One Mic for Everything, Removing White Noise, Mics I Regret Buying, & More (Q&A-002)

In today's Q&A episode, I answer questions about choosing one microphone for everything, how to get rid of white noise from recordings and streams, why people don't talk about hiss with dynamic mics, how I feel about not using all of my equipment, microphones I regret buying, and some dream mics.

Q&A-001: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgJGYWSNuLQ

00:00 - Intro
00:18 - One Microphone For Everything?
02:15 - How to Get Rid of White Noise From Recording & Stream
04:38 - Why Don't People Focus on Hiss with Dynamic Mics?
07:05 - How do You Feel Not Using Your Gear?
08:30 - Microphones I Regret Buying
11:45 - Dream Microphones?
13:30 - Conclusion

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing. 

Rode NTK Tube Mic Review / Test

Video: https://youtu.be/jPdlS-HmmXE
HQ Audio Of Review: https://podcastage.com/rev/ntk
Electric Guitar Demo: https://podcastage.com/rev/ntkdemo

Today i review the Rode NTK, a relatively affordable tube microphone which offers a very clear sound. This is pretty bare bones with a single polar pattern, no high pass filters, and no pads. However, it offers a low self noise of 12dBa, and a max SPL of 158dB.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~1:00
Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid

  • Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

  • Sensitivity: -38dB

  • Self Noise: 12dBA

  • Max SPL: 158dB

  • Impedance: 200 Ohms

Buy the Rode NTK (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/rodentk
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/rodentk
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/48W4lvC

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon:  https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/42lcWDF
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

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

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:24 - What’s in the Box
00:58 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:01 - Specifications
02:14 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:33 - Plosive Test
02:44 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:07 - Background Noise Test 
03:24 - Untreated Room Test
03:45 - Shock Rejection Test
04:02 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:17 -  High End Preamp Demo
05:15 - Intro to Comparison
05:46 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
06:10 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
06:40 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
07:12 - Avantone CV12 Comparison
07:46 - Rode NT2a Comparison
08:22 - Rode K2 Comparison
08:55 - MXL Revelation II Comparison
09:34 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:15 - Neumann U67 Reissue Comparison
10:55 - Music Test
12:38 - Pros & Cons
14:00 - Overall Thoughts
15:28 - Recommendation
16:36 - Outro

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing. 

BSP-377: Apple Transcribing Every Podcast, Neumann BCM-104, and more

Video: https://youtu.be/7ZrLihIPa9E

Topics discussed: Apple announcing that they will be transcribing every podcast, my phillips hue lighting, the Neumann BCM-104 vs the BCM-705, Not buying entry level gear, buying used gear, background music selection, and using titles and shorts to grow a youtube channel.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Neumann BCM 104: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/bcm104
Rode NTH-100:  https://geni.us/rnth100
Universal Audio LA610 MK2:  https://imp.i114863.net/la610mk2
Universal Audio x8:  https://sweetwater.sjv.io/uax8

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 - Apple Transcribing Every Podcast

03:59 - Phillips Hue Lighting (WIBT)
06:08 - Neumann BCM 104 (WIBT)
10:50 - iZotope VEA Plugin (WIBT)
13:15 - Don't Buy Entry-Level Gear (WYHTS)
15:50 - Buy Old Used Gear (WYHTS)
18:21 - Background Music Selection is an Art (WYHTS)
20:48 - eBay's IRS Reporting Requirement (WYHTS)
24:15 - Title My Podcast Episodes (WYHTS)
26:08 - I Suck at Shorts (WYHTS)
28:52 - Value For Value
35:00 - Conclusion

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing. 

Art Tube MP Preamp Review / Test

HQ Audio Of Review: https://podcastage.com/rev/tubemp
Video: https://youtu.be/8Tn5jGhivuI

Is a budget tube preamp any good? In todays video I test, demo, and review the Art Tube MP. This preamp has a +60dB gain preamp with a quoted EIN of -129dBu, and +10dB boost on the output stage. The only other feature it offers is the ability to invert your phase.

Buy the Art Tube MP (Affiliate Links)
Amazon:  https://geni.us/tubemp

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon:  https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/42lcWDF
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

00:00 - Intro / Pricing
00:26 - What’s in the Box
00:39 - Build Quality
01:06 - Walkthrough
02:02 - Specifications
02:42 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
04:21 - Preamp vs. Interface Preamp
05:26 - Drive / Distortion Demo
06:27 - Music Test
08:43 - Pros & Cons
09:31 - What Does it Offer?
10:05 - Recommendation
11:29  - Outro

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing. 

BSP-376: Does YouTube Punish Unmonetized Videos?, and more

On episode 376 of the BSP I discuss if YouTube punishes unmonetized videos by limiting distribution, what my day job is, a flaw with YouTube podcasts, when you shouldn't buy expensive gear, eBay making you pay taxes, and more.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Neumann U87 Ai: https://geni.us/u87aikit
Rode NTH-100:  https://geni.us/rnth100
Universal Audio LA610 MK2:  https://imp.i114863.net/la610mk2
Universal Audio x8:  https://sweetwater.sjv.io/uax8

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
00:14 - Do Unmonetized Videos Perform Worse Than Monetized Videos?
09:10 - WYHTS: What's My Day Job?
11:30 - WYHTS: The Problem with YouTube Podcasts
15:40 - WYHTS: Why You Shouldn't Buy Nice Gear
19:15 - WYHTS: eBay Reports You to the IRS
23:52 - Value for Value
25:33 - Ask Bandrew
27:06 - Does Music Ruin Mic Reviews?
31:25 - Conclusion

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing. 

Sony ECM-LV1 Lav Mic Review & Test

Video & HQ Audio: https://podcastage.com/rev/ecmlv1

Today I review a $30 lavalier microphone from Sony. This is very similar to their older ECM-CS3, but it sounds a bit brighter. It is a stereo lav mic, it has a pretty healthy sensitivity, it does pick up a little bit of room tone, but the top end boost gives it clarity even while clipped to the collar of your shirt. The build quality leaves a bit to be desired, the cable is kind of short, and the top end can be sharp if your sound source is already bright. But for a bright budget lav mic, it's not bad.

Buy the Sony ECM-LV1 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/ecmlv1

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

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Input: Canon 90d
Input Level: ~40%
Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
Freq Response : 50Hz - 15kHz
Sensitivity -38dB
Power Required: Plug-in Power

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:22 - What’s in the Box
00:39 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:07 - Specifications
01:20 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:36 - Plosive Test
01:54 - Lav Mic Position Tests
03:04 - Background Noise Test 
03:18 - Untreated Room Test
03:46 - Windscreen Test
04:19 - Does it ASMR?
04:43 - Camera Internal Mic Comparison
05:53 - Laptop Input Demo
06:22 - USB Soundcard Demo
06:41 - Lav Mic Audio Interface Demo
06:59 - Portable Record Demo
07:19 - Smart Phone Demo
07:47 - Intro to Comparison
08:13 - Sony ECM-CS3 Comparison
08:40 - Boya BY-M1 Comparison
09:06 - Movo LV1 Comparison
09:31 - Rode Lavalier Go Comparison
10:06 - Shure MVL Comparison
10:43- Rode Lavalier II Comparison
11:12 - Shure TL47 Comparison
11:50 - Neumann U87 Comparison
12:30 - Pros & Cons
13:31 - Overall Thoughts
14:02 - Recommendation
15:50 - Outro

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing. 

BSP-375: YouTube RSS Ingestion, Tips for Audio Content on Youtube, and More

On episode 375 of the BSP I discuss Youtube launching their RSS ingestion tool for audio podcasts, my tips for audio podcasts on youtube, what I've learened from selling on eBay, the oldest piece of gear I've had that I haven't reviewed, and more.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Neumann U87 Ai: https://geni.us/u87aikit
Rode NTH-100:  https://geni.us/rnth100
Universal Audio LA610 MK2:  https://imp.i114863.net/la610mk2
Universal Audio x8:  https://sweetwater.sjv.io/uax8

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's RSS Injestion Walkthrough

06:30 - My Tips for Audio Only Podcasts on YouTube
12:00 - What I've Learned from Selling on eBay
16:06 - WIBT: Receipt Scanner
19:30 - WYHTS: Minimalist with 100's of Mics?
22:10 - WYHTS: You DID Record Outside of the Studio
23:15 - WYHTS: I Can't Afford to Buy Cheap Stuff
25:30 - Value for Value
35:45 - Ask Bandrew
36:30 - Video Submission 1
37:26 - Oldest Piece of Gear I Haven't Reviewed Yet?
41:35 - Conclusion

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing. 

HyperX Solocast Review / Test

Today I review the HyperX Solocast, a budget USB microphone. This is a barebones offering with no headphone jack and no software, but it is plug and play and it has a mute button. The converters have been upgraded from the Quadcast to 24-bit/96khz, and the threading on body is 5/8" or 3/8".

Buy the HyperX Solocast (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/solocast

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

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Computer Level: 51%
Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20kHz
Bit Depth: 16/24-bit
Sample Rate:  44.1/48/96kHz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:20 - What’s in the Box
00:42 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:24 - Specifications
01:36 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:56 - Plosive Test
02:10 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:32 - Background Noise Test 
02:48 - Untreated Room Test
03:14 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:29 - Mute Button Test
03:49 - Desktop Stand Test
04:38 - Intro to Comparison
05:10 - Samson Go Mic Comparison
05:40 - Razer Seiren Mini Comparison
06:10 - Blue Snowball Comparison
06:41 - Fifine K688 Comparison
07:18 - Samson Q2u Comparisona
07:51 - Maono HD300T Comparison
08:26 - Blue Yeti Nano Comparison
09:00 - Blue Yeti Classic Comparison
09:32 - Hyperx Quadcast Comparison
10:14 - Audio Technica AT2020USBX Comparison
10:47 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
11:30 - Music Test
13:05 - Pros & Cons
14:19 - Overall Thoughts
15:50 - Recommendation
17:21 - Outro

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing. 

BSP-374: What I Learned From Failing in 2023, and More

Video: https://youtu.be/dNrZYYH0MhE

On episode 374 of the BSP I discuss what I learned from all the experiences during 2023 through the ups and downs and what my takeaways were. I also discuss if I hit my 2023 goals, what my favorite videos I made during the year, as well as my content goals for 2024 and my personal goals for 2024.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Neumann KMS105: https://geni.us/kms105
Sennheiser HD650:  https://geni.us/sennhd650
Universal Audio LA610 MK2:  https://imp.i114863.net/la610mk2
Universal Audio x8:  https://sweetwater.sjv.io/uax8

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 - Happy New Year
00:53 - My Takeaways & What I Learned During 2023
17:35 - 2023 Was a Failure
24:18 - My 2023 Personal Goals
29:45 - My Favorite Videos of 2023

41:15 - Content Creation Goals for 2024
45:55 - Personal Goals for 2024
54:18 - Conclusion

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing. 

BSP-373: Favorite YouTubers of 2023, Perfect Sick Day Movie Marathon & More

Topics Discussed: My favorite youtube channels, podcasts, music, and television of the year as well as my perfect sick day movie marathon line up.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Shure SM7b: https://geni.us/shuresm7b
Universal Audio LA610 MK2:  https://imp.i114863.net/la610mk2
Universal Audio x8:  https://sweetwater.sjv.io/uax8

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
00:23 - Why Share My Favorites?
01:42 - Favorite YouTube Channels

08:46 - Favorite Podcasts

14:30 - Perfect Sick Movie Marathon
19:19 - Favorite Music
28:05 - Favorite Television

35:50 - Value for Value

39:00 - Conclusion

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing.