Behringer C-2 Review / Test

Today i review probably the most affordable small diaphragm condensers on the market, the Behringer C2's. These cost $60 for a pair, so essentially $30/each. The sound is surprisingly good for that price, but it's not without it's flaws. On some sound sources the bass and low mids can get out of hand, and the treble boost is a bit artificial and harsh. If you're able to work around these issues, for $30/each, I think they're pretty good.

Buy the Behringer C2s (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/behrc2
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/behrc2

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
00:24 - Setup
00:44 - What’s in the Box
01:08 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:38 - Specifications
02:03 - High Pass Filter Off
02:27 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:45 - Plosive Test
03:04 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:24 - Background Noise Test 
03:44 - Untreated Room Test
04:05 - A Few Mic Position Tests
04:32 - Shock Rejection Test
04:55 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:16 - Windscreen Tone Test
05:50 - High Pass Filter Test
06:15 - 10dB Pad Test
06:38 - Intro to Comparison
07:06 - Samson C02 Comparison
07:29 - Rode M5 Comparison
07:57 - sE Electronics sE7 Comparison
08:23 - Shure SM81 Comparison
08:58 - Beyerdynamic MC930 Comparison
09:31 - Neumann KM185 Comparison
10:16 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:57 - Music Test
12:46  - Pros & Cons
14:21 - Overall Thoughts
17:11 - Recommendation
18:23 - Outro

My First Christopher Ward - C65 Trident Pepsi GMT Wearing Experience

After two years of wear, I am finally sharing my experience with the Christopher Ward C65 Trident GMT Vintage Pepsi. I have had a love hate relationship with this watch and after so much time, I love it not in lieu of it's flaws, but because of them. It's such a comfortable watch and CW makes what I think is one of the greatest case shapes with their light catcher case.

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

CHECK OUT THE WATCHES (Affiliate Links):
n/a

GEAR I USE (Affiliate Links):
Calipers: https://geni.us/digcalip
Camera: https://geni.us/c90d
Lens 24mm: https://geni.us/can24
Lens 50mm: https://geni.us/can50
Lens Macro: https://geni.us/can100
Microphone: n/a
Mic stand: https://www.yellowtec.com/mika.html
Preamp: http://bit.ly/2MBhwLA
Interface: https://imp.i114863.net/uax8
Headphones: https://geni.us/sennhd650

MEASUREMENTS:
Case Diameter: 35.4mm
Lug to Lug: 44.6mm (including protruding end links)
Thickness: 9.6mm
Weight : 94g (sized for 6.5" wrist)

00:00 - Intro
00:36 - Measurements
01:04 - Wrist Shots (6.5" / 16.5mm)
01:53 - Lume Shot
02:30 - Size Comparisons
03:35 - What I Liked
06:15 - What I Disliked
09:04 - Conclusion
12:32 - Outro

#ChristopherWard #EverydayWatch #Opinion

Rode NT1 (5th Gen) Review / Test

Today I review the brand new NT1 from Rode which offers 32-bit floating point A/D conversion over the USB output. This offers a pretty neutral bass and mids frequency response which means it can get a bit overpowering in the lower frequencies if you're close micing, and then you get a detailed treble sound. It has an impressive self noise of only 4dBa and a max SPL of 142dB. It's a very impressive mic that will serve some people extremely well.

Buy the Rode NT1 (5th Gen) (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/nt15th
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/nt15th

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 - Demo of 32-Bit Floating Point Recording
00:20 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
01:06 - Setup
01:27 - What’s in the Box
01:53 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:38 - Specifications
03:09 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
03:27 - Plosive Test
03:40 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
04:05 - Background Noise Test 
04:25 - Untreated Room Test
04:45 - Shock Rejection Test
05:06 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:20 - USB vs XLR Output
06:17 - Intro to Comparison
06:46 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
07:06 - Neat King Bee II Comparison
07:30 - Rode NT1a Comparison
07:57 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
08:21 - Rode NT1 (4th) Comparison
09:11 - Rode NT2a Comparison
09:44 - Shure KSM32 Comparison
10:13 - Neumann TLM103 Comparison
11:44 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
11:17 - Music Test
12:36 - Pros & Cons
14:57 - Overall Thoughts
17:35 - Recommendation
18:39 - Who Is 32 Bit Floating Point For?
20:37 - Outro

Lewitt MTP W950 Mic Review / Test (vs. SM58, E835, KMS105, U87 Ai)

Today I review a brand new multipattern handheld condenser mic from Lewitt. This thing also has a high pass filter and a -12dB pad, and the huge surprise is the fact that you can unscrew the handle and get a wireless capsule. It does great with handling noise, background noise, plosives, cupping the mic, and it offers that standard Lewitt sound which is very clear and bright.

Buy the Lewitt MTP W950 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: n/a
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/mtpw950

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 
00:28 - Setup
00:48 - What’s in the Box
01:23 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:14 - Specifications
02:39 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
03:38 - Plosive Test
03:51 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
04:17 - Background Noise Test 
04:34 - Untreated Room Test
04:54 - Shock Rejection Test
05:11 - Handling Noise Rejection Test
05:25 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:38 - Cup the Mic Test
05:55 - Wind Screen Tone Test
06:24 - High Pass Filter Test
06:45 - Pad Switch Test
07:16 - Intro to Comparison
07:41 - Shure SM58 Comparison
08:03 - Sennheiser E835 Comparison
08:28 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
08:50 - Audio Technica AT2010 Comparison
09:12 - Shure Beta 87a Comparison
09:41 - Electro Voice RE520 Comparison
10:08 - Lewitt MTP 940 CM Comparison
10:41 - Earthworks SR314 Comparison
11:13 - Neumann KMS105 Comparison
11:44 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
12:17 - Music Test
13:46 - Pros & Cons
14:46  - Overall Thoughts
17:03 - Recommendation
18:24 - Outro

BSP-341: Videos Are NOT Podcasts, and That's Fine

On episode 341 of the BSP I talk more about youtube's attempt to break into podcasting. Since episode 340, I learned that this entire announcement has to do with youtube videos being marked as podcasts, and a viewer will now be able to listen to that video in the background while using the youtube music app.

Note: I screwed the audio up big time. I started a new Reaper session and it reverted to 24-bit 44.1kHz. So I lost the 32-bit float benefit, and I didn't record in the standard 48kHz. HECK IT ALL!

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Rode NT1 5th Gen: https://geni.us/nt15th
Universal Audio x8: https://imp.i114863.net/zMg2r
Audio Technica M50x: https://geni.us/m50xpro

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
00:15 - YouTube & Podcast

• CREATE A PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/12751636

• HOT POD NEWS: https://hotpodnews.com/the-biggest-stories-from-hot-pod-summit/

• YOUTUBE PODCAST HOMEPAGE: https://www.youtube.com/podcasts

13:05 - Rode NT1
17:45 - WYHTS: Why Is BSP Not on Spotify?

• SPOTIFY FEED: https://open.spotify.com/show/6zwYeDjEVFbURElQ462aTN

20:30 - Ask Bandrew
21:30 - Voice Submission
23:10 - I Am Now THE MAN!
24:10 - Audio Treatment Recommendations

• BOOTH JUNKIE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5ApIWbjvcA

• OWENS CORNING 703: https://www.acoustimac.com/acoustic-insulation-materials/acoustic-insulation/owens-corning-acoustic-insulation

26:30 - Get To Know Your Neighbors
28:45 - Outro / Conclusion

Audio Technica ATH-M50xSTS & M50xSTS-USB Review /Test

The Headphone Show Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwR4aIGHa50

Today I review the new headset mics from Audio Technica. These things use the ATH-M50x as the platform, and pull the capsule from the AT2020. The headphones are very easy to listen to, and the mic ends up with a lot of the same characteristics of most headset mics. It does sound better than a lot of headset mics, but it still sounds like a headset mic.

Buy the ATH-M50xSTS-USB (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/athm50xstsusb
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/athm50xstsusb

Buy the ATH-M50xSTS (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/athm50xsts
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/athm50xsts

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 
00:26 - Setup
00:47 - What’s in the Box
01:28 - Build Quality
03:12 - Microphone Functionality
04:06 - Comfort
04:38 - Specifications
05:22 - Headphone Discussion
06:14 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
06:33 - Plosive Test
06:51 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
07:11 - Background Noise Test 
07:31 - Untreated Room Test
07:51 - Shock Rejection Test 
08:07 - Microphone Mute Test
08:31 - EQ-Ing The Mic to Sound Better
10:06 - Intro to Comparison
10:29 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
11:00 - Sennheiser Game One Comparison
11:44 - Audio Technica ATH-M50x-STS-USB Comparison
12:14 - Audio Technica BPHS1 Comparison
12:51 - Audio Technica BPHS2 Comparison
13:24 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
13:51 - Pros & Cons
15:32 - Overall Thoughts
17:06 - Recommendation
19:50 - Outro

Is It Too Small?: Tissot PRX 35mm Wearing Experience

Due to rave reviews of the Tissot PRX, I picked up the 40mm version but found it was too big because of the end links. I picked up the 35mm expecting to hate it, but it turned out being one of the most enjoyable and easy to wear watches I have tried so far.

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

CHECK OUT THE WATCHES (Affiliate Links):
Tissot PRX 35mm: https://geni.us/prx35svr

GEAR I USE (Affiliate Links):
Calipers: https://geni.us/digcalip
Camera: https://geni.us/c90d
Lens 24mm: https://geni.us/can24
Lens 50mm: https://geni.us/can50
Lens Macro: https://geni.us/can100
Microphone:
Mic stand: https://www.yellowtec.com/mika.html
Interface: https://imp.i114863.net/uax8
Headphones: https://geni.us/sennhd650

MEASUREMENTS:
Case Diameter: 35.4mm
Lug to Lug: 44.6mm (including protruding end links)
Thickness: 9.6mm
Weight : 94g (sized for 6.5" wrist)

BSP-340: YouTube's Confusing Podcast Move, & More

On episode 340 of the BSP I discuss YouTube's confusing decision to add podasting to YT music and allow free AD-SUPPORTED background play. I also share a warning and discussion about building your business on someone else's platform, attempt to get a better result from Adobe Podcast AI via mixing wet/dry signals, and then hear some audio submissions from you.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Lewitt MTP W950: n/a
Universal Audio LA610 MKII: http://bit.ly/2MBhwLA
Universal Audio x8: https://imp.i114863.net/zMg2r
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
00:30 - YouTube Adding Podcasts to YouTube Music
10:42 - Section 230 Notice
12:35 - WYHTS: Danger of Creating Your Business on Someone Else's Platform
20:20 - WYHTS: How a Shotgun Mic REALLY Gets Reach
21:12 - WYHTS: Adobe Podcast AI Needs a Wet/Dry Mix

• www.jimharold.com

25:40 - Ask Bandrew
26:20 - Video Submission 1
27:42 - Great SDC Spoken Word Setup
29:20 - Voice Submission 2
32:25 - Using a Super Cheap 3.5mm Mic
34:35 - Outro

Adobe Podcast AI Sounds Bad

Adobe Podcast AI: https://podcast.adobe.com

Today I test out Adobe Podcast A.I. to see how it handles mics recorded in untreated spaces, how it handles phone call audio, clipping audio, recordings with too much background noise and a few more things. It's powerful and it has a lot of potential, but I think in it's current iteration it sounds pretty bad.

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Lewitt MTP W950: n/a
Universal Audio LA610 MKII: http://bit.ly/2MBhwLA
Universal Audio x8: https://imp.i114863.net/zMg2r
Sennheiser HD650: https://geni.us/sennhd650

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

00:00 - Intro
00:33 - 1.1: Distance Micing
01:21 - 1.2: Phone Voice Memo
01:55 - 1.3: Phone Call
02:29 - 1.4: Wrong Side of the Mic
03:16 - 1.5: Clipping Audio
03:57 - 1.6: Excessive Background Noise
04:33 - 1.7: Properly Recorded Audio
05:23 - 2: My Thoughts
06:56 - 3: Who Is This For?
07:46 - 4: Words of Warning
08:37 - 5: Wrap Up
10:10 - Outro

BSP-339: YouTube's CEO Steps Down, Trying Adobe Podcast AI, & More

On episode 339of the BSP I discuss Susan Wojcicki stepping down as the CEO of youtube and why I think she did a great job over the last 9 years, the brand new Lewitt MTP 950W, YouTube shorts paying the most for short form content, testing if expensive shotgun mics do better at background noise rejection, How to measure LUFS for a podcast, and testing out Adobe Podcast Ai and sharing my thoughts.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Lewitt MTP W950: n/a
Universal Audio LA610 MKII: http://bit.ly/2MBhwLA
Universal Audio x8: https://imp.i114863.net/zMg2r
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
00:19 - Susan Wojcicki Steps Down as YouTube CEO

• Tweet: https://twitter.com/SusanWojcicki/status/1626279709825978369

• Blog: https://blog.youtube/inside-youtube/a-personal-update-from-susan/

12:45 - Brand New Lewitt Mic
15:35 - WYHTS: YouTube Pays The Most for Short Form Content
19:05 - WYHTS: There Are Good Lav Mics
22:50 - WYTHS: Do Expensive Shotgun Mics Reject More Noise?

• Sound Speeds NTG8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFEv_g-mXdU

25:50 - WYHTS: Why Reread Voice Submission Questions?
28:05 - WYHTS: Long Live #MutantFam, The Drive In Will Never Die
33:31 - Ask Bandrew
34:35 - Voice Submission 1
35:50 - How Do I Get My Podcast to a Decent Level?

• Youlean Loudness Meter: https://youlean.co/youlean-loudness-meter/

42:50 - Video Submission 2
43:50 - My Experience with Adobe Podcast AI

• Dario's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@record216cleveland

• Sound Speeds Adobe AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHo6Z9r6fyo

• Scottish Watches Podcast: http://www.scottishwatches.co.uk

45:00 - Does Adobe Podcast Ai Work for Distance Micing?
47:05 - My Thoughts on Adobe Podcast Ai
51:35 - Conclusion