Handheld Condensers vs. Studio Condensers

This is a clip from my podcast where I test if there is a difference between studio condensers, stage condenser microphones, and handheld dynamic mics to see which one does a better job at rejecting the room. This was not scientific and not exhaustive because I only compared 3 microphones but what I heard in terms of rejection was:

Large diaphragm studio condenser did the worst.
Handheld dynamic did the second best at rejecting the room.
Handheld condenser did the best at rejection.

I don’t believe this is an end all conclusion because it the polar pattern of the handheld condenser was different from the SM58 and the U87, but I was a bit surprised by the result and figured I’d share it with you.

Clip from BSP-389: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmMbLBv8EKE
Originally Aired: 19 MAY 2024

Why Do You Need a D.I. Box?

What does a D.I. (direct injection) box do? It converts a high-impedance instrument signal to a line level input.

Why do you need one?

1. If your audio interface does not have a high-impedance instrument input and you connect an instrument directly to your interface, there will be an “impedance mismatch” and this makes the audio sound really bad. It rolls off the high frequencies and makes the audio sound muffled. Converting the high-impedance signal to a line level signal will allow you to get an accurate representation of the instruments output.

2. If you want to record a D.I. signal to your DAW while also playing through an amplifier. This is possible because most (if not all) D.I. boxes have an input, a thru output (send to your amp), and a line output (which you send to your audio interface). This is great if you want to record your guitar tone but want to be able to possible reamp the D.I. signal in the future if you change your mind about what sounds good.

I include demos of all of this in the video above.

Clip from BSP-396: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8NL8v8Jtso
Originally Aired: 4 AUG 2024

BSP-399: Your Video is NOT a "Podcast", Are Hobbyists Failures, & More

Video: https://youtu.be/Buxk7NMdHsA

Topics discussed: Video podcasting on YouTube, why people say YouTube Videos aren't podcasts, why I refuse to make an RSS distributed video podcast, the benefits of video distributed via RSS, my favorite comment of all time, if Hobbyists are just failures, the Shure Nexadyne 8/C, the reality of audio & podcast conferences, why some people disliked Susan as the CEO of youtube, and the Ludo - Broken Bride EP.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Shure Nexadyne 8/C: https://geni.us/shure8c
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
00:22 - Why People Say "YouTube Video Podcasts" are not Podcasts
03:20 - Why I REFUSE To Make a Video RSS
06:03 - What I'd Lose Through Video RSS Podcasting
11:25 - Actual Benefit of Video RSS Podcasts
14:44 - Summary of Why I Won't Make a "Video Podcast"

• NMS Video: https://www.youtube.com/live/h_7T1VExTq8?si=G9B1s_55v9Q5ydn4&t=2311

• PodcastIndex: https://podcastindex.org

• Global Media: https://www.globalmediainsight.com/blog/youtube-users-statistics/#:~:text=YouTube%20has%20more%20than%20113.9%20million%20active%20channels.

• Siteefy: https://siteefy.com/how-many-websites-are-there/

• Thread: https://pod.social/@Bandrew/113034420268015435

19:45 - My Favorite Comment of All Time!
22:04 - Are "Hobbysts" Just Failures
27:37 - WIBT: Shure Nexadyne 8/C
29:18 - WYHTS: Reality of Audio & Podcast Conferences
33:00 - WYHTS: Susan Was a Bad CEO & YouTube Sucks.
39:03 - Value for Value
41:40 - WWA: Ludo - Broken Bride

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFIaFyuXp_Y

Decentralizing Your Smartphone is a Luxury

Over the last few years I have really enjoyed the process of using “single use items” instead of relying on my smartphone.

When discussing this on my podcast, I received some pushback stating that if you have a smartphone and you choose to use single-use items, this is a luxury because you are purchasing unnecessary redundant items. I understand this argument, however, I think that moving towards single-use items can provide a benefit to our mental health and our productivity.

Smartphones are undoubtably marvels of technology and are very useful, but at the same time they are always connected, and always vying for our attention through notifications and addictive dopamine spiking apps. So by taking measures to limit my reliance on this device it allows me to be more productive, remain less distracted, and feel less urge to constantly pick up a device.

So although, buying redundant items may technically be a “waste of money” because the function is already fulfilled by something you own, I believe that if this cost allows you to save time then it is completely worth it.

Clip from BSP-387: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-huKM8r8KA
Originally Aired: 28 APR 2024

BSP-398: How YouTube Changed, How to EQ Match, and more

Video: https://youtu.be/gQVCkRmVqGQ

Topics discussed: How youtube changed from 2014 - 2023 under the leadership of CEO Susan Wojicki, why I don't attend podcast conventions, making a video podcast for $50, demonstrating that I still mess up. Testing if my desk or monitor is the main cause of reflections of my voice, demonstrate how to do an EQ match, and recommend a movie series.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Neumann TLM49: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/tlm49
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 - How YouTube Has Changed (Susan Wojicki's Legacy)
15:28 - Why I Don't Attend Podcast Conferences?
25:40 - Video Podcast for Under $50
28:25 - WYHTS: Sunk Cost & Free Coffee!
29:45 - WYHTS: I Still Mess Up
33:06 - WYHTS: Your Monitor is Ruining Your LAV
36:15 - WYHTS: How Do You EQ Match?
45:21 - Value 4 Value
55.55 - Weekly Weckomendation Algowithm
58:36 - Conclusion

Audio Gear is High Value

When I say “High Value”, I am referring to an item that delivers on its advertised function, is reliable, and isn’t overpriced (or at least will yield a low cost per use). With that definition, audio gear offers some of the best value out there.

1. Analog - A lot of audio gear is analog, and this means there are no digital components that will become obsolete quickly. There are no firmware updates or software updates that will brick your device. And there’s no compatibility issues with the new operating system.

2. Durable - A lot of microphones are built to be used on stage and in broadcast studios where stuff is treated very roughly. Because of this companies design their gear to be very robust. Shure is a great example of this, they still manufacture their microphones to Mil-spec, and their SM57/SM58/SM7b are mics that will last decades.

3. Cost-Per-Use - There are an abundance of fantastic microphones from $100 - $400, and for most of us it would be the last microphone we ever needed to buy. For this demonstration let’s say we purchased a $400 microphone, we record 100 times per year, and we only get 5 years of use out of that mic. That means $400 / 500 recording sessions = $0.80/session. If we were to have an SM57/SM58/sEV7 that would drop the cost to $100 and over that same time frame the cost per use would be on $0.20! In reality many of us will get significantly more use out of this equipment so the cost per use will drop even lower.

That’s it. I just thought it was interesting and wanted to share it with you.

Clip from BSP-387: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-huKM8r8KA
Originally Aired: 28 APR 2024

BSP-397: Improving a Lav Mic, Real Reason for YouTube Community Notes, & More

Video: https://youtu.be/639HbyIO8Ok

Topics discussed: Demoing how to get better sound out of your lav mic with placement and then processing, why I will use Reamping over Looper Pedals, discussing why I'm okay spending $1,000 on a mic when I'm not okay spending $8 for coffee, my theory on the real reason for social media apps rolling out community notes, and more.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Sennheiser ME2: https://geni.us/sennME2
Neumann KM185: https://geni.us/km185ii
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
00:24 - Improving a Lav Mic
07:05 - WIBT: Sennheiser ME2 / Neumann KM185
09:18 - WYHTS: Why Looper Pedals Don't Work For Me
11:50 - WYHTS: If You Buy Microphones, You Should Buy Coffee
20:37 - WYHTS: TLM49  Is Your Mic!
21:45 - Value for Value
22:40 - V4V: Different Reasons for Travel
26:30 - V4V: Real Reason for Community Notes
30:21 - V4V: Orwell Supports ContextCop
32:10 - WWA: Analysis Paralysis - Four Year Strong
34:40 - Conclusion

BSP-396: YouTube Context Cops, Why Use a D.I. Box, and More

Topics discussed: Youtube rolling out Community Notes to fact check videos, why you may need a D.I. box, why I am excited about reamping, the reality of live concert videos, why you shouldn't save money on food while traveling and more.

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Neumann TLM49: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/tlm49
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
00:41 - YouTube Community Notes

• Blog post: https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/new-ways-to-offer-viewers-more-context/

04:35 - Why You Need a D.I. Box?
13:20 - WIBT: Neumann TLM49
14:40 - WYHTS: The Reality of Live Concert DVD's
19:05 - WYTHS: Don't Save on Food on Travel
26:45 - Value 4 Value
30:10 - Conclusion

Miktek MK300 Review / Test

Audio & Video: https://podcastage.com/rev/mk300

Today i review the Miketek MK300, a relatively affordable multi pattern condenser mic with a -10dB pad and 100hz high pass filter. I would classify this mic as a bright and clear sounding mic with a pretty heavy focus on a treble and air focus while still exhibiting good bass extension. 

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~12:00
Boosted in Post: +7dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Figure-8, Omni
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
Sensitivity: -35dB
Self Noise: 15B
Max SPL: 137dB
HPF: 100Hz (12dB/oct)

Buy the Miktek MK300 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/mk300
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/mk300

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
00:20 - What’s in the Box
00:43 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:11 - Specifications
01:25 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:12 - Plosive Test
02:23 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:40 - Background Noise Test 
02:55 - Untreated Room Test
03:14 - Shock Rejection Test
03:33 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:47 - High Pass Filter Test
04:10 - Pad Test
04:39 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
05:01 - sE Electronics X1a Comparison
05:22 - AKG P220 Comparison
05:45 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
06:09 - Earthworks Sr117 Comparison
06:39 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
07:01 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
07:23 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
07:50 - Music Test
10:06  - Pros & Cons
11:18 - Overall Thoughts
12:46 - Recommendation

BSP-395: 7 Audio Lessons I Learned, Doom Spending, & More

Video: https://youtu.be/Se7Z52DIR30

Topics discussed: 7 audio lessons I've learned over the last few weeks, tips on how to save money while traveling, why doom spending makes sense, measuring podcast success, editing out personality from podcasts/videos, and youtube buying me a pizza!

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

Gear Used This Episode (Affiliate Links):
Miktek MK300: https://geni.us/mk300
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 - 7 Audio Lessons I've Learned

• B&H Creator Roundtable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMlzytOfBD8

15:00 - Tips to Save Money on Travel
19:20 - Doom Spending Makes Sense
25:00 - WIBT: Miktek MK300
26:43 - WYHTS: Measuring Podcast Success?
29:57 - WYHTS: Editing Out Personality
35:05 - Value for Value
41:40 - Weekly Wecomendation
43:55 - Conclusion