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

MOJAVE MA-200 Review / Test

Today I review a tube mic from MOJAVE, the MA-200. This is a cardioid only condenser mic and it has a sound that seems fitting for modern pop with a clear mid section and airy top end. It is very sensitive to low end rumble and it picks up a lot of the room you're recording in so you'll need to be aware of that.

Buy the Mojave MA200(Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/ma200
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ma200

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~2:00
Boosted in Post: +5dB

SPECS:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
- Sensitivity: -37dB
- Self Noise: 14dBA
- Max SPL: <1% = 117dB, <3% = 125dB
- Impedance: 200 Ohms
- Tube: 5840

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 
00:22 - What’s in the Box
00:49 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:30 - Specifications
01:41 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:38 - Plosive Test
02:24 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:47 - Background Noise Test 
03:03 - Untreated Room Test
03:23 - Shock Rejection Test
03:39 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:59 - High End Audio Interface Test
04:38 - Analog Preamp Test
05:24 - Intro to Comparison
05:53 - Mojave MA-201 Fet Comparison
06:21 - AKG C414 XLII
06:48 - Neumann TLM103 Comparison
07:16 - Sony C100 Comparison
07:50 - Soyuz SU-023 Bomblet Comparison
08:20 - Lauten Audio FC387 Atlantis Comparison
08:57 - Telefunken TF-51 Comparison
09:30 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:12 - Neumann U67 Reissue Comparison
10:54 - Music Test
12:20 - Pros & Cons
13:53  - Overall Thoughts
15:01 - Recommendation
16:26 - Outro

BSP-348: Do I Hate Making Videos, How I Process my Podcast and More

Topics Discussed: Youtube shutting down stories, Elgato keylights, if I actually hate making videos and podcasts, why I don't think NPR's politics are responsible for their failure on youtube, Radio broadcasters failing on youtube, how I process my podcast, and why I still will not accept money to make reviews.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Mojave MA-200: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ma200
Universal Audio x8: https://imp.i114863.net/zMg2r
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 - YouTube is Killing Stories
01:34 - WIBT: Elgato Key Lights
06:15 - WYHTS: Do I Hate Making Videos / Podcasts
09:43 - WYHTS: NPR is Failing Because They're Political & Biased
12:47 - WYHTS: YouTube Podcasts are Only in the US
14:43 - WYHTS: Bandrew is an Old Southern Lady
16:14 - WYHTS: Radio Broadccasters Failing on YouTube
22:00 - Ask Bandrew
22:50 - Email 1
23:24 - How I Process my Podcast
31:30 - Video Submission 2
34:58 - Why I Still Won't Do Paid "Reviews"
43:40 - Conclusion

Maono PD100 Review / Test (vs. SM7b, Podmic, XM8500)

Today I review a budget dynamic mic which costs only $50; the PD100. This comes with a mic, stand, and xlr cable as well. It offers a V-shaped sound with a dominant bass and low mid section, scooped mids, and a aggressive boost in the presence and treble region.

Buy the Maono PD100 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/pd100

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~4:30
Boosted in Post: +7dB

SPECS:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Freq Response : 60Hz - 14khz
- Sensitivity: -54dB
- Impedance: 600 Ohms
- Max SPL: 132dB

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 
00:21 - What’s in the Box
00:39 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:09 - Specifications
01:21 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:40 - Plosive Test
01:52 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:10 - Background Noise Test 
02:29 - Untreated Room Test
02:49 - Shock Rejection Test
03:07 - Desktop Stand Test
03:30 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:43 - Intro to Comparison
04:10 - Behringer XM8500 Comparison
04:32 - Mackie EM 89d Comparison
04:54 - Zoom ZDM1 Comparison
05:19 - Shure SM58 Comparison
05:42 - Elgato Wave DX Comparison
06:10 - Audio Technica AT2040 Comparison
06:38 - Rode Podmic Comparison
07:06 - sE Electronics DCM3 Comparison
07:35 - Shure SM7b Comparison
08:05 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:35 - Music Test
09:52 - Pros & Cons
10:57  - Overall Thoughts
12:24 - Recommendation
13:27 - Outro

BSP-347: Why NPR & Slate Podcasts Fail on YouTube, & More

Topics Discussed: Podcast networks such as NPR and SLATE podcasts are failing on youtube, YouTube Music Podcast Analytics are TERRIBLE, how I get everything done between the day job and youtube.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Mojave MA-200: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ma200
Universal Audio x8: https://imp.i114863.net/zMg2r
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 - Why NPR & Slate Podcasts Fail on YouTube

• Bloomberg Article: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2023-05-04/youtube-s-podcast-deals-with-npr-slate-and-new-york-times-are-flopping

• NPR Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/@nprpodcasts

• SLATE Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/@slate

13:28 - YouTube Music Podcast Analytics!
16:38 - What I've Been Testing: MOJAVE MA-200
17:58 - WYHTS: You Earned YouTube AT LEAST $500,000!
18:48 - WYHTS: Money Isn't the Only Cost of YouTube
23:58 - WYHTS: Where Do You Get Motivation to Make Videos?
31:43 - WYHTS: Who Does the Outro VO for the Bandrew Says Podcast?
32:40 - Conclusion

Earthworks SR117 Review / Test

Today I review a brand new handheld condenser microphone from Earthworks, the SR117. This mic has a controlled low end, a neutral mid section, and a bit of extension into the treble, but it has a bit of a roll off in the air frequencies.

Buy the Earthworks SR117 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/sr117
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/sr117

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~3:00
Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
- Sensitivity: -30.5dB
- Self Noise: 16dBA
- Max SPL: 125dB (140dB with -15dB pad)
- Impedance: 180 Ohms
- High Pass Filter: 6dB/octave at 250hz
- Phantom power: 11-52V.

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 
00:22 - What’s in the Box
00:42 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:09 - Specifications
01:19 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:38 - Plosive Test
01:49 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:18 - Background Noise Test 
02:35 - Untreated Room Test
02:54 - Shock Rejection Test
03:12 - Handling Noise Rejection Test
03:25 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:38 - Cup the Mic Test
04:01 - Intro to Comparison
04:26 - Shure SM58 Comparison
04:48 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
05:08 - Audio Technica AT2010 Comparison
05:32 - Lewitt MTP350 CM Comparison
05:56 - Beyerdynamic TG V70d Comparison
06:22 - Sennheiser E945 Comparison
06:50 - Shure Beta 87a Comparison
07:18 - Earthworks SR314 Comparison
07:49 - Neumann KMS105 Comparison
08:23 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:01 - Music Test
10:40 - Pros & Cons
11:44  - Overall Thoughts
13:21 - Recommendation
14:05 - Outro