Rode TF-5 Review / Test

Today i review the Rode TF-5, a premium small diaphragm condenser from Rode. This offers a pretty healthy bass response, clear and open mids which sound less forward than much of it's competition, and a nice amount of detail and articulation in the upper frequencies. The only downside I hear is the slightly higher self noise which sounds like it may be a bit above the advertised 14dBA.

RECORDING SETTINGS:

• Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

• Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

• Gain: ~12:00

• Boosted in Post: +9dB

SPECS:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid

• Freq Response : 30Hz - 20khz

• Sensitivity: -29dBV

• Self Noise: 14dBA

• Max SPL: 135dB

• Impedance: 63 Ohms

• Phantom power: +48V

Buy the Rode TF-5 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/rodetf5
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/tf5
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/rode_tf_5.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
00:30 - What’s in the Box
00:54 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:19 - Specifications
01:46 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:06 - Plosive Test
02:28 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:50 - Background Noise Test 
03:07 - Untreated Room Test
03:26 - Underboom & Overhead Booming Test
03:58 - Shock Rejection Test
04:15 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:30 - Windscreen Tone Test
05:09 - Self Noise Test
06:28 - ASMR Test
07:00 - Intro to Comparison
07:29 - Rode M5 Comparison
08:06 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
08:46 - Lewitt LCT140 Air Comparison
09:21 - Sennheiser E614 Comparison
09:56 - sE Electronics sE8 Comparison
10:29 - Shure KSM141 Comparison
11:05 - Beyerdynamic MC930 Comparison
11:44 - Neumann KM184 Comparison
12:23 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
13:04 - Music Test
14:57 - Pros & Cons
17:06 - Overall Thoughts
19:10 - Recommendation

Shure MV7+ Review / Test

Today I review the new Shure MV7+ an XLR & USB dynamic microphone with a lot of DSP processing available over USB. The sound of the XLR is great with a supportive lowend, somewhat mid focussed but pleasing sound, and a non-aggressive upper frequency range. Over USB the sound is a bit different with a somewhat hollow sound with congested mids and a tame top end. The DSP processing is all very nicely implemented and it stores all the settings on device so you can use this on a computer without Shure's softrware as well.

Buy the Shure MV7+ (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/mv7plus

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
Gain: -6dB
Boosted in Post: +8.5dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response :50Hz - 16kHz
Sensitivity: -55dBV (XLR)
Max SPL: 128dB (USB)
Impedance 350 ohms
Bit Depth: 24
Sample Rate:  48khz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:21 - What’s in the Box
00:42 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:42 - Specifications
01:55 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:14 - Plosive Test
02:43 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:06 - Background Noise Test 
03:21 - Untreated Room Test
03:42 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:56 - Shock Rejection Test
04:12 - Mute Button Test
04:27 - Processing Walkthrough / Demo
10:39 - Demo on iPhone
11:29 - Are DSP Settings Stored on Mic?
12:11 - Shure MV7 vs. MV7+
13:40 - USB vs. XLR Output
14:12 - Intro to Comparison
14:42 - Samson Q2u Comparison
15:07 - Fifine K688 Comparison
15:38 - Elgato Wave DX Comparison
16:07 - Shure SM58 Comparison
16:31 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
16:58 - Audio Technica AT2040 Comparison
17:25 - sE Electronics DCM6 Comparison
17:53 - Earthworks SR117 Comparion
18:19 - Rode Podmic USB Comparison
18:49 - Rode Procaster Comparison
19:19 - Shure SM7b Comparison
19:48 - Electro Voice RE20 Comparison
20:17 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
20:44 - Music Test
22:21 - Pros & Cons
24:45 - Overall Thoughts
26:12 - Recommendation

Lewitt Ray Review / Test

Today i review the Lewitt Ray, a microphone based on the LCT440 but with technology inside that adjusts to your distance. This means that if you move around a lot while recording it will maintain a relatively consistent level and tone. The mic leans on the brighter side of mics with tons of detail and it also has a physical mute button which is tight.  

RECORDING SETTINGS:

• Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

• Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

• Gain: ~3:00

• Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid

• Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

• Sensitivity: -33dB

• Self Noise: 8BA

• Max SPL: 131dB

• Impedance: 120 Ohms

Buy the Lewitt Ray (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/lray
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ray
 Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/lewitt_ray.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.thomannmusic.com/lewitt_ray.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
00:25 - What’s in the Box
00:51 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:45 - Specifications
02:00 - Walkthrough of AURA
05:46 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
06:05 - Plosive Test
06:20 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
06:40 - Background Noise Test 
06:56 - Untreated Room Test
07:20 - Mute Button Demo
07:36 - Shock Rejection Test
07:52 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
08:06 - Intro to Comparison
08:24 - Lewitt Ray (w/ Aura) Sample
08:57 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
09:20 - Lewitt LCT240 Comparison
09:51 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
10:19 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
10:50 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
11:18 - Aston Origin Comparison
11:50 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
12:29 - Sennheiser MK4 Comparison
13:03 - Austrian Audio OC16 Comparison
12:42 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
14:18 - Music Test
16:15 - Pros & Cons
18:32 - Overall Thoughts
20:22 - Recommendation

Neve Portico 5017 Preamp Review / Test

How does the Neve Portico 5017 Sound? Awesome. This "mobile" preamp has a ton of gain, a silk circuit to add some coloration, a high pass filter, a compressor with a 2:1 ratio, a noise floor is better than -127dBA, and a D.I. section. This thing is awesome, but the control over the features is pretty limited and at $1400 it's a pretty penny.

Buy the Daking Mic Pre One (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/rnd5017
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/rnd5017
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/rupert_neve_designs_5017.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

00:00 - Intro / Pricing
00:26 - What’s in the Box
00:37 - Build Quality
00:57 - Walkthrough
02:16 - Specifications
03:02 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
04:36 - Preamp vs. Interface Preamp
05:25 - Comparison to Other Preamps
06:49 - High Pass Filter Demo
07:16 - Silk Circuit Demo
07:46 - Compressor Demo
08:25 - Music Test (Drum Machine, Electric Guitar, D.I. Bass, D.I. Acoustic)
12:06 - Pros & Cons
14:51 - What Does it Offer?
15:52 - Recommendation
17:14  - Outro

#PreampReview #AnalogGear #MadeInUSA

Shure MoveMic Review / Test

Curtis' Review w/ Distance Test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruRHrIGvHXU

Today I review Shure's new fully wireless consumer lav system, the Movemic. This has a tiny transmitter with a bulit in mic that offers a smoother and less bright sound compared to it's competitors. It also offers real time processing to add noise reduction, high pass filter, compression, and EQ. The transmitter can also connect to your phone via bluetooth but I found that quality to be lower than the sound quality via the receiver.

Buy the Shure Movemic (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/smovemic
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/movemic

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

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Gain: 28dB
EQ / Compression / Noise Reduction / HPF: Off
Conversion: 24-bit / 48khz
Boosted in Post: +3dB

SPECS (https://www.shure.com/en-US/docs/guide/MoveMiC):
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
Freq Response : 50Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity -37dB
Max SPL: 130dB
EIN: 26dB A-weighted
Gain Range: 0 to 60dB
Range: Up to 100 ft (30m) line of sight
Freq Range: 2400 MHz to 2483.5 MHz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:26 - What’s in the Box
00:52 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:07 - Specifications
02:19 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:34 - Plosive Test
02:56 - Lav Mic Position Tests
04:18 - Background Noise Test 
04:38 - Untreated Room Test
05:00 - Windscreen Test
05:34 - Mute Demo
05:53 - Camera Internal Mic Comparison
06:36 - Receiver vs. Bluetooth Sound Comparison
07:45 - Intro to Comparison
08:09 - Deity Pocket Wireless ComparisonW
08:42 - DJI Mic One Comparison
09:17 - Rode Wireless Go II Comparison
10:04 - Sony ECM-CS3 Comparison
10:29 - Rode Lavalier Go Comparison
10:53 - Shure MVL Comparison
11:21 - Rode Lavalier II Comparison
11:51 - Sennheiser ME-2 Comparison
12:20 - Sanken Cos 11 D Comparison|
12:52 - Countryman B6 Comparison
13:21 - Shure TL48 Comparison
13:59 - Neumann U87 Comparison
14:33 - Receiver Walkthrough
16:13 - Processing Demo
18:46 - Noise Reduction Test
20:10 - Receiver Walkthrough Continued
22:15 - Shure Motiv App Walkthrough
24:00  - Pros & Cons
27:07 - Overall Thoughts
28:05 - Recommendation
29:51 - Outro

Warm Audio WA251 Review / Test

Video: https://youtu.be/t8X-Is7naeU

Today i review the Warm Audio WA251, a clone of the legendary Telefunken ELAM 251. This is a slightly V-shaped sounding microphone with a bump in the bass and low mids and a lift in the treble and air. It offers a relatively smooth sound character and a low noise for a tube mic of 12dBA.

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

SPECS:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8

• Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

• Self Noise: 12dBA

• S/N Ratio: 80dBA

• Max SPL: 132dB

• Impedance: 200 Ohms

Buy the Rode NTK (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/wa251
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/wa251
Thomann:

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
00:27 - What’s in the Box
00:54 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:08 - Specifications
02:22 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
03:42 - Plosive Test
03:54 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
04:16 - Background Noise Test 
04:31 - Untreated Room Test
04:54 - Shock Rejection Test
05:12 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:26 - Intro to Comparison
05:50 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
06:14 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
06:42 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
07:16 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
07:41 - Avantone CV12 Comparison
08:16 - Warm Audio WA67 Comparison
08:53 - Warm Audio WA47 Comparison
09:29 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:06 - Neumann U67 Reissue Comparison
10:41 - Music Test
11:56 - Pros & Cons
12:55 - Overall Thoughts
14:39 - Recommendation
16:03 - Outro

Neumann BCM 104 Review / Test

Video: https://youtu.be/jC3N_hNk7hE

Today I review the Neumann BCM104, a broadcaster condenser. I compare this mic to the Shure SM7b, Electro Voice RE20, Neumann TLM103, Neumann U87 Ai, and a bunch more mics so you can hear how it compares to the other available options.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~12:30
Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
Sensitivity: -33dB
Impedance: 50 Ohms
Power Requirement: 48V DC Phantom Power

Buy the Neumann BCM104 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/bcm104
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/bcm104

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
00:30  - What’s in the Box
00:47 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:23 - Specifications
01:34 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:52 - Plosive Test
02:04 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:24 - Background Noise Test 
02:39 - Untreated Room Test
02:57 - Shock Rejection Test
03:13 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:26 - High Pass Filter Demo
04:04 - Intro to Comparison
04:34 - Shure SM58 Comparison
05:00 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
05:30 - Shure SM7b Comparison
06:00 - Earthworks Ethos Comparison
06:29 - Rode Broadcaster Comparison
06:58 - Electro Voice RE20 Comparison
07:28 - Lauten Audio LS208 Comparison
07:54 - Neumann KMS105 Comparison
08:29 - Neumann BCM705 Comparison
09:09 - Neumann TLM103 Comparison
09:55 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:32 - Music Test
12:00 - Pros & Cons
14:12 - Overall Thoughts
16:14 - Recommendation
17:20 - Conclusion

Razer Seiren V3 Mini Review / Test

Video & HQ Audio:  https://podcastage.com/rev/v3mini

Today I review the Razer Seiren V3 Mini. This is similar to the original Seiren Mini, but with the addition of a capacitive mute button and improved conversion up to 24-bit 96kHz. The sound is slightly V-shaped with a bit of bass/low mid support, and a very exagerated treble region which leads to the mids sounding recessed and non-dominant.

Buy the Razer Seiren V3 Mini (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/v3mini

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: 27%
Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Super-Cardioid
Freq Response :20Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity: -36dB
Max SPL: 110dB
Bit Depth: 24
Sample Rate:  96khz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:25 - What’s in the Box
00:43 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:11 - Specifications
01:21 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:40 - Plosive Test
01:50 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:13 - Background Noise Test 
02:29 - Untreated Room Test
02:47 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:03 - Desktop Stand Test
03:51 - Mute Button Test
04:08 - Intro to Comparison
04:36 - Samson Go Mic Comparison
05:05 - Razer Seiren Mini Comparison
05:40 - HyperX Solocast Comparison
06:11 - Blue Snowball Comparison
06:43 - Logitech Yeti Orb Comparison
07:19 - Rode NT-USB Mini Comparison
07:51 - Blue Yeti Nano Comparison
08:23 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
09:01 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:31 - Music Test
11:20 - Pros & Cons
12:47 - Overall Thoughts
14:54 - Recommendation
16:57 - Outro

How To STOP Distorting Your Mic - Best OBS Mic Settings

I receive questions about upgrading mics because they are distorting, but in most cases they just aren't set up properly. In this video I demonstrate the setup process with OBS but these procedures are transferable to any Digital Audio Workstation that you use.

00:00 - It's NOT The Mic, It's YOU
00:21 - Using a Cheap Mic & Free Filters
00:36 - Step 1: Set Your Input Level Properly
01:49 - Step 2: Add a Gain Filter
02:18 - Step 3: Add a Limiter
02:41 - Step 4: Add a Compressor
03:17 - Quick Clarification
03:46 - Outro

Daking Mic Pre One Review / Test

Video: https://youtu.be/OPKB1qE1A2c

Does an $800 Made in the USA preamp perform well? It has 70dB of gain, a variable high pass filter, a noise floor comparable to interfaces that have an EIN of ~ -127dBA, and it's built like a tank. It performs very well, but is it worth it for the price?

Buy the Daking Mic Pre One (Affiliate Links)
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/micpreone 

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
00:27 - What’s in the Box
00:43 - Build Quality
01:18 - Walkthrough
02:06 - Specifications
02:48 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
04:00 - Preamp vs. Interface Preamp
04:58 - High Pass Filter Demo
05:41 - Phase Invert, Pad, and +48v Implementation
06:27 - Music Test (Drum Machine, Electric Guitar, D.I. Bass, D.I. Acoustic)
09:06 - Pros & Cons
10:37 - What Does it Offer?
11:32 - Recommendation
13:55  - Outro