The Australian audio powerhouse behind RØDE microphones has made a strategic acquisition that positions it as one of the most comprehensive professional audio companies in the world. The Freedman Group has announced the acquisition of Lectrosonics, a prestigious U.S. manufacturer of professional wireless audio systems, in a move that completes its audio product range and offers a complete solution for artists and creators across the audio spectrum.
Strategic Acquisition Creates Full-Spectrum Audio Powerhouse
Founded in 1971 and headquartered in New Mexico, Lectrosonics brings over five decades of expertise in UHF wireless audio technology for film, broadcast, and professional theatre applications. The company’s excellence was recognised with an Academy Award in 2017 for its Digital Hybrid Wireless Technology, making it a crown jewel acquisition for The Freedman Group’s growing portfolio.
Peter Freedman AM, Founder and owner of The Freedman Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition in a recent Forbes article: “We are thrilled to welcome Lectrosonics to The Freedman Group family. For decades, Lectrosonics has been synonymous with the highest possible performance along with unmatched reliability and innovation in professional wireless audio. Their uncompromising commitment to quality perfectly aligns with our own values and strengthens our position as a global leader in professional audio solutions.” 
Freedman added in the same Forbes piece that he was “beyond excited and genuinely humbled” that Lectrosonics is joining his team, describing them as “without doubt the world’s leader in wireless communication for the entertainment and broadcast markets.”
While financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed at the request of the vendors, the acquisition includes the company’s brand, complete intellectual property portfolio, factory buildings in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and a comprehensive array of production machinery and equipment.
Tariff-Proofing and Manufacturing Expansion
The acquisition comes at a strategically significant time, following the recent election of President Donald Trump, whose policies include increased tariffs on imported goods. By acquiring Lectrosonics’ New Mexico factory, The Freedman Group has effectively secured a U.S. manufacturing base that will shield its American business from potential tariff impacts.
In what Freedman describes as one of the first solid examples of Trump’s tariffs working as intended, The Freedman Group plans to shift manufacturing of products bound for North and South America from Australia to New Mexico “within 90 days.” This rapid transition will allow RØDE to label products as “U.S.-made” for the American market, which represents 30% of its business.
“Uncle Donald’s tariffs are no problem for me. It’s a double whammy,” Freedman told Forbes Australia. “It’s also very symbolic. We’re going to make it known through our channels to the White House, and whether or not they jump on it or not, who knows. But there’s not that many people who can say, ‘OK, we’re doing it. And we’re doing it fast.'”
The strategic move extends beyond RØDE products. Freedman plans to start manufacturing Mackie sound equipment at the Rio Rancho factory, bringing production back to the U.S. after the Seattle-based company (now owned by The Freedman Group) had previously offshored production to Asia.
A Complete Audio Ecosystem for Creators
With the addition of Lectrosonics, The Freedman Group now offers an unprecedented range of professional audio solutions under one corporate umbrella. Its portfolio includes:
- RØDE microphones and audio devices
- Mackie live performance sound equipment
- Aphex signal processing technology
- SoundField ambisonic microphone systems
- Event studio monitors
- And now, Lectrosonics professional wireless systems
This comprehensive lineup provides creators, from independent content producers to major studios, with a complete audio ecosystem from a family of brands known for quality and innovation.
Wes Herron, President of Lectrosonics, stated in Forbes: “Joining The Freedman Group represents an exciting new chapter for Lectrosonics. With its global reach and shared passion for audio excellence and in-house manufacturing, we look forward to accelerating product development and expanding our market presence while maintaining the quality and reliability our customers expect.”
Enhanced Customer Support for RØDE Products
Alongside this major acquisition, RØDE has recently announced significant enhancements to its customer service offerings. The company has expanded to global 24/7 customer phone support, supplementing its existing chat, email, and ticket options. This round-the-clock availability demonstrates RØDE’s commitment to supporting creators whenever inspiration strikes.
“At RØDE, we pride ourselves on being just as reliable as our products,” the company stated in a February announcement. The 24/7 phone support is currently available for all English-speaking customers, with multi-lingual support available via chat, email, and ticket options.
RØDE Central: The Essential Companion App
Further strengthening its ecosystem approach, RØDE has continued development of its RØDE Central app, an essential companion for configuring compatible RØDE devices. The unified platform works across both desktop and mobile interfaces, allowing users to unlock advanced features, enable or disable functions, and update firmware for a growing list of RØDE products.
Compatible products include the Wireless Micro, Wireless PRO, various Wireless GO models, NT1 5th Generation, PodMic USB, VideoMic series, and several USB microphones and audio interfaces. This software integration layer adds significant value to RØDE’s hardware products, creating a more cohesive user experience across the product range.
Future Growth and IPO Plans
With this acquisition, Freedman estimates The Freedman Group’s value at approximately $2 billion, and he has revealed plans to list the company on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) within “three to four years.”
“Man, it’s got to be getting up to $2 billion. It’s going to list – we have to list it rather than do anything else. The growth narrative is fantastic… And not with stupid multiples making it valuable. This can really generate profit like crazy,” Freedman told Forbes Australia.
Damien Wilson, CEO of The Freedman Group, highlighted the synergies between the companies in the Forbes May 10 article: “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. This partnership is a natural fit and together, we’re going to reshape the landscape of wireless audio.”
