The AT2020USB-X is specially designed to meet the needs of podcasters, streamers, and other creators, offering the critically acclaimed, award-winning sound of the original AT2020 with the convenience of plug-and-play USB-C operation. The microphone’s directional pickup (cardioid) keeps the focus on your voice or other chosen sound source, while its high-resolution A/D converter (up  to 24-bit/96 kHz sampling rate) ensures extremely clear, natural sound reproduction.

The AT2020USB-X features a built-in headphone jack with volume control to let you directly monitor the microphone signal with no delay. It also offers a mix control to let you blend the microphone’s audio with audio from the computer, and has a silent touch-sensitive mute button to quickly and easily mute audio at the microphone. The microphone comes with a custom desk stand, 3/8″-16 to 5/8″-27 threaded adapter, and 2m USB-C to USB-A cable with a USB-A to USB-C adapter.

Features:
Headphone output with mix control
Headphone jack with volume control allows you to monitor the microphone signal with no delay. Mix control allows you to blend your microphone signal with computer audio.

Mute button
A soft-touch capacitive mute button is conveniently located on the body of the microphone to quickly mute audio.

24-bit/96 kHz sample rate
High-resolution A/D converter with up to 24-bit/96 kHz sampling rate for extremely clear, natural sound reproduction.

USB-C output
Microphone is equipped with a USB-C output and includes a cable with USB-C and USB-A options, expanding the microphone’s compatibility and making it easier to use, now and in the future.

Two-state (blue/red) LED ring
The two-state LED indicator ring lights blue to indicate that the microphone is receiving USB power and lights red when audio is muted at the microphone.

Custom desk stand
The included desk stand provides a stable and secure base.

Other Features:

• Condenser microphone with USB output for digital recording
• High-output internal headphone amplifier delivers superior clarity, volume and musical detail
• Smooth, extended frequency response ideally suited for streaming, podcasting, and music and video production
• Accessories included: 3/8″-16 to 5/8″-27 threaded adapter, desk stand, 10′ (3.1 m) USB-C to USB-A cable, USB-A to USB-C adapter 

Shock Mount AT8455 (sold separately)
The AT8455 shock mount effectively absorbs vibration noise. It is open in the front to allow easy access to microphone controls and indicators. The shock mount is compatible with 3/8″-16 and 5/8″-27 threaded stands.

Focusrite’s new products should make it easier for podcasters to get started, have quality audio, and finish up with a professional sounding show. The Vocaster range is a new recording interface for to aid production in the podcasting world. Removing the technical difficulty from the process allows users to focus on what matters; telling their story, sharing their passion, and most notably, building their audience.

Great content makes for successful podcasts — audio quality is equally important. Vocaster is a tool likely to be useful to any podcaster to get studio quality sound when capturing voice. Users can deliver a podcast to their audience with audio that has clarity, consistent volume levels, and without unwanted noises which keeps listeners focused on the content. Key features such as Auto Gain, Enhance, the Easy Start tool, provide users with all the things they need to get recording.

Focusrite have delivered a podcast kit that focuses on professional sound quality, with immediate controls, and numerous tools through Focusrite’s selected partners podcasters can get studio quality recordings straight away.

Vocaster is small, light, and powered by a computer, so with immediate controls, podcasters can get up and running straight away and join the conversation wherever it is.

Vocaster One Studio and Vocaster Two Studio are two set-ups that have everything podcasters need to start recording their podcast in broadcast quality. The studio quality dynamic microphones both have industry standard features such as shock mounts and pop filters, which should have their voice crystal clear without any unwanted noise, and they can hear their show as the world will with the HP60v closed-back studio headphones.

Pricing:
Vocaster One: GBP189.99 / US$199.99
Vocaster One Studio: GBP289.99 / US$299.99

Vocaster Two: GBP289.99 / US$299.99
Vocaster Two Studio: GBP469.99 / US$499.99

RØDE has unveiled its most revolutionary audio innovation to date: the RØDECaster Pro II. A fully integrated audio production studio for content creators of all kinds, the RØDECaster Pro II offers a plethora of groundbreaking features that have never been seen before in a single console. Combining superior sound quality with unmatched ease of use and endless customisability, it is the world’s most powerful all-in-one audio solution for streamers, podcasters, musicians, and other content creators.

Key Features Of The RØDECaster Pro II:

• An audio solution for content creators, including podcasters, livestreamers, musicians, and more
• Ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamps with world-class audio quality and stunning clarity, and transparency
• High-performance quad-core audio engine delivers more processing power than other content creation consoles
• Studio-quality APHEX audio processing for superior sound quality and flexibility in any recording application
• On-board effects, including reverb, echo, robot, pitch shifting, and more
• SMART pads for triggering sounds, voice effects, MIDI commands and mixer actions – eight banks of eight pads for 64 unique actions
• Highly customisable, with nine individually assignable channels, on-board granular editing, fully programmable SMART pads
• Bluetooth connectivity with wide-band speech for ultra-high-quality phone call integration and audio streaming, wireless monitoring, and more
• Connectivity options, with dual USB-C interfaces for connecting two computers or mobile devices, studio-grade Neutrik combo inputs for connecting microphones and instruments, plus Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and more
• 5.5-inch high-definition touchscreen with haptic feedback, and rotary encoder for navigation and control 
• Designed and made in Sydney, Australia 

The RØDECaster Pro II offers an feature set that allows creators to sound exceptional every time they record. It has four studio-grade Neutrik combo inputs for connecting microphones as well as instruments, including guitar, bass, keyboards​ and other devices, unlocking a new world of creative possibility. Each input features RØDE’s ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamps, which deliver pristine audio quality with any microphone or instrument. These world-class preamps were developed specifically for the RØDECaster Pro II and rival boutique designs that cost thousands of dollars per channel. With an incredibly low equivalent input noise rating of just -131.5dBV and a whopping 76dB of gain on tap, they deliver stunning clarity and transparency and eliminate the need for lifters, boosters or external processing, even with the most demanding dynamic microphones.

The RØDECaster Pro II also features a full suite of studio-quality APHEX audio processors. These have been completely overhauled from the original RØDECaster Pro and remodelled using component-level analysis of analog units​ to ​deliver stunningly dynamic signal processing that allows anyone to capture the magic of a professional studio. A high-performance quad-core audio engine delivers significantly more processing power than any other content creation console on the market, while powerful on-board effects allow users to craft their own unique sound with unlimited creativity.

Even with these powerful capabilities, the RØDECaster Pro II is incredibly simple to use. Every feature is designed to minimise fuss and maximise creativity. The high-definition, full-colour touchscreen, combined with the tactile rotary encoder, makes navigating and controlling the console super simple. Professionally tailored presets and the highly innovative VoxLab processing editor allows anyone to capture incredible sound, even with no prior audio experience.

Endless Customisation, Endless Creative Freedom

The RØDECaster Pro II is fully customisable and can adapt to any creative recording application, from livestreaming and gaming to podcasting to music production. It features nine individually assignable channels, with six broadcast-quality physical faders and three virtual faders. Any of the nine audio sources can be allocated to any fader, allowing users to design their ideal mixer configuration to suit their creative requirements and workflow.

The eight SMART pads are so much more than just sound pads; they can be customised to do everything from triggering on-the-fly voice effects like reverb, echo, robot and pitch FX, send MIDI commands to external software and hardware, activate automated mixer actions like fade-ins and fade-outs, and more. The bank switching buttons provide access to eight banks for a total of 64 unique actions at the touch of a button. The on-board effects and APHEX processors are also fully customisable, with granular on-board editing allowing users to fine-tune every parameter to suit their voice or instrument. All processing and effect parameters can be saved as presets and loaded at any time on any channel.

Every setting, from the mixer configuration to SMART pads, as well as entire recordings, can be saved on-board as a ‘Show’, allowing users to get set up and recording in seconds. This also makes the RØDECaster Pro II ideal for creators who make different types of content, multi-functional studios, or production or education facilities that require different setups for different users.

Unrivalled Connectivity

The RØDECaster Pro II offers unrivalled connectivity with a wide range of devices, unlocking more creative possibilities, more streamlined workflows, and easier integration with other equipment than ever before. It is the perfect audio control centre for any creator.

The four analog inputs can accommodate everything from a single microphone for a solo podcast to a full band for a livestream. There are also four high-power headphone outputs and ¼-inch balanced line outputs for connecting speakers for crystal-clear monitoring and playback.

Dual USB-C interfaces accommodate the connection of two computers or mobile devices simultaneously, with an extra virtual USB channel for connecting chat applications, unlocking huge potential for everything from remote podcasting to organising complex streaming setups. MFi certification ensures seamless integration with iOS devices.

Advanced Bluetooth connectivity with wide-band speech makes recording ultra-high-quality phone calls easy and can also be used for crystal-clear audio streaming and even connecting wireless speakers. Users can record in stereo or multitrack either to an on-board microSD, computer or external storage device, with ultra-fast data transfer over USB.

The RØDECaster Pro II also offers Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections, allowing users to update firmware wirelessly, integrate with hardware and software, and more.

The Most Feature-Packed Audio Production Solution

The RØDECaster Pro II leaves no stone unturned when it comes to features that make recording as simple and streamlined as possible. On-board audio editing, mix-minus on the Bluetooth and USB channels, bi-directional MIDI communication, ten language options, mute and listen buttons, producer talkback mode, stereo input linking with pan controls, and tailored presets for RØDE microphones and other popular models are just some of the features on offer.

This is also just the beginning for the RØDECaster Pro II – the quad-core audio engine unlocks huge potential for feature upgrades and enhancements, and the console will continue to evolve with future updates.

The RØDECaster Pro II will be launched alongside a suite of accessories, including the RØDECover 2, a high-quality protective cover, as well as a VESA mount, carry bags, coloured cables, and more.

The RØDECaster Pro II will be available for pre-order from Tuesday, 24 May 2022 for US$699 and will be shipping in June.

Audiovisual and IT connectivity provider ATEN have launched the podcast AI audio mixer MicLIVE 6-CH in Australia, the industry’s first AI-optimised audio mixer. MicLIVE UC8000 offers features such as acoustic enhancement with its AI-created SmartEQ, a compact and portable design, and an intuitive UI aimed at one to two host podcasts setups.

Audio mixers have become central to content creation, especially audio-format creation such as podcasts. In the case where users are new to the practice, capturing audio for podcasts can be daunting and complicated. Here MicLIVE presents a solution with an easy to navigate mixer that’s capable of capturing audio and carrying out post-production tasks as well. As an all-in-one solution for podcasts and audio content creation, this Good Design Award winner helps to make it easier for just one user to create pro-level podcasts.

MicLIVE users can manipulate their voice with 24 Voice FX programs, SmartEQ, use jingle pads that store up to 8 customisable sound effects, and make use of the auto-ducking function to keep up with broadcasting production values. In addition, MicLIVE ships with an inbuilt preamp that provides gain for the microphone’s signal, and supplies phantom power (+48V) should that be required. The mixer also comes with the companion application OnAir Audio. This software gives users control of parameters while allowing the simple assigning of audio from their computer, and customising sound effects through a user-friendly interface. It has flexible input options allowing the use of XLR microphones, musical instruments, USB audio sources, and audio from phone-in for mixing.

Product Highlights:

• All-in-one design – Simplifies podcast mixing and workflow, offering up to 6-channel audio inputs, DSP and AD/DA converter, and adds audio resolution up to 24-bit /96 kHz to USB-C on PC or Mac
• SmartEQ – Created using AI, the function improves microphone audio quality with enhanced acoustic models allowing users to create high-quality recordings in real time
• Jingle pads – Save up to 8 sound effects from audio sources from a computer, microphone, or other audio inputs
• Auto-ducking – Lowers background music while subjects speak

Model: UC8000
RRP: AU$409 

The PSA1+ pairs functionality with style, combining sleeks looks with silent operation, precision and stability. It features a parallelogram spring design to ensure movement is smooth and steady, even with very light or heavy microphones. This mechanism keeps the microphone placement constant when moved so it can be positioned perfectly with ease.

The internal springs are fully damped and the arm features a neoprene cover for further reduction of noise generated by movement. Additionally, the PSA1+ is equipped with rubber contact points for isolation from knocks, bumps and keyboard clicks, making it ideal for streamers using mechanical keyboards with loud switches.

The PSA1+ has been designed to perform in any recording scenario, from home gaming setups to professional broadcast studios. It can support a wide microphone weight range, from as little as 94g all the way up to 1.2kgs, with extended reach and full 360-degree rotation making it easy to position the microphone where it needs to be. It also features an integrated cable management system for both XLR and USB cables, ensuring every setup is tidy and camera-ready.

Both end-address and side-address microphones are accommodated by the flexible mounting system and the arm is compatible with all standard shockmounts. A threaded desk mount and sturdy desk clamp are included to integrate into any home or professional studio. The arm also comes pre-assembled, ensuring it is easy to set up and start using right away.

The PSA1+ is shipping worldwide now.