BSP-381: MP3 vs M4a Which is BETTER?, 4 Lav Mics Compared, and More

Video: https://youtu.be/_oNvMUmo4sI

Topics discussed: M4a vs. MP3 which one sounds better including demos, Comparing the Rode Lavalier II, Countryman B6, Sanken Cos 11D, and Shure TL48, Why I am strict with my diet, finances, and exercise, and a few other things in the value for value section.

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
Rode NTH-100:  https://geni.us/rnth100
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
00:32 - M4a vs MP3 - Which Sounds Better?
06:18 - My Thoughts on M4a vs MP3
11:54 - Rode Lavalier II vs. Countryman B6 vs. Sanken Cos 11D vs. Shure TL48
17:00 - WYHTS: Why Not Practice Moderation?
29:00 - Value for Value
33:04 - Conclsuion

Daking Mic Pre One Review / Test

Video: https://youtu.be/OPKB1qE1A2c

Does an $800 Made in the USA preamp perform well? It has 70dB of gain, a variable high pass filter, a noise floor comparable to interfaces that have an EIN of ~ -127dBA, and it's built like a tank. It performs very well, but is it worth it for the price?

Buy the Daking Mic Pre One (Affiliate Links)
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/micpreone 

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

00:00 - Intro / Pricing
00:27 - What’s in the Box
00:43 - Build Quality
01:18 - Walkthrough
02:06 - Specifications
02:48 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
04:00 - Preamp vs. Interface Preamp
04:58 - High Pass Filter Demo
05:41 - Phase Invert, Pad, and +48v Implementation
06:27 - Music Test (Drum Machine, Electric Guitar, D.I. Bass, D.I. Acoustic)
09:06 - Pros & Cons
10:37 - What Does it Offer?
11:32 - Recommendation
13:55  - Outro

BSP-380: Benefits of a No Spend Month, My Actual 2024 EDC, and More

Video: https://youtu.be/4Gru8_wpxqk

Topics discussed: The benefits of doing a no spend month, my actual 2024 everyday carry, and a few other things as well. 

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
Rode NTH-100:  https://geni.us/rnth100
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
00:14 - The Benefits of Doing a No-Spend Month
11:22 - WIBT: Neumann U67 Reissue
12:37 - My Actual 2024  Everyday Carry
29:10 - Value for Value
30:45 - Ask Bandrew
31:28 - Video Submission 1
33:41 - What is Wrong With Your Audio
38:40 - Conclusion

sE Electronics sE8 SDC Mic Review / Test

HQ Audio Of Review: https://podcastage.com/rev/se8
Additional Electric Guitar Demos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yv6d_6o_Bv0

Today i review the sE Electronics sE8, a small diaphragrm condenser which offers a natural sound profile with a supportive low-end open and neutral mids and a slight lift in the treble but overall a very well handled upper frequency range. The mic also has a max SPL of 159db, and a self noise of only 13dBA.

RECORDING SETTINGS:

• Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

• Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

• Gain: ~1:00

• Boosted in Post: +4dB

 SPECS:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid

• Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

• Sensitivity: -32dBV

• Self Noise: 13dB

• Max SPL: 139dB (159dB with -20dB pad)

• Impedance: 110 Ohms

• High Pass Filter: 6dB/Octave at 80hz or 160hz

• Phantom power: +48V

 sE Electronics sE8 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/sese8
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/se8
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3UU87RG
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/se_electronics_se8_stereo_set.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

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
00:24 - What’s in the Box
00:45 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:15 - Specifications
01:28 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:48 - Plosive Test
02:11 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:35 - Background Noise Test 
02:49 - Untreated Room Test
03:07 - Underboom & Overhead Booming Test
03:38 - Shock Rejection Test
03:55 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:12 - High Pass Filter Test
04:43 - Pad Test
05:00 - Windscreen Tone Test
05:34 - Intro to Comparison
06:03 - Behringer C2 Comparison
06:27 - Rode M5 Comparison
06:53 - sE Electronics sE7 Comparison
07:23 - Lewitt LCT140 Air Comparison
07:56 - Shure SM81 Comparison
08:28 - Beyerdynamic MC930 Comparison
09:03 - Neumann KM184 Comparison
09:33 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:02 - Music Test
11:46 - Pros & Cons
13:17 - Overall Thoughts
14:24 - Recommendation
15:18 - Outro

JZ Mics Vintage 67 Review / Test (vs. U67, U87, TLM103)

HQ Audio Of Review: https://podcastage.com/rev/v67
Electric Guitar Demo: https://youtu.be/UoulvIXdbVA

Today i review the JZ Mics Vintage 67, a mic that based on it's name is going for the U67 sound at 1/6th the price. It is very bare bones with a single polar pattern, no pad, and no filters, but it does offer a low self noise of 6dBA.

RECORDING SETTINGS:

• Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

• Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

• Gain: ~1:30

• Boosted in Post: +4dB

SPECS:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid

• Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

• Sensitivity: -33dB

• Self Noise: 16BA

• Max SPL: 134dB

• Impedance: 50 Ohms

Buy the V67 (NON-Affiliate Link)
https://jzmic.com/collections/vintage-series/products/vintage-67

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
00:28 - What’s in the Box
00:46 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:13 - Specifications
01:26 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:44 - Plosive Test
01:54 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:16 - Background Noise Test 
02:32 - Untreated Room Test
02:51 - Shock Rejection Test
03:10 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:23 - High End Preamp Demo
04:19 - Intro to Comparison
04:48 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
05:09 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
05:37 - Shure KSM32 Comparison
06:07 - JZ Mics Vintage 11 Comparison
06:35 - Neumann TLM103 Comparison
07:08 - Austrian Audio OC818 Comparison
07:44 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:22 - Neumann U67 Reissue Comparison
09:06 - Music Test
11:04 - Pros & Cons
12:04 - Overall Thoughts
13:47 - Recommendation
14:51 - Outro

BSP-379: How I Lost Weight, Avoiding Information Overload, and More

Video: https://youtu.be/SZvWwPQsEcI

Topics discussed: JZ Mics Vintage 67, Did I take Ozempic (my weight loss journey), what I learned from doing what makes me uncomfortable, avoiding information overload, why I shouldn't buy mics from manufacturers, why making mistakes makes you more trustworthy, and the digital audio players I've tried.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
JZ Mics Vintage 67: https://usashop.jzmic.com/collections/vintage-series/products/vintage-67
Rode NTH-100:  https://geni.us/rnth100
RND Portico 5017: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/rnd5017
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
00:15 - WIBT: JZ Mics Vintage 67
03:15 - WYHTS: Did I Take Ozempic? (How I Lost Weight)
08:25 - Why I Do What Makes me Uncomfortable
13:21 - WYHTS: Avoiding Information Overload
17:50 - WYHTS: Why Not Buy Mics from the Manufacturer?
20:15 - WYHTS: Mistakes Make You Trustworthy
22:35 - WYHTS: My Favorite Digital Audio Players
26:58 - Value for Value
29:34 - Outro

Logitech Yeti Orb Review

Logitech G Hub Software Walkthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lLUNa2hDDA
Additional Guitar Tests: https://youtu.be/qCp5jUEPBiE

Today I review the Logitech Yeti Orb, the spiritual successor to the Blue Snowall. It offers more of a mid forward sound as well as processing via the Logitech G-Hub Software (in theory). The threading is 1/4" 20 to go on camera mounts, and its convesion is 24/48.

Buy the Yeti Orb if you dare (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/yetiorb

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: 2%
Boosted in Post: +5dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response :70Hz - 20kHz
Max SPL: 117dB
Bit Depth: 24
Sample Rate:  48khz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:30 - What’s in the Box
00:41 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:10 - Specifications
01:23 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:41 - Plosive Test
01:53 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:14 - Background Noise Test 
02:31 - Untreated Room Test
02:51 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:05 - Desktop Stand Test
03:45 - Intro to Comparison
04:11 - Samson Go Mic Comparison
04:37 - Razer Seiren Mini Comparison
05:03 - HyperX Solocast Comparison
05:32 - Blue Snowball Comparison
06:05 - Rode NT-USB Mini Comparison
06:36 - Blue Yeti Nano Comparison
07:09 - Logitech Yeti GX Comparison
07:41 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:20 - Music Test
10:08 - Software Issues
13:30 - Pros & Cons
15:05 - Overall Thoughts
16:29 - Recommendation
17:21 - Outro

BSP-378: Podcast Detox, My Neumann is Broken, & More

Topics discussed: Going on a podcast detox, a feature that every Digital Audio Player should have, my experience with Neumann getting a microphone sent in for repair, Why apple transcribing podcasts doesn't bother me, Apple not hosting podcasts, and using the Shure A7WS with Sennheiser Handheld Dynamics to reduce plosives.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Neumann BCM 104: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/bcm104
Rode NTH-100:  https://geni.us/rnth100
Universal Audio LA610 MK2:  https://imp.i114863.net/la610mk2
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
00:15 - Having a Podcast Detox
03:37 - Audio Players NEED This Function!
07:30 - My Neumann Customer Service Experience
14:50 - WYHTS: Why is it Okay for Apple to Transcribe Podcasts?
19:45 - WYHTS: Apple Doesn't Host Podcasts
22:45 - Shure A7Ws + Sennheiser Dynamics
24:24 - Value for Value
28:45 - Conclusion

One Mic for Everything, Removing White Noise, Mics I Regret Buying, & More (Q&A-002)

In today's Q&A episode, I answer questions about choosing one microphone for everything, how to get rid of white noise from recordings and streams, why people don't talk about hiss with dynamic mics, how I feel about not using all of my equipment, microphones I regret buying, and some dream mics.

Q&A-001: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgJGYWSNuLQ

00:00 - Intro
00:18 - One Microphone For Everything?
02:15 - How to Get Rid of White Noise From Recording & Stream
04:38 - Why Don't People Focus on Hiss with Dynamic Mics?
07:05 - How do You Feel Not Using Your Gear?
08:30 - Microphones I Regret Buying
11:45 - Dream Microphones?
13:30 - Conclusion

Rode NTK Tube Mic Review / Test

Video: https://youtu.be/jPdlS-HmmXE
HQ Audio Of Review: https://podcastage.com/rev/ntk
Electric Guitar Demo: https://podcastage.com/rev/ntkdemo

Today i review the Rode NTK, a relatively affordable tube microphone which offers a very clear sound. This is pretty bare bones with a single polar pattern, no high pass filters, and no pads. However, it offers a low self noise of 12dBa, and a max SPL of 158dB.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~1:00
Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid

• Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

• Sensitivity: -38dB

• Self Noise: 12dBA

• Max SPL: 158dB

• Impedance: 200 Ohms

Buy the Rode NTK (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/rodentk
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/rodentk
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/48W4lvC

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
00:24 - What’s in the Box
00:58 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:01 - Specifications
02:14 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:33 - Plosive Test
02:44 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:07 - Background Noise Test 
03:24 - Untreated Room Test
03:45 - Shock Rejection Test
04:02 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:17 -  High End Preamp Demo
05:15 - Intro to Comparison
05:46 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
06:10 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
06:40 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
07:12 - Avantone CV12 Comparison
07:46 - Rode NT2a Comparison
08:22 - Rode K2 Comparison
08:55 - MXL Revelation II Comparison
09:34 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:15 - Neumann U67 Reissue Comparison
10:55 - Music Test
12:38 - Pros & Cons
14:00 - Overall Thoughts
15:28 - Recommendation
16:36 - Outro