Miktek MK300 Review / Test

Audio & Video: https://podcastage.com/rev/mk300

Today i review the Miketek MK300, a relatively affordable multi pattern condenser mic with a -10dB pad and 100hz high pass filter. I would classify this mic as a bright and clear sounding mic with a pretty heavy focus on a treble and air focus while still exhibiting good bass extension. 

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~12:00
Boosted in Post: +7dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Figure-8, Omni
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
Sensitivity: -35dB
Self Noise: 15B
Max SPL: 137dB
HPF: 100Hz (12dB/oct)

Buy the Miktek MK300 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/mk300
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/mk300

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
00:20 - What’s in the Box
00:43 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:11 - Specifications
01:25 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:12 - Plosive Test
02:23 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:40 - Background Noise Test 
02:55 - Untreated Room Test
03:14 - Shock Rejection Test
03:33 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:47 - High Pass Filter Test
04:10 - Pad Test
04:39 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
05:01 - sE Electronics X1a Comparison
05:22 - AKG P220 Comparison
05:45 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
06:09 - Earthworks Sr117 Comparison
06:39 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
07:01 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
07:23 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
07:50 - Music Test
10:06  - Pros & Cons
11:18 - Overall Thoughts
12:46 - Recommendation

BSP-395: 7 Audio Lessons I Learned, Doom Spending, & More

Video: https://youtu.be/Se7Z52DIR30

Topics discussed: 7 audio lessons I've learned over the last few weeks, tips on how to save money while traveling, why doom spending makes sense, measuring podcast success, editing out personality from podcasts/videos, and youtube buying me a pizza!

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Miktek MK300: https://geni.us/mk300
Universal Audio x8: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/uax8

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
00:20 - 7 Audio Lessons I've Learned

• B&H Creator Roundtable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMlzytOfBD8

15:00 - Tips to Save Money on Travel
19:20 - Doom Spending Makes Sense
25:00 - WIBT: Miktek MK300
26:43 - WYHTS: Measuring Podcast Success?
29:57 - WYHTS: Editing Out Personality
35:05 - Value for Value
41:40 - Weekly Wecomendation
43:55 - Conclusion

sE Electronics X1a Review / Test

Today i review the sE Electronics X1a, a budget studio condenser microphone. This offers a cardioid polar pattern, -20dB pad, and 100hz high pass filter. The sound is more on the neutral side compared to it's direct competition with extension into the bass, neutral clear mids, and a slight bump in the treble and air frequencies. At the time of review the mic costs $100 and at this price it offers a tamer top end than it's competition.

RECORDING SETTINGS:

• Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

• Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

• Gain: ~12:30

• Boosted in Post: +8dB

SPECS:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid

• Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

• Sensitivity: -34dB

• Self Noise: 16B

• Max SPL: 150dB (with pad)

• Impedance: 50 Ohms

Buy the sE X1a (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/sex1a
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/sex1a
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/46lDYyy
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/se_electronics_x1a.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
00:23 - What’s in the Box
00:40 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:18 - Specifications
01:29 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:45 - Plosive Test
01:59 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:19 - Background Noise Test 
02:36 - Untreated Room Test
02:55 - Shock Rejection Test
03:12 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:28 - High Pass Filter Test
03:51- Pad Test
04:18 - MXL 990 Comparison
04:39 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
04:59 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
05:20 - Avantone CK6 Comparison
05:44 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
06:09 - Earthworks Sr117 Comparison
06:36 - sE Electronics X1 Comparison
06:59 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
07:24 - sE Electronics sE2200a II C Comparison
07:54 - sE Electronics sE4400a Comparison
08:27 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:01 - Music Test
10:53 - Pros & Cons
12:30 - Overall Thoughts
13:38 - Recommendation

Heritage Audio i73 Pro 2 Review / Test

Today I walkthrough, explain, test and review the new Heirtage Audio i73 Pro 2. I compare it to the 18i20 2nd Gen, compare it to a BAE 1073, test the preamps with the SM7b, demo the D.I. Instrument inputs, and walk through the software.

Buy the Heritage Audio i73 Pro 2 (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/i73pro2
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/i73pro2
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/4bLkftd
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/heritage_audio_i73_pro_2.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Mic: Neumann U87 Ai
Conversion: 32-bit / 48kHz
Gain: 30dB
Boosted in Post: +8dB

SPECS:
USB: Bit Depth: 32-bit, Sampling Rate: 44.1-192khz
Gain: +70dB
+48v Phantom Power 

00:00 - Intro / Pricing / Disclosure 
00:25 - What’s in the Box
01:01 - Build Quality
01:40 - Walkthrough of Interface
03:21 - Specifications
04:05 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
05:58 - i73 Pro 2 vs Scarlett 18i20 Gen 2 (noise floor test)
07:08 - BAE 1073 vs i73 Pro
07:44 - Distortion Character Comparison (WA73 & BAE 1073)
09:10 - D.I. Instrument Input Test
11:09 - Software Walkthrough
15:28 - EQ / Compression Plugin Demo
17:21 - Pros & Cons
20:28 - Recommendation

Rode Lavalier II Review / Test

Today I review the Rode Lavalier II which is Rode's more recent Lav release. It offers a good build quality and a ton of great accessories. The noise is 27dBa but for a Lav, that's not the worst. The sound when used on the collar or on your chest can be kind of muddy and low detail compared to the competition, but if you get the mic away from your body so the front of the mic faces your mouth you can get a bit more top end into your recording.

Buy the Rode Lavalier II (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/lavii
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/lavii
B&H Photo: https://www.thomannmusic.com/rode_lavalier_ii.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:
Input: Canon 90d
Computer Level: ~30%
Boosted in Post: +5dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity -38dB
Noise: 27dBA
Max SPL: 106dB (1%), 120dB (10% THD)
Power Required: Plug-in Power

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:21 - What’s in the Box
00:39 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:07 - Specifications
01:15 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:36 - Plosive Test
01:53 - Lav Mic Position Tests
03:08 - Background Noise Test 
03:21 - Untreated Room Test
03:39 - Windscreen Test
04:19 - Camera Internal Mic Comparison
05:01 - Different Room Tests
05:54 - High Pass Filter Tests
04:41 - Camera Mic Input Demo
06:56 - Smart Phone Demo
07:19 - Laptop Input Demo
07:41 - USB Soundcard Demo
08:01 - Lav Mic Audio Interface Demo
08:20 - Portable Record Demo
08:36 - XLR Interface Demo
09:21 - Shure MVL Comparison
09:41 - Rode Lavalier Go Comparison
10:08 - Sennheiser ME2 Comparison
10:32 - Countryman B6 Comparison
11:02 - Sanken Cos 11D Comparison
11:30 - Shure TL48 Comparison
12:02 - Neumann U87 Comparison
12:34 - Pros & Cons
14:15 - Overall Thoughts
15:31 - Recommendation

BSP-394: Is "Microphone Reach" Real? The Reality of Editing, and More

Topics discussed: Testing the idea of "Microphone Reach", the reality of editing this podcast and the neuroticism of it, everything has become so political and combative and I'm so sick of it, why you can't add new video to existing youtube videos, if videos that have ads turned off earn youtube premium revenue sharing, and more. 

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
sE Electronics X1a: https://geni.us/sex1a
Universal Audio x8:  https://sweetwater.sjv.io/uax8

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
00:20 - Is "Microphone Reach" Real?
09:24 - The Reality of Editing Podcasts & Video
15:00 - WIBT: sE Electronics X1A
16:30 - WYHTS: Everything Is Political and I'm Sick of it!!!
20:10 - WYHTS: Why Can't You Add Video to Existing YouTube Videos?
23:31 - WYHTS: Do Unmonetized Channels Earn from YouTube Premium Viewers?

• YT Premium Revenue: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6306276

27:45 - Value For Value
31:30 - Ask Bandrew
32:40 - Video Submission
33:22 - Which Mic is Best?
36:18 - Live Event with Tom Buck!

• Event Link: https://events.bhphotovideo.com/creator-roundtable/podcasting-event?ref=bandrewscott

38:50 - Conclusion

Shure SM27 Review / Test

Today i review the Shure SM27, a studio workhorse or all-purpose cardioid condenser microphone. Features wise it offers a -15dB pad and 2 high pass filters. The sound has a bit of a bump in the bass, and then a presence and treble boost, with a slight boost in the air which gives it a brighter sound. It also leans slightly on the sibliant side so for sibilant voices it may not be the best choice.

Buy the Shure SM27 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/ssm27
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/4br7bZR

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.

RECORDING SETTINGS:

• Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

• Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

• Gain: ~1:00

• Boosted in Post: +10dB

SPECS:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid

• Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

• Sensitivity: -37dB

• Self Noise: 9.5BA

• Max SPL: 152dB (with pad)

• Impedance: 150 Ohms

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:17 - What’s in the Box
00:40 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:14 - Specifications
01:25 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:42 - Plosive Test
01:59 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:20 - Background Noise Test 
02:35 - Untreated Room Test
02:55 - Shock Rejection Test
03:11 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:24 - High Pass Filter Test
03:56 - Pad Test
04:34 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
04:56 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
05:19 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
05:44 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
06:10 - Sennheiser MK4 Comparison
06:39 - Shure KSM32 Comparison
07:08 - Shure KSM44a Comparison
07:39 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:11 - Music Test
09:47 - Pros & Cons
10:58 - Overall Thoughts
12:16 - Recommendation