Rode Logo PNG
Rode: Brand overview
Rode Microphones, originally established as Freedman Electronics in 1967, was the brainchild of Henry and Astrid Freedman in Sydney, Australia. The company initially focused on supplying hands-free systems and other audio equipment to the Australian market. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the Friedmans began building their microphones, starting this endeavor with models such as the RODENT-1 and then the Rode NT-1.
The microphone got its name from the founders’ Scandinavian roots: “Rode” means “red” in Swedish, and the “ø” symbol was added to give it a European flavor. Under the leadership of Henry’s son, Peter Friedman, Rode embarked on an innovative journey, redefining microphone design and cementing its reputation as a key player in the global microphone industry. The company’s notable accomplishments include the 2004 launch of the VideoMic, a microphone designed for on-camera capture, and the introduction of the Wireless GO system in 2019.
With more than 120 employees, Rode conducts all manufacturing processes at its facilities in Sydney, and its products reach consumers in more than 110 countries. Today, the company offers microphones for various applications, such as recording, broadcasting, live performance, and content creation. These products cater to various audiences, from general consumers to professional sound engineers.
Maintaining its status as a family-owned, privately held company, Rode is currently led by Peter Friedman and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017. In essence, Rode’s journey is one of transformation: from a small importer of audio equipment in Australia to a world leader in microphones, thanks in part to a relentless pursuit of research, quality, and in-house manufacturing.
Meaning and History
1967 – 2022
2022 – today
The diagonal slash crossing the letter “Ø” gives the RØDE logo its distinctiveness, emphasizing the character of the Australian brand. This element enhances the design’s expressiveness and symbolically refers to the microphones the company produces. The diagonal line resembles a microphone stand with professional audio recording equipment. The letter “Ø” features another interesting detail—a symbol from extended Latin alphabets used in Norwegian, Danish, and Faroese. This highlights the brand’s international identity and its focus on quality and versatility.
While simpler in appearance, the other letters are crucial in shaping the overall impression. They are rendered in a bold, sans-serif font, giving the emblem a confident and powerful look. The block-like shapes of the letters emphasize stability and reliability, qualities associated with the brand’s products. The text is written in uppercase, reinforcing a sense of formality and professionalism.
The black color was chosen for its universality and solidity. It adds minimalist sophistication while making the logo stand out on any surface or material. The simplicity and clarity of the design reflect the company’s focus on functionality and product quality.
Using the letter “Ø” in the center sets the brand apart from competitors and gives it a unique charm. Its distinctive styling is memorable and underscores technical precision and attention to detail—highly valued in the audio industry. Together, all the emblem elements create the image of a professional and innovative manufacturer committed to meeting the market’s high demands.
