Shure MV7x Podcast Mic Review / Test

Today I review the new podcast mic from Shure, the MV7x. This is the XLR only version of the MV7, and before you scoff at it, the XLR output sounds 10x better than the XLR output on the original MV7.

HQ Audio Of Review: https://podcastage.com/rev/mv7x

Buy the Shure MV7x (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/mv7x
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/mv7x

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.

Avantone Pro CK-6 Classic Review / Test

Today I review an affordable condenser mic, the Avantone CK-6 Classic. This mic has a controlled low end with a gooey low mid section and a more midforward sound with an apparent top end that does sound a bit recessed compared to similar priced mics. The big draw back to this mic is the ringing and resonance of it, so if you touch this mic it will ring like a bell.

Buy the Avantone CK-6 Classic (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/ck6classic
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/ck6classic

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
00:18 - Setup
00:38 - What’s in the Box
01:12 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:52 - Specifications
02:17 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:37 - Plosive Test
02:54 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:14 - Background Noise Test
03:36 - Untreated Room Test
03:51 - Shock Rejection Test
04:12 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:46 - High Pass Filter Test
05:14 - Intro to Comparison
05:27 - Neewer NW700 Comparison
05:50 - Neat Worker Bee Comparison
06:17 - MXL V67G Comparison
06:43 - Audio Technica AT2020 Copmarison
07:13 - Blue Ember Comparison
07:36 - AKG P120 Comparison
08:00 - Lewitt LCT440 Compariswon
08:32 - Rode NT1 Comparison
09:07 - Lauten Audio LA220 Comparison
09:42 - Soyuz SU-23 Comparison
10:17 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
11:17 - Music Test
12:24 - Pros & Cons
13:30 - Overall Thoughts
16:16 - Recommendation
17:26 - Outro

Placid Audio Carbonphone & Copperphone Mini Review / Test

Today I review two of the most unique mics I’ve tested to date, the Carbonphone RU-80 and Copperphone Mini. These are effect microphones that make you sound like you are recording in the 1920’s and 1930’s on an AM radio.

Buy the Mics (Non Affiliate Link)
Carbonphone RU-80: https://www.placidaudio.com/products/ru-80/
Copperphone Mini: https://www.placidaudio.com/products/copperphone-mini/

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
00:45 - Setup
01:18 - What’s in the Box
01:31 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:01 - Specifications
02:30 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
03:03 - Plosive Test
03:22 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
04:01 - Background Noise Test
04:34 - Shock Rejection Test
05:04 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:27 - Why No More Tests?
05:49 - Music Test
07:20 - Pros & Cons
08:40 - Overall Thoughts
12:00 - Recommendation
12:55 - Outro

The Biggest Misconception About the SM7b

I constantly hear from everyone that the SM7b needs 60dB of gain; this is even listed on Shure's official youtube channel. I disagree with this completely. If you are recording or streaming through a piece of software that allows for the addition of a limiter, such as OBS, I think you can get by with around 50dB of gain.

Video on setting up audio for livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXphHY4AqAA

Lewitt MTP 940 CM Handheld Condenser Mic Review / Test

Today I review one of the most versatile handheld mics I’ve ever tested, the Lewitt MTP 940 CM. This is a multi-polar pattern handheld condenser microphone with a 1” capsule. It also offers two pads and two high pass filter options. In the handheld condenser market, the self noise is pretty respectable, did a great job at off axis coloration, and did great rejecting background noise.

Buy the Lewitt MTP 940 CM (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/940cm

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
00:30 - Setup
01:00 - What’s in the Box
01:36 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:20 - Specifications
02:47 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
03:47 - Plosive Test
04:03 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
04:34 - Background Noise Test
04:52 - Untreated Room Test
05:10 - Shock Rejection Test
05:29 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:45 - Handling Noise Rejection Test
06:01 - Cupping the Mic Test
06:27 - Windscreen Test
07:03 - High Pass Filter Test
08:05 - Intro to Comparison
08:21 - Shure SM58 Comparison
08:54 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
09:19 - Audio Technica AT2010 Comparison
09:57 - Lewitt MTP350 CM Comparison
10:31 - Rode M2 Comparison
11:06 - Shure Beta 87A Comparison
11:39 - Shure KSM8 Comparison
12:09 - Neumann KMS105 Comparison
12:51 - Earthworks SR314 Comparison
13:27 - Sennheiser MD441U Comparison
14:32 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
15:20 - Music Test
16:28 - Pros & Cons
17:27 - Overall Thoughts
19:34 - Recommendation
20:31 - Outro

512 Audio Limelight Dynamic Mic Review / Test

Today I review the new dynamic broadcast mic from 512 Audio, the Limelight. If you’re unaware, 512 Audio is a spin off or subsidiary or something of Warm Audio. This is a very ribbon sounding dynamic microphone with a very powerful low and low mid section. It does a good job at background noise rejection and room rejection but suffers in terms of shock rejection.

Buy the 512 Audio Limelight (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/limelight
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/limelight

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
00:29 - Setup
00:49 - What’s in the Box
01:07 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:42 - Specifications
02:01 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:22 - Plosive Test
02:33 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:54 - Background Noise Test
03:12 - Untreated Room Test
03:28 - Shock Rejection Test
03:44 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:00 - High Pass Filter Test
04:39 - Intro to Comparison
04:53 - Shure SM58 Comparison
05:24 - Audio Technica AT2040 Comparison
05:58 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
06:25 - Rode Podmic Comparison
07:00 - Rode Procaster Comparison
07:34 - Heil PR40 Comparison
08:08 - Shure SM7b Comparison
08:44 - Electro Voice RE20 Comparison
09:22 - Beyerdynamic M160 Comparison
10:19 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
11:20 - Music Test
12:57 - Pros & Cons
14:47 - Overall Thoughts
16:28 - Recommendation
17:19 - Outro

Behringer BX2020 Budget Mic Review / Test

Today I review the new budget mic from Behringer, the BX2020. Is it trying to copy the Audio Technica AT2020? We may never know. This is an affordable mic that has a quite sibilant top end and roll off in the low end. It also doesn’t do great at ambient noise rejection or plosive rejection. Oh did I mention that I have no idea if they’re trying to copy the AT2020?

Buy the Behringer BX2020 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: N/A
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/bx2020

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
00:25 - Setup
00:45 - What’s in the Box
01:04 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:30 - Specifications
01:51 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:12 - Plosive Test
02:23 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:43 - Background Noise Test
03:01 - Untreated Room Test
03:13 - Mount Test
03:29 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:44 - Intro to Comparison
03:59 - Neewer NW700 Comparison
04:30 - Behringer C1 Comparison
05:06 - Mackie EM91C Comparison
05:37 - Neat Worker Bee Comparison
06:10 - MXL V67 Comparison
06:46 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
07:23 - Blue Ember Comparison
07:53 - AKG P120 Comparison
08:30 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:14 - Music Test
10:29 - Pros & Cons
11:14 - Overall Thoughts
13:30 - Recommendation
15:01 - Outro

Elgato WaveXLR Streamer Interface Review / Explained

Today I walkthrough, explain, test and review the Elgato WaveXLR. This thing essentially turns any XLR mic into a Wave3. This has 75dB of gain for your microphone (so yes it can drive the Shure SM7b), it has a digital mixer to mix multiple digital sound sources, and also has a clipboard feature to ensure you don’t distort your analog to digital converters. Regarding the A/D converters it is 24-bit 48/96kHz, which is great.

Buy the Elgato WaveXLR (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/wavexlr

Buy the Rode NT1 Kit (Affiliate)
Amazon: http://geni.us/rodent1
Sweetwater: http://bit.ly/2Xrwl62

00:00 - Intro / Pricing / Disclosure
00:30 - Signal Chain for Testing
00:56 - What’s in the Box
01:13 - Build Quality
01:48 - Walkthrough of Features
04:05 - Specifications
04:53 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
06:00 - Clipguard Test
06:49 - Low-cut / High Pass Filter Test
07:45 - Interface Mute Test
08:35 - Preamp Gain Noise Test
09:30 - Latency Test
10:23 - Software Walkthrough
14:49 - Pros & Cons
17:57 - Recommendation
20:59 - Outro

Mackie EM-89D Budget Mic Review / Test

Today I review the new budget dynamic mic from Mackie, the EM-89D. This costs between $50-$70 dynamic with very crisp top end and a powerful lows and low mids creating a slight V-shape. It does suffer from handling noise and plosives, so you’ll need to practice careful mic technique.

Buy the Mackie EM-89D (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/em89d
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/em89d

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
00:18 - Setup
00:38 - What’s in the Box
01:04 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:32 - Specifications
01:47 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:06 - Plosive Test
02:16 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:36 - Background Noise Test
02:57 - Untreated Room Test
03:12 - Shockmount Test
03:28 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:43 - Handling Noise Test
03:57 - Mic Cupping Test
04:22 - Intro to Comparison
04:35 - Behringer XM8500 Comparison
05:06 - Shure SM48 Comparison
05:34 - Lewitt MTP250 DM Comparison
05:58 - Electro Voice ND76 Comparison
06:23 - Audix OM2 Comparison
06:51 - AKG D5 Comparison
07:21 - Sennheiser E835 Comparison
07:54 - Shure SM58 Comparison
08:21 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
08:55 - Beyerdynamic TG V70d Comparison
09:21 - Neumann KMS105 Comparison
10:03 - Beyerdynamic M160 Comparison
10:42 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
11:20 - Music Test
12:47 - Pros & Cons
13:36 - Overall Thoughts
16:00 - Recommendation
17:17 - Outro

Audio Technica AT2040 Dynamic Mic Review / Test

Today I review the brand new budget podcast mic from Audio Technica, the AT2040. This is a hypercardioid dynamic microphone with a fairly open and mid forward sound. It does a good job at plosive rejection, and has a fairly healthy output compared to other dynamics.

Buy the Audio Technica AT2040 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/at2040
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/at2040

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
00:24 - Setup
00:44 - What’s in the Box
01:08 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:37 - Specifications
01:53 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:18 - Plosive Test
02:29 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:49 - Background Noise Test
03:07 - Untreated Room Test
03:25 - Shockmount Test
03:41 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:55 - Intro to Comparison
04:13 - Zoom ZDM1 Comparison
04:43 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
05:12 - Shure SM57 Comparison
05:52 - Rode Podmic Comparison
06:26 - Personus PD-70 Comparison
07:05 - Sontronics Podcast Pro Comparison
07:37 - Rode Procaster Comparison
08:03 - Audio Technica BP40 Comparison
08:44 - Shure SM7b Comparison
09:28 - Electro Voice RE20 Comparison
10:01 - Neumann BCM705 Comparison
10:49 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
11:49 - Music Test
12:50 - Pros & Cons
14:01 - Overall Thoughts
15:57 - Recommendation
17:00 - Outro