Podcastage's Favorite Audio Gear of 2021

Today we discuss my favorite audio gear of 2021. I limit the selections to one winner and one runner up which made it very difficult, but I share my favorite microphone that I reviewed this year, my favorite audio interface I reviewed, and my favorite new production gear that I use in my studio. I would love to hear what your favorite gear of the year is.

Links:
Podcast Channel: http://youtube.com/bandrewsayspodcast
Watch Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watchcastage
Music Channel: https://www.youtube.com/bandrewplays
Personal Channel: https://www.youtube.com/bandrewscott

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Gear Discussed (Affiliate Links):
Neumann TLM49:  https://imp.i114863.net/tlm49
Earthworks Ethos: https://imp.i114863.net/ethos
Universal Audio Twin X: https://geni.us/uatwinx 
Audient ID14: https://geni.us/id14mkii
Taylor 517E: https://imp.i114863.net/517e
Jim Dunlop .60mm Nylon Picks: https://geni.us/jd60
Ernie Ball 1.5mm Picks: https://geni.us/eb15
Radial Engineering JS-3: https://geni.us/radialjs3

Gear Used to Record (Affiliate Links):
Lauten Audio FC-387: https://geni.us/lautenfc387
Hakan P110 Pop Filter: https://imp.i114863.net/Za2Ag
OC White Low Profile Boom Arm: https://www.ocwhite.com/product/ultima-gen2-ultra-low-profile-adjustable-mic-boom-with-a-12-fixed-horizontal-arm-and-machined-table-bushing/
Universal Audio x8: https://imp.i114863.net/zMg2r
Sennheiser HD650: https://geni.us/sennhd650

00:00 - Intro
00:37 - Favorite Mics I Reviewed
03:03 - Favorite Interfaces I Reviewed
04:35 - Favorite Production Gear
08:23 - Favorite Mics I Bought?
09:40 - Your Favorite Gear?
09:56 - Conclusion

BSP-285: Discord Premium Paywall, YouTube Copyright Issue, and More

On episode 285 of the BSP, I discuss discord rolling out premium memberships and my thoughts on why this changes nothing about the discord platform, I also discuss youtube's copyright issue and why I don't anticipate it being resolved, and then answer questions about the Shure SM7b and Noise Treating Reooms. 

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Lauten Audio LC-387: https://geni.us/lautenfc387
OC White Low Profile Boom Arm: https://www.ocwhite.com/product/ultima-gen2-ultra-low-profile-adjustable-mic-boom-with-a-12-fixed-horizontal-arm-and-machined-table-bushing/
Universal Audio x8: https://imp.i114863.net/zMg2r
Sennheiser HD650: https://geni.us/sennhd650

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Twitter: @bandrewsays
Ask Questions: https://www.askbandrew.com
Merch; https://teespring.com/stores/podcastage-store
Discord: http://www.podcastage.com/discord

00:00 - Intro 
00:17 - Discord Premium Paywall

• Discord Blog: https://discord.com/blog/building-sustainable-creator-communities-on-discord

• Discord FAQ: https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/4415163187607-Premium-Memberships-for-Servers

08:45 - YouTube Copyright Issue

• Mark's Update: 

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSFIGHdtd_g

• PewDiePie's Video: 

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku1ykhGP764

14:56 - Lauten FC-387
17:12 - WYHTS: Tape Editing Would Use VU Meters
19:39 - WYHTS: Podcast about Social Media Drama?
20:47 - Ask Bandrew
21:22 - Voice Submission 1
21:37 - How to Reduce Background Noise without Treating Room?
23:56 - Email 2
24:37 - What Interface Can I Use the SM7b More Than 6 Inches Away?
28:37 - Voice Submission 3
29:00 - Am I Concerned about Getting Fired For What I Post Online?
33:32 - Email 4
34:04 - Getting Good Sound Out of the TLM49?
36:37 - Outro

Neumann U67 Reissue Review / Test

Today I review the best microphone ever made, or at the very least one of them, the Neumann U67 Reissue. This is a multi pattern tube condenser microphone that sounds amazing. It offers a fairly controlled low end, neutral-ish mid section and a smooth top end that avoids sibilance and harshness. One main down side is the price and the Max SPL only hitting 124dB. 

Buy the Neumann U67 Reissue  (Affiliate Link)
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/u67

Buy the Neumann U87 Ai (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/u87aikit
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/u87

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:45- Setup
01:10  - What’s in the Box
01:50 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
03:00 - Specifications
03:32 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
04:29 - Plosive Test
04:47 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
05:07 - Background Noise Test 
05:24 - Untreated Room Test
05:44 - Shock Rejection Test
06:03 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
06:20 - High Pass Filter Test
06:45 - High Quality Interface Test
07:38 - LA610 Tube Preamp Test
08:27 - Portico 5017 Preamp Test
09:00 - Intro to Comparison
09:15 - Neewer NW700 Comparison
09:40 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
10:02 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
10:29 - Rode NT1 Comparison
10:54 - Shure SM7b Comparison
11:32 - Neumann KMS105 Comparison
12:03 - Neumann TLM102 Comparison
12:28 - Warm Audio WA67 Comparison
13:06 - Neumann TLM103 Comparison
13:37 - Neumann TLM49 Comparison
14:07 - Telefunken TF47 Comparion
14:38 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
15:20 - Music Test
17:01 - Pros & Cons
18:51 - Overall Thoughts
21:35 - Is a $7000 Mic Worth It? /  Recommendation
23:31 - Outro

BSP-284: Is Twitter Banning Group Photos?

On episode 284 of the BSP, I discuss twitter's new policy regarding media of private individuals being banned and what I believe this means. 

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Neumann U67: https://imp.i114863.net/NrO97 
OC White Low Profile Boom Arm: https://www.ocwhite.com/product/ultima-gen2-ultra-low-profile-adjustable-mic-boom-with-a-12-fixed-horizontal-arm-and-machined-table-bushing/
Universal Audio x8: https://imp.i114863.net/zMg2r
Sennheiser HD650: https://geni.us/sennhd650

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Twitter: @bandrewsays
Ask Questions: https://www.askbandrew.com
Merch; https://teespring.com/stores/podcastage-store
Discord: http://www.podcastage.com/discord

00:00 - Intro 
00:15 - Jack Dorsey Leaves Twitter
01:19 - Twitter Suspends You For Posting Private Pictures

• Twitter Blog Post: https://blog.twitter.com/en_us/topics/company/2021/private-information-policy-update

• Twitter Policy: https://help.twitter.com/en/rules-and-policies/personal-information

15:38 - Neumann U67 Reissue 
16:53 - Computer Issues 
18:55 - Outro

Oris Diver 65 Swiss Everyday Dive Watch Review

Today we look at one of the most popular dive watches on the market right now, the Oris Divers 65. This thing is gorgeous, and even though it has a number of flaws, it’s still an absolute joy to wear.

Buy the Oris Divers 65: https://www.oris.ch/en/watch/divers-sixty-five/01-733-7707-4354-07-8-20-18

Are the Earthworks Ethos and Icon Pro The Same?

Can you use the pop filter from the Earthworks Ethos on the Icon Pro? Is the Earthworks Ethos the same as Icon Pro?

Buy the Earthworks Ethos (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: N/A
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/ethos

Buy the Earthworks Icon Pro (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/iconpro
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/iconpro

Buy the Earthworks SR314 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/sr314
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/NZQm2

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

00:00 - Intro
00:46 - Are the Capsules the Same?
01:38 - Can You Use the Ethos Wind Protection on the Icon Pro?
02:43 - How Do The Mics Compare Without Grills / Pop Filters?
03:50 - How Do The Pop Filters / Windscreen Effect the Tone?
05:00 - Outro

Arturia MiniFuse 2 Interface Review / Explained

Today I walkthrough, explain, test and review the Arturia MiniFuse 2 and discuss when you might want the MiniFuse 1 over the MiniFuse 2. I also compare it to the Audient ID14 and Focusrite 2i2 3rd gen. This thing offers a 56dB gain range, an EIN of -129dBa, sufficiently powered headphone amp, direct monitoring, midi I/O, and a USB hub which is a pretty useful addition.

Buy the MiniFuse 2 (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/minifuse2
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/mfuse2

Buy the MiniFuse 1 (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/minifuse1
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/mfuse1

Buy the Rode NT1 Kit (Affiliate)
Amazon: http://geni.us/rodent1
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/nt1

00:00 - Intro / Pricing / Disclosure
00:33 - Signal Chain for Testing
00:55 - What’s in the Box
01:28 - Build Quality
01:57 - Walkthrough of Features
03:32 - Specifications
04:36 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
05:22 - Preamp Gain Noise Test
06:23 - Latency Test
07:17 - Arturia Minifuse vs. Audient ID14 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
09:36 - Instrument Input Test
11:33 - Turning On All Plugins at Once!!!
12:17 - Software Walkthrough
14:49 - Pros & Cons
15:17 - Recommendation
16:52 - Minifuse 1 or Minifuse 2
17:52 - Outro

BSP-283: Expander vs Noise Gate, Line Level vs. Instrument Level, and more

On episode 283 of the BSP, I discuss a problem with the Neat King Bee II, how Turtle Beach used to be a high end audio manufacturer, why I started wearing a smart watch again, when I’d use an expander over a noise gate, whether you should use line or instrument level on your audio instrument and why vintage gear is always “better”.

Subscribe to the full audio podcast at http://www.bandrewsays.com

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Microtech Gefell UMT70s: https://vintageking.com/gefell-umt70s-fet
Yellowtek Boom Arm: https://www.yellowtec.com/mika.html
Arturia MiniFuse 2: https://imp.i114863.net/mfuse2
Sennheiser HD650: https://geni.us/sennhd650

As an amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Twitter: @bandrewsays
Ask Questions: https://www.askbandrew.com
Merch; https://teespring.com/stores/podcastage-store
Discord: http://www.podcastage.com/discord

00:00 - Intro
00:12 - Arturia MiniFuse 2
02:38 - WYHTS: Problem With Neat King Bee II?
04:23 - WYHTS: Turtle Beach Used to Be High End Audio!
05:58 - WYHTS: Fixed Level Interface Output
07:08 - WYHTS: Focusrite Fixed Level Output
08:23 - WYHTS: Getting Hired
09:13 - WYHTS: Why I Started Wearing a Smart Watch Again?
12:23 - Ask Bandrew
13:03 - Voice Submission 1
15:21 - Difference from Expander & Noise Gate?
19:40 - Email 2
21:08 - Line Level vs. Instrument Level for Electric Guitar D.I.
27:33 - Voice Submission 3
28:23 - Why is Vintage Gear Always “Better”?
34:53 - Voice Submission 4
35:20 - What’s the Future of Podcasting?
41:28 - Outro

Neat King Bee II Review / Test

Today I review the updated mic from Neat, the King Bee II. This is a revision to the extremely popular budget mic the King Bee. This offers a more tame top end in a less ostentatious design. You get a lot of the same pros but now suffer from a little bit of issue with the shockmount. All around if you want a beefy low end and detailed top end, this mic might be right for you.

Buy the Neat King Bee 2 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/kingbee2
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/kingbee2

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer
00:43 - Setup
01:03 - What’s in the Box
01:23 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:58 - Specifications
02:23 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:43 - Plosive Test
02:57 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:17 - Background Noise Test
03:36 - Untreated Room Test
03:53 - Shock Rejection Test
04:34 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:50 - Provided Pop Filter Test
05:40 - Intro to Comparison
06:00 - Neewer NW700 Comparison
06:24 - Neat Worker Bee I Comparison
06:54 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
07:27 - Blue Ember Comparison
07:49 - AKG P120 Comparison
08:20 - Neat King Bee I Comparison
09:06 - Lewitt LCT240 Pro Comparison
09:42 - Blue Spark SL Comparison
10:21 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
11:02 - Rode NT1 Comparison
11:36 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
12:24 - Music Test
13:42 - Pros & Cons
15:20 - Overall Thoughts
17:11 - Recommendation
18:47 - Outro

BSP-282: Poor Coverage of Tech News, Neat Mics King Bee 2, and More

On episode 282 of the BSP, I show how poorly I can cover the news that Apple will allow you to repair your own devices with official apple components, and the whole Stream Labs drama. I then talk about the new Neat Mics King Bee 2, more discussion around the YouTube dislike count being removed, and then answer a bunch of your questions such as using pencil condensers for voicer, why a pro voice over artist isn’t getting work, and does post processing order matter?

Subscribe to the full audio podcast at http://www.bandrewsays.com

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Neat King Bee II: https://geni.us/kingbee2
Yellowtek Boom Arm: https://www.yellowtec.com/mika.html
Universal Audio x8: https://imp.i114863.net/zMg2r
Sennheiser HD650: https://geni.us/sennhd650

As an amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Twitter: @bandrewsays
Ask Questions: https://www.askbandrew.com
Merch; https://teespring.com/stores/podcastage-store
Discord: http://www.podcastage.com/discord

00:00 - Intro
00:10 - Apple Right to Repair
02:35 - Stream Labs Troubles
04:08 - Neat Mics King Bee 2
07:45 - WYHTS: Youtube Dislike Count Removal Response
08:56 - Watch the Video Before Liking/Disliking
09:50 - Abuse of Like / Dislike Does impact Small Creators
11:45 - Why Did YouTube Hide the Dislike Number?
16:30 - WYHTS: Creators Can Just Delete the Dislike Comment
19:35 - WYHTS: Refuse to Dislike / Black Friday is Great / Yeti Suck
23:05 - Ask Bandrew
23:55 - Voice Submission 1
25:40 - Audio Interface With Fixed Level Output?
27:20 - Voice Submission 2
27:50 - Can You Use Pencil Condensers for Voice Over Work?
30:50 - Voice Submission 3
32:52 - Bo’s Audio Demo
34:17 - Why Am I Not Receiving Voice Over Work?
37:03 - Video Submission 4
38:39 - Does Post Processing Order of Operations Matter?
43:05 - Pop Filter Recommendations
45:40 - Outro