POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

RØDE iXY directional microphone blue circuit board

Object No. 2014/23/5

This object represents part of the manufacturing process of the RØDE iXY directional microphone. Together with the sketches, prototypes and components it illustrates the design and manufacturing process for a small consumer electronic device. The iXY is a high-quality stereo microphone designed for use with the Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It incorporates pair of condenser microphones, in a stacked X-Y configuration to provide immersive, true-to-life stereo recordings. Using the 'RØDE Rec' app and on-board analogue-to-digital conversion it bypasses the Apple device's audio hardware, resulting in high-quality audio recordings. It is an example of the extensive consumer market for Apple iPhone accessories and represents the high-quality design required to be officially endorsed as an Apple iPhone accessory. The iXY is an example of excellence in Australian design and manufacturing. It received an Australian International Design Award in 2013, a Red Dot Design Award, and RØDE Microphones received a number of Australian manufacturing and export Awards in 2012-2013. This object represents a product of a significant local manufacturer. RØDE Microphones, also known as Freedman Electronics, is an Australian company with its manufacturing based in Silverwater - a suburb of Sydney. A world leader in microphone design and production, this company exemplifies the transformation of Australia's manufacturing industry at the time of acquisition towards high-quality, specialised manufacturing for niche industries. Angelique Hutchison Curator 2014