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/qJuLBdqzrP4Yamaha 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" OutputsDual USB: 18x18 Rec/Play + 2x2 Rec/PlayBluetooth Audio Input, MicroSD RecordingCustomizable Sound PadsSmart Gain + Studio Quality FXBuilt-In Compression and EQ per ChannelFour Headphone OutputsIncludes 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/@FreePodcastToolsPROMO: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/PATREON BUSINESS SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttoolsPATREON INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT TIERS: patreon.com/freepodcasttools2RODE 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/YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastToolsON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://youtube.com/@FreePodcastToolsERRORS 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.