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

Zoom Corp announced the PodTrak P4next which features 4 XLR inputs, battery power, and features like AI noise reduction, tone shaping, and voice compression (which are all available on the USB model the PodTrak P2).

In addition to the 4 XLR inputs the P4next sports a TRRS port, a connection for Zoom's Bluetooth device the BTA 2, and USB-C for connecting to a computer. The device can handle up to 5 participants with either 4 XLR and 1 participant over USB or 3 XLR, 1 participant via USB, and either Bluetooth or TRRS.

The P4next features 70dB of gain, is 24-Bit and 48kHz, has 4 sound pads, and can record multitrack files via micro USB cards. The P4next retails for $179.99 and will launch in early to mid-November.

https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/podtrak-recorders/podcast-recorders/podtrak-p4next/

For a full review, walkthroughs, and tutorials stay tuned to my YouTube channel (link in the description). https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools

Steinberg has announced that its hardware products will be rebranded under the Yamaha banner.

Undertaken as part of a restructuring of both companies' product development systems, the rebrand will see Steinberg shifting its focus away from hardware and exclusively towards software development and sales.

A German manufacturer and software developer founded in 1984, Steinberg was acquired by Yamaha in 2004. Since then, the companies have jointly developed and released a number of products, including Steinberg-branded audio interfaces such as the IXO series, launched in 2024.

The IXO12, IXO22, UR22C, and UR44C audio interfaces have been relaunched under the Yamaha brand and all other Steinberg interfaces will be "gradually phased out"

Yamaha YCM705 large-diaphragm condenser microphone comes in white or black and retails for $349.99. It has a 1" diaphragm, cardioid polar pattern, a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, plus pad and low-cut switches. It ships with a pop filter, shockmount, stand adapter, and pouch.

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Focusrite released the Scarlett 2i2 USB-C Audio Interface 4th Generation, 40th Anniversary Edition. It retails for $229.99 and is absolutely stunning. Housed in a limited-edition ISA-blue aluminum chassis, this anniversary model recalls the iconic channel strips that launched the Focusrite name. An embossed Focusrite Forte logo on the top and silkscreened artwork on the underside. An image of the device should appear on the screen now.

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

This month Warm Audio came out swinging! They have three new mics each in nickel or black. The WA-47jr SE and the WA-87jr SE (both minus polar pattern, low cut, and pad switches) cost $199 each. Meanwhile the WA-87jr, with polar pattern, low cut, and pad switches, comes in at $299. Longtime, and trusted, microphone reviewer Curtis Judd says the WA-87jr SE is worth serious consideration. A link to his review is in the show notes. https://youtu.be/IOawKITUYo8?feature=shared

BUY THE WA-87jr SE: https://amzn.to/46IMdp7

Acquaintance and audio interface maker Fernando Pires (PEER-es) from AudioSigma looks to be getting wider distribution for the PodMobile and MikeHero audio interfaces. The original versions of these units were exclusively available from audio gear retailer BSW, but now their products are starting to popup on BHPhoto and other retailers. Kudos to Fernando and AudioSigma. The MikeHero Classic retails for $299, while the DSP versions of the MikeHero and PodMobile retail for $349 and $399 respectively. For my review of the MikeHero Classic, check out my YouTube channel. Link in the description.

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Icon Pro Audio has launched the WeLive Portable Streaming Interface with Bluetooth. The WeLive has studio-grade DSP FX processing, along with a 2.8" TFT color display, 15 encoders for hands-on control, and nine trigger pads for custom sounds and loops. The unit has two combo jacks, a TRRS headset jack, comes with a remote control, and operates on battery power for up to six hours. The WeLive retails for $189. Icon Pro Audio also has the Touch 8 12x12 audio interface and the GoLive Handheld audio interface for $599, and $169 respectively.

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Icon Pro Audio has the new Space 103 34mm large diaphragm condenser microphone. The Space 103 retails for $179.00 US and comes with a shock mount. The Space 103 has a 34mm diaphragm, a cardioid polar pattern, a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, a sensitivity of -40dBV/pa, and a very impressive self-noise of only 8dBA.

Icon also released the Nova 3 condenser microphone with a shock mount and pop filter included for $149. The Nova 3 has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, a sensitivity -37dBV/Pa, figure 8, omni-directional, and cardioid polar patterns, and a hand-built double-sided 34mm capsule.

COMING SOON:

Fifine has an updated XLR/USB microphone other than their recently released Tank2. My full review is coming soon.

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

NEW PRODUCTS & SOFTWARE:

The new RØDECaster Video firmware update introduces a powerful suite of updates designed to elevate live production. Key features include full NDI (Network Device Interface) support with PTZ camera control, updates to RØDE Capture for seamless IOS video integration, and creative tools like luma keying, key masking, and layer stretch for professional overlays. Users can now add inputs as overlays, enable auto-switching with the RØDECaster Pro II and Duo, and customize visuals with rounded corners. Alongside these, the release delivers minor UI improvements, new output mixes, and ISO recording synchronization, ensuring smoother workflows and more dynamic video content creation.

HyperX has introduced a new gaming and podcasting mic called FlipCast which features XLR and USB connectivity. The FlipCast has a multifunction wheel that lets you adjust mic gain or control a monitor mix, a tap-to-mute button, and a couple of onboard audio filters (a voice clarity mode, a high-pass filter). There's also RGB lighting, and the LEDs function as an input level meter during recording. The microphone supports 32-bit recording up to 192kHz when in USB mode. The FlipCast retails for $229.99 US.

Gator Frameworks has released a new low-profile broadcast microphone boom arm. This low-profile boom ensures an unobstructed view of the host or guest, making it ideal for video recordings and live streaming. It securely clamps to desks up to 2.17" thick, offering a stable and space-saving configuration. It has a 33″ arm extension, 360° rotation, 90° vertical movement, and an integrated cable management channel with a magnetic cover to hide XLR or USB cables. The boom arm retails for $99.99 U.S. which is $30 cheaper than the exact same looking boom arm Gator Frameworks makes for Shure Microphones. Please note that reviews for the version made for Shure are littered with complaints that the arm can’t hold mics at the intended height no matter how tight you twist the tightening knobs. Gator Frameworks support told me that the arm can hold microphones weighing 4.4 pounds.

There’s a new compact audio interface that shows some promise. The Blackstar Polar Go is a 2-channel portable USB-C audio interface that retails for $129.99 US. The Polar Go has dual USB-C ports with one dedicated to power and the other to data. It has a 3.5mm stereo output for headphones, a combo jack, 48v phantom power, and a power button. The Polar Go is only 3.1" long with an internal battery that provides up to six hours of operation, and a built-in metal plate for use with magnetic phone holders. The Polar Go works with iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and a whole host of applications. The Polar Go app provides video capture, presets, and the intelligent Magic Wand tool for analyzing your audio and creating the perfect mix with a single swipe. The Polar Go doesn’t even require an external mic as it comes equipped with their ProCapture stereo microphone technology, (which they claim delivers stunning detail that far surpasses your phone’s mic). The interface is 24-bit and 48kHz, and the combo jack provides 46dB of gain.

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CAD has launched the PA28 inline preamp for dynamic and ribbon microphones. As the name suggests, the CAD

I’m podcast award-winner Hank Davis, and this is Podcast Gear News for July 2025 (Your monthly podcasting equipment news show).

Zoom’s well-received PodTrak P2 has ended its price hike experiment (at least in the United States, anyway). When the device launched this year, it retailed for $99.99 USD, but after it garnered attention, it was promptly raised to $149.99 USD. Thankfully, the dual USB mic input interface is back to its original price. Note that some of their other products remain at an increased price. You can check out my review of the unit at the link in the description. https://youtu.be/SJboRk7AiOQ?si=_J7bS18bgKwlECPG

M-Audio has released a refresh to their M-Track series with the M-Track Duo HD. The prior M-Track Duo had an outdated USB-B port and was 16-bit 48kHz. The new HD version offers 24-bit 192kHz, 55dB of gain, and a modern USB-C port for connectivity. While M-Audio preamps are highly regarded, I was a bit disappointed that they haven’t increased the product’s gain. I’ll be waiting to see if/when they release a single XLR combo input version like their previous series. The M-Track Duo HD retails for $99.00 USD. There’s also a producer pack that adds a condenser microphone and headphones for $199.00 USD.

For podcasters who don’t mind stage mic style microphones, sE Electronics released their 25th Anniversary Edition Nickel and Gold versions of the V7. The microphones are stunning! The Nickel retails for $149.00 USD while the Gold clocks in at $199.00 USD.

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Behringer has released an update to their copycat version of the RODE NT-1 Signature Series called the TM-1 Dark Edition. The TM-1 Dark Edition is now in black with nearly an identical look and accessories as the NT-1 Signature Series. Coming in at $30 less than RODE’s offering, the TM-1 retails for $129.00 USD; however, can it replicate the smooth sound of the RODE NT-1 signature series? I hope to take it for a spin in the future.

Golden Age Project FC1 MKIII Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone has been reported to be in the wild already. It comes with a shock mount and carrying case, features a 100Hz low-cut filter, a 32mm gold-sputtered diaphragm, and retails for just $99 USD. Company founder Bo Medin recently made his rounds in the United States discussing this mic and other gear coming from Golden Age Project.

COMING SOON:

Behringer also has a re-release of their B1 microphone in the Dark Edition series. The retail price is currently $109.00 USD.

There are several microphones that I am aware of, which are expected to be released soon, but I don’t have any concrete release details as of yet. So be sure to subscribe to this podcast. If anything major happens between now and next month’s episode, I’ll chime in with an urgent update.

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I recently reviewed the RGBlink Mini video switcher and discussed the RODECaster Video’s webcam framerate issue that I had with a camera on their compatibility list. Shortly, I’ll be releasing my review of the dated, but potentially still relevant, Mackie M-Caster Studio, and I’ll discuss an upcoming product from Zoom that has

This is Podcast Gear News. I'm Hank Davis, an award-winning podcaster, commercial and film director, and YouTuber. Each month, I'll run down all the latest news surrounding podcast equipment and software. From upcoming and recently released microphones and audio interfaces to the accessories and software used to create content, Podcast Gear News is a monthly resource that will help you keep up with all the latest podcasting technology. I'll also discuss the products reviewed on my YouTube channel and website called Free Podcast Tools. I hope you'll join me, and please help spread the word.

If you like to stay up to date on podcast equipment news and reviews, Podcast Gear News is the show for you. Airing monthly, Podcast Gear News focuses on the products that brings podcasts to life.

Podcast Gear News uses Podcasting 2.0 features like Podping which updates podcast availability much quicker than legacy podcast apps. In most cases, Podcasting 2.0 apps can be alerted to a new episode in under 90 seconds! While I use Podcast Addict, you can find your own Podcasting 2.0 app here: https://podcastindex.org/apps.