Shure SM7b (50th Anniversary Edition) History & Unboxing

Doctors Without Borders: https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org
Shure Giveaway:
Shure SM7b Review: https://youtu.be/1blmOQ0FlBQ
Shure SM7b Setup: https://youtu.be/6b-8FtIxjF8
Shure SM7b Full History: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyeRPtnqOUU

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?offid=1&affid=2060

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

00:00 - Introduction & Disclosures
00:58 - A Brief History
01:54 - Unboxing
03:39 - Why The SM7b is Important to Me
05:42 - Congratulations & Thank You
06:21 - Conclusion & Why I Made This Video

BSP-352: Thumbnail A/B Testing, Do Comments Impact Video Performance?, & More

Topics Discussed: YouTube's announcement of thumbnail A/B testing, YouTube promotion feature allowing you to run videos as ads, do comments impact your videos distribution and performance, youtube's monetization changes being for streamers, an important metric being monetizeable actions, condenser microphone alternatives to the Shure SM7b, and my thoughts on the Rodecaster Duo.

Subscribe to the full audio podcast at http://www.bandrewsays.com

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Shure SM7b: https://geni.us/shuresm7b
Universal Audio x8: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/uax8
Rode NTH-100: https://geni.us/rnth100

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Ask Questions: https://www.askbandrew.com
Merch: https://www.podcastage.com/store
Discord: http://www.podcastage.com/discord

00:00 - Intro
00:15 - YouTube Introducing Thumbnail A/B Comparison Testing

• YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0veygaKzdjw

06:25 - Paying for Views on YouTube (YouTube Promotions)

• YouTube Promotion Help: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/12199105?hl=en

12:35 - Do Comments Impact Video Performance
21:45 - W.I.B.T.
22:50 - WYHTS: YouTube Monetization Changes Are For Streamers
26:12 - WYHTS: Monetizable Action is Most Important to YouTube
30:05 - Ask Bandrew
31:05 - Voice Submission 1
31:52 - Condenser Mic Alternatives to the Shure SM7b
37:18 - Voice Submission 2 (Newsreels Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@lukewhostalking)
39:05 - I Looked Stupid
40:20 - Thoughts on Rodecaster Duo
52:50 - Conclusion

Lewitt Pure Tube Review / Test

Today I review the new Pure Tube from Lewitt. This thing offers a tamer top end compared to Lewitt's solid state mics and more detail and articulation than a lot of other tube mics. The studio set also comes with one of the best shockmounts I've ever used, and it has a self noise of only 7dBA which is crazy for a tube mic.

Buy the Lewitt Pure Tube (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/puretube
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/puretube
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/42KSX1v
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/lewitt_pure_tube_studio_set.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Links)
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.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~12:30
Boosted in Post: +5dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
Sensitivity: -31dB
Self Noise: 7dBA
Tube: 12AU7/ECC82

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:30 - What’s in the Box
01:06 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:37 - Specifications
01:51 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:09 - Plosive Test
02:24 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:44 - Background Noise Test 
03:00 - Untreated Room Test
03:19 - Shock Rejection Test
03:38 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:55 - Analog Preamp Test
04:31 - Intro to Comparison
04:58 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
05:17 - Lewitt LCT240 Comparison
05:37 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
06:06 - Neumann TLM103 Comparison
06:28 - Lewitt LCT840 Comparison
06:56 - Austrian Audio OC818 Comparison
07:34 - Soyuz SU-023 Bomblet Comparison
07:46 - Sony C100 Comparison
08:22 - Lewitt LCT940 Comparison
08:39 - Telefunken TF-51 Comparison
09:07 - Lewitt LCT1040 Comparison
10:05 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:35 - Neumann U67 Reissue Comparison
11:09 - Music Test
12:19 - Pros & Cons
14:49  - Overall Thoughts
16:18 - Recommendation
17:13 - Outro

BSP-351: YouTube Lowers YPP Requirements, Do Dislikes Harm Videos?, & More

Topics Discussed: YouTube lowering requirements to join the YouTube Partner Program, my findings on whether or not dislikes harm a videos perfromance, why I will never pay to promote a video on youtube, TikTok dominating youtube, what you should consider when buying a tube microphone, and defending myself from criticism of my reviews.

Subscribe to the full audio podcast at http://www.bandrewsays.com

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Lewitt Pure Tube: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/puretube
Universal Audio x8: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/uax8
Rode NTH-100: https://geni.us/rnth100

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Ask Questions: https://www.askbandrew.com
Merch: https://www.podcastage.com/store
Discord: http://www.podcastage.com/discord

00:00 - Intro
00:16 - YouTube Lowering Partner Program Requirements

YouTube Blog: https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/more-ways-for-creators-to-earn-on-youtube/

05:21 - Do Dislikes Harm a Videos Performance
13:56 - WIBT: Pure Tube -> LA610
14:56 - WYHTS: Pay to Promote YouTube Videos
17:51 - WYHTS: TikTok is Dominating YouTube
26:36 - WYHTS: What To Consider When Buying a Tube Mic
35:21 - WYHTS: What DAW Do I Use?
36:36 - Defending "Pulling a Podcastage"
41:51 - WYHTS: Fountain Pens & Ink
45:11 - Conclusion

Mackie EM-99B Review / Test

Today I review a budget broadcast dynamic microphone, the Mackie EM99b. This is an XLR dynamic mic which offers a great build quality, a nice set of accessories, and very clear presence and treble region.

Buy the Mackie EM99b (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/em99b
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/em99b
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3p3N2XB

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/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.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focusrite 18i20 Gen 2
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~4:00
Boosted in Post: +8dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response : 50Hz - 16kHz
Sensitivity: -53dB
Impedance: 350 Ohms

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:23 - What’s in the Box
00:40 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:03 - Specifications
01:13 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:30 - Plosive Test
02:00 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:20 - Background Noise Test 
02:36 - Untreated Room Test
02:55 - Shock Rejection Test
03:11 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:24 - Windscreen Tone Impact Test
03:50 - Intro to Comparison
04:15 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
04:35 - Shure SM58 Comparison
04:55 - Elgato Wave DX Comparison
05:18 - Rode Podmic Comparison
05:38 - Audio Technica AT2040 Comparison
06:03 - sE Electronics DCM6 Comparison
06:31 - Shure MV7x Comparison
06:59 - Electro Voice RE320 Comparison
07:23 - Shure SM7b Comparison
07:53 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:21 - Music Test
09:22 - Pros & Cons|
10:10  - Overall Thoughts
11:18 - Recommendation
12:23  - Outro

BSP-350: Logitech Retiring Blue Microphones, Please Dislike This Video, and More

Topics Discussed: Logitech is retiring the Blue Microphones brand, results of the experiment where I asked you to like my video to determine if Likes impact the distribution of a video, Using the Lewitt Pure Tube for a cover song, Fountain pen ink, Software I use to record mics and more.

Subscribe to the full audio podcast at http://www.bandrewsays.com

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Lewitt Pure Tube: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/puretube
Universal Audio x8: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/uax8
Rode NTH-100: https://geni.us/rnth100

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Ask Questions: https://www.askbandrew.com
Merch: https://www.podcastage.com/store
Discord: http://www.podcastage.com/discord

00:00 - Intro
00:15 - Logitech is Retiring Blue Microphones

• Verge Article: https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/8/23589618/logitech-blue-now-yeti-astro-merge-logitech-g-brands

• Reddit Update: https://www.reddit.com/r/LogitechG/comments/144htiu/an_update_from_logitech_g/?sf178951114=1

14:22 - Do Likes Impact YouTube Video Performance?
22:07 - WIBT: Lewitt Pure Tube Cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-YRxKA5o4o
23:27 - WYHTS: YouTube Will Destroy Your Channel
26:12 - WYHTS: Only 71% Of You Are Subscribed to BSP!
28:17 - WYHTS: What Fountain Pen Ink Do I Use?
29:42 - WYHTS: What Software I Use to Record Microphones?
33:52 - Conclusion

All - World's on Heroin (Cover) (Lewitt Pure Tube)

Cover of the song "World's on Heroin" by the band All of their album Mass Nerder. Recorded using the Lewitt Pure Tube.

GEAR I USE (Affiliate Links):
Taylor 517e Builders Edition: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/517e
Ernie Ball Music Man Sting Ray: https://imp.i114863.net/musicmanrs
Revv D20: https://imp.i114863.net/revvd20
Friedman BE-OD: https://imp.i114863.net/beod
Camera: https://geni.us/c90d
Lens 24mm: https://geni.us/can24
Lens 50mm: https://geni.us/can50
Lens Macro: https://geni.us/can100
Microphone: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/puretube
Mic stand:
Interface: https://imp.i114863.net/uax8
Headphones: https://geni.us/sennhd650

Fifine K688 Review / Test (vs. TD510, PD100, Q2u, MV7)

Today I review a budget dynamic mic which costs between $70 and $80, the Fifine K688. This is an XLR & USB mic with zero latency monitoring and it offers a pretty decent sound. The main draw back to this is how resonant and hollow sounding it is.

Buy the Fifine K688 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/k688

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.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Conversion: 16-bit / 48kHz
Mic Gain: ~2:00
Computer Level: 100%
Boosted in Post: +3dB

SPECS:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Freq Response : 70Hz - 15kHz
- Sensitivity: -58dB
- Max SPL: 130dB
- Bit Depth / Sample Rate: 16-bit/44.1k-48kHz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:25 - What’s in the Box
00:46 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:24 - Specifications
01:32 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:51 - Plosive Test
02:06 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:30 - Background Noise Test 
02:47 - Untreated Room Test
03:07 - Shock Rejection Test
03:25 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:37 - Windscreen Tone Impact Test
04:05 - Mute Button Noise Test
04:24 - XLR vs. USB Output
04:59 - Intro to Comparison
05:27 - Maono PD100 Comparison
05:55 - Tonor TD510 Comparison
06:23 - Maono HD300t Comparison
06:47 - Samson Q2u Comparison
07:17 - Audio Technica ATR2100x-usb Comparison
07:49 - Samson Q9u Comparison
08:23 - Shure MV7 Comparison
08:53 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:23 - Music Test
10:15 - Pros & Cons
12:01  - Overall Thoughts
13:43 - Recommendation
15:04  - Outro

BSP-349: What Really Matters for YouTube Growth, How I Edit a Video Podcast, and More

Topics Discussed: YouTube employees share what metrics really matter for growth and sucess on the platform, the Lewitt Pure Tube microphone, How I edit my video podcast for youtube and audio distribution, Brands that I would happily advertise for, and the ethics of charity sponsorships, consulting, and affiliate links.

Subscribe to the full audio podcast at http://www.bandrewsays.com

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Lewitt Pure Tube: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/puretube
Universal Audio x8: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/uax8
Rode NTH-100: https://geni.us/rnth100

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Ask Questions: https://www.askbandrew.com
Merch: https://www.podcastage.com/store
Discord: http://www.podcastage.com/discord

00:00 - Intro
00:13 - What Metrics Really Matter for YouTube Growth?
08:35 - WIBT: Lewitt Pure Tube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrrAOw66BeI)
11:35 - WYHTS: How Do You Edit Your Video Podcast?
17:20 - WYHTS: Who Wrote the Podcast Theme Music? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_ow85pMmQo)
18:50 - WYHTS: Brands I Would Happily Advertise For
27:05 - VC: Gear Reviewer Ethics & Monetary Compensation
41:50 - WYHTS: Charity Sponsorships & Selling Out
43:20 - WYHTS: Is Consulting for a Free Product Okay?
46:35 - WYHTS: Affiliate Links Make You a Sellout
49:05 - Outro