Audio giant Rode is acquiring competitor Mackie to expand its focus on creators.
Both companies were major players in the home recording boom of the 1990s and early 2000s.
Leading audio equipment company Rode has just acquired rival Mackie, creating something of a powerhouse in the professional audio and livestreaming space. Rode previously specialized in professional-grade recording equipment, such as condenser microphones, but has since pivoted to the growing livestreaming market. In that direction, products like PSA1+ boom arm have become integral parts of popular livestreaming channels.
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Mackie followed a similar path to Rode.
The company made a name for itself during the home recording boom of the 1990s and early 2000s by offering affordable yet reliable PA systems (Public Address System, is an electronic sound amplification and distribution system with a microphone, amplifier and speakers, used to allow one person to address a large audience), sound mixers (Sound mixers are responsible for all the sound recorded during filming) and other related devices.
Today, the company has focused on the streamer/creator space with consumer-grade mixers and monitor controllers. Despite all this shift in focus, Mackie still makes professional audio equipment. It's no secret that the streaming content space is more profitable than professional audio, as there are more content creators than serious audio engineers.
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Rode has already made its own efforts in the space, thanks to products like the Rodecaster Pro and the Streamer X. Mackie has similar products, like the podcast-oriented M-Caster series of mixers. The combined power of both companies could create a stir in Corsair and provide more competition to emerging competitors like Razer.
The Elgato Stream Deck controller was a huge success, quickly becoming a staple for many podcasters and livestreamers.
Rode's parent company, Freedman Group, says the merged business will serve "everyone from new content creators to professionals working in live production and everyone in between."
Source: engadget.com
