Austrian Audio Releases Two Studio-Quality Stage Microphones

Austrian Audio announced two new microphones that expand the company's product catalog into the stage. The new OD505 Active Dynamic and OC707 Handheld Condenser bring a studio-quality experience and technology to new handheld vocal microphones that are designed for live performance. Both models use capsules that are handmade in Austrian Audio’s facilities in Vienna, with a design that minimizes the contact between the capsule and the enclosure.

DPA Microphones recently upgraded its renowned 4098 Gooseneck Microphone to include its CORE by DPA technology. With this update, the 4098 CORE microphone range joins DPA’s other CORE products in offering minimal distortion across the entire dynamic range, increasing audio clarity and openness and further enhancing the already stellar sound. Perfect for both podium and conference room applications, the DPA 4098 CORE is the ideal solution for speech and formal announcements when high speech intelligibility is paramount.

Vocal microphone capsules used with Sennheiser's top wireless series were always praised by the professionals who had the opportunity to use them in daily work. Now, Sennheiser decided to expand its top vocal options available to more users by leveraging on those designs. On one hand, it released the MD 435 wired microphone, based on its popular MD 9235 cardioi dynamic capsule, normally used with the SKM 9000 and 6000 Series handheld transmitters, while also introducing the new MD 445, a supercardioid microphone for situations demanding maximum presence and feedback rejection.

With podcasting popularity on the rise, as more and more users learn to balance music streaming services with a sprinkle of favorite talk shows, interviews and commentary, brands are also launching new podcasting production solutions. Japanese brand Zoom introduced the PodTrak P4, a new mobile recorder for podcasting that features a four channel mixer and USB-C audio interface. And to complete the solution, Zoom introduced the new ZDM-1 Podcast Mic Pack, including the ZDM-1 large-diaphragm dynamic microphone and ZHP-1 professional closed-back headphones.

DPA Microphones introduced the latest addition to its microphone lineup, the 4097 CORE Micro Shotgun Microphone. Featuring the same sonic qualities as the brand’s supercardioid Choir Microphone, the 4097 CORE Micro Shotgun has been optimized to pick up speech from a distance. Incorporated into the company’s new 4097 CORE Interview Kit, the mic has been designed for use with a lightweight boom and windjammer. This kit is particularly useful for journalists in today’s socially distanced world as it allows users to conduct interviews from up to two meters (6.5 feet) away. It is a plug and play solution that allows users to get started quickly and employ their existing workflows.

Røde Microphones introduced the latest addition to its best-selling VideoMic range, the VideoMic NTG. Released fresh off the back of the NTG5 broadcast shotgun microphone, the VideoMic NTG is introduced by the Australian company as "another gamechanger," and "an incredible-sounding, supremely versatile on-camera shotgun microphone unlike anything else out there." And there's a reason for excitement, since a lot has been happening lately at Røde to support a development like the NTG.

Røde Microphones announced a new supercardioid microphone to its portfolio of professional audio solutions. The NTG5 is a short shotgun mic designed for the most demanding recording applications, featuring a tailored frequency response, tight polar pattern and smooth off-axis response. Its lightweight aluminum construction makes it perfect for location recording with a boom pole, and RF-bias circuitry and conformal coating ensure high resistance to adverse environmental conditions.

After a considerable period of beta testing and real-world trial, DPA Microphones introduced the 2028 Vocal Microphone, designed to excel in live performance environments and survive the road. The 2028 will compete in a crowded and traditionally conservative market segment by combining a competitive price and DPA’s renowned natural sound, which allows all types of vocals to shine. Apart from appealing directly to touring singers, the 2028 mic will also find applications in broadcast and pro AV applications.

Australian pro audio giant RØDE Microphones released the Performer Kit’s RØDELink TX-M2 Handheld Condenser Microphone as a standalone unit, sold separately for the first time. For content creators requiring different microphone options to suit any situation, the RØDELink system – the basis for the Filmmaker Kit and Newsshooter Kit – now has a stylish, durable, compact handheld solution, the TX-M2. With 10 hours of use on a full charge, the TX-M2 is perfect for on-camera interviewing.

TASCAM has introduced three new TM-series condenser microphones and the new TM-AM-series microphone stands and booms, including a stand with a counterweight, a broadcast-style microphone boom, and a tripod stand. The new products have multiple applications but are ideal for podcasters and videographers. The series now includes the TM-90BM boundary condenser, the TM-95GN gooseneck electret condenser, and the TM-150SG supercardioid shotgun microphones.