Electro Voice RE20 Review / Test

Today I re-review the Electro Voice RE20 after 5 years of use. If you are looking for a dynamic mic that does great at background noise rejection while offering a brighter top end to get more articulation and a reserved mid section, then this is great. It is another studio workhorse mic for music studios that can be used successfully on nearly every instrument and for spoken word it's amazing; assuming you don't have a very sibilant voice. 

DISCLOSURE: As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Buy the Electro Voice RE20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/re20b
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/re20b
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/ev_re20_microphone.htm?partner_id=23899

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen) (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm?partner_id=23899

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:26 - Setup
00:43 - What’s in the Box
01:03 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:14 - Specifications
02:38 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:53 - Plosive Test
03:03 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:34 - Background Noise Test 
03:51 - Untreated Room Test
04:13 - Shock Rejection Test
04:33 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:45 - High Pass Filter Test
05:11 - Intro to Comparison
05:25 - Behringer XM8500 Comparison
05:52 - Shure SM58 Comparison
06:14 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
06:35 - Rode Procaster Comparison
06:59 - Electro Voice RE320 Comparison
07:26 - Beyerdynamic M201 TG Comparison
07:50 - Shure SM7b Comparison
08:25 - Rode Broadcaster Comparison
08:55 - Old Electro Voice RE20 Comparison
09:24 - Earthworks Icon Pro Comparison
09:54 - Electro Voice RE27 N/D Comparison
10:23 - Earthworks Ethos Comparison
10:55 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
11:43 - Music Test
12:49 - Pros & Cons
14:15 - Overall Thoughts
16:54 - Recommendation
18:02 - Outro

Looking at Jacob Collier's Microphones

In today's casual Friday video I heard Jacob Collier talking about mics in his recent breakdown of A Christmas Song, and had to make a video on it. So that's what I'm doing, making a video on some microphone's that Jacob Collier uses because I think it's interesting and we can learn something from it. 

Christmas Song Logic Breakdown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXmqfJhuLrw
Esquire Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXVs9A3DHgQ
All I Need (Bathroom): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAwkGI-_adI

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Shure SM58: https://geni.us/sm58
Neumann U87 Ai: https://geni.us/u87aikit
AEA KU5a: https://geni.us/ku5a
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
00:56 - Jacob's First Mic
01:51 - Mic 1
02:57 - Mic 2
04:08 - Jacob Explaining the Choice
05:24 - No Best Mic
06:05 - Other Mics Jacob Uses
07:00 - Disclaimer & Conclusion
07:59 - Outro

Universal Audio VOLT 276 Interface Review / Explained

Today I walkthrough, explain, test and review the Volt 276 and discuss when you might want the Volt 2 over the Volt 276. I also compare vintage mode to the LA610 tube preamp and compare it to the Audient ID14 and SSL2+. This thing offers a 55dB gain range, an EIN of -127dBa, sufficiently powered headphone amp, direct monitoring, midi I/O, and that vintage mode & 76 style compressor

Buy the UA Volt 276 (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/volt276
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/uavolt276

Buy the UA Volt 2 (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/volt2
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/uavolt2

Buy the Rode NT1 Kit (Affiliate)
Amazon: http://geni.us/rodent1
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/nt1

Buy the Shure SM7b (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/shuresm7b
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/sm7b

00:00 - Intro / Pricing / Disclosure 
00:34 - Signal Chain for Testing
00:55 - What’s in the Box
01:39 - Build Quality
02:14 - Walkthrough of Features
04:28 - Specifications
05:26 - Vintage Mode Test
05:58 - Compressor Mode Test
07:05 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
08:36 - Preamp Gain Noise Test
09:41 - Comparison to Univeral Audio LA610 Tube Preamp
12:32 - Volt 276 vs. Audient ID14 vs SSL 2+
13:58 - Latency Test
14:54 - Instrument Input Test
17:20 - Pros & Cons
21:05 - Recommendation
22:24 - UA Volt 2 or Volt 276
23:08 - Outro

Are XLR to USB Cables Worth It?

Today I try out the highest rated XLR to USB cable on amazon with over 2000 reviews and an average ranking of 4.5 stars, is it worth it? Do XLR to USB cables work with dynamic mics or condenser mics or powered mics?

Don't buy it, but if you really want to here's an affiliate link
Amazon: https://geni.us/xlrusb

Mics Used (Affiliate Link):
Shure SM7b: https://geni.us/shuresm7b
sE Electronics V7: https://geni.us/sEv7
Neewer NW700: https://geni.us/nw700x
Audio Technica AT2020: https://geni.us/at2020x
Neat King Bee 2: https://geni.us/kingbee2
Lewitt LCT840: https://geni.us/lct840

00:00 - Intro
00:31 - Pricing 
00:53 - What You Get?
01:05 - Build Quality
01:37 - Specs
02:00 - Dynamic Mics on the XLR to USB Cable
03:38 - Condenser Mics on the XLR to USB Cable
04:30 - Tube Mic on the XLR to USB Cable
06:08 - Conclusion
07:30 - Outro

This Channel Is Changing - State of the Channel 2022

Today I talk about how the channel will be changing over the coming year. Hopefully you are on board with these changes and excited to see where we go from here. I'll still be focussing on making every video as valuable as I can.

Buy the Electro Voice RE20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/re20b
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/re20b
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/ev_re20_microphone.htm?partner_id=23899

Buy the UA Volt 276(Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/volt276
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/uavolt276
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/universal_audio_volt_276.htm?partner_id=23899

DISCLOSURE: As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Goodbye 2021, a Box Throwing Compilation

I guess this will become an annual tradition, so in order to close out the year here's the box throw compilation for the last year. Although the year was another rough one for all of us, your support over the last 365 has made it easier and even enjoyable. Thank you for that. I hope you found some help, enjoyment, or escapism in the videos over the last year. Let's see what the next year brings, and remember that we'll get through that one too.

Shure SM7b Mic Review / Test

Today I re-review the Shure SM7b after 6 years of use. If you are looking for a very easy to listen to mic for spoken word that's on the darker side, this thing is great. If you're looking for a music studio workhorse, this is great. However, it is a very quiet mic so make sure your interface's preamps can drive it.

How to Set Up the SM7b: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b-8FtIxjF8
SM7B Misconception: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYQOqpPa1tI
Rhett Shull Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0v3uagcxT4

DISCLOSURE: As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Buy the Shure SM7b (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/shuresm7b
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/sm7b
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/shure_sm_7b_studiomikro.htm?partner_id=23899

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen) (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm?partner_id=23899

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:26 - Setup
00:52 - What’s in the Box
01:23 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:05 - Specifications
02:19 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:38 - Plosive Test
02:56 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:22 - Background Noise Test 
03:39 - Untreated Room Test
04:00 - Shock Rejection Test
04:22 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:50 - Provided Windscreen Tone Test
05:26 - High Pass / Presence Boost Demo
06:44 - Intro to Comparison
07:13 - Behringer XM8500 Comparison
07:40 - Shure SM58 Comparison
08:04 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
08:30 - Rode Procaster Comparison
08:56 - Beyerdynamic M201 TG Comparison
09:27 - Old Shure SM7b Comparison
10:04 - Rode Broadcaster Comparison
10:44 - Electro Voice RE20 Comparison
11:27 - Earthworks Icon Pro Comparison
11:55 - Earthworks Ethos Comparison
12:33 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
13:06 - Music Test
14:40 - Pros & Cons
16:58 - Overall Thoughts
19:57 - Recommendation
21:20 - Why I Think the SM7b is So Popular?
22:49 - Outro

How to Set Up the Shure SM7b for Beginners

Today I walkthrough setting up your Shure SM7b from attaching it to the stand, proper microphone technique, how to connect it to your interface and set your gain, which windscreen you should use, and when you should use the switches on the rear of the microphone.

REFERENCED VIDEOS:

How To Set Your Gain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l86SOlxyps
OBS Microphone Setup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXphHY4AqAA
SM7B Misconception: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYQOqpPa1tI

As an Amazon, Sweetwater, & Thomann affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Buy the Shure SM7b (Affiliate Link)
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/sm7b
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/shure_sm_7b_studiomikro.htm?partner_id=23899
Amazon: https://geni.us/shuresm7b

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen) (Affiliate Link)
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm?partner_id=23899
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i32rd

00:00 - Intro
00:11 - What's in the Box?
00:36 - Step 1: Attach it to a Stand
01:28 - Step 2: Position the Mic Properly
02:55 - Step 3: Connect the Mic & Set Your Gain
05:47 - Step 4.1: Windscreen Choice
07:33 - Step 4.2: Switches on the Mic
10:08 - Outro

$300 Mic Collection for Home Studio, Streaming, and Voice Over

Today I share a few mic collection ideas I had for Home Studio, Music, Podcasting, Streaming, and Voice Over. The first budget we're looking at is $300 and we'll explore other price ranges in future episodes. Let me know what you think in the comments about the next budget we should look at and what your perfect collection at this price range would be.

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Gear Discussed (Affiliate Links):

Audio Technica AT2020
Amazon:  https://geni.us/at2020x
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/at2020

Shure SM57
Amazon: https://geni.us/sm57
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/sm57

sE Electronics sE7
Amazon: https://geni.us/sese7
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/se7

sE Electronics sE8
Amazon: https://geni.us/sese8
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/se8

Beyerdynamic M201 TG 
Amazon: https://geni.us/M201
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/m201tg

Rode Procaster
Amazon: https://geni.us/rodepro
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/procaster

Electro Voice RE320
Amazon: https://geni.us/re320
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/re320

Shure SM58 
Amazon: https://geni.us/sm58
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/sm58

Sennheiser E835 
Amazon: https://geni.us/e835
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/e835

sE Electronics V7
Amazon: https://geni.us/sEv7
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/sev7

Rode NT1
Amazon: https://geni.us/rodent1
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/nt1

Sennheiser MK4
Amazon: https://geni.us/sennmk4
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/mk4

Gear Used to Record (Affiliate Links):
Lauten Audio LC-387: https://geni.us/lautenfc387
Hakan P110 Pop Filter: https://imp.i114863.net/Za2Ag
OC White Low Profile Boom Arm: https://www.ocwhite.com/product/ultima-gen2-ultra-low-profile-adjustable-mic-boom-with-a-12-fixed-horizontal-arm-and-machined-table-bushing/
Universal Audio x8: https://imp.i114863.net/zMg2r
Sennheiser HD650: https://geni.us/sennhd650

00:00 - Intro
00:46 - Don't Get Offended
01:04 - Home Studio Musician Picks
05:07 - Podcaster / Streamer Picks
09:21 - Voice Over Picks
11:05 - Mic Tests for Music
12:55 - Conclusion

Podcastage's Favorite Audio Gear of 2021

Today we discuss my favorite audio gear of 2021. I limit the selections to one winner and one runner up which made it very difficult, but I share my favorite microphone that I reviewed this year, my favorite audio interface 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.

Links:
Podcast Channel: http://youtube.com/bandrewsayspodcast
Watch Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watchcastage
Music Channel: https://www.youtube.com/bandrewplays
Personal Channel: https://www.youtube.com/bandrewscott

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Gear Discussed (Affiliate Links):
Neumann TLM49:  https://imp.i114863.net/tlm49
Earthworks Ethos: https://imp.i114863.net/ethos
Universal Audio Twin X: https://geni.us/uatwinx 
Audient ID14: https://geni.us/id14mkii
Taylor 517E: https://imp.i114863.net/517e
Jim Dunlop .60mm Nylon Picks: https://geni.us/jd60
Ernie Ball 1.5mm Picks: https://geni.us/eb15
Radial Engineering JS-3: https://geni.us/radialjs3

Gear Used to Record (Affiliate Links):
Lauten Audio FC-387: https://geni.us/lautenfc387
Hakan P110 Pop Filter: https://imp.i114863.net/Za2Ag
OC White Low Profile Boom Arm: https://www.ocwhite.com/product/ultima-gen2-ultra-low-profile-adjustable-mic-boom-with-a-12-fixed-horizontal-arm-and-machined-table-bushing/
Universal Audio x8: https://imp.i114863.net/zMg2r
Sennheiser HD650: https://geni.us/sennhd650

00:00 - Intro
00:37 - Favorite Mics I Reviewed
03:03 - Favorite Interfaces I Reviewed
04:35 - Favorite Production Gear
08:23 - Favorite Mics I Bought?
09:40 - Your Favorite Gear?
09:56 - Conclusion