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Rode's Wireless Pro mic kit lets you forget about 'clipped' audio
The Wireless Pro from Rode includes a lot of user-requested features -- from a charging case to 32-bit float audio. But at $399 it comes at premium.
Microsoft's Bing chat is available in Chrome and Safari mobile
Microsoft's Bing Chat AI chatbot will now be accessible through third-party browsers like Safari and Chrome.
Sennheiser's 'Profile' microphone for streamers gets a lot right
It's been a long time coming, but Sennheiser's first desktop USB microphone isn't cutting any corners.
Universal Audio launches two new premium microphones
The Sphere DLX and Sphere LX from Universal Audio are fairly pricey microphones, but they’re still cheap compared to the premium gear they emulate.
Zoom releases fix for Mac bug that keeps mics active after calls
Zoom has rolled out an update for its Mac app to fix a bug that could potentially cause privacy issues for users.
Rode's VideoMic Go II changed my opinion on what a shotgun mic can do
Rode VideoMic Go II does more than plug into your camera. The USB connection makes it a versatile podcasting mic too.
Rode's PSA1+ boom arm works with small mics and cameras too
Boom arms are basic tools for streamers, but Rode's PSA1 soon became a favorite. The company just unveiled the PSA1+ which looks to improve on the original in small, but important ways.
The second-gen iZotope Spire Studio is a big improvement at a big cost
If you liked the original Spire portable studio from iZotope, you'll love the second generation. But be warned, the solid upgrades come at a price.
Rode's Wireless GO II kit comes with two mics and onboard storage
Rode's innovative wireless mic kit is back with some heavyweight improvements.
Turtle Beach is buying quirky microphone maker Neat
Gaming headset maker Turtle Beach is acquiring Neat Microphones. The company’s founders include Skipper Wise and Martins Saulespurenssome, who also started Blue Microphones back in the 90s. Turtle Beach didn’t disclose the financial terms of the deal, but did share some of its reasons for buying Neat.
Rode's updated Rodecaster Pro proves software is the key to good hardware
This week, the Rodecaster Pro became a little more useful. When Rode released the Rodecaster Pro in 2018, it was a boon to budding podcasters. The Rodecaster Pro’s noise gate, for example, can be pretty aggressive.
Blue's Yeti X microphone comes with everything you need to sound like a pro
Blue's microphones have been a popular choice for podcasters and live streamers for years, mostly due to their plug-and-play ease of use. Now the company is aiming to make things even easier with its latest USB mic: the Yeti X. The new $169.99 option has redesigned LED metering built in so you can keep tabs on vocal levels in real time. Should you need to make a change, a multi-function control knob does that right on the microphone -- similar to previous Blue devices. What's new here is that same control also acts as the mute switch and can be used to control volume for headphone monitoring.
Logitech's G Pro X headset helps you sound like a pro streamer
After teasing it earlier this week, Logitech has now revealed its new gaming headset, designed to help you sound like a professional streamer. The G Pro X marks the debut of Blue VO!CE software, which includes a suite of real-time mic effects that will let you tune your voice based on your individual preferences. Out of the box, you'll be able to select preset filter profiles that match your own voice's unique tone and volume, or you can customize a filter using pro-grade effects such as a compressor, de-esser and de-popper.
Blue's latest microphone gives streamers an XLR option
With the rise of livestreaming, easy-to-use audio gear has become a staple among YouTubers, podcasters and more. Blue has been catering to that group for a while now with its line of plug-and-play USB microphones, but at CES 2019 the company has a new XLR option aimed at streamers and professional recording environments. The Blue Ember is a $100 mic that's designed to cut down on background noise thanks to its "tight pickup pattern." Basically, the cardioid pattern of the microphone focuses on what's right in front of it to minimize any room noise.
Blue's Yeti Nano is built for simple, high-quality desktop recording
When it comes to podcasting and livestreaming, USB microphones are a great option due to their plug-and-play design. And perhaps no name is more synonymous with these recording devices than Blue Microphones. The company that's best known for it's popular Yeti and Snowball modes (in addition to a line of pro-level studio mics) is introducing its first new product since it was purchased by Logitech for $117 million last month. Meet the Yeti Nano.
Facebook patent turns phone mics on to record reactions to ads
Facebook has repeatedly denied tapping into phones microphones for targeted advertising, but just because it isn't doesn't mean it can't. According to Metro, Facebook has applied for a controversial patent for software that will allow smartphones to begin recording when they hear secret messages hidden in TV ads.
Recommended Reading: Meet the brothers behind 'Stranger Things'
Turned Upside Down Adam Sternbergh, Vulture Netflix darling Stranger Things returns for a second season this fall and the hype is already building. Vulture caught up with the Duffer brothers, the twins who created the nostalgic series that's equal parts horror and adventure. The duo chats seasons 2 and 3, including details of how they plan to end the show at the conclusion of the fourth season.
Teenage Engineering's new pocket synth is its most versatile yet (updated)
Teenage Engineering debuted its first trio of pocket-sized $59 synthesizers almost exactly two years ago. In 2016, the company followed those with a second set of three Pocket Operators featuring the sounds of the '80s. Now the company is back with a third installment: the PO-32. Like the half-dozen different options that are already available, the PO-32 remains a compact drum and percussion synth that runs on a pair of AAA batteries. However, there are two new key features that set this new model apart from the rest.
Shazam for Mac leaves the mic on after the app is turned off (updated)
Shazam brought its music-searching chops to the Mac over two years ago, but former NSA hacker and Mac security guru Patrick Wardle revealed this week that the app has a big flaw. With the version of the app for Apple desktops, the software keeps a computer's microphone on after it a user turns it off. That's right, the microphone on a Mac was still hot even after Shazam performed its duties and users flipped the switch. The company says it isn't recording or saving anything, processing your conversations or storing what it overhears on its servers.
Blue's Raspberry mic is small, but delivers stellar audio quality
It's no secret that Blue's line of USB microphones are a go-to choice for podcasters and anyone else who wants a simple, easy-to-use recording device. The company's Snowball and Yeti mics may be the most popular, but its last few products have focused more on technology that helps you streamline the postproduction editing process. The same can be said for its latest device, the Blue Raspberry. The Raspberry's compact stature and built-in audio tools make it ideal for on-the-go recording, even with the $200 asking price.
