Fender announced a significant milestone in its evolution of creative tools bringing PreSonus Studio One Pro and its renowned recording interfaces together under the Fender name. Studio One Pro becomes Fender Studio Pro, while the Quantum and AudioBox lines transition to the Fender Quantum Series and Fender AudioBox. You’ll recall Yamaha recently did a similar rebrand of their audio interfaces. The Quantum LT2, LT4, and LT16 each provide 75dB of gain and retail for $149.99, $199.99, and $499.99 respectively. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the AudioBox Go rebrand which clocks in at just $99.99. However it has a gain range of 50dB and is 24-bit 96kHz as opposed to the aforementioned Quantum LT line that is 24-bit 192kHz. They also relaunched the HD series of interfaces but that appears to be a simple reskin with no noticeable improvements in look or performance.

The UT Vintage87 large-diaphragm condenser microphone from United Studio Technologies has an instantly recognizable vintage sound, and a cardioid polar pattern. It has a 24K gold sputtered dual diaphragm/dual backplate K87-style capsule. It has a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, a sensitivity of -34dB, and a max SPL of 117dB. It comes equipped with a -10dB pad switch, an 80Hz high-pass filter, and of course it requires 48v phantom power. The UT Vintage87 has a suggested retail price of $399.00.

https://unitedstudiotech.com/en/products/ut-vintage87

Reports of a scaled down version of the RODECaster Video called Core have begun to surface. It is believed to be an entry-level video switching system that integrates with the RodeCaster Pro 2 and the Duo, adding full video switching capability to what was previously an audio-only production platform. The hardware is said to feature three HDMI inputs, one HDMI out, and a couple of USB-C ports for webcams or connecting to a computer. It is said it will also support NDI for PTZ camera control. Reports indicate that the unit's enclosed design is a departure from the RODECaster Video series with no buttons or screens on the unit.

The device is believed to have a built-in 20GB hard drive and the ability to record to an external hard drive. The device should come in under $500 and should hit shelves by this summer. Once the official info has been released, check the Free Podcast Tools YouTube channel for all the official details.

https://www.microcenter.com/site/mc-news/article/ces-2026-best-creator-gear.aspx

Not to be outdone, Yamaha released the URX44V USB-C audio and video interface. The URX44V has 1 HDMI input and 1 HDMI pass-through meaning you can use your camera, gaming console, or other media devices. The 4 combo jacks offer 78dB low-distortion gain and 32-bit/192kHz of high-quality audio. The device has dual USB-C ports labeled sub and main, a 4.3-inch touchscreen interface for real‑time control, built-in DSP mixing tools and FXs, dual headphone outputs, plus dedicated headset and AUX inputs. The unit also provides a microSD card slot, and seamless integration with Elgato, OBS Studio, and Stream Deck controllers. With a retail price of $799.99 it could offer some stiff competition to other similar devices.

IMPORTANT NOTES: USB MAIN: 18-track recording & playback - USB SUB: 2-track recording & playback. Of the four combo inputs 2 appear to be mic/line level while the other 2 provide Hi-Z along with mic/line level. The microSD allows you to record up to 16 tracks of audio and play back 2 tracks directly from it. The HDMI ports - Capture: 4K/60fps, 1080p/240fps -...

I’m Hank Davis, and this is Podcast Gear News for December 2025 (Your monthly podcasting equipment news show).

The Audio Interface Market Size is valued at roughly 230 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 368 Million by 2033. A link to the article is in the show notes. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/audio-interface-market-size-surpass-130000781.html

Arturia has released the MiniFuse 2 OTG, a portable dual USB audio interface designed for creators who need flexibility across multiple devices. On-The-Go functionality enables direct connection to smartphones and tablets without requiring a computer. The MiniFuse 2 OTG maintains full compatibility with PC and Mac systems via its USB-C interface, adhering to USB 2.0 standards. The dual USB design enables audio routing between two computers simultaneously. The unit is 24-Bit 192kHz and is priced at $219.

Soyuz Microphones has launched the V1 cardioid dynamic microphone. It comes in black or silver and has a very unique design (similar to the Earthworks microphones style). The microphone has a frequency response of 50Hz to 15kHz retails for $279 US and can be used in the studio or on stage. https://soyuzmicrophones.com/v1-dynamic

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Elgato’s Wave Link 3.0 software is free for everyone and works with any microphone. The software is currently in public beta and available for Mac and Windows. With up to 5 custom mixes and a routing table, Wave Link 3.0 has the flexibility for a wide range of content creators. A link to the video is in the description. https://youtu.be/kGtq4eKIckU

Want to treat your home studio but don’t want to drill into your walls? Utilizing both absorption properties and proprietary diffusion patterning, the ProSoCoustic WAVERoom Pro 2' x 4' Gobo panels will help improve your recording environment. Perfect for wall, ceiling, and thanks to the included foot base, free standing barrier. The WAVERoom Pro panels retail for $299.00. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/WRPGobo2x4Bk--prosocoustic-prosocoustic-waveroom-pro-2-foot-by-4-foot-gobo-black-fabric-black-stain

Stedman is back with the Proscreen PS101 V2 pop filter. Coming in at $15 cheaper and a diameter of 4.75 inches instead of the 6 inch Proscreen XL V2, the PS101 might be more inline with what users are looking for. The PS101 retails for $69.99.

I’m Hank Davis, and this is Podcast Gear News for November 2025 (Your monthly podcasting equipment news show).

After last month's episode RODE launched the RODECaster Video S. The RODECaster Video S is a slimmed down version of the RODECaster Video and retails for $499 as opposed to the nearly $1200 of the original device. It has 3 HDMI inputs instead of 4, 1 HDMI output instead of 2, 1 USB-C input for a camera or microphone instead of 2, 4 less buttons for triggering scenes, media, inputs, and overlays, plus RODE opted for internal storage instead of offering a micro SD port.

If you’re looking to spruce up your recordings with brightly colored accessories, RODE now has the PSA1+ studio boom arm in multiple colors including: orange, red, blue, pink, purple, and green. The arms retail for $139.00. RODE already offers HDMI, USB-C, PodMic windscreens, and their wireless lavalier mics in a myriad of colors.

Antelope Audio has the Zenith 2 on deck which is a 2x2 USB-C bus-powered compact audio interface. Equipped with discrete 6-transistor preamps derived from the Origin Studio SC and 123 dB of dynamic range in AD/DA conversion, with a bit depth of 32-bit and a sample rate up to 192 kHz the Zenith 2 packs a punch. Coming in at $299.00 this audio interface has the versatility for musicians and content creators alike.

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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.

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Beyerdynamic Introduced the DT 270 PRO headphones. A compact entry into beyerdynamic’s PRO range, the DT 270 PRO headphones claim to deliver balanced sound with durable construction, and flexible usability. Designed and developed in Germany, the DT 270 PRO headphones retail for $159.99 US. At just 45 ohms these headphones will work with a wide range of devices. The headphone accessories include a coiled 3.5mm cable, USB-C to 3.5mm female adapter, 1/4" adapter, and a drawstring bag.

Austrian Audio launched a pair of headphones of their own with the limited-edition Hi-X18 5-year anniversary closed-back over-the-ear headphones. The Hi-X18 headphones retail for $149 and look absolutely stunning.

sE Electronics recently launched the 25th Anniversary edition X1 A microphone in red and white. The mic has all the same specs and switches as the original, however the anniversary version comes in red or white and has 25 stamped on the mic under the sE logo. The 25th Anniversary edition retails for $129 US.

COMING SOON:

I’ve put together a fake mockup of what I think could be the next innovation in content creation audio interfaces. That video will be available on my YouTube channel in December.

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