PGN012 - Maono PD500W Hybrid Microphone

PGN012 - Maono PD500W Hybrid Microphone

I’m Hank Davis, and this is Podcast Gear News for June 2026 (Your monthly podcasting equipment news show). The lead story this month is the prototype testing and Kickstarter for the Maono PD500W microphone. Full disclosure that Maono sent me this mic as part of their pre-release creator testing. You can check the Kickstarter for pricing (link in the description). While its design will make you think of the Shure SM7B the similarities end there. The PD500W features XLR, USB, and wireless connectivity, plus internal recording for good measure. The microphone features: 32-bit Float Internal Recording (about 45 hours of REC) 24-bit/48kHz Sample Rate in USB mode 2.4GHz Wireless AI Noise Cancellation 147dB Max SPL (XLR Connection) Superb flocked windscreen Clean rear panel with two near flush buttons (REC & Power) 2-setting knob which controls mic and headphone gain. The Maono Link software expands the features even further with settings for automatic gain control, EQ, noise cancellation, compression, limiting, a digital pop filter setting, and there's even AI summary, transcription, and translation. At the time of this recording the Kickstarter is in pre-release. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maono/maono-pd500w-hybrid-microphone?ref=1gi6mk [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maono/maono-pd500w-hybrid-microphone?ref=1gi6mk] Maono released the P1 and P2 audio interfaces since the last episode of Podcast Gear News. They sent me the P1 when there was still snow on the ground so I've had the unit for months. The P1 specs are as follows: 24-bit/192kHz 70dB gain range EIN: -130dB MFi Certified The unit features 4 knobs (each equipped with mute functionality - that includes the headphone knob) a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 3.5mm camera line out, two USB-C ports for dual connectivity, auto-gain, and the updated ProStudio software that has been greatly improved. This unit clocks in at just $129.99 while the P2 with two combo jacks, but no auto-gain and less gain range at 56dB comes in at $119.99. SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools [https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools] SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: https://tpenetwork.com/podcast-gear-news/ [https://tpenetwork.com/podcast-gear-news/] PROMO: If you would like to support Podcast Gear News, I have individual & business level Patreon, and also PayPal links in the description. Your support is greatly appreciated. FREE PODCAST TOOLS DONATIONS PAGE (PAYPAL): https://freepodcasttools.com/support/ [https://freepodcasttools.com/support/] PATREON BUSINESS SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttools [http://patreon.com/freepodcasttools] PATREON INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttools2 [http://patreon.com/freepodcasttools2] Love the Beyerdynamic brand, but don't want to wear over-the-ear headphones on your podcast? Beyerdynamic introduced the DT 30 in-ear monitors. With IP54-rated protection against dust and water splashes, the DT 30's perform regardless of conditions. These in-ear monitors also include a Kevlar-reinforced detachable cable to help minimize handling noise. The DT 30 IE are available now for $149.99. https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/p/dt-30-ie [https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/p/dt-30-ie] RØDECaster Studio beta waitlist — and we wanted to give you an early look at what’s coming soon. RØDECaster Studio is designed to make podcast production faster, simpler, and more intuitive, with intelligent tools built for modern creators. Text Edit Edit podcasts by changing words and sentences instead of complex timelines. Intelligent Edit: Get smart suggestions for cuts, cleanups, and first-pass edits to polish episodes faster. Voice Enhance: Improves clarity, balances levels, and reduces background noise with minimal effort. Highlight Builder: Turn long-form conversations into short, shareable clips in just a few steps. SUBSCRIBE/SHARE: PODCAST: https://feeds.captivate.fm/podcast-gear-news/ [https://feeds.captivate.fm/podcast-gear-news/] YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools [https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools] ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools [https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools] ERRORS OR OMISSIONS: If you’re a product manufacturer and I got something wrong, feel free to use the contact email in the podcast feed or my contact on the freepodcasttools.com website. Thank you for listening to Podcast Gear News. I’ll catch you next month.

PGN011 - SSL-1 Audio Interface

I’m Hank Davis, and this is Podcast Gear News for May 2026 (Your monthly podcasting equipment news show). Solid State Logic has released the SSL-1. It's a 2-in/2-out, 32-bit/192kHz USB-C audio interface with 1 preamp, 1 instrument/line in, 1 headphone out, 2 monitor out ports, 3x stereo loopback, legacy 4K analogue enhancement, bus power, and it comes with bundled software. The SSL-1 is available for macOS, Windows, and mobile devices. The SSL-1 retails for $159.99. Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4nXJxMv [https://amzn.to/4nXJxMv] Microphone manufacturer Soyuz announced the V1 Dynamic Atomic Heart limited edition microphone. Created in collaboration with video game studio Mundfish, this mic draws inspiration from the retro-futurist world of their game Atomic Heart. I don't know anything about the video game, but to me it just looks cool. This limited edition mic will set you back $279.00. https://shop.soyuzmicrophones.com/products/v1-dynamic-atomic-heart [https://shop.soyuzmicrophones.com/products/v1-dynamic-atomic-heart] I'm not claiming to be clairvoyant, but the moment I started to talk about the long-in-the-tooth levelator app, that levels speaker audio, we've gotten a few replacements. You can now add Accentize's dxLevel to the mix. The plugin claims to "keep dialogue consistent across speakers, scenes and recordings with intelligent loudness corrections." The plugin is currently free to download and works on several major audio and video editors in VST3, AU, and AAX formats. The link is in the description. https://www.accentize.com/product/dxlevel/?v=0b3b97fa6688 [https://www.accentize.com/product/dxlevel/?v=0b3b97fa6688] W.A. Production announced DeNoizzer, a noise suppressor plugin offering a comprehensive set of tools which can be fine-tuned to suit your needs. * Learn noise profiles and eliminate them from any audio. * Listen mode for enhanced monitoring. * High & Low pass filters for frequency-specific cleanup. * Resolution for quality adjustment. * Speed response dial for different types of audio. * Frequency spectrum display. * AB comparison & Undo / Redo. The background noise removal example on their own website was not very impressive. The plugin will retail for roughly $30 with an introductory price of just $10. https://www.waproduction.com/plugins/view/denoizzer [https://www.waproduction.com/plugins/view/denoizzer] SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools [https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools] PROMO: If you would like to support Podcast Gear News, I have individual & business level Patreon, and also PayPal links in the description. Your support is greatly appreciated. FREE PODCAST TOOLS DONATIONS PAGE (PAYPAL): https://freepodcasttools.com/support/ [https://freepodcasttools.com/support/] PATREON BUSINESS SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttools [http://patreon.com/freepodcasttools] PATREON INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttools2 [http://patreon.com/freepodcasttools2] Last month I missed the launch of Sennheiser’s HD 480 PRO professional closed-back studio headphones. Sennheiser says they eliminate the two most-cited pain points of closed-back headphones by delivering a tight, accurate bass reproduction and ensuring supreme comfort for audio professionals tasked with recording, tracking, or monitoring in the studio, in live audio environments or on the move. The HD 480 PRO headphones retail for $399.00. Affiliate link below. https://amzn.to/4vf1bh3 [https://amzn.to/4vf1bh3] I'll place this under the "Just Dreaming" category, but it's simply too cool not to mention. JZ Microphones unveiled the world's first ribbon and large diaphragm condenser hybrid studio microphone. The MU-1 was designed by Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer Marc Urselli. Both capsules sit side-by-side inside a single metal body, aligned in physical space and phase-coherent by design. A single 5-pin XLR carries both signals, splitting the signal via the included breakout Y-cable into two standard 3-pin XLRs - record either capsule alone, or both on separate channels, and blend to taste. The microphone ships in August for $1999. I did NOT add this to my wishlist. https://usashop.jzmic.com/ [https://usashop.jzmic.com/] On a side note I have seen a lot of discussion around the reduced pieces for all, or almost all, of Zoom’s products. Zoom Corp. which is a Japanese manufacturer of audio and music equipment, is facing significant financial distress, having swung to a net loss in fiscal 2025 due to falling net sales and structural market changes. The company declared a “business emergency” in the first half of the year and launched an emergency restructuring plan aimed at restoring profitability in fiscal 2026, driven by restructuring expenses and impairment charges. COMING SOON: I can finally discuss the new budget audio interface I've been testing for the past couple of months. The video review will appear on the Free Podcast Tools YouTube channel in mid June. SUBSCRIBE/SHARE: PODCAST: https://feeds.captivate.fm/podcast-gear-news/ [https://feeds.captivate.fm/podcast-gear-news/] YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools [https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools] ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools [https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools] ERRORS OR OMISSIONS: If you’re a product manufacturer and I got something wrong, feel free to use the contact email in the podcast feed or my contact on the freepodcasttools.com website. Thank you for listening to Podcast Gear News. I’ll catch you next month.

PGN010 - NAB 26 Podcast Gear Roundup

I’m Hank Davis, and this is Podcast Gear News for April 2026 (Your monthly podcasting equipment news show). RØDE introduced a slew of new products. Their top announcement was Sonaura, an innovative studio-grade MEMS microphone technology that RØDE says will underpin a new generation of professional audio products across its lineup. The actual tech is ultra-compact at just 4mmx5mm. RØDE also showcased the LPA1 low-profile studio arm (up to 4.4pds), DS3 desktop studio arm, and the PodMic Flag for customised branding. You can print out your own logo as a sticker and place it on the flag. For both Windows and Mac, they also announced the new RØDECaster Studio podcast app, which uses AI to speed up the production process. Import local or cloud files, then allow the software to edit the files for you, and generate a title and summary automatically. It includes text and voice prompt editing as well. The app has optimized output settings which will deliver perfectly processed files for various platforms. No word on pricing so far. Blackmagic's Fairlight Live makes it easy to design your own mixer with flexible audio workflows. Add, modify or move inputs and buses at any time. You can easily change a four host panel into a remote guest setup. Plus there is an extensive native plugin library, EQ, dynamics and support for 3rd-party AU and VST plugins to enhance your mix (up to 24 per channel). Fairlight Live makes it easy to manage microphones, headphones, and mix-minus feeds. And for video creators integrated audio follows video (AFV) control links camera switching directly to the audio mix. Fairlight Live is currently free to download. https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/fairlightlive [https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/fairlightlive] Elgato's Wave Link 3.1 is available now. Version 3.1 offers more control over your audio effects including giving each effect a custom name with those names carrying over to the Wave Link Stream Deck plugin. You can now hide audio devices you don't need. This can be achieved directly in the app. You now have the ability to use a Cloudlifter without the software going into auto-mute. VST audio effect plugin scans have been overhauled. You'll now be notified which plugins are causing issues without the worry of repeated crashes. The software now keeps your drivers intact during instead of reinstalling drivers on every update. When an update does include a new driver, the software gives you a prompt. There are other minor changes as well. Link in the description https://help.elgato.com/hc/en-us/sections/4913442828941-Wave-Link-Release-Notes SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools [https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools] PROMO: If you would like to support Podcast Gear News, I have individual & business level Patreon, and also PayPal links in the description. Your support is greatly appreciated. FREE PODCAST TOOLS DONATIONS PAGE (PAYPAL): https://freepodcasttools.com/support/ [https://freepodcasttools.com/support/] PATREON BUSINESS SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttools [http://patreon.com/freepodcasttools] PATREON INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttools2 [http://patreon.com/freepodcasttools2] Sonible announces pure:level an AI-Powered Level Rider. Pure:level provides intelligent audio leveling to ensure consistent levels while keeping dynamics sounding natural. The plugin has a group feature for multitrack usage as well. If you’re looking for a replacement for other leveling programs it might be worth a try. Pure:level retails for $39.00 but launched at just $25.00 ($19 in my case in the United States). The company blueAVS which is known for their budget-friendly HDMI capture cards recently released the blueCaster Two USB audio interface. The blueCaster Two is 24Bit/192kHz and features two versatile XLR/¼" combo inputs for microphones, instruments, or line-level sources. The device also has two mute and pad buttons, two headphone jacks, two 1/4" monitor output jacks, loopback, three monitor modes (stereo, mono, and crossfeed) and LED meters to monitor gain. https://amzn.to/4m8kbdF [https://amzn.to/4m8kbdF] Shure by Gator has a new low-profile desk mic boom stand in white. It attaches to any surface up to 2.17 in. or permanently attaches via the direct drill mount option. The mic arm provides nearly 3 feet of mic arm extension, silently rotates 360° horizontally with a 90° upper vertical adjustment, and also has a magnetic cable channel. This mic arm retails for $139.99. Shure by Gator also has a couple of microphone stands in white. The lightweight desk stand retails for $54.99, while the heavy-duty stand retails for $74.99. COMING SOON: My review for the blueCaster 2 will be out soon. SUBSCRIBE/SHARE: PODCAST: https://feeds.captivate.fm/podcast-gear-news/ [https://feeds.captivate.fm/podcast-gear-news/] YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools [https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools] ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools [https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools] ERRORS OR OMISSIONS: If you’re a product manufacturer and I got something wrong, feel free to use the contact email in the podcast feed or my contact on the freepodcasttools.com website. Thank you for listening to Podcast Gear News. I’ll catch you next month.

PGN009 - Shure's New MVX2U Gen 2 Is It Worth It?

I’m Hank Davis, and this is Podcast Gear News for March 2026 (Your monthly podcasting equipment news show). YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/qJuLBdqzrP4 Yamaha has a new line of digital mixers in the MGX series. The MGX12, which retails for $799.99, is Yamaha's latest attempt at a RODECaster-like mixing console. Billed as an interface for live sound, podcasts, and streaming, the MGX12 has: 4 Combo XLR-1/4" Mic/Line Inputs (with 86dB of gain) 4 1/4" & RCA Inputs + XLR & 1/4" Outputs Dual USB: 18x18 Rec/Play + 2x2 Rec/Play Bluetooth Audio Input, MicroSD Recording Customizable Sound Pads Smart Gain + Studio Quality FX Built-In Compression and EQ per Channel Four Headphone Outputs Includes Expansive Software Library and many more features that are too numerous to list in a short overview. The MGX line has larger versions as well ranging from $1099.99 to $1399.99. Elgato spammed products galore after the last episode of Podcast Gear News. Their offerings range from the WAVE 3 MK.2 USB condenser microphone which retails for $169.99, to the MK.2 version of the WAVE XLR (which also retails for $169.99), and the WAVE XLR Pro which retails for $349.99 and will be available in the second quarter of this year. The WAVE 3 MK.2 and WAVE XLR MK.2 both have real-time levels and tap to mute. All three products have the WAVE FX Processor onboard, auto gain, Clipguard 2.0, DSP processing onboard, and VST inserts. Please note that all the devices are 24-bit, and the two interfaces provide 80dB of gain. Each of the three podcast relevant devices has its own appeal, but I would lean towards the WAVE XLR Pro due to its dual PC connectivity, line in and line out ports. However it seems like it would almost be a must to own a streamdeck since the device doesn't have any physical buttons. Lost in the onslaught of Elgato devices was the Shure MVX2U Gen 2 XLR to USB audio interface. The device looks exactly like the original unit still provides 60dB of gain, and is still 24-Bit 48kHz. Although the added mobile-first design, real-time denoiser and digital popper stopper add to the unit's appeal. The original unit was designed for desktop with people having mixed success on mobile devices at that time. The MVX2U Gen 2 has a suggested retail price of $139.00. SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools [https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools] PROMO: If you would like to support Podcast Gear News, I have individual & business level Patreon, and also PayPal links in the description. Your support is greatly appreciated. FREE PODCAST TOOLS DONATIONS PAGE (PAYPAL): https://freepodcasttools.com/support/ [https://freepodcasttools.com/support/] PATREON BUSINESS SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttools [http://patreon.com/freepodcasttools] PATREON INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttools2 [http://patreon.com/freepodcasttools2] RODE announced their Universal Ball Mount. The mount has a threaded 5/8" and 3/8" on one end, and a 1/4" on the other end. It has all-metal construction and supports equipment up to 4.4 pounds. It can be used for microphones, cameras, and accessories. Its dual-axis design allows full 360-degree articulation, while a single central locking knob provides fast, secure adjustments for reliable placement. This accessory retails for $39.00, and should ship mid-April. RODE also officially announced their RODECaster Video Core. It comes in at $599.00 and features two combo jack mic/line level inputs, 3 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI output, 2 USB-C inputs, and 2 USB-C outputs. The device has a single knob on the front of the unit which means that video switching and triggering other effects is solely done in software. While intriguing for newcomers to the RODECaster ecosystem, personally I wouldn't choose Core over the RODECaster Video or Video S. Based on a classic broadcast mic from the '60s, the Warm Audio Retro 64 is a cardioid dynamic microphone with a frequency response of 50Hz-18kHz, a sensitivity of -56dB, and a max SPL of 135dB. The mic can be used on stage, handheld, or in a podcast studio. The mic is rock-solid coming in at 1.7 pounds. The Retro 64 retails for $149.00 and is available now. COMING SOON: I’ll be testing a top-secret, budget audio interface in the coming weeks. More on that once I can speak freely about it. SUBSCRIBE/SHARE: PODCAST: https://feeds.captivate.fm/podcast-gear-news/ [https://feeds.captivate.fm/podcast-gear-news/] YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools [https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools] ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools [https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools] ERRORS OR OMISSIONS: If you’re a product manufacturer and I got something wrong, feel free to use the contact email in the podcast feed or my contact on the freepodcasttools.com website. Thank you for listening to Podcast Gear News. I’ll catch you next month.

PGN008 - BOYA Caster X1

I’m Hank Davis, and this is Podcast Gear News for February 2026 (Your monthly podcasting equipment news show). Roland has introduced the Go:Mixer Studio, a versatile audio interface for content creators offering studio-quality recording and connection options. Besides have a color LCD screen the GO:Mixer Studio offers MIDI in and out, two USB-C ports (one for connectivity and one for power), two XLR inputs, two ¼:” outputs, a ¼” Hi-Z input, ¼” and ⅛” headphone jacks, an AUX input, and two ¼” line inputs. It even has what appears to be a ¼” thread to mount on the bottom of the unit. The device is 24-bit and has a sample rate of up to 192kHz. It provides up to +75dB of per-input preamp gain. You can use the device with Windows, MacOS 15 or later, IOS, and iPad. The Roland Go:Mixer Studio retails for $299.99. Right after recording last month's Podcast Gear News Shure dropped 3 new studio condenser microphones. The KSM32C which retails for $659.00 ($729.00 with the shock mount), the KSM40C which costs $879.00, and the KSM44MP which will set you back $1099.00. The KSM32C has a 3/4" capsule, while the KSM40C has a 1" capsule, and the KSM44MP shares the 1" capsule but has multiple polar patterns available (cardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional). Berlin-based company Native Instruments is in preliminary insolvency. I’m not sure what that means for current hardware and software, but it is a story to keep track of going forward. SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools [https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools] PROMO: If you would like to support Podcast Gear News, I have individual & business level Patreon, and also PayPal links in the description. Your support is greatly appreciated. FREE PODCAST TOOLS DONATIONS PAGE (PAYPAL): https://freepodcasttools.com/support/ [https://freepodcasttools.com/support/] PATREON BUSINESS SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttools [http://patreon.com/freepodcasttools] PATREON INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttools2 [http://patreon.com/freepodcasttools2] CAD has two new supercardioid condenser microphones on tap as well as another E100 series addition. The GXL2000 retails for $79.99 and has a frequency response of 30Hz-18kHz, a sensitivity of -38dBV and a max SPL of 135dB. The GXL4000 retails for $149.99 and has a frequency response of 30Hz-20kHz, a sensitivity of -30dBV and a max SPL of 138dB. The GXL4000 claims to have an equivalent noise level of just 5dB (no rating could be obtained for the GXL2000 prior to recording). The Equitek™ E100VP is a fifth‑generation, US‑built condenser microphone with a gold‑plated 1‑inch large‑diaphragm capsule designed for rich vocals. A continuously variable polar pattern control allows seamless adjustment between omnidirectional, cardioid, supercardioid, subcardioid, and figure‑8 patterns. The E100VP has a 100Hz high-pass filter, 10dB pad for high SPL sources, and a low-profile shock mount to reduce mechanical noise. The microphone has a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz While the sensitivity and max SPL depend on the polar pattern, in the Cardioid setting the sensitivity is -37dBV and the max SPL is 127dB without the pad switch engaged. Also in the cardioid polar pattern the self noise is a quiet 9dBA-weighted. The E100VP has a suggested retail price of $299.99 Cloud Microphones introduces the Mini CL-25 in-line microphone preamp. The Mini CL-25 has class-A JFET circuitry that provides you with an additional +25dB of clean gain. This new preamp is in the style of the Fethead which doesn't require extra XLR cables like previous Cloudlifters. It has a custom Neutrik connector and comes with Cloud Microphones' limited lifetime warranty. The Mini CL-25 retails for $149.00. The BOYA Caster X1 is a new audio interface that provides 70dB of gain, is 24-bit 192kHz, and features an auto-gain setting. The device has a multifunction control knob, and a dynamic light bar displays real-time sound waves, microphone gain, and headphone monitoring level at a glance. You can also customize the light's brightness and colors in BOYA Central on your computer. The device retails for $99.99. COMING SOON: Elgato says they're building a new generation of audio tools for creators. They're using the hashtag #WaveNext in their cryptic posts. We'll find out all the details in a couple of weeks. SUBSCRIBE/SHARE: PODCAST: https://feeds.captivate.fm/podcast-gear-news/ [https://feeds.captivate.fm/podcast-gear-news/] YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools [https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools] ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools [https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastTools] ERRORS OR OMISSIONS: If you’re a product manufacturer and I got something wrong, feel free to use the contact email in the podcast feed or my contact on the freepodcasttools.com website. Thank you for listening to Podcast Gear News. I’ll catch you next month.