PreSonus TubePre V2 Review / Test

HQ Audio Of Review: https://podcastage.com/rev/tubeprev2
Video: https://youtu.be/TrKg-189ifE

Today I walkthrough, explain, test and review the relatively affordable tube microphone preamp; the Presonus TubePre V2. With this preamp you're getting +65dB of gain with a quoted EIN of -131dBu A-Weighted which is pretty darn good. You're also getting a drive dial which allows you to full on distort your audio input which can be incredibly fun.

Buy the Presonus Tube Pre V2 (Affiliate Links)
Amazon:  https://geni.us/tubeprev2
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/tubeprev2

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
00:42 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:50 - Specifications
02:52 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
03:18 - Preamp vs. Interface Preamp
04:13 - Drive / Distortion Demo
05:25 - High Pass Filter Demo
06:00 - Music Test
09:04 - Pros & Cons
10:30 - Opinion on Pre
11:14 - Recommendation
12:35  - Outro

Lewitt LCT 840 Review / Test (vs. OC818, TF51, LCT1040, U67)

Today i review the Lewitt LCT840, a multi-pattern tube condenser mic that offers 5 great sounding polar patterns, two pads, and two high pass filters. I hear more mids than other lewitt mics with a slightly different top end which isn't overly bright in the treble, but it offers a really nice upper treble and air region which maintains a smooth sound.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~12:30
Boosted in Post: +7dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Omni, Wide cardioid, Cardioid, Supercardioid, Figure 8.
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
Sensitivity: -33dBV
Self Noise: 9dB
Max SPL: 139dB (159dB with -20dB pad)
Impedance: 200 Ohms
High Pass Filter: 12dB/oct at 40Hz, 6dB/oct at 300hz
Pad: -10dB, -20dB
Tube: 12ZX7

Buy the Lewitt LCT840 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/lct840
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/lct840
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3MLdGfM

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
00:40 - What’s in the Box
01:12 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:23 - Specifications
02:41 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
04:01 - Plosive Test
04:14 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
04:35 - Background Noise Test 
04:50 - Untreated Room Test
05:13 - Shock Rejection Test
05:30 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:44 - High Pass Filter Test
06:28 - Pad Test
06:55 - Windscreen Tone Test
07:27 -  High End Preamp Demo
08:24 - Intro to Comparison
08:49 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
09:18 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
09:45 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
10:15 - Shure KSM32 Comparison
10:42 - Lewitt Pure Tube Comparison
11:10 - Austrian Audio OC818 Comparison
11:44 - AKG C414 XLS Comparison
12:14 - Sony C100 Comparison
12:47 - Lewitt LCT940 Comparison
13:26 - Telefunken TF51 Comparison
13:54 - Lewitt LCT1040 Comparison
14:36 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
15:19 - Neumann U67 Reissue Comparison
16:06 - Music Test
17:41 - Pros & Cons
19:40 - Overall Thoughts
21:29 - Recommendation
22:22 - Outro

Universal Audio SD-1 Hemisphere Plugin Demo / Test

Video & Audio Of Review: https://podcastage.com/rev/hemisphere
Full Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m4FkPS9RgE

Buy the Universal Audio SD1 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/uasd1
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/sd1

As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

00:00 - Intro
00:42 - Plugin Walkthrough
03:02 - Mic Model Demos
06:04 - Models vs. Real Deal Comparison
08:57 - How Do The Models Sound
09:51 - Do You Need a Universal Audio Interface?
10:19 - Does This Work in Real Time?
10:58 - Can You Download it Without a UA Mic?
11:26 - Final Thoughts
12:42 - Conclusion

Shure KSM141 Microphone Review / Test

Today i review the Shure KSM141, a small diaphragm condenser which offers a controlled low end, a neutral mid section, and a slightly bright treble region. This mic offers two very useful polar patterns and useful high pass filters as well as a max SPL of 164dB.

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

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid / Omni
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
Sensitivity: -37dBV
Self Noise: 14dB
Max SPL: 139dB (159dB with -25dB pad)
Impedance: 150 Ohms
High Pass Filter: 6dB/octave at 115hz; -18dB/octave at 80hz
Phantom power: +48V

Buy the Shure KSM141 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon:  https://geni.us/ksm141
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ksm141
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3tG6CLF
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/shure_ksm_141_sl.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
00:52 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:27 - Specifications
01:40 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:33 - Plosive Test
02:54 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:22 - Background Noise Test 
03:38 - Untreated Room Test
04:03 - Underboom & Overhead Booming Test
04:48 - Shock Rejection Test
05:04 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:19 - High Pass Filter Test
05:59 - Pad Test
06:19 - Windscreen Tone Test
06:54 - Intro to Comparison
07:22 - Behringer C2 Comparison
07:51 - Rode M5 Comparison
08:22 - sE Electronics sE8 Comparison
08:57 - Shure SM81 Comparison
09:38 - Beyerdynamic MC930 Comparison
10:08 - Neumann KM184 Comparison
10:44 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
11:24 - Music Test
12:59 - Pros & Cons
14:16 - Overall Thoughts
15:23 - Recommendation
16:13 - Outro

Movo LV-1 Lav Mic Review

Video & HQ Audio: https://podcastage.com/rev/lv1

Today I review a $13 lavalier microphone kit. This seems to be a similar built to a mic I reviewed 7 years ago and it has the sam functionality. The sound is tolerable but leans towards muddy in the bass and congested in the mids. It also has a low sensitivity and sounds like it has a high self noise so if you're looking for noiseless recordings this will not offer it for you.

 Buy the Movo LV1 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/movolv1

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

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Conversion: 16-bit / 48kHz
Computer Level: 81%
Boosted in Post: +2dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
Freq Response : 50Hz - 18kHz
Sensitivity -65dB
Impedance: 1 kΩ
Operating Voltage: 1 - 10 V DC

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:23 - What’s in the Box
00:58 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:40 - Specifications
01:53 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:09 - Plosive Test
02:26 - Lav Mic Position Tests
03:18 - Background Noise Test 
03:33 - Untreated Room Test
03:55 - Windscreen Test
04:38 - Camera Internal Mic Comparison
06:03 - Portable Record Demo
06:23 - Smart Phone Demo
06:40 - Laptop Input Demo
06:55 - Lav Mic Audio Interface Demo
07:19 - 1/4" Audio Interface Demo
07:59 - Intro to Comparison
08:30 - Sony ECM-CS3 Comparison
09:13 - Apple Earbuds Mic Copmarison
09:32 - Deity Pocket Wireless Lav Comparison
10:02 - Rode Lavalier Go Comparison
10:31 - Shure MVL Comparison
11:01 - Shure TL47 Comparison
11:40 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
12:26 - Pros & Cons
14:22 - Overall Thoughts
15:04 - Recommendation
17:41 - Outro

Austrian Audio MiCreator USB Mic Review / Test

Today I review a new USB mic from Austrian Audio; the MiCreator. This is a USB mic that also expands to allow you to add an additional input (instrument, second mic capusle, or lav mic kit). The sound is fairly balanced with a controlled low end a slightly more midfocused sound due to no significant cuts, and then a relatively smooth upper frequency range.

Buy the MiCreator (Affiliate Link)
Amazon:
B&H Photo:

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: High
Computer Level: 26.7% (4dB)
Boosted in Post: +0dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Super Cardioid
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity -35dBFS (low) / -15dBFS (high)
Equivalent Noise Level: 22dB SPL (A)
Max SPL: 130 dB SPL (low gain)
Bit Depth: 24-bit
Sample Rate:  48kHz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:28 - What’s in the Box
01:02 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:33 - Specifications
02:43 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
03:02 - Plosive Test
03:19 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:40 - Background Noise Test 
03:57 - Untreated Room Test
04:18 - Shock Rejection Test
04:34 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:51 - Demo of Sattelite
05:44 - Intro to Comparison
06:14 - Blue Yeti Comparison
06:46 - Audio Technica AT2020USB-X Comparison
07:18 - Sennheiser Profile USB Comparison
07:54 - Samson G-Track Pro Comparison
08:41 - Blue Yeti X Comparison
09:26 - Rode NT-USB+ Comparison
10:00 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
10:38 - Austrian Audio OC818 Comparison
11:30 - Neumann U87 Ai Copmarison
12:10 - Instrument Input Test
14:01 - Microphone Music Test
15:43 - Pros & Cons
17:13 - Overall Thoughts
18:47 - Recommendation
21:37  - Outro

Shure SM7dB Review / Test

Today I review new Shure SM7dB. Does this improve the noise floor of your recordings? Is it worth the money? Should you buy it? In this review I compare it to the SM7b as well as a bunch of other microphones so you can hear it. Other than that it sounds like an SM7b just with a hotter output, so if that's something that sounds appealing it may work for you, but keep your expecations on low noise recording in check.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Mic: No EQ Switches, Preamp Mode +28dB
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~12:00
Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response : 50Hz - 20khz
Sensitivity: -59dB / -41dB / -31dB
Impedance: 150 Ohms (27 Ohs in Preamp Mode)
Power Requirement: 48V DC Phantom Power

Buy the Shure SM7dB (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/sm7dB
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/sm7db
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/46bNDH5
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/shure_sm_7_db.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
00:27  - What’s in the Box
00:49 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:48 - Specifications
02:00 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:17 - Plosive Test
02:33 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:56 - Background Noise Test 
03:11 - Untreated Room Test
03:30 - Shock Rejection Test
03:45 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:59 - EQ Switch Demo
05:00 - Does the SM7dB Have a Quieter Noise Floor?
07:01 - Intro to Comparison
07:32 - Shure SM58 Comparison
07:58 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
08:26 - Rode Podmic Comparison
08:55 - sE Electronics DCM6 Comparison
09:36 - Shure MV7x Comparison
10:05 - Rode Procaster Comparison
10:33 - sE Electronics Dynacaster Comparison
11:08 - Audio Technica BP40 Comparison
11:33 - Logitech Blue Sona Comparison
12:04 - Beyerdynamic M201tg Comparison
12:34 - Electro Voice RE20 Comparison
13:16 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
14:00 - Music Test
15:28  - Pros & Cons
17:53 - Overall Thoughts
19:22 - Is the SM7dB Better Than the SM7b?
20:50 - Recommendation
23:20 - Conclusion

Logitech Yeti GX Dynamic RGB Gaming Mic Review

Today I review a new USB mic from Logitech the Yeti GX. This is an USB supercardioid dynamic mic with RGB lighting. The software is pretty good but has a few faults, while the sound of the microphone is bested by every other microphone I compared it against; this sounds similar to the mic on a headset.

Buy the Logitech Yeti GX (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/yetigx
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3rxEV6L

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: 49
Boosted in Post: +0dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Super Cardioid
Freq Response : 50Hz - 18kHz
Signal to Noise: 78dB
Dynamic Range: 95dB
Bit Depth: 24-bit
Sample Rate:  48kHz/96kHz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:33 - What’s in the Box
00:58 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:43 - Specifications
01:53 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:12 - Plosive Test
02:22 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:46 - Background Noise Test 
03:08 - Untreated Room Test
03:30 - Shock Rejection Test
03:48 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:02 - Mute Button Test
04:18 - Foam Windscreen Sound Test
04:55 - Desktop Stand Test
05:24 - Smart Audio Lock Demo (Never Clip)
06:06 - Intro to Comparison
06:29 - Samson Q2u Comparison
06:59 - Blue Yeti X Comparison
07:36 - Elgato Wave 3 Comparison
08:11 - Audio Technica AT2040 USB Comparison
08:42 - Rode Podmic USB Comparison
09:22 - Shure MV7 Comparison
10:04 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:35 - Software Walkthrough
15:10 - Are Processing Settings Stored on Mic?
15:57 - Music Test
17:25 - Pros & Cons
19:13 - Overall Thoughts
20:49 - Recommendation
22:21  - Outro

Electro Voice RE520 Review / Test

HQ Audio Of Review: https://podcastage.com/rev/re520
Video: https://youtu.be/wnEGw0_zjGc

Today I review a handheld condenser mic from Electro Voice the RE520. This thing sounds like a brighter RE20 with a bit of heft in the bass, relatively neutral mid section and then a bump in the top end which offers some nice clarity without sounding too overboosted. It does great with handling noise rejection and pretty well with background noise. It suffers from plosives and if the grill is removed it becomes ungrounded and hums.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~3:00
Boosted in Post: +4dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
Freq Response : 40Hz - 20khz
Sensitivity: -45dB
Max SPL: 150 dB
Self Noise: 17dBA
Impedance: 200 Ohms
Power Requirement: 48V DC Phantom Power
Spec Sheet: https://products.electrovoice.com/binary/RE520_Condenser_supercardioid_vocal_microphone_Datasheet_51_en_31631879435.pdf

Buy the Electo Voice RE520 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/RE520
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/re520
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3EHtZqn
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/ev_re520.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
00:24  - What’s in the Box
00:42 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:11 - Specifications
01:27 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:50 - Plosive Test
02:10 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:30 - Background Noise Test 
02:49 - Untreated Room Test
03:10 - Shock Rejection Test
03:28 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:42 - Handling Noise Test
03:53 - Cup the Mic Test
04:14 - High Pass Filter Test
04:56 - Intro to Comparison
05:12 - Shure SM58 Comparison
05:40 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
06:06 - Audio Technica AT2010 Comparison
06:32 - Electro Voice ND76 Comparison
07:01 - Lewitt MTP350CM Comparison
07:28 - Rode M2 Comparison
07:55 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
08:29 - Shure Beta87a Comparison
09:04 - Electro Voice RE20 Comparison
09:40 - Neumann KMS105 Comparison
10:15 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:45 - Music Test
12:17 - Pros & Cons
13:35 - Overall Thoughts
15:21 - Recommendation

Behringer MIC300 Tube Preamp & Limiter Review / Test

Today I walkthrough, explain, test and review the budget Behringer MIC300 tube preamp. This offer +60dB of gain with +10dB on the output stage, and the main thing that drew me to it, an analog limiter (which is fine, but not great). If you're looking for a fantastic sounding preamp with tons of clean gain, this is not for you. It's a relatively distorted, slightly noisy tube preamp that's a little bit of fun.

Buy the Behringer MIC300 (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/mic300
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/behringer_mic300_tube_ultragain.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

Buy the Rode NT1 Kit (Affiliate)
Amazon: http://geni.us/rodent1
Sweetwater: http://bit.ly/2Xrwl62
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3OTT0Vn
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/rode_nt1_kit.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
00:30 - What’s in the Box
00:40 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:12 - Specifications
02:05 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
03:15 - Preamp Gain Noise Test 
03:56 - Limiter Test
05:49  - Preamp vs. Interface Preamp
06:29 - Music Test
08:17 - Pros & Cons
09:16 - Opinion on Pre
10:08 - Recommendation
11:25  - Outro