Fifine K669 Dynamic Mic Review / Test

Today I review a budget dynamic mic which costs only $37, the Fifine K669d. This is a very basic microphone with no switches or buttons, and a single XLR port on the rear. It offers a very bright sound which can come across a bit too boosted and a bit sibilant. It doesn't do a great job with shock rejection, plosive rejection, or keyboard rejection, but for the price it's acceptable.

Buy the Fifine K669D (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/k669d

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

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~4:00
Boosted in Post: +9dB

SPECS:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Freq Response : 50Hz - 16khz
- Sensitivity: -50dB +/- 3dB

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 
00:26 - What’s in the Box
00:42 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:02 - Specifications
01:12 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:31 - Plosive Test|
01:46 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:08 - Background Noise Test 
02:26 - Untreated Room Test
02:46 - Shock Rejection Test
03:02 - 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
08:17 - Music Test
09:37 - Pros & Cons
10:28  - Overall Thoughts
11:40 - Recommendation
12:48  - Outro

BSP-355: Twitter is Paying Creators, Rode Podmic USB, Escaping the Internet

Topics Discussed: Twitter launching advertising revenue share for creators, the Rode Podmic USB, social media being a drain on our lives, why I enjoy physical media, old social media services, and using social media with intention.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Rode Podmic: https://geni.us/podmicusb
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
00:21 - Twitter Advertising Revenue Share

• Twitter Revenue Share Article: https://help.twitter.com/en/using-twitter/creator-ads-revenue-sharing

• Twitter Subscriptions Policy: https://help.twitter.com/en/rules-and-policies/subscriptions-policy

05:57 - WIBT: Rode Podmic USB
06:57 - WYHTS: Social Media Sucks the Life Out of You!
09:17 - WYHTS: Escaping the Internet. Physical Media & Minimialism.
16:03 - WYHTS: Old Social Media Services / Myspace Tom
19:13 - WYHTS: Use Social Media with Intention
22:32 - Conclusion

Audio Technica AT2040USB Review / Test

Today I review a new USB dynamic mic from Audio Technica, the AT2040 USB. This is a plug and play device with a great mute button, a headphone volume control, mix dial to mix zero latency monitoring and computer playback, and a high pass filter. It offers a very upper mid/presence forward sound that can sound a bit artificial. It's not my favorite sounding, but for plug and play simple to use devices, if you don't care much about the sound, it's pretty great.

Buy the Audio Tehnnica AT2040USB (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/at2040usb
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/at2040usb
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3ps3Acc
Thomann: n/a

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: 40%
Boosted in Post: +4dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid
Freq Response : 80Hz - 16kHz
High Pass Filter: 80Hz, 18 dB/octave
Bit Depth: 16/24-bit
Sample Rate:  44.1k-96kHz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:26 - What’s in the Box
00:49 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:30 - Specifications
01:41 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:04 - Plosive Test
02:18 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:49 - Background Noise Test 
03:06 - Untreated Room Test
03:27 - Shock Rejection Test
03:44 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:00 -  Low Cut Filter Demo
04:35 - Mute Button Noise Test
04:49 - Intro to Comparison
05:15 - Behringer XM8500 Comparison
05:51 - Maono HD300t Comparison
06:19 - Samson Q2u Comparison
06:46 - Fifine K688 Comparison
07:15 - Audio Technica ATR2100x-usb Comparison
07:49 - sE Electronics sE V7
08:19 - Audio Technica AT2040 Comparison
08:54 - Rode Podmic USB Comparison
09:28 - Shure MV7 Comparison
09:59 - Shure SM7b Comparison
10:29 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
11:00 - Music Test
12:13 - Pros & Cons
13:15  - Overall Thoughts
14:23 - Recommendation
16:28  - Outro

BSP-354: Social Media Fatigue, $200 USB Mic Recommendations, & more

Topics Discussed: The launch of Threads by Instagram / Meta I am at full fatigue of social media, Does youtube really understand the alogrithm?, Ignoring the pandemic in my content, Microphones as product placements, The life of a youtube channel, $200 USB Microphone Recommendations, and Identifying a microphone by sound.

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
00:12 - Social Media Fatigue
10:53 - WYHTS: YouTube Doesn't Understand the Algorithm?
14:53 - WYHTS: Ignoring The Pandemic
17:48 - WYHTS: Mic Product Placement
20:53 - The Life of a YouTube Channel
24:08 - AskBandrew
24:33 - Email 1
24:53 - $200 USB Microphone Recommendations
33:18 - Video Submission 2
34:28 - Identifying Mics by Sound
37:58 - Outro

Tonor TD510 Review / Test

Today I review a budget dynamic mic which costs about $60. It has so much in terms of low mids that it makes ribbon mics sound weak. It has an inverted polarity on the USB output and it makes the audio sound bad. The headphone amp is noisy if you're monitoring yourself. It is not a good mic and I do not recommend it.

DON'T Buy the Tonor TD510 (Affiliate Link)

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: 24-bit / 48kHz
Mic Gain: ~100%
Computer Level: 100%
Boosted in Post: +3dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response : 50Hz - 14kHz
Sensitivity: -54dB
Impedance: 600 Ohms
Bit Depth / Sample Rate: 16-bit/44.1k-96kHz (output only up to 48khz)

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:31 - What’s in the Box
00:47 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:35 - Specifications
01:46 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:03 - Plosive Test
02:16 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:40 - Background Noise Test 
02:57 - Untreated Room Test
03:17 - Shock Rejection Test
03:33 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:46 - Windscreen Tone Impact Test
04:16 - Mute Button Noise Test
04:30 - XLR vs. USB Output
05:09 - Intro to Comparison
05:37 - Behringer XM8500 Comparison
06:10 - Maono HD300t Comparison
06:39 - Samson Q2u Comparison
07:09 - Fifine K688 Comparison
07:40 - Audio Technica ATR2100x-usb Comparison
08:13 - Audio Technica AT2040USB Comparison
08:44 - Shure SM7b Comparison
09:13 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:47 - Music Test
11:09 - Pros & Cons
12:33  - Overall Thoughts
14:23 - Recommendation
15:29  - Outro

BSP-353: Just Make BETTER Content, Prop Mics, & Is Your Content TOO Impersonal?

Topics Discussed: Do subscribers improve video performance, advice to just make better content, YouTube promotions are for companies, why people might use a prop microphone, is your content too impersonal?

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
00:25 - Do Subscribers Improve YouTube Performance
06:13 - Just Make Better Content
11:22 - WYHTS: Promotions Are For Companies

• Kettner Creative Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kettnercreative

14:58 - Ask Bandrew
15:28 - Video Submission 1
16:28 - Why Do People Use Prop Microphones?
22:03 - Do Prop Mics Bother Me?
23:28 - Video Submission 2
26:13 - Is Your Content Too Impersonal
36:48 - Conclusion

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