Today I provide spoken word samples of the Focusrite 18i20 4th gen and compare it to the 2nd gen 18i20 as well as the Universal Audio X8 and the UA LA610 MK II preamp, and Warm Audio WA73 EQ preamp. I also explain why I chose this inteface as the device for my reviews.

Buy the Focusrite 18i20 4th Gen - (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/18i204th
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/18i204th
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3DLyvHf
Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/596531

As an Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Mic: Neumann U87 Ai
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: 36dB
Boosted in Post: +2dB

00:00 - Intro / Pricing / Disclosure 
01:00 - What's in the Box
01:23 - Physical Differences
03:10 - Spec Differences (Screenshot)
03:35 - AT2020 (2nd vs. 4th)
04:25 - NT1 (2nd vs. 4th)
05:20 - SM7b (2nd vs. 4th)
06:16 - U87 Ai (2nd vs. 4th)
07:00 - Noise Performance (2nd vs. 4th)
07:44 - Universal Audio X8 vs. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
08:58 - Universal Audio LA610 vs. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
09:50 - Warm Audio WA73 vs. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
10:35 - Why I Chose the Focusrite Scarlett Interface?
12:20 - Conclusion

Thanks for an amazing 2024. Simply put there weren't enough reviews to compile a good box throw video, so I figured this would be a fun way to wrap up the year. If this is dumb, let me know and we won't do it again.

00:00 - Intro
00:34 - #5. Shure 565 SD - 19 NOV 2024
01:44 - #4. Warm Audio WA47 - 22 OCT 2024
03:29 - #3. Art Tube MP - 23 JAN 2024
04:22 - #2. Shure Nexadyne- 1 OCT 2024
06:04 - #1. Peluso P414 - 7 NOV 2024
08:09 - Wrap Up

Video & HQ Audio: https://podcastage.com/rev/2024fav

Today we discuss my favorite audio gear of 2024. I share my favorite microphone that I reviewed this year, my favorite audio interface / preamp I reviewed, and my favorite new production gear that I use in my studio. I would love to hear what your favorite gear of the year is.

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Gear Discussed (Affiliate Links):

Neumann BCM104: https://geni.us/bcm104

Lewitt Ray: https://geni.us/lray

sE Electronics X1a: https://geni.us/sex1a

Heritage Audio i73 Pro: https://geni.us/i73pro2

RND Portico 5017: https://geni.us/rnd5017

Videos:

Neumann BCM104: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC3N_hNk7hE

Lewitt Ray: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajqcxyV5wgY

sE Electronics X1a: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmWZJ2IebZ8

Heritage Audio i73 Pro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFco7aT22jg

RND Portico 5017: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7H8B3e_s3j4

00:00 - Intro

00:23 - Favorite Mics I Reviewed

03:53 - Favorite Preamp & Interface I Reviewed

05:37 - Favorite Production Gear

08:57 - Your Favorite Gear?

09:25 - Conclusion

Today we're looking at the Sennheiser ME 2 a relatively affordable lavalier microphone. This offers a brighter character which can be beneficial on the collar or in the center or the chest to maintain some clarity and not sound overly muddy. This mic does have a self noise of 32dBA which is high and the noise can be quite noticeable. Also, you don't get any accessories with this other than the mic clip, so if you want any kind of dead cat or windscreen, you're going to need to buy those separately.

Buy the Sennheiser ME 2 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/sennME2
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/me2ii
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3DfPot4
Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/141903

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Input: Zoom F2
Boosted in Post: +22dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
Freq Response : 50Hz - 18kHz
Sensitivity ~ -35dB
Noise: 32dBA
Max SPL: 130dB
Input Voltage: 10v

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:20 - What’s in the Box
00:35 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:08 - Specifications
01:16 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:33 - Plosive Test
01:51 - Background Noise Test 
02:05 - Untreated Room Test
02:24 - Lav Mic Position Tests
03:58 - Camera Internal Mic Comparison
05:04 - Different Room Tests
06:08 - Portable Recorder Demo
06:24 - 3.5mm Interface Demo
06:58 - USB Soundcard Demo
07:25 - XLR Adapter Demo|
07:50 - iPhone Demo
08:18 - 3.5mm Computer Input Demo
08:40 - Camera Mic Input Demo
09:14 - Zoom LMF-2 Comparison
09:39 - Shure MVL Comparison
10:05 - Rode Lavalier Go Comparison
10:31 - Rode Lavalier 2 Comparison
10:59 - Countryman B6 Comparison
11:33 - Sanken Cos 11D Comparison
12:07 - Shure TL48 Comparison
12:50 - Neumann U87 Comparison
13:26 - Pros & Cons
14:57 - Overall Thoughts
15:46 - Recommendation

Video & HQ Audio: https://podcastage.com/rev/am8

Today I review the Fifine AM8, a budget USB/XLR dynamic microphone that only costs around $50. As mentioned this has an XLR & USB output which can be used simultaneously, a 3.5mm headphone jack which offers computer playback and zero latency monitoring, a capacitive mute button, and RGB LIGHTS!!! Sound wise I perceive it as slightly V-shaped where the lower & higher frequencies overpower the mid frequencies, but overall it sounds pretty darn good especially considering the price. There is one flaw with this microphone which makes me only kind of recommend it, the mount which makes the microphone very floppy.

Buy the Fifine AM8 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/fifineam8 

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Conversion: 16-bit / 48kHz
Gain: 1:30dB
Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response: 50Hz - 16kHz
Sensitivity: -50dB
A/D & D/A: 16-bit / 44.1-48khz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:21 - What’s in the Box
00:43 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:30 - Specifications
01:45 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:01 - Plosive Test
02:14 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:23 - Background Noise Test 
02:46 - Untreated Room Test
03:04 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:16 - Shock Rejection Test
03:36 - Mute Button Test
04:36 - Desktop Stand Demo
05:29 - Samson Go Mic Comparison
05:50 - Samson Q2u Comparison
06:16 - Fifine K688 Comparison
06:43 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
07:12 - Shure SM58 Comparison
07:38 - Audio Technica AT2040USB Comparison
08:06 - Shure MV6 Comparison
08:36 - Logitech Yeti GX Comparison
09:05 - Shure SM7b Comparison
09:33 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:11 - Music Test
11:45 - Pros & Cons
13:54 - Overall Thoughts
15:49 - Recommendation

Today I review the Shure MV6 which is a USB Gaming microphone that costs around $150. The big feature of this mic is the DSP (digital signal processing) which gives you the ability to adjust the microphones tone, add a noise remover, use a digital popper stopper, or add a highpass filter. It also includes auto-level in case you don't want to worry about your level. The sound of it is very upper mid, presence, and treble focused so if you dislike that sound, you're probably not going to be in love with this mic.

Buy the Shure MV6 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/smv6
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/mv6
B&H: https://bhpho.to/4fIQLPw
Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/599144

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
Gain: +18.5dB
Boosted in Post: +2dB
Firmware: 1.1.0.10

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response :50Hz - 15kHz
Sensitivity: -34.7 dBFS
Max SPL: 128dB (USB)
A/D & D/A: 24-bit / 48khz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:19 - What’s in the Box
00:40 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:23 - Specifications
01:37 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:52 - Plosive Test
02:12 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:29 - Background Noise Test 
02:53 - Untreated Room Test
03:14 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:36 - Shock Rejection Test
03:53 - Mute Button Test
04:05 - Desktop Stand Demo
04:59 - Software Walkthrough
06:17 - Dark / Bright Tone EQ Demo
07:15 - Real Time Denoiser Test
08:02 - Digital Popper Stopper Demo
08:46 - High Pass Filter Demo
09:53 - Samson Go Mic Comparison
10:22 - Fifine K688 Comparison
10:46 - Samson Q2u Comparison
11:16 - Shure SM58 Comparison
11:46 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
12:14 - Audio Technica AT2040USB Comparison
12:41 - Elgato Wave 3 Comparison
13:06 - Rode Podmic USB Comparison
13:41 - Shure MV7 Comparison
14:17 - Shure MV7+ Comparison
14:50 - Shure SM7b Comparison
15:26 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
16:09 - Music Test
17:36 - Pros & Cons
19:09 - Overall Thoughts
20:43 - Recommendation

Today i review the Shure 565SD, a classic handheld dynamic. This offers acardioid pattern and a very bright treble range which gives you a clearer sound than many other handheld dynamics when you're right on top of it. At a distance I think the boost can be a bit much and sound sibilant and sharp, but for it's designed use case it makes a lot of sense.

Additional Mic Tests: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4Yw-Kx3W0E
Additional Guitar Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhE7hhZ_u78

RECORDING SETTINGS:

Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

Gain: ~5:00

Boosted in Post: +8dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Freq Response : 50Hz - 15khz

Sensitivity: -56dB

Impedance: 250-ohms

Buy the Shure 565 SD (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/565sd
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/565sd
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3ZdeT6Y
Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/105758

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:21 - What’s in the Box
00:36 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:00 - Specifications
01:12 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:28 - Plosive Test
01:49 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:10 - Background Noise Test 
02:22- Untreated Room Test
02:41 - Shock Rejection Test
03:00 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:12 - Handling Noise Rejection Test
03:30 - Cup the Mic Test
04:05 - Behringer XM8500 Comparison
04:25 - Shure SM58 Comparison
04:47 - Sennheiser E835 Comparison
05:09 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
05:35 - AKG D5 Comparison
05:59 - Shure Beta 58a Comparison
06:20 - Mojave MA-D Comparison
06:47 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
07:18 - Shure Beta 87A Comparison
07:45 - Neumann KMS105 Comparison
08:15 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:47 - Music Test
10:12  - Pros & Cons
11:06 - Overall Thoughts
12:48 - Recommendation

Support the Channel: http://podcastage.com/support

Today i review the Peluso P414, a mic that is trying to emulate the sound of the original AKG C414 EB which had the same brass capsule as the AKG C12. As you'd expect, it is a very bright and airy mic that gives you a hyper detailed and shimmery top end. This thing has 4 polar patterns, two high pass filters, and 2 pads, a max SPL of 162dB and a self noise of 12dBA.

RECORDING SETTINGS:

Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

Gain: ~1:00

Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Omni, Figure-8, Cardioid, Hyper-cardioid

Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

Sensitivity: ~ -38dB

Self Noise: 12dBA

Max SPL: 162dB (with pad engaged)

Impedance: 200-ohms

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:28 - What’s in the Box
00:53 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:35 - Specifications
01:48 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:47 - Plosive Test
03:09 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:29 - Background Noise Test 
03:43 - Untreated Room Test
04:06 - Shock Rejection Test
04:25 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:38 - Wind Screen Demo
05:27 - High Pass Filter Demo
05:59 - Pad Demo
06:56 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
07:20 - AKG P420 Comparison
07:43 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
08:07 - Rode NT2a Comparison
08:32 - AKG C214 Comparison
09:01 - sE Electronics sE4400a Comparison
09:28 - Neumann TLM103 Comparison
09:56 - Austrian Audio OC818
10:28 - AKG C414 XLS Comparison
11:00 - AKG C414 XLII Comparison
11:30 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
11:58 - Music Test
14:27  - Pros & Cons
15:39 - Overall Thoughts
17:30 - Recommendation

Today i review the Violet Mics Amethyst Vintage (which was purchased after JZ Mics acquired them). This has a cardioid polar pattern, no pad, no filters, and no external mounting included. It is a very straight forward mic that offers a low self noise of 7dBA and has a slightly brighter sound quality to it.

Support the channel at https://www.podcastage.com/support

RECORDING SETTINGS:

Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

Gain: ~12:00

Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

Sensitivity: -33.5dB

Self Noise: 7dBA

Max SPL: 134dB (with pad engaged)

Impedance: 50-ohms

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:30 - What’s in the Box
00:44 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:34 - Specifications
01:50 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:13 - Plosive Test
02:28 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:47 - Background Noise Test 
02:46 - Untreated Room Test
03:24 - Shock Rejection Test
03:44 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:13 - Rode NT1 Comparison
04:38 - Shure KSM32 Comparison
05:05 - Soyuz 1973 Comparison
05:29 - Telefunken TF11 Comparison
05:56 - JZ Mics V11 Comparison
06:23 - Neumann TLM103 Comparison
06:55 - JZ Mics V67. Comparison
07:28 - Austrian Audio OC818 Comparison
08:01 - AKG C414 XLS Comparison
08:40 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:11 - Music Test
10:43  - Pros & Cons
12:01 - Overall Thoughts
13:38 - Recommendation

Today I review the Warm Audio WA47, a clone of the Telefunken U47. This mic offers a relatively balanced sound with good bass extension and a nicely detailed treble and air frequency range. I found that it sounds a bit different than the Telefunken TF47 (the closest U47 style mic I have), so I'm not sure how clsoe it is to the actual U47, but ignoring the model number, I think this is a solid sound mic for music.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~12:00
Boosted in Post: +8dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8 + 6 More Patterns

Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

Self Noise: 11dBA

S/N Ratio: 82dBA

Max SPL: 140dB

Impedance: 200 Ohms

Buy the Warm Audio WA47 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/WA47
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/wa47
BH Photo: https://bhpho.to/3YB3fmg
Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/426325?partner_id=23899

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:22 - What’s in the Box
00:49 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:50 - Specifications
02:11 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone)
02:47 - Polar Pattern Test (Rotation)
03:30 - Plosive Test
03:49 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
04:10 - Background Noise Test 
04:35 - Untreated Room Test
04:49 - Shock Rejection Test
05:09 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:23 - Intro to Comparison
05:37 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
06:03 - Warm Audio WA47 Jr Comparison
06:33 - Soyuz 1973 Comparison
07:09 - Warm Audio WA67 Comparison
07:38 - Neumann TLM49 Comparison
08:16 - Telefunken TF47 Comparison
08:45 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:13 - Neumann U67 Reissue Comparison
09:47 - Music Test
11:34 - Pros & Cons
13:21 - Overall Thoughts
15:47 - Recommendation
16:56 - WARNING