Latest news with #Rode
Tom's Guide
27-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
Rode AI-1 review
The Rode AI-1 is one of the best beginner-friendly audio interfaces out there, hands down. The AI-1 is so easy to use straight out of the box and has a foolproof design. While there's only one XLR input, this is a compact audio interface designed for podcasters and home musicians, so this should be all you need to get up and running. There are also two ¼' speaker outputs and a ¼' headphone input for live monitoring. Everything simply works as it's intended to. There's a reason the AI-1 is so well-respected in the audio world. I can't lie, though, I do wish it had just one more input for more versatility. That said, the AI-1 is only $129, so it could be a worthy toss-up. I'll discuss everything in detail in this Rode AI-1 review. Price $129 / £129 Analog inputs 1 x Neutrik XLR-¼' combo Analog outputs 2 x ¼' speaker outputs / 1 x ¼' headphone output Power USB-C plug-and-play Gain range 60dB Bit depth 24-bit Preamp Yes Weight 1.2 pounds Dimensions 3.5 x 4.9 x 1.5 inches Colors Black App Rode Central The Rode AI-1 is a beginner-friendly audio interface, and that's reflected in the price. The AI-1 will set you back $129 from Amazon U.S. and £129 from Amazon U.K., which is $300 cheaper than Rode's second-cheapest audio interface, the $489 Rodecaster Duo. However, if you're looking to save as much $$$ as possible, you might want to consider the even cheaper $79 Rode AI Micro. It's not the most versatile of devices with its single input, so I'd only recommend it for those recording single tracks at a time — if you have multiple podcast guests or want to record multiple mic layers at once, you might want to check out the aforementioned Rodecaster Duo. The AI-1 looks very simple — because it is. But simple doesn't mean boring. As with other Rode gear I've tested, the AI-1 is weighty and premium. The body is just 5 inches wide and 3 ½ inches deep, which meant it fit perfectly beside my MacBook Pro during testing. The compact size means the AI-1 will be at home in even the smallest bedroom studios. On the front of the interface is the XLR input, headphone (¼', not a 3.5mm) output, and two gain dials. There's a tiny LED that glows red or orange if your levels are too high during recording, which I thought was a great way to warn me about clipping while live. These dials are smooth and feel lovely to turn; they're sturdy and well-made, and aren't flimsy in the slightest. I had no issues jumping between the two quickly. On the reverse, you'll find the USB-C power and two ¼' headphone outputs. As the AI-1 is a plug-and-play interface, it must be plugged into your computer or laptop. It has no internal power supply. I find this to be more of a help than a hindrance, as it means the AI-1 is portable and versatile. As you might expect, the Rode AI-1 performs like a high-quality, high-caliber product. I've yet to be disappointed by Rode. On top of being an audio interface, it can also be used as a headphone amp, although audiophiles are better off looking for a dedicated device. If you have a high-quality mic, like the Rode PodMic ($150) or the Shure SM4 ($199), this is a sure-fire way to achieve near professional recording quality. Thanks to the 24-bit depth, the AI-1 provides a high-resolution sound. I didn't have these available to me during testing, so I used a $40 Behringer. Remember, if you want professional recording quality, you'll need one of the two mics I mentioned above. The Behringer mic I used was just to test the Rode AI-1, not to test mic quality. The AI-1 doesn't do anything except act as a connection between an analog device and a computer. It has a high-quality DAC, for high-quality sound. It's a straightforward, no-frills product, with straightforward, no-frills performance. If you already have one of the best microphones like the Shure MV7+, Shure MV6, or the Shure MV7i (which is actually a microphone and audio interface in one, and is one of the best microphones I've ever used), you won't need the Rode AI-1. This is an audio interface designed for analog instruments and mics. If you've used the iconic Focusrite Scarlet 2i2, the AI-1 is basically a more compact version of that. If you need 2 channels, the Focusrite is your best choice, but if you need the one, then I'd save $100 and get the AI-1. While there's little room for improvement, there's also very little room for error. The Rode AI-1 simply works. It connects up analog instruments, XLR mics, and allows clean, high-resolution recordings directly into your computer. As I've said earlier, there's very little room for error in the same way there's very little room for improvement. The Rode AI-1 knows what it is and does its one job well. Considering the AI-1 only has one XLR input, it's a little restricted in what it can and cannot do, but if you need one channel, it's probably the best compact audio interface you can get. If you want an audio interface and a mic in one, I'd check out the Shure MV7i I mentioned above. However, if you want the simplest and most straightforward option on the market, then there's nothing like the Rode AI-1.
The Verge
25-06-2025
- The Verge
Insta360's new wireless mic looks no bigger than an Apple AirTag
Having already secured a strong foothold in the action cam market with its Ace Pro lineup, Insta360 is now challenging DJI, Shure, and Rode with the company's first wireless microphone. Looking comparable in size to an Apple AirTag, the Insta360 Mic Air is one of the smallest and lightest wireless mics now available while still offering up to 10 hours of battery life. The Insta360 Mic Air is currently available through the company's online store and retailers like Amazon for $49.99 for the microphone by itself, or as part of a $69.99 bundle that includes a USB-C receiver needed to connect the mic wirelessly to smartphones and Insta360's stabilized gimbals. Weighing just 7.9 grams, the Mic Air is lighter than the 10 gram DJI Mic Mini, the 30 gram Rode Wireless GO II, and even Shure's tiny 8.2 gram MoveMic. It's designed to be worn by clipping it to clothing, using a magnetic backing, or by hanging from a pendant strap. For solo creators, the Mic Air also has its own button controls that can be used to activate noise canceling, start or stop video recording, and even quickly mute it, while the USB-C receiver has its own volume controls. Insta360 claims the Mic Air offers up to 10 hours of use on a single charge and a range of up to 300 meters, but that's while the microphone is connected to its optional wireless receiver in an 'open, unobstructed, and interference-free environment' and with noise canceling turned off. The Mic Air can also wirelessly connect directly to the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 action cam and Insta360 X5 8K 360-degree cam over Bluetooth (the company is promising compatibility with other models coming later). But doing so drops the battery life to up to 7.5 hours and the range will be reduced to between 30 and 50 meters. Although Bluetooth connectivity is included, the optional USB-C wireless receiver is needed to use the Mic Air with smartphones, which also means you'll potentially need a cumbersome adapter dongle to use it with older iPhones that still have a lightning port.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hailey Bieber Rocks Slinky Black Bikini Amid Justin Bieber's Cryptic Message
If slaying all summer wasn't enough, Hailey Bieber posted thirst trap bikini photos after 's cryptic message fueled divorce rumors. The model owned the spotlight and dominated the entire season with a billion-dollar deal for Rhode and a solo Vogue cover. Now, she sizzled in a black string bikini in her latest snaps. However, Justin's online activity hasn't been entirely praiseworthy and drew intense flak. More recently, he shared a confusing message on Instagram, writing a strange caption about 'love' and 'transactional relationships.' A steamy Vogue cover and a $1 billion Rode deal later, Hailey Bieber had another look-at-me moment by casually flexing bikini photos. In a new 'accidentally hot' Instagram post, Hailey checked the summer heat, baring her butt and styling barely-there fits following Justin Bieber's cryptic message. The pop star recently shared random, blurry selfies with the caption, 'Tired of transactional relationships. If I have to do something to be loved. That's not love.' The text has since prompted widespread speculation. The Rhode founder's photos came like a ray of sunshine on a chilly winter morning. In the carousel, she wore a black skimpy bikini with a cowboy hat as she posed on the beach. Other snaps also consisted of glimpses of her skincare brand's latest product reveal – a glazing mist. Hailey was all smiles, giggling through her beachy photoshoot as she channeled her inner cowgirl and enjoyed cozy mornings sipping coffee. Seemingly, Justin Bieber was missing from Hailey Bieber's latest photos as divorce rumors continue to make the rounds. Regardless, the mom of one appeared to be glowing with genuine delight in the snippets and recaps of her recent days. It also looked like Hailey stepped away from her parenting duties, possibly for a work shoot for her brand. The slideshow further showed random moments of her clicking bikini selfies in the water, other looks she stunned in, and glam-up shots. The post Hailey Bieber Rocks Slinky Black Bikini Amid Justin Bieber's Cryptic Message appeared first on Reality Tea.
Man of Many
10-06-2025
- Man of Many
RØDE's NTH-50 Headphones Punches Well Above Its $199 Price Point
By Jacob Osborn - News Published: 10 June 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 3 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Audio legends RØDE hail from the heart of Sydney and remain best known for their industry-leading microphones. However, don't sleep on the brand's award-winning range of headphones, which deliver professional-grade specs at an unbeatable value. A new on-ear model has just joined the family, and it's their most affordable one to date. Dubbed the NTH-50, it continues the value trend in style, offering top-notch design and performance for the exceptionally reasonable cost of AUD$199. Tailor-made for DJs, RØDE's latest release simultaneously goes out to pretty much anyone who's passionate about sound reproduction. These headphones have been expertly engineered to cultivate natural and balanced audio with ultra-low distortion and passive noise isolation. Matching the NTH-50's sonic prowess is an ergonomic, flexible, and durable design, the kind that starts comfortable and stays there for hours on end. Suffice it to say, these babies were built to last. RODE NTH-50 Headphones | Image: Rode Whether you're mixing tracks on a laptop, spinning wax, or streaming music on the go, the NTH-50 has you covered…literally. Here's a quick rundown of its core features: Custom-matched 40mm driver housed within a resonant chamber for deep, balanced bass, as well as supreme clarity across the midrange and top end. An innovative acoustic design that yields precise frequency response with ultra-low distortion. Passive noise isolation for interruption-free listening and monitoring. A contoured headband and adjustable design for prolonged wearability and a tailored fit. Lightweight but sturdy construction and a sleek aesthetic. A detached cable with a locking connector and dual-sided attachment for improved flexibility. Crafted using high-grade components in RØDE's state-of-the-art facilities. Backed by a lifetime warranty. RØDE's NTH-50 follows the NTH-100 and NTH-100M, two over-ear headphones that similarly punch well above each device's respective price tags. The brand hasn't released any wireless models just yet, but given its history, we imagine it's only a matter of time. RODE NTH-50 Headphones | Image: Rode Meanwhile, the NTH-50 is every bit as dependable as its quality features would suggest. Balanced pressure distribution and a fully adjustable design provide a tailored fit for every type of user, including those who wear glasses. Under the skin, top-notch components generate crystal-clear audio no matter the environment. And did we mention that the headband, ear cushions, and cables are all easily replaceable? It's no wonder that RØDE backed this one up with a lifetime warranty, as the NTH-50 was indeed built to last a lifetime. For AUD$199, this one is a freaking steal!
Tom's Guide
30-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
I just tested the perfect mic for content creators — and there's a reason why you see it in so many TikTok videos
Rode consistently makes some of the best microphones, and the new Wireless Go Gen 3 is no different. A worthy upgrade from the Go Gen 2, the Gen 3 has better wireless range, 32-bit float recording (up from the 2's 24-bit), a massive 32GB of on-board storage in each transmitter, headphone monitoring, GainAssist, and so much more. Yes, it's true: the Go Gen 3 definitely deserves its place as one of the most iconic wireless mics. While there are still a few little annoyances (for example, opening the Rode Central app stops recordings midway and the high-pass filter isn't super adept at noise cancellation), the Wireless Go Gen 3 is a fantastic set of compact mics. So is it worth the $329 price? It depends who you are — if you're a content creator looking for the best of the best without dropping $$$, then it's certainly for you. Keep reading to find out the full story in this Rode Wireless Go Gen 3 microphone review. Price $329 / £279 Connectivity USB-C, TRS, lightning On-board storage 32GB (40 hours) Range 850 feet / 260 meters Max SPL 123.5 Audio resolution 196kHz, 32-bit Frequency response 20 Hz – 20 kHz Microphone type Condenser Battery life 7 hours Polar pattern Omnidirectional Weight 1.2 ounces (RX and TX), 3.6 ounces altogether Dimensions 1.8 x 1.7 x 0.8 inches Colors Various: I tested black The Rode Wireless Go Gen 3 costs a pretty hefty $329 from Amazon U.S., making it $20 pricier than its predecessor the Wireless Go Gen 2. Surprisingly, the Gen 3 comes in a huge range of colors: I tested black, but it also comes in white, red, purple, blue, and more. I've never seen a mic with this much range before, so it's a welcome departure from mundanity. On Amazon U.K., the Wireless Go Gen 3 has an RRP of £279, but has been around £230 since April. Right now, I'm unsure why there's such a price difference between the U.S. and U.K. However, I think $329 is still a pretty decent price for a microphone of this quality. If you want the most basic Rode wireless mic, I'd suggest the $149 Wireless Micro. It's basically just the Wireless Go Gen 3 but with a much more beginner-friendly usage and slightly reduced quality audio. Even so, for amateurs or beginners, there's nothing better. Conversely, if you need a fully professional mic, then check out the Rode Wireless Pro ($399). The Rode Wireless Go Gen 3 looks pretty much like every other wireless RX and TX set, but that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the design. The transmitters and receiver are the same size: just 1.7 x 1.8 inches. The microphones also come with a soft pouch for easy transportation, which is also roomy enough to fit the USB-C, lightning, TRS cables, and dead cats. On the receiver, the controls are as follows: Volume (mic gain) buttons, channel buttons, and the Ø button for connection. The transmitters have one button for pairing or recording, and an Ø button for muting and marking (which I struggled to get working — more on that in the 'Features' section below). Both transmitters and the receiver also have a clip, which I found incredibly useful for on-the-fly recording. There's also a 3.5mm output on the RX for live monitoring and 3.5mm inputs on each TX for additional lav mics. I quite like the RX's bright LED screen. It's a little brighter than the Shure MoveMic 88+'s screen (which I still liked), but a decent amount smaller. In future versions (I know the Gen 3 has literally just been released), I'd like to see this screen even bigger, and maybe even controllable via touch for even easier usability. There's also a dead cat for wind resistance. I found this really efficient for pop reduction when carrying out my plosive testing, so I'd recommend using it to mitigate pops with interviewees who perhaps don't have the best microphone etiquette. Unlike the Sennheiser Profile Wireless, the dead cat didn't distort audio clarity. First off, one of the most impressive features is the 850-foot wireless range. This makes it a touch longer than the Sennheiser Profile Wireless' ($299) 800 feet. The Rode Wireless Go Gen 2 ($299) has a max range of around 650 feet, so this is a major improvement on the previous iteration. Another major improvement is the massive 32GB onboard storage — 40 hours of 32-bit recording. On the Gen 2, this is 40 hours of 24-bit float recording, which means the Gen 3 has higher memory. You can still export at 32-bit on the Gen 2, though. While the Gen 3 has improved range and memory over the Gen 2, it also carries over one of the Gen 2's most helpful features: Safety Channel mode. This mode automatically records a second track at -10dB, so if your first recording is too loud or distorted, you've got a backup. Enabling this feature is easy: simply activate it in the Rode Central app. Even when I was trying to shout loudly into the mic and distort it, my recordings were reasonably salvageable thanks to GainAssist. I definitely would place my trust in this mic, even when recording in noisy environments. Due to the 32-bit float recording, even tracks from loud environments are easy to edit in post. I tested this with both whispered speech and shouted speech. I was able to amplify my whispered recordings without losing any quality. Incredibly, the recording still sounded clear and crisp. In fact, all the recordings you'll hear in the 'Audio quality' section were amplified in Audacity. Then, I held the mic way too close (think complete microphone newbie) and talked loudly into it. I was, again, able to save this in Audacity. One of the most interesting features is the customizable 'Ø' button. This button can be configured to mute the mic, or place a 'marker' in the on-board recording. Markers can be used for noting in long audio files where you need to trim, edit, or cut, amongst other reasons. It basically makes your life easier in post. I was expecting this marker to place a beep sound in the recording, but nothing happened. I've reached out to Rode for assistance, but have yet to receive a response. I'll come back to update this review once I hear back. Another fantastic feature is the Camera Preset. This is an automatic, premade setting that links up with a number of cameras. You can load these presets into your RX (via Rode Central desktop only) and then enable when the mics are set up with your camera. Unfortunately, this is limited to new and popular cameras: my Canon Rebel T3i is too old now. Finally, battery life. The Go Gen 3 has 7 hours charge in each TX, and you can buy a charging case (to up the overall charge to 21 hours) for $89 from Amazon U.S.. This is a pretty good battery life, but other wireless mics come with a charging case, like the Sennheiser Profile Wireless. As with the Rode Wireless Micro, the Wireless Go Gen 3 works with the Rode Central app. This app is very straightforward and easy to use: I had no problems navigating it during testing. As you can see from the three screenshots above, the camera preset settings has a huge range of cameras, from Canon, to GoPro, to Panasonic and more. You can also customize channel gain and split or merge the TXs, and configure settings like the Ø buttons. As you can record in 'Split' or 'Merged', be aware that you will need to re-merge the mics if you turn one off. The first time I used the Go Gen 3, I didn't realise this and was left with a stereo recording only on one channel. I had to fix it in post, which was easy, but a little annoying. Thankfully, due to the 32-bit float recording quality, my recordings were never distorted even with a lot of fiddling in Audacity. The tracks were crisp, clear, and faithful to my voice, even when I had an ambient noise track playing in the background. Here you can listen to all my standardized audio testing clips. As with all mics I test, I recorded clips of tongue twisters (to analyze plosive and fricative performance), ambient noise clips to test the high-pass filter, alongside generic spoken tests. Plosives Here you can listen to the Rode Wireless Go Gen 3's ability to record plosive (B, P, D sounds) sounds without popping. To get the best result, I used the dead cat here. As you can tell from the audio clip above, the Go Gen 3's quality was pretty excellent. There were no loud pops thanks to the dead cat. A word of warning, though: I would recommend using said dead cat, as when I repeated this test sans-muff the recording was quite poppy. Fricatives/sibilance Fricatives are soft, airy sounds like F and Z, and sibilance refers to S sounds (like a snake). I recorded myself saying a couple of S-heavy tongue twisters. As you can hear above, the sibilance performance was really impressive. There's no unsavory hissing whatsoever, and I was really trying to do my best imitation of an angry snake here. I would have no reservations about interviewing even the most serpentine of guests with this mic. Ambient noise performance As with the Wireless Micro, the Wireless Go Gen 3 doesn't really have an 'ambient noise reducer' like some of the best Shure microphones. It's got a high-pass filter, which basically blocks noises below a certain threshold (75Hz or 100Hz). For these clips, I used the 75Hz. This is with the high-pass filter enabled. You can still hear quite a decent amount of background noise. Sure, my voice is still audible, but this might require a few hours in post-production if you want it completely silent. This is the same clip without the high-pass filter. See, there's not much difference between the two clips. It's definitely because the Wireless Go Gen 3 doesn't have an ambient noise reducing technology like Shure's proprietary 'Denoiser' (which is excellent). It's just a high-pass filter, so better to use for wind and quiet interference. In the future, I'd like to see Rode release an AI traffic/speech reducer, so post-production would be easier if recording in very loud environments. Still, it's not awful… just not mind-blowing. The Wireless Go Gen 3 is a worthy upgrade from Gen 2. You get higher quality recordings, more onboard storage, a range of new features like GainAssist, a charging case, and live headphone monitoring. On top of these extra features, the mic's recording quality is fantastic — of course it is, it's Rode. You'd expect it to be brilliant. My only qualm is that the high-pass filter isn't hugely adept at minimizing ambient noise. For a mic that's so often used as a street interviewing mic, I'd expect it to have much more advanced ambient noise reduction in future. However, if you're a content creator looking to upgrade your professionalism, of course it has to be the Rode Wireless Go Gen 3. There's a reason this mic is everywhere in TikTok videos.
