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

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

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

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

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

Podcastage's Favorite Audio Gear of 2023

Today we discuss my favorite audio gear of 2023. I limit the selections to a Top 3 which made it very difficult, but I share my favorite microphone that I reviewed this year, my favorite audio interface / preamp 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.

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Gear Discussed (Affiliate Links):
Audio Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB: https://geni.us/athm50xstsusb
Shure KSM313/NE: https://geni.us/ksm313
sE Electronics sE7: https://geni.us/sese7
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen: https://geni.us/2i24th
Presonus TubePre V2: https://geni.us/tubeprev2
Elgato Keylights: https://geni.us/egkeylight

Links:
Audio Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_lPYwidLe8
Shure KSM313/NE Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXSE56y3aHs
sE Electronics sE7 Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnbkpKIXkbs
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjGD6KPWVBA
Presonus TubePre V2 Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrKg-189ifE

00:00 - Intro
00:23 - Favorite Mics I Reviewed
03:53 - Favorite Preamp & Interface I Reviewed
05:37 - Favorite Production Gear
08:57 - Your Favorite Gear?
09:25 - Conclusion

#FavoriteGear #Recording #2023

Fewer Mic Reviews?, Removing Reverb, Ghost Hunting Mics & More (Q&A-001)

Video: https://youtu.be/UgJGYWSNuLQ

In today's Q&A episode, I answer questions about moving away from reviewing audio gear to focus on non-audio gear, removing reverb and noise from recordings made in an untreated room, microphones for ghost hunting, why I'm not a full time mic reviewer, how many mics I have, and how I'm doing.

Tips for a Better Vocal Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty8YLqOmbV4

00:00 - Intro
00:16 - Reviewing Non-Audio Gear?
02:10 - Removing Reverb & Noise From Recording?
04:29 - Ghost Hunting Microphones
07:49 - Why I'm Not a Full Time Youtuber
11:27 - How Many Mics Do I Have?
12:21 - How am I Doing?
12:49 - Conclusion

2023 Audio Gear Gift Guide

This is my 2023 audio gear gift guide for those that are looking for gifts for the audio lovers in their life. The gifts range from $10 up to $250 and include mics, interfaces, cables, and some accessories that are useful in the studio.

2022 Gift Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGZzuRIfGDE
2020 Gift guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct7fIQ_hWeI

Below links are Affiliate links. As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Mics for Podcasters
XM8500: https://geni.us/xm8500
Q2u: https://geni.us/samq2u
sE V7: https://geni.us/sEv7
Podmic USB: https://geni.us/podmicusb
MV7: https://geni.us/smv7

Mics for Musicians
SM57: https://geni.us/sm57
sE8: https://geni.us/sese8
SR117: https://geni.us/sr117
NT1 5th: https://geni.us/nt15th

Audio Interfaces
M-Track Solo: https://geni.us/mtracksolo
Vocaster Two: https://geni.us/fvocastertwo
Connect 6: https://geni.us/conect6
Wave XLR: https://geni.us/wavexlr
Volt 276: https://geni.us/volt276

Accessories
XLR Cable: https://geni.us/wbc10
Quick Release: https://geni.us/gfquick
Hygrometer: https://geni.us/hygro
Earplugs: https://geni.us/earpeaceplugs
Flashlight: https://geni.us/microstream
Pens: https://geni.us/parkjott
Water bottle: https://geni.us/hydrostraw

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) Review / Test

Software Walkthrough: https://youtu.be/Emx_umPGOpw

Today I walkthrough, explain, test and review the new Focusirte Scarlett 2i2 4th gen. I compare it to the 2i2 3rd gen, test the preamps with the SM7b, demo the D.I. Instrument inputs, test the line level input capability and demo the new Air Circuit.

Buy the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i24th
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/2i24th
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3uB7jGs
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_4th_generation.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

Buy the NT1 5th Gen (Affiliate)
Amazon: https://geni.us/nt15th
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/nt15th
B&H Photo:  https://bhpho.to/45LJ2vf
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/rode_nt1_5th_generation_black.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

Buy the Shure SM7b (Affiliate Link)
Amazon:  https://geni.us/shuresm7b
Sweetwater:  https://imp.i114863.net/sm7b
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3sRWmQb
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/shure_sm_7b_studiomikro.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Mic: Rode NT1 5th Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~11:00
Boosted in Post: +8dB

SPECS:
USB: Bit Depth: 24-bit, Sampling Rate: 44.1-192khz
EIN: -127dBV (A-weighted)
Gain Range: 69dB
+48v Phantom Power 

00:00 - Intro / Pricing / Disclosure 
00:31 - What’s in the Box
00:45 - Build Quality
01:08 - Walkthrough of Interface
02:33 - Specifications
03:31 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
04:35 - Air Circuit Demo
06:07 - Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen vs 4th Gen
07:43 - Preamp Gain Noise Test
08:18 - Line In Test
09:09 - Auto Gain Demo
10:02 - Clip Safe Demo
10:43 - D.I. Instrument Input Test
13:11 - Pros & Cons
15:09 - Recommendation
17:24 - Outro

Shure KSM313/NE Review / Test

HQ Audio Of Review: https://podcastage.com/rev/ksm313
Video: https://youtu.be/mXSE56y3aHs

Today i review the Shure KSM313/NE a figure-8 ribbon mic which offers a standard ribbon sound as well as a brighter ribbon sound depending on the side of the mic you use. It still has a full low end without being overpowering, a neutral mid section and a rolled off air frequency.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~4:30
Boosted in Post: +8dB

SPECS:

• Polar Pattern: Bidirectional

• Freq Response : 30Hz - 15khz

• Sensitivity: -54.5dBV

• Max SPL: 146dB

• Impedance: 270 Ohms

Buy the Shure KSM313/NE (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/ksm313
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ksm313
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3sNGpug
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/shure_ksm_313_ne_dual.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

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
00:33 - What’s in the Box
00:55 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:18 - Specifications
01:29 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:24 - Recording Two Sounds Demo
03:07 - Plosive Test
03:31 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:55 - Background Noise Test 
04:13 - Untreated Room Test
04:40 - Shock Rejection Test
05:00 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:14 - Intro to Comparison
05:41 - Shure SM7b Comparison
06:13 - sE Electronics VR2 Comparison
06:40 - Royer R10 Comparison
07:12 - Beyerdynamic M160 Comparison
07:42 - Rode NTR Comparison
08:16 - AEA KU5a Comparison
08:56 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:27 - Music Test
11:03 - Pros & Cons
12:30 - Overall Thoughts
14:13 - Recommendation
15:18 - Outro