Røde Wireless Micro Receives Direct Connect Bluetooth Upgrade

Røde announced a major firmware update for its relatively recent Wireless Micro solution, introducing Direct Connect – a new Bluetooth feature that allows users to connect Wireless Micro transmitters directly to iOS devices without the need for a physical receiver. The Røde Wireless Micro was launched in November 2024 to offer a pocket-sized dual microphone system for smartphone users that do not require and don’t care about professional features.

The 2025 NAB Show took place from April 5-9 (exhibits opened April 6) in Las Vegas, NV. The traditional gathering of content, media, and broadcast production hosted annually by the National Association of Broadcasters was once again a reenergizing showcase for all the professionals working on these always-evolving industries that traditionally have helped uphold the highest standards in quality of audio and image. But NAB 2025 was not business as usual.

Røde unveiled the third generation Wireless GO, building on the success of the world’s most popular wireless microphone platform. The Wireless GO (Gen 3) now adds over 40 hours of 32-bit float on-board recording and intelligent GainAssist technology, all based on its state-of-the-art Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption that ensures stable audio at ranges up to 260m. And for the first time, the Wireless GO is available not only in black and white, but also in a suite of limited-edition colors.

Saramonic launched its latest wireless microphone for professional creators, complete with timecode. The new Saramonic Ultra system features two IPX5-rated transmitters with built-in MEMS microphones, 32-bit float onboard recording, and an external antenna that extends the range to 300 meters. The well-designed system comes in a practical charging case and is packed with simple to use features, including ClearVoice intelligent noise cancellation.

CES is the most influential technology event in the world – the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), CES 2025 features every aspect of the tech sector with audio activities largely centered around the Venetian Expo and suites. This year, due to the LVCC renovations, the show will spread even more, with increasing pressure over the Venetian.

Following a few intense days in the extremely warm and dry environment in Berlin, attending IFA 2024 - the Big CE Supermarket as I called it in my 2015 report - it felt great to move on to Amsterdam and attend the vibrant International Broadcasting Convention (IBC). Great, if it wasn't for the sudden change in weather with unexpected rain and a sudden drastic drop in temperature. IBC 2024 was a vibrant show with historical announcements from Sennheiser and Genelec, but our report also highlights the impressive expansion of Dante audio networking in this important industry segment. And many other reasons why everyone was happy to be at IBC.

Zoom Corporation announced another great product for field recording... and much more. The new Zoom H1 XLR Handy Recorder is a perfect design that ditches the built-in microphones and focuses on professional audio, 32-bit floating point, ultra-high-dynamic-range recording - no gain adjustments needed! Perfect to work with shotgun or lavalier microphones and even line level sources. But the compact device is also a versatile USB-C audio interface when we need one.

IBC2024 will see the global media and content production industry converge once again on the RAI Amsterdam convention center, September 13-16. The event, again using all 14 Halls of the exhibition center, will feature many new exhibitors, and promises to bring the content and technology community together to showcase game-changing innovations, address media's most pressing trends, and enable collaboration during the four-day exhibition and three-day IBC Conference.

A BIG Celebration for Tech. That's how the next edition of IFA 2024 can be described. Taking place in Berlin, Germany, IFA 2024 is essential the global technology trade show that moves markets, inspires buyers, and maps the future of consumer electronics and home appliances for work, home, and play. The 2024 edition celebrates 100 years of IFA with a new brand, new format, and new improved business areas. IFA 2024 takes place from September 6-10.

Yamaha Corporation launched a new line of dynamic microphones with capsules carefully tuned to capture clear and natural sound across a wide frequency response. With four different models in the YDM Series, Yamaha is targeting primarily content creators who can benefit from the newly engineered cardioid capsule that is able to handle both quitter sounds and higher SPLs in proximity, without revealing the problems of less than ideal acoustics. The design also minimizes handling noise.