sE Electronics V2 Switch Review / Test

Today i review the sE Electronics V2 Switch, a new budget dynamic mic that comes in at around $50. This thing has a great sound that is controlled in the lowend, forward in the upper mids but not overdone, and somewhat tame in the treble and air. The one big draw back to this in my opinion is the handling noise which is improved greatly on the sE V7 which is 2x the price.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~3:30
Boosted in Post: +5dB

SPECS:
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Freq Response : 50Hz - 16khz
- Sensitivity: -51dB
- Impedance: 630 Ohms

Buy the sE Electronics V2 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/sev2
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/sev2
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3sqjpRs

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
00:31  - What’s in the Box
01:06 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:30 - Specifications
01:41 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:59 - Plosive Test
02:20 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:49 - Background Noise Test 
03:07 - Untreated Room Test
03:25 - Shock Rejection Test
03:41 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:55 - Handling Noise Test
04:06 - Cup the Mic Test
04:29 - On Off Switch Test
04:43 - Intro to Comparison
05:09 - Behringer XM8500 Comparison
05:32 - Shure SM48 Comparison
05:55 - Mackie EM89d Comparison
06:21 - Lewitt MTP250DM Copmarison
06:49 - Sennheiser E835 Comparison
07:19 - Shure SM58 Comparison
07:56 - sE Electrtonics sE7 Comparison
08:31 - Audio Technica AT2010 Comparison
09:06 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:36 - Music Test
11:05  - Pros & Cons
12:05 - Overall Thoughts
13:41 - Recommendation
15:24 - Outro

BSP-359: Why I Share Private YouTube Data, No More Ads on This Show, & More

Video: https://youtu.be/GxCI_FzEpUM

Topics Discussed: Why I share so much data private youtube data, how lucky we are as hobbyists, why supporting content creators is important, skipping & unskippable ads, the amazing value for value supporters, a manual way to give youtube members ad free viewing, and how people use compressors with their interfaces.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Neumann U67 Reissue: https://imp.i114863.net/u67
Universal Audio LA610 MK2: https://imp.i114863.net/la610mk2
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
00:14 - WYHTS: Why I Share So Much Data?
06:25 - WYHTS: Supporting Content Creators is Important!
09:40 - WYHTS: It Wasn't a 1 Minute Unskippable Ad
10:40 - WYHTS: I Got a 2 Minute Unskippable Ad!
13:50 - No More Adverts on This Podcast
15:35 - Value for Value Supporters
20:35 - Ask Bandrew
23:20 - Video Submission 1
24:45 - Manual Way to Give Members Ad Free Viewing
28:50 - Voice Submission 2
30:27 - New Music Is AWESOME
31:25 - How Do People Use Compressors with an Interface
35:20 - Outro

AKG C414 XLII vs AKG C414 XLS (Versus Series)

HQ Audio Of Video: https://podcastage.com/rev/xliivsxls
Video: https://youtu.be/eNod6LYwqtQ

Should you get the C414 XLII or the XLS? In this video I provide spoken word samples on every single polar pattern, background noise tests, distance tests, as well as electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and singing tests, and then I share my opinions.

Buy the AKG C414 XLII Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/akgc414xlII
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/xlii
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/458wmxY
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/akg_c414_xlii.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

Buy the AKG C414 XLS (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/c414xls
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/xls
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3YBuw6d
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/akg_c414_xls.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

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

00:00 - Intro to Versus Series
00:26 - Build Quality
00:52 - Blind Comparison
01:44 - Microphone Spoken Word Test (Price / Specs)
02:53 - Polar Pattern Samples
04:39 - Background Noise Tests
04:56 - Distance Tests
05:41 - Music Tests
07:40 - Winner & Use Case Discussion
10:00 - Summary
11:20 - Outro

The Hippos - Wasting My Life (Guitar Cover)

Guitar cover of Wasting My Life by the band The Hippos off their album Heads Are Gonna Roll.

Microphone Used: Shure PGA81 (https://geni.us/pga81)

GEAR I USE (Affiliate Links):
Fender American Pro II Strat: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/stratproii
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://geni.us/pga81
Interface: https://imp.i114863.net/uax8
Headphones: https://geni.us/sennhd650

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases

BSP-358: YouTube Removing Links on Shorts, My Annual Podcast Earnings, & More

Video: https://youtu.be/Bbxw4vVo0AM

Topics Discussed: Youtube removing links from Short form content and channel pages and who this affects, the AKG C414 XLS, names for listeners of the BSP, advertisements on my podcast, and my Annual podcast earnings.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
AKG C414 XLS: https://geni.us/c414xls
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
00:17 - YouTube Removing Links on Shorts

• YT External Policy Link Policy: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9054257

• Link Update Post: https://support.google.com/youtube/thread/229722002

07:50 - What I've Been Testing: AKG C414 XLS
10:21 - WYHTS: BSP Community Names
15:20 - WYHTS: Your Podcast Has Unskippable Ads!
18:20 - WYHTS: My Annual Podcast Earnings
27:05 - Super Thanks!
28:50 - Conclusion / Outro

Sennheiser Profile USB Review / Test

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

Today I review a new USB mic from Sennheiser, the Profile. This thing offers an inoffensive sound that will work for people who don't want to think about audio, but I don't think it sounds amazing. The low end is controlled, the mids are a bit forward but not overly nasally, and the top end is a bit relaxed compared to USB condensers around the same price. The feature set is also really nice if you don't want software on your computer, and the build quality feels great.

Buy the Sennheiser Profile USB (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/profusb
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/profusb
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3OLr6uh
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/sennheiser_profile_usb_c_mikrofon.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:
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Mic Gain: ~2:00
Computer Level: 100%
Boosted in Post: +7dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity: -50dB
Max SPL: 125dB
Equivalent Noise: 34dBA (min gain), / 28dBA (max gain)
Bit Depth: 16/24-bit
Sample Rate:  44.1/48kHz
Headphone Freq Response: 20Hz - 18.5kHz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:22 - What’s in the Box
00:43 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:41 - Specifications
01:52 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:11 - Plosive Test
02:24 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:45 - Background Noise Test 
03:00 - Untreated Room Test
03:20 - Shock Rejection Test
03:37 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:50 - Mute Button Test
04:05 - Desktop Stand Test
04:35 - Intro to Comparison
05:17 - Razer Seiren Mini Comparison
05:45 - Samson C01u Pro Comparison
06:08 - Blue Snowball Comparison
06:39 - Samson Q2u Comparison
07:08 - Blue Yeti (Original) Comparison
07:43 - Rode NT-USB Mini Comparison
08:08 - Blue Yeti Nano Comparison
08:38 - Elgato Wave 3 Comparison
09:07 - Audio Technica AT2020X-USB Comparison
09:37 - Rode NT-USB+ Comparison
10:03 - Blue Yeti X Comparison
10:39 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
11:04 - Music Test
12:28 - Pros & Cons
13:35 - Overall Thoughts
15:14- Recommendation
19:24  - Outro

BSP-357: Is YouTube Premium REALLY Better for Creators? & More

Topics Discussed: Apple tax on YouTube Premium, donwloading youtube videos with Premium, what other features and value does youtube premium offer, the argument against youtube premium, AKG C414 XLS vs AKG C414 XLII, If youtube premium is really better for content creators, and the name for the Bandrew Says Podcast community.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Neumann U67 Reissue: https://imp.i114863.net/u67
Universal Audio LA610 MK2: https://imp.i114863.net/la610mk2
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
00:40 - WYHTS: Apple Tax on YouTube Premium
02:25 - WYHTS: Downloading Videos From YouTube is Awesome
05:15 - WYHTS: What Other Value does Premium Offer?
08:15 - WYHTS: Why Pay for YT Premium? Adblock is free!
11:55 - WYHTS: AKG C414 XLS vs AKG C414 XLII
15:15 - Ask Bandrew
15:55 - Video Submission 1

• SP's Podcast Network: www.gonnageek.com

• YouTube Premium FAQ: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6306276

19:15 - Is YouTube Premium REALLY Better for Content Creators?
27:15 - Voice Submission 2

• Josh's Website: www.jcaldigital.org

28:15 - Name for the Bandrew Says Podcast Community?
31:10 - Conclusion

sE Electronics sE7 Review / Test

HQ Audio Of Review: https://podcastage.com/rev/se7

Today i review the sE Electronics sE7, a small diaphragm condenser which offers a nice low end, neutral mids and a lifted top end which gives you some liveliness but it's not overdone. Like most SDCs it doesn't do great with plosives, but does pretty well with off axis coloration. I also think this mic can exagerate a little bit of sibilance.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~1:30
Boosted in Post: +5dB

SPECS:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Freq Response : 40Hz - 20khz
- Sensitivity: -35dB
- Self Noise: 16dB
- Max SPL: 136dB (156dB with -20dB pad)
- Impedance: 200 Ohms
- High Pass Filter: 6dB/octave at 80hz
- Phantom power: +48V

Buy the sE Electronics sE7 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/sese7
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/sE7
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3rNZeN7
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/se_electronics_se7.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
00:44 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:11 - Specifications
01:21 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:41 - Plosive Test
01:59 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:23 - Background Noise Test 
02:39 - Untreated Room Test
02:59 - Underboom & Overhead Booming Test
03:40 - Shock Rejection Test
03:56 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:08 - High Pass Filter Test
04:32 - Windscreen Tone Test
05:01 - Intro to Comparison
05:31 - Behringer C2 Comparison
05:57 - Rode M5 Comparison
06:27 - Sennheiser E614 Comparison
06:57 - sE Electronics sE8 Comparison
07:33 - Shure SM81 Comparison
08:03 - Beyerdynamic MC930 Comparison
08:34 - Neumann KM184 Comparison
09:18 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:46 - Music Test
11:09  - Pros & Cons
12:38 - Overall Thoughts
13:52 - Recommendation
15:00 - Outro

BSP-356: Is YouTube Premium Worth It?, Is Industry Standard Gear Great? & More

Topics Discussed: YouTube Premium price increase and if it's worth it, if great gear = industry standard gear, the fact that popular ≠ bad, avoiding social media and news for mental health and the AKG C414 XLRS vs Austrian Audio OC818.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Neumann U67 Reissue: https://imp.i114863.net/u67
Universal Audio LA610 MK2: https://imp.i114863.net/la610mk2
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
00:30 - Is YouTube Premium Worth It?

• YouTube Premium Site: https://www.youtube.com/premium

07:34 - Neumann U67 Reissue
08:45 - WYHTS: Does Great Gear = Industry Standard Gear?
12:10 - Popular ≠ Good
16:20 - WYHTS: This Show Has 4 Years of Content!?

• Andrew's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AndrewMasters

18:00 - Ask Bandrew
18:57 - Voice Submission 1
21:18 - Why I Avoid Social Media
30:50 - Video Submission 2
34:00 - AKG C414 XLS vs Austrian Audio OC818?
41:17 - Conclusion 

Rode Podmic USB Review / Test

DSP Processing Walkthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bkad9b5173s
Rode Connect Walkthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDNlC19uUIc

Today I review a new XLR & USB Dynamic Mic from Rode, the PodMic USB. This mic has a controlled lowend, a mid forward sound, and a little bit of grain on the top end (mainly in XLR mode). This offers Digital Signal Processing that is stored on mic so you can use it on computers without Rode's software, and the pop filter works extremely well. It doesn't handle shocks too well, and the XLR port is inactive when you have the mic connected over USB.

Buy the Rode Podmic USB (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/podmicusb
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/podmicusb
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/474m971
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/rode_podmic_usb.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:
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Computer Level: 51dB
Boosted in Post: +8dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity: -57dB
Max SPL: 148dB
Bit Depth: 24-bit
Sample Rate:  48kHz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:27 - What’s in the Box
00:46 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:19 - Specifications
01:29 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:47 - Plosive Test
02:02 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:24 - Background Noise Test 
02:41 - Untreated Room Test
03:04 - Shock Rejection Test
03:20 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:33 - Windscreen Tone Test
04:02 - USB vs. XLR Output Test
04:55 - DSP Processing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bkad9b5173s)
06:23 - Rode Connect Software (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDNlC19uUIc)
06:52 - Does the DSP Get Stored on Mic?
07:22 - Intro to Comparison
07:52 - Maono HD300t Comparison
08:16 - Samson Q2u Comparison
08:46 - Fifine K688 Comparison
09:15 - Audio Technica ATR2100x-usb Comparison
09:44 - Rode NT USB Mini Comparison
10:10 - Rode Podmic (XLR) Comparison
10:44 - Audio Technica AT2040 USB Comparison
11:16 - Rode NT USB+ Comparison
11:47 - Rode Procaster Comparison
12:13 - Shure MV7 Comparison
12:49 - Shure SM7b Comparison
13:15 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
13:46 - Music Test
15:09 - Pros & Cons
16:20  - Overall Thoughts
18:02- Recommendation
19:24  - Outro