Podcast Gear News

Arturia AudioFuse Studio 18x20 REV2 18-in/20-out, 24-bit/192kHz USB-C Audio Interface with 4 DiscretePRO Preamps (with a -129 dBu EIN and 119 dBu of dynamic range), 4 Line Inputs, Phono Inputs, ADAT, S/PDIF, Word Clock, MIDI, Dual Headphone Outputs, Bluetooth, USB Hub, and Included Software. The unit clocks in at prices ranging from $999-$1199 depending on retailer. Link: https://www.arturia.com/products/audio/audiofuse-studio/overview Logitech G Yeti 2 USB-C Microphone Optimized for a new generation of content creators and gamers, the Logitech G Yeti 2 is a USB-C desktop condenser mic, now sporting features such a 3D voice proximity sensor and adjustable AI-powered noise canceling for a clean take every time. With automatic real-time gain, EQ, and pickup pattern adjustment. With the onboard 1.3" LED display, you can monitor in real time with visual feedback cues. You can select between five preloaded presets for different applications, such as PC gaming, streaming, podcasting, and more. You can process your voice directly on the mic with the Blue VOICE DSP tools. The Yeti 2 offers 24-bit/48 kHz audio. Further customization is possible with the software-based G HUB, allowing you to personalize your setup with custom display graphics and user-defined mic recording presets. It comes in both black and white so you can talk into the wrong part of the microphone in two colors. Price: $159.99 Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4j0VAIx Audacity 4 Launches Along with a new look, Audacity now allows you to have clips overlap each other. Non-destructive audio editing which allows you to drag the edges of cuts in order to undo edits. You can group clips and select multiple clips and manipulate the new trim and stretch handles. They also changed the envelope, and split tools. Audacity also redesigned the stock effects to deliver a modern look. Link: https://www.audacityteam.org/ Lewitt Launches LW6 Wireless Studio Headphones Looking for studio quality wireless headphones? Look no further than the Lewitt LW6 wireless headphones. Fully uncompressed PCM audio, with latency under 6 milliseconds. Closed-back design with the sonic ambition of an open-back headphone. 5-band EQ, Virtual Studio Monitors, and more DSP features running directly on the headphones. Connectivity via RealSound, USB-C, 3.5mm analog, and Bluetooth 5.3. Up to 21 hours of battery life. Bundled with the Space Replicator Essential plugin. Price: €599 / $699 Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/47mFBxc The Behringer Dice 2U2 is a compact 2x2 USB 2.0 audio interface Bus powered, USB 2.0, 24-bit 192kHz, with two combo mic/line/instrument inputs. The unit is equipped with two Midas-designed preamps. PRICE: $149. Link: https://www.behringer.com/de/products/0805-ABB RODE Releases Firmware v1.4 for The RODECaster Video RODE finally unlocked 4K capture mode for the RODECaster Video. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwYm5m24gDw

CAD E100VP Equitek Large Diaphragm Variable Pattern Studio Condenser Microphone The Equitek™ E100VP is a fifth‑generation, USA‑built condenser microphone that continues a decades‑long legacy of studio excellence. The mic includes a 100 Hz high‑pass filter, 10 dB pad for high‑SPL sources, and a low‑profile shock mount to reduce mechanical noise. Polar Patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, supercardioid, subcardioid, and figure‑8 Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz Sensitivity: -37dBV (in the cardioid polar pattern) Self Noise: (In cardioid mode 9dBA, varies based on polar pattern) Price: $299.99 Link: https://cadaudio.com/ams-e100vp The Behringer Dice 1U2 is a compact 2x2 USB 2.0 audio interface designed for recording microphones, instruments, and line-level sources. It delivers high-resolution 24-bit/192 kHz audio and features a Midas-designed microphone preamp with +48V phantom power. Switchable line/instrument inputs accommodate a wide range of audio sources. The Dice 1U2 provides dedicated headphone and monitor outputs, direct monitoring, and a large level control knob for convenient operation. Ultra-low latency ensures responsive monitoring while recording. A USB-C connection provides both computer connectivity and power, while status, signal, and clip indicators make it easy to monitor levels at a glance. The device is currently available for pre-order at select retailers. Price: $119. Pig Hog Quick Release Microphone/Stand Attachment The Pig Hog microphone quick release adapter makes microphone set-up a snap. Swiftly swap any standard 5/8" mic clip, boom arm, accessories, and more! The adapter uses a full metal construction for strength, with a sleek modern design that blends in nicely with any microphone stand. A gold ring becomes exposed when the adapter is disengaged, elegantly indicating that the attachment is not secure. The hex bit fits securely into the base and prevents accidental rotation. Rubber cushions create a tight connection while preventing noise and vibration. And the Pig Hog quick release has a "no question" lifetime guarantee. The Pig Hog Quick Release retails for $24.95, and 3 microphone adapters go for $21.95. Affiliate Links: https://www.zzounds.com/a--3910612/item--PGHPHMQRA https://www.zzounds.com/a--3910612/item--PGHPHMQMM3 Saramonic MV Pod Cardioid USB / XLR Dynamic Microphone For Podcasting, Streaming, and Gaming 1.14" Large-Diaphragm Dynamic Capsule Cardioid Pickup Avoids Room Noise Hybrid Digital USB-C & Analog XLR Output Active Noise Canceling 24-Bit/48 kHz Audio Conversion Zero-Latency 3.5mm Headphone Monitoring One-Touch Mute and Control Adjustable Mic Gain and Headphone Volume Includes Desktop Stand and Pop Filters Price $79.99 Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4zMByY8 amaran Mic Wireless Dynamic Supercardioid Microphone Desktop Stand Kit For livestreams, podcasts, and content creation. 30mm Dynamic Supercardioid Capsule Standard and AI Noise Reduction Modes Wired USB-C or Wireless with Receiver Up to 60 hours of battery life to sustain long recording sessions Via The App: Shape your tone with EQ presets & custom curves, Vocal Enhancement, Noise Gate, and Limiter controls 48kHz / 24-bit Hi-Fi audio recording for detailed sound Direct audio monitoring via 3.5mm headphone jack Weighted desktop stand for a clean, compact footprint on your desk Available in White or Charcoal to match your setup The polar pattern is supercardioid, and the mic has six-layer acoustic noise protection to help combat plosives. Price $99.00. Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/45RXiEi Rode DS3 Compact Desktop Studio Arm With Ball-Head The Rode DS3 is finally available for purchase. The DS3 is a compact desktop studio arm engineered for perfect placement of your microphone, camera, smartphone, light or other accessories. It’s available in black and white. Features: - High-quality dual-ball mounting adapter with 360-degree articulation - Central locking mechanism for fast, secure positioning - Robust all-metal construction for lasting durability and reliability - Versatile mounting system with 3/8", 1/4" and 5/8" thread compatibility - Supports microphones, cameras and accessories up to 3.3pds - Price: $109 Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4cgBoy2 Harrison Flex-10 10-In/12-Out USB-C Audio Interface For the musically inclined podcasters out there. Inspired by the legendary Harrison consoles that helped shape some of the most iconic recordings of the 1970s, the Harrison Flex-10 brings classic analog character to a modern desktop recording interface. This 10-in / 12-out USB-C audio interface combines high-performance 32-bit /192 kHz conversion with Harrison’s signature sonic heritage. The Flex-10 comes in at $599.99. Affiliate Link: https://www.zzounds.com/a--3910612/item--HARFLEX10?siid=396150

I’m Hank Davis, and this is Podcast Gear News for June 2026 (Your monthly podcasting equipment news show). The lead story this month is the prototype testing and Kickstarter for the Maono PD500W microphone. Full disclosure that Maono sent me this mic as part of their pre-release creator testing. You can check the Kickstarter for pricing (link in the description). While its design will make you think of the Shure SM7B the similarities end there. The PD500W features XLR, USB, and wireless connectivity, plus internal recording for good measure. The microphone features: 32-bit Float Internal Recording (about 45 hours of REC) 24-bit/48kHz Sample Rate in USB mode 2.4GHz Wireless AI Noise Cancellation 147dB Max SPL (XLR Connection) Superb flocked windscreen Clean rear panel with two near flush buttons (REC & Power) 2-setting knob which controls mic and headphone gain. The Maono Link software expands the features even further with settings for automatic gain control, EQ, noise cancellation, compression, limiting, a digital pop filter setting, and there's even AI summary, transcription, and translation. At the time of this recording the Kickstarter is in pre-release. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maono/maono-pd500w-hybrid-microphone?ref=1gi6mk Maono released the P1 and P2 audio interfaces since the last episode of Podcast Gear News. They sent me the P1 when there was still snow on the ground so I've had the unit for months. The P1 specs are as follows: 24-bit/192kHz 70dB gain range EIN: -130dB MFi Certified The unit features 4 knobs (each equipped with mute functionality - that includes the headphone knob) a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 3.5mm camera line out, two USB-C ports for dual connectivity, auto-gain, and the updated ProStudio software that has been greatly improved. This unit clocks in at just $129.99 while the P2 with two combo jacks, but no auto-gain and less gain range at 56dB comes in at $119.99. SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: https://tpenetwork.com/podcast-gear-news/ PROMO: If you would like to support Podcast Gear News, I have individual & business level Patreon, and also PayPal links in the description. Your support is greatly appreciated. FREE PODCAST TOOLS DONATIONS PAGE (PAYPAL): https://freepodcasttools.com/support/ PATREON BUSINESS SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttools PATREON INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttools2 Love the Beyerdynamic brand, but don't want to wear over-the-ear headphones on your podcast? Beyerdynamic introduced the DT 30 in-ear monitors. With IP54-rated protection against dust and water splashes, the DT 30's perform regardless of conditions. These in-ear monitors also include a Kevlar-reinforced detachable cable to help minimize handling noise. The DT 30 IE are available now for $149.99. https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/p/dt-30-ie RØDECaster Studio beta waitlist — and we wanted to give you an early look at what’s coming soon. RØDECaster Studio is designed to make podcast production faster, simpler, and more intuitive, with intelligent tools built for modern creators. Text Edit Edit podcasts by changing words and sentences instead of complex timelines. Intelligent Edit: Get smart suggestions for cuts, cleanups, and first-pass edits to polish episodes faster. Voice Enhance: Improves clarity, balances levels, and reduces background noise with minimal effort. Highlight Builder: Turn long-form conversations into short, shareable clips in just a few steps. SUBSCRIBE/SHARE: PODCAST: https://feeds.captivate.fm/podcast-gear-news/ YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools ERRORS OR OMISSIONS: If you’re a product manufacturer and I got something wrong, feel free to use the contact email in the podcast feed or my contact on the freepodcasttools.com website. Thank you for listening to Podcast Gear News. I’ll catch you next month.

I’m Hank Davis, and this is Podcast Gear News for May 2026 (Your monthly podcasting equipment news show). Solid State Logic has released the SSL-1. It's a 2-in/2-out, 32-bit/192kHz USB-C audio interface with 1 preamp, 1 instrument/line in, 1 headphone out, 2 monitor out ports, 3x stereo loopback, legacy 4K analogue enhancement, bus power, and it comes with bundled software. The SSL-1 is available for macOS, Windows, and mobile devices. The SSL-1 retails for $159.99. Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4nXJxMv Microphone manufacturer Soyuz announced the V1 Dynamic Atomic Heart limited edition microphone. Created in collaboration with video game studio Mundfish, this mic draws inspiration from the retro-futurist world of their game Atomic Heart. I don't know anything about the video game, but to me it just looks cool. This limited edition mic will set you back $279.00. https://shop.soyuzmicrophones.com/products/v1-dynamic-atomic-heart I'm not claiming to be clairvoyant, but the moment I started to talk about the long-in-the-tooth levelator app, that levels speaker audio, we've gotten a few replacements. You can now add Accentize's dxLevel to the mix. The plugin claims to "keep dialogue consistent across speakers, scenes and recordings with intelligent loudness corrections." The plugin is currently free to download and works on several major audio and video editors in VST3, AU, and AAX formats. The link is in the description. https://www.accentize.com/product/dxlevel/?v=0b3b97fa6688 W.A. Production announced DeNoizzer, a noise suppressor plugin offering a comprehensive set of tools which can be fine-tuned to suit your needs. Learn noise profiles and eliminate them from any audio. Listen mode for enhanced monitoring. High & Low pass filters for frequency-specific cleanup. Resolution for quality adjustment. Speed response dial for different types of audio. Frequency spectrum display. AB comparison & Undo / Redo. The background noise removal example on their own website was not very impressive. The plugin will retail for roughly $30 with an introductory price of just $10. https://www.waproduction.com/plugins/view/denoizzer SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools PROMO: If you would like to support Podcast Gear News, I have individual & business level Patreon, and also PayPal links in the description. Your support is greatly appreciated. FREE PODCAST TOOLS DONATIONS PAGE (PAYPAL): https://freepodcasttools.com/support/ PATREON BUSINESS SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttools PATREON INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttools2 Last month I missed the launch of Sennheiser’s HD 480 PRO professional closed-back studio headphones. Sennheiser says they eliminate the two most-cited pain points of closed-back headphones by delivering a tight, accurate bass reproduction and ensuring supreme comfort for audio professionals tasked with recording, tracking, or monitoring in the studio, in live audio environments or on the move. The HD 480 PRO headphones retail for $399.00. Affiliate link below. https://amzn.to/4vf1bh3 I'll place this under the "Just Dreaming" category, but it's simply too cool not to mention. JZ Microphones unveiled the world's first ribbon and large diaphragm condenser hybrid studio microphone. The MU-1 was designed by Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer Marc Urselli. Both capsules sit side-by-side inside a single metal body, aligned in physical space and phase-coherent by design. A single 5-pin XLR carries both signals, splitting the signal via the included breakout Y-cable into two standard 3-pin XLRs - record either capsule alone, or both on separate channels, and blend to taste. The microphone ships in August for $1999. I did NOT add this to my wishlist. https://usashop.jzmic.com/ On a side note I have seen a lot of discussion around the reduced pieces for all, or almost all, of Zoom’s products. Zoom Corp. which is a Japanese manufacturer of audio and music equipment, is facing significant financial distress, having swung to a net loss in fiscal 2025 due to falling net sales and structural market changes. The company declared a “business emergency” in the first half of the year and launched an emergency restructuring plan aimed at restoring profitability in fiscal 2026, driven by restructuring expenses and impairment charges. COMING SOON: I can finally discuss the new budget audio interface I've been testing for the past couple of months. The video review will appear on the Free Podcast Tools YouTube channel in mid June. SUBSCRIBE/SHARE: PODCAST: https://feeds.captivate.fm/podcast-gear-news/ YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools ERRORS OR OMISSIONS: If you’re a product manufacturer and I got something wrong, feel free to use the contact email in the podcast feed or my contact on the freepodcasttools.com website. Thank you for listening to Podcast Gear News. I’ll catch you next month.

I’m Hank Davis, and this is Podcast Gear News for April 2026 (Your monthly podcasting equipment news show). RØDE introduced a slew of new products. Their top announcement was Sonaura, an innovative studio-grade MEMS microphone technology that RØDE says will underpin a new generation of professional audio products across its lineup. The actual tech is ultra-compact at just 4mmx5mm. RØDE also showcased the LPA1 low-profile studio arm (up to 4.4pds), DS3 desktop studio arm, and the PodMic Flag for customised branding. You can print out your own logo as a sticker and place it on the flag. For both Windows and Mac, they also announced the new RØDECaster Studio podcast app, which uses AI to speed up the production process. Import local or cloud files, then allow the software to edit the files for you, and generate a title and summary automatically. It includes text and voice prompt editing as well. The app has optimized output settings which will deliver perfectly processed files for various platforms. No word on pricing so far. Blackmagic's Fairlight Live makes it easy to design your own mixer with flexible audio workflows. Add, modify or move inputs and buses at any time. You can easily change a four host panel into a remote guest setup. Plus there is an extensive native plugin library, EQ, dynamics and support for 3rd-party AU and VST plugins to enhance your mix (up to 24 per channel). Fairlight Live makes it easy to manage microphones, headphones, and mix-minus feeds. And for video creators integrated audio follows video (AFV) control links camera switching directly to the audio mix. Fairlight Live is currently free to download. https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/fairlightlive Elgato's Wave Link 3.1 is available now. Version 3.1 offers more control over your audio effects including giving each effect a custom name with those names carrying over to the Wave Link Stream Deck plugin. You can now hide audio devices you don't need. This can be achieved directly in the app. You now have the ability to use a Cloudlifter without the software going into auto-mute. VST audio effect plugin scans have been overhauled. You'll now be notified which plugins are causing issues without the worry of repeated crashes. The software now keeps your drivers intact during instead of reinstalling drivers on every update. When an update does include a new driver, the software gives you a prompt. There are other minor changes as well. Link in the description https://help.elgato.com/hc/en-us/sections/4913442828941-Wave-Link-Release-Notes SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools PROMO: If you would like to support Podcast Gear News, I have individual & business level Patreon, and also PayPal links in the description. Your support is greatly appreciated. FREE PODCAST TOOLS DONATIONS PAGE (PAYPAL): https://freepodcasttools.com/support/ PATREON BUSINESS SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttools PATREON INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttools2 Sonible announces pure:level an AI-Powered Level Rider. Pure:level provides intelligent audio leveling to ensure consistent levels while keeping dynamics sounding natural. The plugin has a group feature for multitrack usage as well. If you’re looking for a replacement for other leveling programs it might be worth a try. Pure:level retails for $39.00 but launched at just $25.00 ($19 in my case in the United States). The company blueAVS which is known for their budget-friendly HDMI capture cards recently released the blueCaster Two USB audio interface. The blueCaster Two is 24Bit/192kHz and features two versatile XLR/¼" combo inputs for microphones, instruments, or line-level sources. The device also has two mute and pad buttons, two headphone jacks, two 1/4" monitor output jacks, loopback, three monitor modes (stereo, mono, and crossfeed) and LED meters to monitor gain. https://amzn.to/4m8kbdF Shure by Gator has a new low-profile desk mic boom stand in white. It attaches to any surface up to 2.17 in. or permanently attaches via the direct drill mount option. The mic arm provides nearly 3 feet of mic arm extension, silently rotates 360° horizontally with a 90° upper vertical adjustment, and also has a magnetic cable channel. This mic arm retails for $139.99. Shure by Gator also has a couple of microphone stands in white. The lightweight desk stand retails for $54.99, while the heavy-duty stand retails for $74.99. COMING SOON: My review for the blueCaster 2 will be out soon. SUBSCRIBE/SHARE: PODCAST: https://feeds.captivate.fm/podcast-gear-news/ YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools ERRORS OR OMISSIONS: If you’re a product manufacturer and I got something wrong, feel free to use the contact email in the podcast feed or my contact on the freepodcasttools.com website. Thank you for listening to Podcast Gear News. I’ll catch you next month.