El Segundo, CA–MXL Microphones has introduced its new MicMate Universal USB Microphone Interface. Designed as an incredibly easy-to-use tool that enables any dynamic or condenser microphone to be connected to a personal computer, the new MicMate opens up the world of recording to anyone with a desire to capture crystal clear, professional quality audio. This versatile, compact interface makes capturing audio for podcasts, adding dialog to presentations, recording live performances , and a host of similar applications as simple as connecting any other USB peripheral. more

San Francisco–Multi-venue, multi-purpose Biwako Hall in Otsu City, Japan, recently upgraded its speaker management systems, installing five Dolby Lake Processors in the 1848-seat Main Theatre plus another five units in a smaller 804-seat Theatre. Located next to Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, Biwako Hall opened in 1998 to provide a variety of venues for music, opera, dance, drama and traditional performing arts productions. more

Pompton Plains, N.J.–Zaxcom announced that it has created two new digital audio microphone packages designed to make it easier for broadcasters and ENG professionals to wirelessly transmit and record broadcast-quality audio signals. By packaging many of the company’s core products together, Zaxcom is leveraging its collective engineering successes and tailoring the product combinations to meet needs specific to various audio applications. more