BSP-328: Microphones for Fall, Why I Reject Money from Companies, and More

On episode 328 of the BSP I discuss microphones I associate with fall, why I do not accept money from companies even though I love some of them, thoughts on electret condenser microphones, how to get the best sound with remote guests, and double micing spoken word.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Shure SM7b: https://geni.us/shuresm7b
Zoom Podtrak P4: https://geni.us/podtrakp8
Sennheiser HD650: https://geni.us/sennhd650

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Ask Questions: https://www.askbandrew.com
Merch: https://www.podcastage.com/store
Discord: http://www.podcastage.com/discord

00:00 - Intro
00:53 - What I Am Testing
03:02 - Microphones For Fall
10:32 - Why I Don't Accept Money from Companies
17:17 - Video Submission 1
17:52 - Thoughts on Electret Condenser Microphones?
21:37 - Email Submission 2
21:52 - How to Get the Best Audio with Remote Guests
23:52 - Video Submission 3
25:07 - Mixing 2 Mics for Spoken Word?
28:25 - Conclusion / Outro

Rode NT-USB+ Mic Review / Test (vs NT-USB Mini, Wave 3, Yeti X, Seiren Mini)

Today I review a mic that I bought for $16, a mic that I had labeled the worst mic that I have ever used. The CAD U1 seems to be a revised version of the version I reviewed in 2015, and it is a massive improvement over the original. I do think it still has quite a few faults that you'll need to be aware of while using it.

Note: Original NT-USB is 535g while NT-USB+ is 510g. Don't know if anyone cares, I just measured it and didn't include it in the video.

Rode Connect Software Walkthrough:: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDNlC19uUIc

Buy the Rode NTUSB+ (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: N/A
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/ntusbplus

DISCLOSURE: As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:32 - Setup
00:50 - What’s in the Box
01:21 - Build Quality
02:32 - Specifications
02:56 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
03:16 - Plosive Test
03:30 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:53 - Background Noise Test 
04:13 - Untreated Room Test
04:28 - Shock Rejection Test
04:45 - Desktop Tripod Test
05:34 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:48 - Noise Floor Test
06:29 - DSP Processing Test
08:39 - Intro to Comparison
09:14 - Razer Seiren Mini Comparison
09:38 - Samson C01u Pro Comparison
10:09 - Rode NT-USB Mini Comparison
10:39 - Blue Yeti Nano Comparison
11:08 - Audio Technica ATR2500X-USB Comparison
11:46 - Elgato Wave 3 Comparison
12:20 - Original NT-USB Comparison
13:00 - Blue Yeti X Comparison
13:40 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
14:16 - Latency Test
14:38 - Music Test
16:20 - Pros & Cons
18:33 - Overall Thoughts
21:00 - Recommendation
22:39 - Outro

BSP-327: How is Future Twitter Different Than YouTube?, Judging Your Audio, and More

On episode 327 of the BSP I discuss the Rode NT-USB+, how the future Twitter is different from Youtube, if handmade microphones are better, why I don't have a team, what makes a broadcast condenser, if I'll be a guest on your podcast and then I judge your audio.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Rode NT-USB+: https://imp.i114863.net/ntusbplus
Yellowtek M!ka: https://www.yellowtec.com/mika.html
Sennheiser HD650: https://geni.us/sennhd650

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Ask Questions: https://www.askbandrew.com
Merch: https://www.podcastage.com/store
Discord: http://www.podcastage.com/discord

00:00 - Intro
00:43 - Rode NTUSB+
03:10 - WYHTS: How is Future Twitter Different Than YouTube?
12:50 - WYHTS: Cheaper Solution to 6 XLR Inputs
15:55 - WYHTS: Are Handmade Mics Better? Are Soyuz mics made with machinery used for weapons?
25:03 - WYHTS: You need to hire a team.
29:50 - ASK BANDREW
30:30 - Video Submission 1
31:25 - How does my audio sound?
34:40 - Voice Submission 2
35:05 - What makes a broadcast condenser mic?
40:25 - How is my sound?
41:41 - Text Submission 3
42:00 - Why don't you review condenser mics?
44:40 - Voice Submission 4
46:05 - How is my sound?
48:03 - Will you be on my podcast? (I am not successful)
55:45 - Outro

Soyuz 1973 Condenser Mic Review / Test

Today I review the brand new mic from Soyuz, the 1973. This is a midforward microphone with a tame top end. It does a respectable job at plosive rejection, but suffers from a little bit of resonance and lack of shock rejection. If you're looking for that midforward sound with a non-overpowering upper end, this is an interesting option.

Buy the Soyuz 1973 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: N/A
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/1973

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 
00:33 - Setup
00:50 - What’s in the Box
01:16 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:59 - Specifications
02:24 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:43 - Pl osive Test
02:55 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:19 - Background Noise Test 
03:39 - Untreated Room Test
04:01 - Shock Rejection Test
04:19  - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:35 - Pad Test
05:00 - Intro to Comparison
05:22 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
05:46 - Neat King Bee 2 Comparison
06:10 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
06:34 - Rode NT1 Comparison
07:02 - Shure KSM32 Comparison
07:29 - Neumann TLM102 Comparison
08:02 - Austrian Audio OC818 Comparison
08:42 - Soyuz 023 Bomblet Comparison
09:33 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:20 - Music Test
11:38 - Pros & Cons
12:50  - Overall Thoughts
15:16 - Recommendation
17:21 - Outro

BSP-326: Elon's Real Plans for Twitter, Soyuz 1973, and More

On episode 326 of the BSP I discuss Elon Musk's real plans for Twitter: turning it into a bank, and seemingly a social credit score system. Then I use the Soyuz 1973, experimenting with pre-production, and answer questions about TikTok and how i use it to avoid security and privacy concerns.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Soyuz 1973: https://imp.i114863.net/1973
Yellowtek M!ka: https://www.yellowtec.com/mika.html
Universal Audio X8: https://geni.us/uax8
Sennheiser HD650: https://geni.us/sennhd650

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Ask Questions: https://www.askbandrew.com
Merch: https://www.podcastage.com/store
Discord: http://www.podcastage.com/discord

00:00 - Intro
00:13 - Elon Musks Real Plan for Twitter (Twitter as a Bank)

• Twitter As Bank: https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/10/23452488/elon-musk-twitter-bank-q-and-a

• NoAgenda: https://www.noagendashow.net/listen/1502/chapters

14:48 - Soyuz 1973
17:08 - Change Podcast Presentation
18:28 - Ask Bandrew
19:28 - Voice Submission 1
20:28 - A.I. for 6 XLR Mics and a Computer
25:13 - Voice Submission 2
27:08 - Grow a Mustache!!!!!!!
30:41 - Voice Submission 3
31:38 - How Should I Install TikTok to Avoid Security Issues?
37:58 - New Thoughts on TikTok for Content Creators
43:38 - Conclusion

Lewitt Connect 6 Interview Review / Walkthrough / Explained

Software Walkthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbxzApR0_gg

Today I walkthrough, explain, test and review the new Lewitt audio interface which has DSP processing, I compare it to the Focusrite 18i20, I test the SM7b on this interface, play instruments on the D.I. inputs and walk through all the processing.

Note 1: The GUI in the software is not choppy like that in use. It is only choppy like that in the demo because my computer is old and struggles with screen recording.

Note 2: The mobile connection does not have an automatic mix minus, in order to achieve this you would need to send mix A or B to the mobile output, and then shut off the mobile input audio for that mix. This will eliminate any loopback to the mobile device.

Buy the Lewitt Connect 6 (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: n/a
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/connect6

Buy the Lewitt LCT440 (Affiliate)
Amazon: https://geni.us/lct440
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/lct440

Buy the Shure SM7b (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/shuresm7b
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/sm7b

00:00 - Intro / Pricing / Disclosure 
00:55 - Signal Chain for Testing
01:13 - What’s in the Box
01:44 - Build Quality
02:29 - Walkthrough of Features
03:58 - Specifications
04:59 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
06:00 - Focusrite Scarlett vs. Lewitt Connect 6
07:00 - Preamp Gain Noise Test
07:38 - Line In Test
10:04 - Latency Test
10:43 - D.I. Instrument Input Test
11:34 - USB-C Mobile Connection Test
12:45 - 3.5mm Line Out Usecase
13:27 - 3.5mm Aux In Test
13:58 - Software / DSP Processing Walkthrough
20:32 - Pros & Cons
23:33 - Recommendation
25:30 - Outro

300,000 Subscribers

I was starting to think this wouldn’t happen because things have cooled off so much over the last year, but we hit 300,000 subscribers around 9:30PM on 4 NOV 2022.

Prior milestones
100,000 - 2019 APR 9 - Four Years to Gain 100k
150,000 - 2020 APR 8 - One Year to Gain 50k
200,000 - 2020 AUG 22 - 4 Months to Gain 50k
250,000 - 2021 APR 21 - 8 Months to Gain 50k

The reason I’m breaking down past milestones is to show the fluctuation in growth over the years. It took a long time to get growth kickstarted, then in 2020 there was explosive growth and growth has slowed back down. Still making videos and still rocking and a rolling and trying to have fun with it. If you are reading this, thank you so much for the support.

I know this seems self congratulatory, and it kind of is, but I find these posts interesting to go back and see to track these moments.

Shure SM81 Mic Review / Test (vs. KM184, MK012, M5, sE8, U87 Ai)

Today I review another industry standard small diaphragm condenser microphone, the Shure SM81. This microphone offers a crazy flat frequency response that sounds natural and realistic. It offers a tolerable self noise for an SDC at 16dBa and has 2 very usable high pass filters and a -10dB pad. The pad does have pops and crackles when engaging, the HPF dial/switch is a bit hard to maneuver, and it has a low sensitivity for a condenser. However, if you're looking for a neutral SDC studio workhorse, this thing seems like it would fit the bill well.

Buy the Shure SM81(Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/sm81
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/sm81

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 
00:19 - Setup
00:34 - What’s in the Box
01:06 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:38 - Specifications
02:12 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:31 - Plosive Test
02:47 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:07 - Background Noise Test 
03:26 - Untreated Room Test
03:42 - Overhead Boom & Under Boom
04:27 - Shock Rejection Test
04:46 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:58 - Windscreen Tone Test
05:25 - Pad Test
05:50 - High Pass Filter Test
06:26 - Intro to Comparison
06:55 - Rode M5 Comparison
07:20 - Sennheiser E614 Comparison
07:47 - sE Electronics sE8 Comparison
08:22 - Oktava MK012 Comparison
08:49 - Beyerdynamic MC930 Comparison
09:23 - Neumann KM184 Comparison
10:01 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:38 - Music Test
12:07 - Pros & Cons
13:38 - Overall Thoughts
17:16 - Recommendation
18:38 - Outro

BSP-325: YouTube Ads Fail, Fake It Til You Make It, & More

On episode 325 of the BSP I discuss YouTube advertising failing and what this may mean for us going forward, my recommendations for Halloween music and movies, the Electro Voice RE520 handheld condenser mic, comments being bad for content creators, faking it until you make it like I did, and how good is good enough.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Electro Voice RE520: https://geni.us/re520
Yellowtek M!ka: https://www.yellowtec.com/mika.html
Lewitt Connect 6: https://imp.i114863.net/connect6
Sennheiser HD650: https://geni.us/sennhd650

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Ask Questions: https://www.askbandrew.com
Merch: https://www.podcastage.com/store
Discord: http://www.podcastage.com/discord

00:00 - Intro
00:35 -  It Is Halloween
02:59 - YouTube Advertising Fail!

• Article about Alphabet and YouTube: https://seekingalpha.com/news/3895488-alphabet-shares-slump-nearly-7-as-wall-street-shows-displeasure-with-results

05:59 - Halloween Recommendations
09:34 - Electro Voice RE520 / Lewitt Connect 6
11:59 - WYHTS: Comments & Reviews Eat Away at Creators
14:37 - WYHTS: Stop Striving for Perfect
18:39 - WYHTS: Faking it Until You Make It!
23:19 - Ask Bandrew
25:04 - Video Submission 1
33:02 - How Far is Too Far, and How Good is Good Enough?
38:04 - Conclusion Time

Alkaline Trio - This Could Be Love (Cover) (Shure SM81)

GEAR I USE (Affiliate Links):
Ernie Ball Music Man Sting Ray: https://imp.i114863.net/musicmanrs
Revv D20: https://imp.i114863.net/revvd20
Friedman BE-OD: https://imp.i114863.net/beod
Camera: https://geni.us/c90d
Lens 24mm: https://geni.us/can24
Lens 50mm: https://geni.us/can50
Lens Macro: https://geni.us/can100
Microphone: https://geni.us/sm81
Headphones: https://geni.us/sennhd650

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases