NAB 2026: RØDE shows Sonaura MEMS capsule and RØDELink II

Australian audio company RØDE used the NAB Show 2026 in Las Vegas in April to present a set of new products covering microphone hardware, wireless, studio accessories and software. The central item was Sonaura, a new microphone technology that the company says will be the basis for the next generation of its professional products.

Sonaura MEMS capsule

Sonaura is a MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) microphone technology developed by RØDE together with semiconductor maker Infineon, which manufactures it in Germany. The capsule measures 4 x 5 mm and is rated at an 83 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 11 dBA self-noise. It uses a sealed dual-membrane design meant to resist shocks and environmental conditions better than standard capsules. Peter Freedman, founder and chairman of the Freedman Group, said the result was once considered impossible. Sonaura will appear first in the L1 lavalier from Lectrosonics and later in selected RØDE and Freedman Group products.

RØDELink II wireless

RØDELink II is the first RØDE wireless system built on the UHF technology of Lectrosonics. The kit contains two transmitters and one receiver for dual-channel use, and each transmitter comes with a broadcast lavalier with a locking connector. Key specifications:

• 32-bit float recording to microSD inside each transmitter;
• a timecode input/output port for syncing with video;
• a metal housing and three removable lithium-ion batteries;
• accessories and a travel case in the box, plus optional timecode and audio cables (3.5 mm TRS to 5-pin, BNC, XLR, splitters).

The system was previewed at booth C9316 in the Central Hall and is listed as coming soon.

Accessories and software

Two mic arms were announced. The LPA1 is a low-profile arm that stays below the camera's view, with 750 mm reach, 360-degree rotation, 2 kg capacity and built-in cable routing. The DS3 stands on a weighted base with a cork inlay instead of a clamp, holds up to 1.5 kg and comes in black or white. The PodMic Flag attaches to the WS14 pop filter and carries a wrap-around sticker with a logo.

RØDECaster Studio, built by RØDE's AI lab in the UK, is a Mac and Windows app for podcasters that syncs with RØDECaster Pro II and Duo through RØDE Cloud. It edits audio through the transcript, can replace words with AI in the speaker's tone, accepts plain-language commands and has export presets for Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. It is in public beta. RØDE Capture is also coming to Android, with Direct Connect for Wireless Micro, Wireless GO (gen 3) and Wireless PRO transmitters over Bluetooth.