Razer Seiren V3 Mini Review / Test

Video & HQ Audio:  https://podcastage.com/rev/v3mini

Today I review the Razer Seiren V3 Mini. This is similar to the original Seiren Mini, but with the addition of a capacitive mute button and improved conversion up to 24-bit 96kHz. The sound is slightly V-shaped with a bit of bass/low mid support, and a very exagerated treble region which leads to the mids sounding recessed and non-dominant.

Buy the Razer Seiren V3 Mini (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/v3mini

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: 27%
Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Super-Cardioid
Freq Response :20Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity: -36dB
Max SPL: 110dB
Bit Depth: 24
Sample Rate:  96khz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:25 - What’s in the Box
00:43 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:11 - Specifications
01:21 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:40 - Plosive Test
01:50 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:13 - Background Noise Test 
02:29 - Untreated Room Test
02:47 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:03 - Desktop Stand Test
03:51 - Mute Button Test
04:08 - Intro to Comparison
04:36 - Samson Go Mic Comparison
05:05 - Razer Seiren Mini Comparison
05:40 - HyperX Solocast Comparison
06:11 - Blue Snowball Comparison
06:43 - Logitech Yeti Orb Comparison
07:19 - Rode NT-USB Mini Comparison
07:51 - Blue Yeti Nano Comparison
08:23 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
09:01 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:31 - Music Test
11:20 - Pros & Cons
12:47 - Overall Thoughts
14:54 - Recommendation
16:57 - Outro

BSP-382: Why I Buy Bad Sounding Mics, Lav Mic or Boom Mic, and More

Video: https://youtu.be/MZ-6W3VsGgs

Topics discussed: Youtube updating the TV app, why I buy and review bad sounding microphones, revisiting my comparison of 6 lav microphones with a wild crad thrown in, why I won't make a finance channel, how you can collect watches and do no spend months, and then a lot more talk about people's opinions on Lavs. 

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 - YouTube Updating the TV App

• Blog Post: https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/designing-a-richer-youtube-experience-for-your-tvs/

03:07 - Why I Buy & Review Bad Microphones
10:15 - WIBT: Revisiting 6 Lav Mics
17:27 - WYHTS: I Need to Redo my MP3 vs. M4a Test
20:45 - WYHTS: Why I Won't Make a Finance Channel
22:19 - Collecting Watches & Doing a No Spend Month
24:15 - WYHTS: Lav Mics Are Worse than $20 Dynamics!
25:30 - Why I Think Lavs are Expensive
30:10 - Value for Value
33:40 - Conclusion

How To STOP Distorting Your Mic - Best OBS Mic Settings

I receive questions about upgrading mics because they are distorting, but in most cases they just aren't set up properly. In this video I demonstrate the setup process with OBS but these procedures are transferable to any Digital Audio Workstation that you use.

00:00 - It's NOT The Mic, It's YOU
00:21 - Using a Cheap Mic & Free Filters
00:36 - Step 1: Set Your Input Level Properly
01:49 - Step 2: Add a Gain Filter
02:18 - Step 3: Add a Limiter
02:41 - Step 4: Add a Compressor
03:17 - Quick Clarification
03:46 - Outro

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