sE Electronics X1a Review / Test

Today i review the sE Electronics X1a, a budget studio condenser microphone. This offers a cardioid polar pattern, -20dB pad, and 100hz high pass filter. The sound is more on the neutral side compared to it's direct competition with extension into the bass, neutral clear mids, and a slight bump in the treble and air frequencies. At the time of review the mic costs $100 and at this price it offers a tamer top end than it's competition.

RECORDING SETTINGS:

• Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

• Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

• Gain: ~12:30

• Boosted in Post: +8dB

SPECS:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid

• Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

• Sensitivity: -34dB

• Self Noise: 16B

• Max SPL: 150dB (with pad)

• Impedance: 50 Ohms

Buy the sE X1a (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/sex1a
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/sex1a
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/46lDYyy
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/se_electronics_x1a.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
00:40 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:18 - Specifications
01:29 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:45 - Plosive Test
01:59 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:19 - Background Noise Test 
02:36 - Untreated Room Test
02:55 - Shock Rejection Test
03:12 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:28 - High Pass Filter Test
03:51- Pad Test
04:18 - MXL 990 Comparison
04:39 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
04:59 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
05:20 - Avantone CK6 Comparison
05:44 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
06:09 - Earthworks Sr117 Comparison
06:36 - sE Electronics X1 Comparison
06:59 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
07:24 - sE Electronics sE2200a II C Comparison
07:54 - sE Electronics sE4400a Comparison
08:27 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:01 - Music Test
10:53 - Pros & Cons
12:30 - Overall Thoughts
13:38 - Recommendation

Heritage Audio i73 Pro 2 Review / Test

Today I walkthrough, explain, test and review the new Heirtage Audio i73 Pro 2. I compare it to the 18i20 2nd Gen, compare it to a BAE 1073, test the preamps with the SM7b, demo the D.I. Instrument inputs, and walk through the software.

Buy the Heritage Audio i73 Pro 2 (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/i73pro2
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/i73pro2
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/4bLkftd
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/heritage_audio_i73_pro_2.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Mic: Neumann U87 Ai
Conversion: 32-bit / 48kHz
Gain: 30dB
Boosted in Post: +8dB

SPECS:
USB: Bit Depth: 32-bit, Sampling Rate: 44.1-192khz
Gain: +70dB
+48v Phantom Power 

00:00 - Intro / Pricing / Disclosure 
00:25 - What’s in the Box
01:01 - Build Quality
01:40 - Walkthrough of Interface
03:21 - Specifications
04:05 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
05:58 - i73 Pro 2 vs Scarlett 18i20 Gen 2 (noise floor test)
07:08 - BAE 1073 vs i73 Pro
07:44 - Distortion Character Comparison (WA73 & BAE 1073)
09:10 - D.I. Instrument Input Test
11:09 - Software Walkthrough
15:28 - EQ / Compression Plugin Demo
17:21 - Pros & Cons
20:28 - Recommendation

Rode Lavalier II Review / Test

Today I review the Rode Lavalier II which is Rode's more recent Lav release. It offers a good build quality and a ton of great accessories. The noise is 27dBa but for a Lav, that's not the worst. The sound when used on the collar or on your chest can be kind of muddy and low detail compared to the competition, but if you get the mic away from your body so the front of the mic faces your mouth you can get a bit more top end into your recording.

Buy the Rode Lavalier II (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/lavii
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/lavii
B&H Photo: https://www.thomannmusic.com/rode_lavalier_ii.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:
Input: Canon 90d
Computer Level: ~30%
Boosted in Post: +5dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity -38dB
Noise: 27dBA
Max SPL: 106dB (1%), 120dB (10% THD)
Power Required: Plug-in Power

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:21 - What’s in the Box
00:39 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:07 - Specifications
01:15 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:36 - Plosive Test
01:53 - Lav Mic Position Tests
03:08 - Background Noise Test 
03:21 - Untreated Room Test
03:39 - Windscreen Test
04:19 - Camera Internal Mic Comparison
05:01 - Different Room Tests
05:54 - High Pass Filter Tests
04:41 - Camera Mic Input Demo
06:56 - Smart Phone Demo
07:19 - Laptop Input Demo
07:41 - USB Soundcard Demo
08:01 - Lav Mic Audio Interface Demo
08:20 - Portable Record Demo
08:36 - XLR Interface Demo
09:21 - Shure MVL Comparison
09:41 - Rode Lavalier Go Comparison
10:08 - Sennheiser ME2 Comparison
10:32 - Countryman B6 Comparison
11:02 - Sanken Cos 11D Comparison
11:30 - Shure TL48 Comparison
12:02 - Neumann U87 Comparison
12:34 - Pros & Cons
14:15 - Overall Thoughts
15:31 - Recommendation

BSP-394: Is "Microphone Reach" Real? The Reality of Editing, and More

Topics discussed: Testing the idea of "Microphone Reach", the reality of editing this podcast and the neuroticism of it, everything has become so political and combative and I'm so sick of it, why you can't add new video to existing youtube videos, if videos that have ads turned off earn youtube premium revenue sharing, and more. 

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
sE Electronics X1a: https://geni.us/sex1a
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
00:20 - Is "Microphone Reach" Real?
09:24 - The Reality of Editing Podcasts & Video
15:00 - WIBT: sE Electronics X1A
16:30 - WYHTS: Everything Is Political and I'm Sick of it!!!
20:10 - WYHTS: Why Can't You Add Video to Existing YouTube Videos?
23:31 - WYHTS: Do Unmonetized Channels Earn from YouTube Premium Viewers?

• YT Premium Revenue: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6306276

27:45 - Value For Value
31:30 - Ask Bandrew
32:40 - Video Submission
33:22 - Which Mic is Best?
36:18 - Live Event with Tom Buck!

• Event Link: https://events.bhphotovideo.com/creator-roundtable/podcasting-event?ref=bandrewscott

38:50 - Conclusion

Shure SM27 Review / Test

Today i review the Shure SM27, a studio workhorse or all-purpose cardioid condenser microphone. Features wise it offers a -15dB pad and 2 high pass filters. The sound has a bit of a bump in the bass, and then a presence and treble boost, with a slight boost in the air which gives it a brighter sound. It also leans slightly on the sibliant side so for sibilant voices it may not be the best choice.

Buy the Shure SM27 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/ssm27
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/4br7bZR

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.

RECORDING SETTINGS:

• Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

• Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

• Gain: ~1:00

• Boosted in Post: +10dB

SPECS:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid

• Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

• Sensitivity: -37dB

• Self Noise: 9.5BA

• Max SPL: 152dB (with pad)

• Impedance: 150 Ohms

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:17 - What’s in the Box
00:40 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:14 - Specifications
01:25 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:42 - Plosive Test
01:59 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:20 - Background Noise Test 
02:35 - Untreated Room Test
02:55 - Shock Rejection Test
03:11 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:24 - High Pass Filter Test
03:56 - Pad Test
04:34 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
04:56 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
05:19 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
05:44 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
06:10 - Sennheiser MK4 Comparison
06:39 - Shure KSM32 Comparison
07:08 - Shure KSM44a Comparison
07:39 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:11 - Music Test
09:47 - Pros & Cons
10:58 - Overall Thoughts
12:16 - Recommendation

BSP-393: Adding Corrections to Videos, Why I Do Mic Tests, and more

Video: https://youtu.be/V_l9WLGio8c

Topics discussed: How to add correction notes to your published youtube video, the power of "I Don't Care", the Shure SM27, why I do the tests that I do in my microphone reviews, making a good title & thumbnail prior to making a video, why people live monitor mics, and more.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Shure SM27: https://geni.us/ssm27
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 - Adding Corrections to YouTube Videos
05:52 - Want to Determine if Missed Uploads Harm Channel
08:25 - The Power of "I Don't Care"
10:45 - WIBT: Shure SM27
12:25 - WYHTS: Why I Do The Tests I Do in my Mic Reviews?
18:45 - WYHTS: Make Thumbnails & Titles before Filming!
22:52 - WYHTS: Why Even Live Monitor Your MIC!?
27:30 - Value 4 Value
29:15 - Weekly Weckomendation Algowithm
31:19 - Conclusion

Behringer D2 Podcast Pro Review / Test

Today I review the Behringer D2 Podcast Pro, an XLR and USB dynamic mic that costs about $130. This offers a headphone port, an XLR port, and a USB output. On mic you have a headphone volume control as well as a mic mute button. Conversion wise you can record up to 24-bit/96khz, but playback seems to be limited to 16-bit 48khz. I find the sound to be lacking in the low-end with a less aggressive upper frequency range which leads to a more mid focused sound.

Buy the Behringer D2 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/d2pp

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
Level: ~53% (6dB)
Boosted in Post: +8dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response :50Hz - 18kHz
Sensitivity: -53dBV (XLR)
Max SPL: 130dB (USB)
A/D: 24-bit / 96khz
D/A: 16-bit / 48khz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:19 - What’s in the Box
00:46 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:40 - Specifications
01:52 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:10 - Plosive Test
02:27 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:47 - Background Noise Test 
03:03 - Untreated Room Test
03:22 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:36 - Shock Rejection Test
03:53 - Mute Button Test
04:06 - USB vs. XLR Output
05:08 - Wiring Issue
05:25 - Intro to Comparison
05:57 - Behringer XM8500 Comparison
06:29 - Samson Q2u Comparison
06:59 - Fifine K688 Comparison
07:32 - Shure SM58 Comparison
08:01 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
08:31 - Earthworks SR117 Comparion
09:03 - Rode Podmic USB Comparison
09:38 - Shure SM7b Comparison
10:09 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:39 - Music Test
12:04 - Pros & Cons
14:29 - Overall Thoughts
15:45 - Recommendation

BSP-392: YouTube Thumbnail A/B Comparison, Behringer D2 Podcast Pro, and More

Video: https://youtu.be/tp0cphTKRzA

Topics discussed: YouTube rolling out thumbnail A/B comparisons and why Thumbnails are important, the Behringer D2 Podcast Pro, Recording without monitoring, why we present differently on different mics, why AI CANNOT replace Podcastage, the fact I wear grandma glasses and weird hats, the importance of seeking meaning instead of happiness, if AI is okay for creative projects, The Hobbit, and Sounds Speeds Podcast joining Geeks Rising!

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Behringer D2 Podcast Pro: I don't feel like linking it
Heritage Audio i73 PRO2: n/a

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 Thumbnail A/B Comparison

• Creator Insider video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KAYAhIWsdY

• Old Creator Insider Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZoLw141o78

• Focus on Title & Thumbnails: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0N6nC7heqc

08:37 - WIBT: Behringer D2 Podcast pro
11:35 - WYHTS: Recording Without Monitoring?
13:18 - WYHTS: Sucky DVD Special Features
14:55 - WYHTS: Presenting Differently on Different Mics
19:16 - WYHTS: Why AI CANNOT Replace Podcastage
24:12 - WYHTS: Grandma Glasses and Weird Hats
28:40 - Value for Value
36:45 - V4V: Seeking Happiness vs. Seeking Meaning
43:40 - V4V: Is Using AI for Creative Projects Okay?
46:03 - V4V: Have I Watched Supernatural?
47:27 - V4V: How Big are Bigfoots Feet?
48:15 - Weekly Weckomendation Algowithm
49:45 - ANNOUNCEMENT
50:53 - Outro

CAD M179 Review / Test

Today i review the CAD M179, a relatively affordable multi-pattern condenser mic ranging from Omni to Cardioid to Figure 8 or anything in between. The mic gives a slightly more V-shaped sound with a high frequency boost and deep extension into the bass frequencies.

RECORDING SETTINGS:

• Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

• Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

• Gain: ~12:00

• Boosted in Post: +7dB

SPECS:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Fig-8, Omni (anyhthing in between)

• Freq Response : 10Hz - 20khz

• Sensitivity: -36dB

• Self Noise: 11BA

• Max SPL: 143dB

• Impedance: 200 Ohms

Buy the CAD M179 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/cadm179
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3KDg4o9
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/cad_audio_m179.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
00:26 - What’s in the Box
00:52 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:32 - Specifications
01:46 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:47 - Plosive Test
03:02 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:21 - Background Noise Test 
03:36 - Untreated Room Test
03:57 - Shock Rejection Test
04:18 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:32 - High Pass Filter Test
04:56 - Pad Test
05:16 - Selfless Shame Promotion
05:45 - Intro to Comparison
06:16 - CAD E40 Comparison
06:44 - Lewitt LCT240 Comparison
07:16 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
07:43 - Shure PGA27 Comparison
08:11 - Audio Technica AT2050 Comparison
08:43 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
09:10 - Sennheiser MK4 Comparison
09:37 - AKG C214 Comparison
10:12 - CAD E100s Comparison
10:48 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
11:23 - Music Test
13:11 - Pros & Cons
15:11 - Overall Thoughts
17:03 - Recommendation

BSP-391: Is YouTube's AI Copying Me?, Authenticity in Music, and More

Video: https://youtu.be/t2-AiEatwtU

Topics discussed: YouTube has rolled out an AI Video Outline Generator in studio, if there is good country music, authenticity in music, headphones impacting performance,  DVD play all options.

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

 Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Neumann KMS105: https://geni.us/kms105
Heritage Adui i73 PRO2: n/a

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's New AI Outline Generator
15:14 - WIBT: Heritage Audio I73 PRO Interface
16:30 - WYHTS: Is There Good Country Music? Authenticity in Music?

• Sierra Ferrell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fPqmceCf90

• Billy Strings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6CyQftidOw

• Jesse Welles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtScpL5o7cg

• Little Jimmy Dickens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRao-sKBOWc

• Hank Williams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry_-p-0stx4

26:19 - WYHTS: Overhead Shots & Headphones in Video
31:50 - Value for Value
37:23 - Weekly Wecommendation Algowithm
41:16 - Conclusion