RØDE Parent The Freedman Group Acquires Lectrosonics, Establishes U.S. Manufacturing Hub

AcquisitionAudio News

by Nino Leitner10 days ago

In a move that underscores its aggressive expansion strategy and long-term commitment to pro audio excellence, The Freedman Group, parent company of RØDE, has acquired Lectrosonics, a U.S.-based pioneer in high-end wireless audio systems. The acquisition, announced today, marks a significant milestone for the Australian conglomerate and has industry observers paying close attention.

Founded in 1971, Lectrosonics has long been regarded as the gold standard for UHF wireless systems used in film, broadcast, and theatre applications. The company’s Digital Hybrid Wireless technology, which earned an Academy Award for Scientific and Technical Achievement in 2017, remains a staple on top-tier productions across the globe.

The “RØDE Lectrosonics acquisition” includes Lectrosonics’ entire brand and IP portfolio, its factory and 27,000 sqm of land in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and all associated equipment. Importantly, Lectrosonics will continue to operate independently with its management team intact, ensuring continuity and preserving customer relationships.

“They are without doubt the world’s leader in wireless communication for the entertainment and broadcast markets,” said Peter Freedman AM, Founder and Chairman of The Freedman Group. “Being able to now offer our customers the finest sounding wireless technology in the world is, without exaggeration, something that is very special to me.”

Manufacturing expansion in the U.S.

Speaking to Forbes Australia, Freedman revealed that a major driver behind the acquisition was the opportunity to establish U.S.-based manufacturing, which will not only serve Lectrosonics but also support the production of RØDE and Mackie products for the North and South American markets. Freedman stated he plans to shift final assembly of RØDE gear to New Mexico “within 90 days,” leveraging the newly acquired factory to overcome potential tariff hurdles and increase speed to market.

“It’s a double whammy,” said Freedman. “We end up with a company that’s been at the highest end in that area since the 1970s, but the best part is it allows us now to have immediate U.S. manufacturing for everything we want.”

The move is part of a larger global strategy to diversify manufacturing and increase self-sufficiency. Freedman emphasized that Australian production will continue and even send sub-assemblies to the U.S. for completion, helping qualify the products as U.S.-made under trade rules.

A culture shift—with a down-under twist

In addition to operational integration, Freedman promised all Lectrosonics employees a pay rise, along with the introduction of “Australian working conditions”, including staff events, live music, and what he described as a fun but hard-working culture. He’s already planning to hire 200 more employees for the Rio Rancho site.

“We’re going to walk in there and everybody gets a pay rise for a start. Then we’re going to add Aussie conditions… a gym, better facilities. And then I’m going to put a sign out: ‘Wanted: 200 people’.” – Peter Freedman

The “RØDE Lectrosonics acquisition”: long-awaited dream realized

Freedman disclosed that he had long admired Lectrosonics, but failed for years to replicate its proprietary wireless technology. “There’s only three companies that can do the kind of wireless that they do. It’s a very closely guarded secret,” he told Forbes. “I’ve been dreaming of this for 25 years.”

“If I could show you the gear, you’d open it and you’d go, ‘That’s jewellery.’ As an engineer, this is special stuff.”

Consolidation, then IPO?

With the Lectrosonics acquisition finalized, Freedman says he intends to pause on further acquisitions—despite having what he calls a “war chest”—in order to focus on integration. However, he did hint at ambitions to list The Freedman Group on the ASX within the next three to four years, estimating the group’s valuation at around $2 billion.

Strategic fit for the future

Wes Herron, President of Lectrosonics, called the acquisition “an exciting new chapter,” and expressed confidence that the company’s legacy and technical excellence would continue under the Freedman umbrella. CEO Damien Wilson added, “Lectrosonics’ journey, in many ways, mirrors our own. We’ve both built reputations on innovation, independent production, and maintain a deep respect for the creative community.”

With its expanding portfolio—including RØDE, Mackie, Aphex, SoundField, and Event Electronics—the Freedman Group is positioning itself as a true global powerhouse in professional audio. The integration of Lectrosonics could set the stage for transformative advances in wireless audio—combining world-class engineering with bold marketing and global distribution.

Recently, RØDE also entered the video switcher business by introducing the RØDECaster Video, which we reviewed here.

Timeline: key acquisitions and expansions by RØDE / The Freedman Group

If you are interested in our previous reporting on RØDE products, click here to get an overview of all the RØDE-related articles. Below you find a timeline of the company’s expansion.

1967 – Founding of Freedman Electronics
Peter Freedman’s father, Henry Freedman, establishes Freedman Electronics in Sydney, Australia, focused on audio equipment installation and sales.

1990 – RØDE Microphones is launched
Peter Freedman revives the business and pivots toward in-house microphone manufacturing, launching the RØDE NT1.

1998–2010s – Global Expansion and R&D Investment
RØDE significantly expands its manufacturing base in Sydney, building vertically integrated facilities that include CNC machining, PCB manufacturing, injection molding, and more.

2010s – New Product Categories
RØDE enters the on-camera microphone, podcasting, and wireless audio markets (e.g., the RØDELink wireless system and Wireless GO series), broadening appeal to filmmakers, vloggers, and content creators.

2017 – Acquisition of Aphex
The Freedman Group acquires Aphex, a renowned US-based developer of audio processing technology (e.g., Aural Exciter, Big Bottom). This strengthens RØDE’s DSP capabilities and marks its first major US brand acquisition.

2018 – Acquisition of SoundField
The company acquires SoundField, pioneers in ambisonic microphone technology, to deepen RØDE’s offering in 3D and immersive audio capture — leading to products like the NT-SF1.

2020 – Acquisition of Event Electronics
The Freedman Group acquires Event, a legacy brand known for studio monitors like the 20/20BAS. This adds monitoring solutions to the group’s ecosystem.

2022 – Acquisition of Mackie
Freedman Group adds Mackie, a prominent US brand known for live sound mixers, speakers, and recording interfaces. This marks a significant expansion into live performance audio and further strengthens distribution in North America.

2023 – Further investment in Australian manufacturing
RØDE opens a new multimillion-dollar manufacturing facility in Sydney, expanding its in-house production and R&D capabilities.

May 2025 – Acquisition of Lectrosonics
The Freedman Group acquires Lectrosonics, the leading manufacturer of professional wireless audio systems used in film, broadcast, and theatre. This marks their most high-end acquisition to date, firmly anchoring them in the top tier of wireless audio technology.

What’s your take on RØDE’s – or rather: Freedman Group’s – constant expansion in the audio market? Let us know in the comments below.