With the addition of the Newsshooter Kit Rode has added to the versatility of their RØDELink range.

The Newsshooter transmitter easily connects to handheld presentation microphones as well as shotgun microphones, with a 3.5mm input and headphone output. Providing one-touch sync with RØDELink receivers and supplying P48 phantom power, the unit can be powered by 2 x AA, a Sony NP-F970 battery or continuously via Micro USB. Anther nice feature is the ability to attach a lapel microphone directly to the transmitter instead of a handheld microphone.

RØDE also plans to make each of the RØDELink devices available separately, so customers can mix and match to suit their needs.

The Newsshooter Kit will retail for $499US and be available in Q4 2015.