RØDE Microphones LLC has announced the acquisition of iconic American pro audio leader Mackie. The acquisition represents a new chapter in the evolution of RØDE and establishes The Freedman Group – parent company of RØDE – as one of the most well-rounded pro audio companies in the world, with an enviable catalogue of products spanning a wide range of audio solutions for content creation, home and studio recording, broadcast, and live sound production.

“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Mackie to The Freedman Group’s roster of iconic audio brands,” says Founder and Chairman Peter Freedman AM. “They are true legends, with a pedigree of live sound expertise that is simply unmatched. Today, RØDE and Mackie are both leaders in audio, and we share the same passion for creating innovative, high-quality products with a strong customer focus. With this acquisition, The Freedman Group is now a premier audio technology company offering world-class products to an even wider range of customers, from up-and-coming content creators to professionals working in live production and everyone in-between.”

Since 1989, Mackie has been a leading designer and manufacturer of pro audio products, including mixers and loudspeakers for home, studio and stage use. An integral player in the home recording revolution in the 1990s, Mackie quickly made a name for itself as a highly innovative brand with a focus on ‘built-like-a-tank’ quality and affordability. Groundbreaking products like the 1602 and D8B mixers and SRM450 loudspeaker were instant classics and, combined with a unique approach to marketing, established Mackie as a go-to brand in the recording and live sound industries – a status they uphold today with leading products like the ProFX series of compact mixers, the Thump series of powered loudspeakers, and the popular CR series of desktop production monitors.

“Mackie is one of the great success stories in pro audio and I have admired them for a long time,” says Mr Freedman. “My background is in live sound production. It’s something I have always been passionate about, ever since I saw Tom Jones at the Chevron Hotel in Sydney as a kid back in ’69 – my father Henry installed the sound system there, as well as many other venues across the city. Live sound is where I cut my teeth in audio, so this very much feels like that part of my career coming full circle.” He continues: “Having met Greg Mackie before I even started RØDE, I found his passion for audio and approach to business inspiring. Their origin story is uncannily similar to ours. Both brands helped fuel the democratisation of DIY recording in their own way, Mackie with their mixers and speakers and RØDE with our microphones. We shared a similar path and today both brands are leaders in what we do, so I am incredibly excited to bring these two audio icons together.”

Speaking about the acquisition, Alex Nelson, CEO of Mackie says, “The entire Mackie team is excited to be joining forces with Peter, Damien and their incredible crew. Having worked in the audio industry for many years, I have always held RØDE in high esteem. Their manufacturing capability and technology leadership is second-to-none in pro audio and I think they are the perfect partner to help Mackie expand as we enter an exciting new chapter in our history. Also, the timing could not be better. We have an incredible product roadmap ahead of us, which we’ll be making some big announcements for leading up to NAMM ’24. This is an extremely exciting time for Mackie, and we couldn’t be happier doing all of this alongside the RØDE team.”

Greg Mackie, founder of Mackie and audio industry legend, shares a similar sentiment, saying, “I can’t think of a better company for Mackie to be associated with than RØDE.”

“RØDE and Mackie are incredibly harmonious brands,” says Freedman Group CEO Damien Wilson. “This acquisition diversifies our product offering in a very complementary way. We now offer end-to-end audio solutions for everyone from musicians setting up a home studio to professional live sound engineers. Whilst Mackie’s brand, manufacturing and operations will remain unchanged, there are incredible opportunities to combine the complementary IP, infrastructure and resources of both brands in powerful ways. I am very excited about the potential this offers RØDE and Mackie.”

Commenting for RØDE Microphones LLC, Joe Hockey says, “This acquisition offers powerful growth opportunities for RØDE and is a significant milestone in their global expansion. It is exciting to see RØDE continue to invest in their future, and I am looking forward seeing the ongoing success of these two legendary brands.”

The NT1 Signature Series is the latest edition of RØDE’s iconic original studio condenser microphone. With over 6 million units sold in its 30-year history, the NT1 is the world’s most popular studio microphone, beloved by everyone from bedroom musicians and studio professionals to podcasters, streamers, voice-over artists and content creators. The NT1 Signature Series arrives hot on the heels of the NT1 5th Generation, which fused the classic sound signature of the NT1 with cutting-edge technology, such as its world-first Dual Connect output for both XLR and USB connectivity, a 32-bit float digital output, and on-board DSP. With the 5th Generation, the analogue circuitry of the NT1 was also upgraded to deliver lower noise, higher SPL handling capabilities, an extremely smooth frequency response and a tightly controlled pickup pattern.

Now the NT1 Signature Series joins the NT1 5th Generation in RØDE’s current NT1 range, offering these same high-performance specs and the classic NT1 sound signature, with the original XLR-only design of previous generations. Offering exceptional sound quality, best-in-class specifications, legendary RØDE build quality and incredible affordability, the NT1 Signature Series affirms the NT1 as the industry-standard studio condenser microphone. For the first time ever, the NT1 Signature Series also offers the NT1 in a range of limited-edition colours including red, green, purple, pink and blue, allowing creators to express their signature style in both sound and colour.

KEY FEATURES OF THE NT1 SIGNATURE SERIES:

• RØDE HF6 large-diaphragm (1-inch) condenser capsule, precision engineered to sub-micron tolerances
• Tight cardioid polar pattern for excellent background noise rejection
• Classic NT1 sound signature – rich, warm bass, detailed midrange and sparkling highs for exceptional performance in a wide range of studio applications
• Smooth frequency response and high sensitivity for incredible balance and clarity Extremely low noise (4dBA) – the world’s quietest studio condenser microphone
• High SPL handling capabilities for capturing very loud sounds

Studio-grade shock mount and pop filter, premium XLR cable included

• Available in classic black or a range of limited-edition colours, including red, green, purple, pink and blue
• Rugged aluminium body and high-grade finishes – highly resistant to scuffs and scratches
• Industry-leading 10-year warranty
• Designed and made in RØDE’s precision manufacturing facilities in Sydney, Australia

THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR STUDIO MICROPHONE

First released in 1991, the NT1 was RØDE’s very first microphone. Conceived in a pivotal era for home musicians where new technologies were making it easier than ever to capture studio-quality recordings in a bedroom, the NT1 quickly became the industry-standard studio mic for a new generation of DIY creators. Since then, the NT1 has gone through multiple transformations, including the legendary NT1-A, the best-selling fourth generation black NT1, and most recently, the ground-breaking NT1 5th Generation. The NT1 Signature Series carries on the legacy of this iconic microphone, delivering the same quality and affordability that creators have come to expect from an NT1, with improved performance and a fresh aesthetic. Say hello to the new industry-standard studio mic.

CLASSIC STUDIO SOUND FOR TODAY’S CREATORS

The NT1 Signature Series offers the same warm, silky character that has made the NT1 the go-to microphone for everyone from musicians to voice over artists, podcasters, streamers, and other content creators. It features RØDE’s stunning HF6 capsule, which is precision engineered to sub-micron tolerances to ensure the utmost consistency in tonality and frequency response, and is internally shock-mounted for minimising vibrations. Delivering rich, warm bass, a detailed midrange and sparkling top end, it is an exceptional vocal mic that will make any voice shine. It also performs brilliantly in a wide range of studio applications, from recording acoustic guitar, percussion and other acoustic instruments, to drums, electric guitar and piano. Its tight cardioid polar pattern offers excellent rejection of background noise and its smooth frequency response and high sensitivity offer incredible balance and clarity. Enhanced circuitry delivers high SPL handling capabilities for maximum flexibility in the studio and an astonishingly low self-noise of just 4dBA, making it the world’s quietest studio condenser microphone alongside the NT1 5th Generation.

SIGNATURE SOUND AND SIGNATURE STYLE

In addition to black, the NT1 Signature Series comes in a range of vibrant colours, including red, green, purple, pink and blue. This is the first time the NT1 has been available in colours other than the classic black or silver, allowing creators to pick the perfect mic to match their signature style. This coloured range will be available in limited quantities exclusively from RØDE.  The NT1 Signature Series is made from premium components in RØDE’s precision manufacturing facilities in Sydney, Australia, and is backed by RØDE’s industry-leading 10-year warranty. Each microphone also comes with a studio-grade shock mount and pop filter and a premium XLR cable.

The Rode product stable is already deep and diverse, with products catering to seemingly everyone – recording studios, podcasters, mobile content makers, venues and video shooters. And now Rode has introduced the Wireless PRO (yes, the ‘pro’ is capitalised), a video-focused wireless microphone kit that packs a lot of promise into its small frame. But does it live up to the capitalised name?

Opening the package and it’s off to a promising start. There’s enough bundled into the kit to deal with almost any situation a typical videographer is likely to encounter. Two wireless transmitters, one receiver, two threaded lavalier microphones, a short 3.5mm to 3.5mm coiled cable, two different sets of dead cats, various clips and magnets, a USB-C-to-Lightning cable and enough USB-C cables to be useful. These are all housed snugly across two small cases: one acts as charger/battery for the transmitters (think Airpod holder/charger) while the other contains the various accessories. 

JUST IN CASE

The cases are almost identical, save for the weight. The charging dock is undoubtedly clever and very welcome – the unit has enough juice inside it for two full extra charges away from any power source. However, the decision to package a Wireless PRO system across two cases is a little confusing. There’s not enough space in the charger case for the various accessories you’re likely to want to have with you, so you’re most likely going to always need to take two cases with you anyway. It’s not a show-stopping issue, however it seems like a complication when it comes to packing out a shooting kit, and it’s not difficult to envision nightmare scenarios where the wrong case is packed, or even worse, left behind.

There’s a lot more to Wireless PRO than its transport cases. The transmitter/receiver combo is the star of the show and they’re instantly impressive pieces of kit. Sharing the same form factor as the Wireless Go and Wireless Me units, they’re similar in size and feel to a smartwatch — well built, and with just enough heft to appreciate that it’s a cutting-edge piece of tech. The trio are almost exactly the same size and shape, but the receiver is differentiated by having a small LCD screen built into it. Crisp and bright, the screen conveys level meters and important parameter settings with a minimum of fuss. There’s no real menu-diving required to get up and running, and the screen is easily readable in full sunlight and dark spaces alike. Syncing the transmitters to the receiver is effortless, and the three-button operation required to get up and running is intuitive straight out of the box.

BECAUSE I’M APP-Y

Like any modern gadget, as soon as it connected to my phone it wanted to do an update, which thankfully was quick and pain-free. Once updated, it then launched the app store, where three apps were recommended to me. After a quick search online, two seemed to be relevant to my needs – Rode Capture and Rode Central. Unsurprisingly, the Capture app is centred around recording video, while Rode Central allows you to Bluetooth into the receiver and get into the nitty-gritty of the unit and manipulate its settings and functions.

Røde has announced a new wireless microphone system for filmmakers and content creators, the Wireless PRO. Fresh off the back of releasing the Wireless ME, the perfect grab-and-go mic for creators, Røde has now unleashed its most powerful compact wireless system ever with the Wireless PRO. Boasting an unprecedented feature set not found in any microphone — let alone a compact wireless system — the Wireless PRO delivers next-level audio quality and unmatched versatility for today’s demanding creators and filmmakers.

“In 2019, the Wireless GO was the first truly wireless microphone to enter the market,” says Røde CEO Damien Wilson. “Røde was the first company to create a compact and easy to use workflow that forever changed the way creators capture audio for their content. The Wireless GO II took this even further, adding incredible new features and setting a new standard for compact wireless audio. Today, we take this iconic microphone a step further once again with the Wireless PRO. We’ve left no stone unturned when it comes to features in this new system, packing incredibly powerful and useful features like 32-bit float on-board recording and advanced timecode capability into the same compact, easy-to-use form factor that thousands of creators around the world use every day.”

PRO WIRELESS

Despite its feature set, the Wireless PRO features the same pocket-sized form factor as the rest of Røde’s compact wireless range, with a sleek new black-on-black aesthetic for extra discretion. It comes in a dual-channel set with two transmitters and a receiver and utilises Røde’s state-of-the-art Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission and proprietary near-zero latency codec with 128-bit encryption to deliver crystal-clear, incredibly stable audio at distances up to 260m (850 ft) line of sight. Integrated clips and broadcast-quality in-built omnidirectional microphones on the transmitters make getting set up a breeze, and it is universally compatible with cameras, smartphones and tablets, computers, and other audio devices via its analog 3.5mm TRS and digital USB-C outputs.

The Wireless PRO offers an array of features for ensuring creators can capture flawless audio every single time. 32-bit float on-board recording capabilities allow users to record directly to the transmitters with no chance of the audio clipping. This groundbreaking feature ensures users will always have a clean backup of their session — even in extremely dynamic scenarios — and eliminates the need to set gain levels prior to recording, making the creative workflow more streamlined than ever before. 32GB of internal memory offers over 40 hours of on-board recording, with dedicated buttons on the transmitters making triggering recordings super easy.

For users that want to record audio directly into their camera, the Wireless PRO provides a plethora of features for capturing pristine audio. This includes Røde’s innovative GainAssist technology — first introduced with the Wireless ME — utilises intelligent algorithms to automatically control audio levels on the fly, ensuring the output is smooth and balanced and minimising the risk of clipping. It also features a flexible output control with a huge 30dB gain range available, allowing users to precisely tailor the mic’s output to their camera, as well as pre-configured camera presets for quick-and-easy setup. For added peace of mind, the Wireless PRO also offers a safety channel feature, which outputs a second channel of audio 10dB lower than the primary channel in case the signal is too hot and clips the camera input.

These features combined make ruined recordings a thing of the past. No matter their preferred workflow, users can set their Wireless PRO up to deliver perfect audio in any environment, taking the guesswork out of recording and unlocking more creative freedom.

RECORD & SYNC

To perfectly complement its 32-bit float on-board recording feature, the Wireless PRO offers advanced timecode sync capabilities, making synchronising audio to video in post-production extremely easy. Eschewing the need for complex and expensive external timecode systems, the Wireless PRO features an internal timecode generator that is easy to use and seamlessly synchronises audio with any camera. This can be easily set up on a computer or smartphone via Røde Central, with flexible configuration options to suit any recording setup.

MORE FEATURES, MORE FLEXIBILITY

In addition to its powerful on-board recording and advanced timecode capabilities, the Wireless PRO offers an abundance of other professional features that make it uniquely flexible. Both transmitters feature locking lavalier connectors for complete security when using an external lavalier or other microphone with a locking connector. Plug-in power detect on the receiver — which automatically powers the unit on and off in sync with a connected camera — extends battery life in the field. The 3.5mm output on the receiver also functions as a headphone output for audio monitoring (complete with flexible output level control) as well as an audio input for a headset or other TRRS ‘narrator’ microphone, such as a lavalier. Merged and split recording modes, marker dropping and customisable buttons are just a few other features that make the Wireless PRO the most powerful wireless microphone system available. The Wireless PRO can also be easily configured on a computer or on the go with a smartphone using the Røde Central companion app, allowing users to set it up exactly as they need anywhere.

KEY FEATURES

• Compact dual-channel wireless microphone system
• Røde’s state-of-the-art Series IV 2.4 GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption for crystal-clear, incredibly stable audio at up to 260m line of sight
• Universal compatibility with cameras, smartphones and computers
• 32-bit float on-board recording with 32GB internal memory for clip-free audio in any recording application
• Advanced timecode capability for quick-and-easy audio sync in post-production
• Intelligent GainAssist technology, flexible output gain control and safety channel for ensuring pristine audio when recording direct to camera
• Locking 3.5mm lavalier connectors for complete security
• Headphone output with on-board level control
• TRRS input for headset or other “narrator” microphone on receiver for recording up to three audio channels simultaneously
• Plug-in power detect for extended battery life
• Complete accessory kit, including smart charge case, two Lavalier II microphones, cables, MagClip GO magnetic mounting clip and accessory case
• Easy configuration on a computer or smartphone via Røde Central

COMPLETE PRO ACCESSORY KIT 

The Wireless PRO comes with a complete pro accessory kit, giving users everything they need to get recording right away. This includes a smart charge case, which not only protects the transmitters and receiver when in transit, but also ensures they are always fully charged and facilitates ultra-fast data transfer for quickly exporting on-board recordings to a computer in the studio or in the field. Two Lavalier II microphones deliver broadcast-grade audio capture and the MagClip GO magnetic clips allow for flexible mounting of the transmitters on talent or the receiver on a recording device. It also comes with three high-quality furry windshields for recording in windy conditions, all necessary cables for connecting to cameras, phones and other devices, and a handy case for keeping these accessories safe. The Wireless PRO is designed and made in Røde’s precision manufacturing facilities in Sydney, Australia, and is built using the highest quality components.

The Wireless PRO sets a lofty new standard for compact wireless audio. No other microphone offers such a wide range of powerful features or guarantees perfect audio in any recording application like the Wireless PRO does, affirming Røde as the leader in innovative audio solutions for today’s creators.

It’s genuinely impressive how, in a few short years, Røde Microphones has cemented its place in the podcasting world. The ever-growing catalogue of products made on Australian soil can be spotted in consumer broadcasting, gaming and live streaming settings across the globe. Such widespread success doesn’t happen by accident. Røde’s product offerings meet specific needs with precision; they’re priced competitively; and, importantly, they sound good. 

The PodMic is no exception. Released in December 2018, PodMic was pitched as the perfect companion for the RødeCaster Pro which hit the market only a month earlier. 

Nearly five years later Røde has decided to give the PodMic a little more attention and perhaps widen its appeal, and now we have the PodMic USB. Which is, you guessed it, a PodMic with USB connectivity. But along with built-in converters and a USB socket comes a few extra goodies worth talking about.

HEAVYWEIGHT

PodMic USB is built the same as its analogue sibling except for the blacked out paint job. If the weight of a mic reassures you of quality, then PodMic USB will alleviate all your fears — at 900g, it’s a darn heavy microphone for its size. Included with the mic is a cup-shaped pop filter which slides over the top of the grille. While it makes the mic much bulkier, it produces a noticeable reduction in plosives and will doubtless be appreciated by podcasters. 

Around the back is a USB-C connector, a 3.5mm headphone output, and a brass dial with detents to control headphone level. A small status LED shows when PodMic USB is connected. Notably, PodMic USB retains the XLR output. This allows you to use PodMic with pro audio gear, be it a mixer, interface, external preamp, or something like a RødeCaster Pro. 

Gaining up the capsule is Røde’s Revolution preamp also used in the RødeCaster Pro 2. Control of the preamp is through the Røde Central application. I don’t have generally high expectations of built-in USB mic preamps but I dare say the PodMic USB surpassed my expectations, producing a full and rich tone without the cardboard-y flatness of other USB mics that have come across my desk. Maxing the gain out at 63dB kept my recording impressively clean with minimal noise.

IN THE BOX

The tone of the PodMic USB on its own is entirely usable but fairly bland. There’s a presence push in the high mids for vocal clarity but I don’t consider it a particularly polished sound right off the bat. But fear not, the extra DSP processing offers all you need to embellish PodMic USB’s sound into something you can be proud of.

Røde Central gives you full control over the ‘VoxLab’ GUI. You’re first greeted by the three utilitarian Depth, Sparkle, and Punch knobs which affect bass, treble and compression, respectively. Click ‘Advanced’ for the nitty gritty. Curiously, the HPF is locked to 60Hz with no higher frequency options — in a spoken word situation I’d rather a HPF be closer to 120Hz for a worthwhile reduction in plosives. There’s the Exciter section, which includes Aphex’s Big Bottom and Aural Exciter, to quickly and effectively add zest and presence. I found PodMic USB responds favourably to the full Aphex treatment with accentuated lows and highs. A De-esser would be a welcome addition to the processing suite, as anything more than gentle compression can pronounce sibilance. The Compressor and Noise Gate both do their job well and offer sufficient control to put discerning users at ease.