Rode is a company that has made a HUGE impact on the music industry, but many people don’t know about it.
RØDE Microphones is an Australian-based designer and manufacturer of microphones, related accessories and audio software. Its products are used in studio and location sound recording as well as live sound reinforcement.
It all started when Henry Freedman, the founder, moved to Australia from Sweden and opened a store selling microphones. He soon became a leader in the fledgling Australian audio industry, becoming experts in loudspeakers, amplifiers, and custom electronics, as well as dabbling in the odd microphone.
In this article, I’ll tell you all about Rode and the impact it’s had on the music industry.
The Start of Something Special
The Beginning of RØDE
In 1967, the Freedman family opened their doors in Sydney, Australia and began their journey in the audio industry. Henry and Astrid Freedman, who had recently migrated from Sweden, started Freedman Electronics and quickly became experts in loudspeakers, amplifiers, custom electronics, and even microphones.
The Tom Jones Tour
Freedman Electronics was the first company in Australia to carry Dynacord consoles, and they made a name for themselves when Henry manned the desk while mixing a young Tom Jones during his 1968 tour of Australia.
The Start of a Legacy
Fast forward to today, and the Freedman family’s legacy continues to live on. RØDE has become a leader in the audio industry, and their products are used by professionals and amateurs alike. It all started with the Freedman family’s passion for audio, and now RØDE is a household name.
The Start of RØDE: How it All Began
The Technology of the Time
Back in the 90s, technology was really starting to take off. Home recording enthusiasts had access to all kinds of equipment at relatively low costs. It was the perfect time for something special to come along and shake things up.
The Birth of RØDE
Peter Freedman, son of Henry, had the brilliant idea to source and modify a large-diaphragm condenser microphone from China. After testing the market and seeing the interest, he set up the infrastructure to design, build, and manufacture microphones in Australia. And just like that, RØDE was born!
The Iconic NT1
The first microphone created by RØDE was the now-iconic NT1. It quickly became one of the best-selling microphones of all time. It was followed shortly after by the NT2, which was just as successful and marked the beginning of RØDE’s journey to revolutionize audio capture.
Bullet Points:
- In the early 90s, home recording enthusiasts had access to all kinds of equipment at relatively low costs
- Peter Freedman had the brilliant idea to source and modify a large-diaphragm condenser microphone from China
- He set up the infrastructure to design, build, and manufacture microphones in Australia, and RØDE was born!
- The first microphone created by RØDE was the now-iconic NT1, which quickly became one of the best-selling microphones of all time
- The NT2 was just as successful and marked the beginning of RØDE’s journey to revolutionize audio capture
RØDE’s Studio Domination
The Late 90s and Early 2000s
It’s the late 90s and early 2000s and one company is taking over the studio microphone market like a boss: RØDE. They’ve got high-end valve Classics and NTKs, industry-standard radio mics like the Broadcaster, and reissues of the NT1 and NT2. They’ve got the winning combo of quality and affordability and they’re the go-to brand for a new generation of musicians and audio pros.
The Revolution is Coming
Fast forward to 2004 and RØDE is ready to record the revolution with their new mic: the VideoMic. It’s the perfect mic to capture all the action and it’s ready to rock.
The RØDE Revolution
RØDE is on a mission to take over the studio mic market and they’re doing it in style. They’ve got the high-end valve Classics and NTKs, the industry-standard radio mics like the Broadcaster, and the reissues of the NT1 and NT2. Plus, they’ve got the unbeatable combo of quality and affordability that makes them the go-to brand for a new generation of musicians and audio pros.
And then there’s the VideoMic, the mic that’s ready to capture all the action. It’s the perfect mic for the revolution and it’s ready to rock.
RØDE’s Global Expansion and Manufacturing Investment in the 2000s
The early 2000s were a big deal for RØDE. In 2001, they hopped on a plane and set up shop in the USA, which was just the beginning of their journey to global domination. They also decided to invest in some fancy manufacturing technology and expand their operations, with the goal of creating world-class microphones at an affordable price.
RØDE’s Commitment to In-House Manufacturing
RØDE has always been committed to producing their products in-house, and that commitment has been the foundation of the brand since day one. They’ve invested in the precision technology needed to make sure their mics are top-notch, and that commitment continues to be one of the things that sets them apart.
The Benefits of RØDE’s Manufacturing Investment
Thanks to RØDE’s investment in manufacturing technology, they’ve been able to offer some pretty amazing benefits to their customers:
- High-quality mics at an affordable price
- Consistent quality control
- Quick and efficient production
- A commitment to customer satisfaction
So if you’re looking for a mic that won’t break the bank but still sounds great, RØDE is the way to go.
The Revolutionary VideoMic: A Brief History
The Birth of the VideoMic
Back in 2004, something revolutionary happened. A tiny, but mighty, microphone was born and it changed the game forever. The RØDE VideoMic was the world’s first compact on-camera shotgun microphone and it was about to make a big splash.
The DSLR Revolution
Fast forward to the late 2000s and DSLR cameras like the Canon EOS 5D MKII were making it possible for indie filmmakers to produce cinema-quality video. Enter the VideoMic, the perfect microphone for these creators. It was small, easy-to-use and offered high-definition audio capture.
Vlogging and YouTube Take Over
As vlogging and YouTube started to take over the world, the VideoMic was there to document it all. It was the go-to microphone for content creators everywhere, allowing them to capture crystal clear audio without any fuss.
RØDE’s Expansion in the 2010s
The VideoMic Range
The late 2000s and early 2010s saw RØDE really start to make a name for themselves. They were all about pushing boundaries and expanding their catalogue, and it all started with the VideoMic. It was an absolute hit, and they followed it up with some real classics like the VideoMic Pro and the VideoMic GO.
Live Performance and Studio Mics
RØDE also made some serious waves in the world of live performance and studio mics. They released some industry-standard mics like the M1, and some really innovative ones like the NTR. Needless to say, these mics were in the hands of some of the world’s most talented musicians.
Smartphone Innovations
The rise of smartphones meant that RØDE had to innovate in order to keep up. They released some really cool products for mobile content creators, and it all started with the Podcaster. It was one of the world’s first USB microphones, and it set the scene for a whole bunch of other groundbreaking products. Then in 2014, they released the NT-USB, and it was a real game-changer.
RØDE: Wireless Innovation in 2015
The Industry Standard
By the mid-2010s, RØDE had become the go-to microphone brand for the broadcast industry. The NTG professional shotgun mic range was the talk of the town in film and TV, and the VideoMic had spawned a whole range of on-camera shotgun mics, like the VideoMic Pro and Stereo VideoMic Pro. Not to mention their strong accessory line that made RØDE a legend amongst location recordists and soundies.
The RØDELink Revolution
In 2015, RØDE took their reputation to new heights with the launch of the RØDELink digital wireless audio system. Announced at a huge product launch event in San Diego, USA, the system used RØDE’s 2.4Ghz digital wireless technology to deliver crystal-clear audio transmission for film, TV, presentation, and stage use. The RØDELink Filmmaker Kit, Newsshooter Kit and Performer Kit blew away the competition and solidified RØDE as the premier brand for innovative, affordable wireless mics.
The Aftermath
Four years later, RØDE’s wireless mic technology was still going strong. They had become the go-to brand for anyone looking for a reliable wireless mic system. They had revolutionized the industry with their groundbreaking 2.4Ghz digital wireless technology and had established themselves as the premier brand for wireless mics. And they weren’t done yet.
Celebrating 50 Years of Freedman Electronics
The Early Days
It all started in 1967 when Henry and Astrid Freedman opened their little shop in Sydney. Little did they know that their humble shop would become the home of four powerhouse pro audio brands: APHEX, Event Electronics, SoundField, and the one and only RØDE.
The Rise to Fame
Fast forward to 2017 and Freedman Electronics had become a global leader in audio technology. From music recording and live performance, to broadcast, filmmaking, podcasting and content creation, Freedman Electronics had made a name for itself. And RØDE was the star of the show!
The Future is Bright
50 years later, the Freedman Electronics story is still going strong. With new products and technologies being released all the time, there’s no telling what the future holds for this iconic brand. Here’s to another 50 years of Freedman Electronics!
RØDE: Pioneering the Podcasting Revolution
2007: The Birth of the Podcaster
As podcasting was just starting to take off, RØDE was already ahead of the game, releasing their first dedicated podcasting product – the Podcaster – in 2007. It was the perfect product for pros and beginners alike, and soon became a firm favourite.
2018: The RØDECaster Pro
In 2018, RØDE took a sharp left turn and released the world’s first dedicated podcasting console – the RØDECaster Pro. This revolutionary product made it possible for anyone to record a professional-quality podcast with ease. It was a game-changer and marked a new era for RØDE.
The Benefits of the RØDECaster Pro
The RØDECaster Pro is a must-have for any podcasting enthusiast. Here’s why:
- It’s super easy to use – no need to be a tech whiz to get started.
- It’s got all the bells and whistles you need for a professional-sounding podcast.
- It’s got four headphone outputs, so you can easily record with multiple people.
- It’s got an integrated soundboard, so you can add sound effects and music to your podcast.
- It’s got an intuitive touchscreen interface, so you can easily adjust settings on the fly.
- It’s got a built-in recorder, so you can record directly to a SD card.
The Creative Generation is Here
The RØDE Revolution
It’s time to get creative, folks! RØDE has been shaking up the audio game since the 2010s, and they show no signs of slowing down. From the RØDECaster Pro to the Wireless GO, they’ve been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. And the TF5, VideoMic NTG and NTG5 have been the flagship microphones for studio recording, on-camera and broadcast.
The 2020s and Beyond
2020 is just getting started, and RØDE is already making waves. The Wireless GO II, NT-USB Mini and RØDE Connect and VideoMic GO II are just the tip of the iceberg. So get ready for what’s next – it’s gonna be good!
The Choice of Creators Everywhere
RØDE is the go-to choice for creators everywhere. They know exactly what we need and want from a microphone, and they deliver. So if you’re looking to get creative, RØDE has got your back.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and make something awesome!
Conclusion
Rode has been a game-changer for the music industry, with their affordable yet high-quality microphones that are perfect for both professionals and amateurs alike. With the VideoMic, Rode has been there recording it all, from Tom Jones to Taylor Swift. So if you’re looking for a mic that will give you great sound quality, Rode is the way to go!
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
