Podcastage

Today I review a budget dynamic mic which costs about $60. It has so much in terms of low mids that it makes ribbon mics sound weak. It has an inverted polarity on the USB output and it makes the audio sound bad. The headphone amp is noisy if you're monitoring yourself. It is not a good mic and I do not recommend it.

DON'T Buy the Tonor TD510 (Affiliate Link)

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d

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
Mic Gain: ~100%
Computer Level: 100%
Boosted in Post: +3dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response : 50Hz - 14kHz
Sensitivity: -54dB
Impedance: 600 Ohms
Bit Depth / Sample Rate: 16-bit/44.1k-96kHz (output only up to 48khz)

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:31 - What’s in the Box
00:47 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:35 - Specifications
01:46 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:03 - Plosive Test
02:16 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:40 - Background Noise Test 
02:57 - Untreated Room Test
03:17 - Shock Rejection Test
03:33 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:46 - Windscreen Tone Impact Test
04:16 - Mute Button Noise Test
04:30 - XLR vs. USB Output
05:09 - Intro to Comparison
05:37 - Behringer XM8500 Comparison
06:10 - Maono HD300t Comparison
06:39 - Samson Q2u Comparison
07:09 - Fifine K688 Comparison
07:40 - Audio Technica ATR2100x-usb Comparison
08:13 - Audio Technica AT2040USB Comparison
08:44 - Shure SM7b Comparison
09:13 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:47 - Music Test
11:09 - Pros & Cons
12:33  - Overall Thoughts
14:23 - Recommendation
15:29  - Outro

Today I review the new Pure Tube from Lewitt. This thing offers a tamer top end compared to Lewitt's solid state mics and more detail and articulation than a lot of other tube mics. The studio set also comes with one of the best shockmounts I've ever used, and it has a self noise of only 7dBA which is crazy for a tube mic.

Buy the Lewitt Pure Tube (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/puretube
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/puretube
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/42KSX1v
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/lewitt_pure_tube_studio_set.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Links)
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: ~12:30
Boosted in Post: +5dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
Sensitivity: -31dB
Self Noise: 7dBA
Tube: 12AU7/ECC82

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:30 - What’s in the Box
01:06 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:37 - Specifications
01:51 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:09 - Plosive Test
02:24 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:44 - Background Noise Test 
03:00 - Untreated Room Test
03:19 - Shock Rejection Test
03:38 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:55 - Analog Preamp Test
04:31 - Intro to Comparison
04:58 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
05:17 - Lewitt LCT240 Comparison
05:37 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
06:06 - Neumann TLM103 Comparison
06:28 - Lewitt LCT840 Comparison
06:56 - Austrian Audio OC818 Comparison
07:34 - Soyuz SU-023 Bomblet Comparison
07:46 - Sony C100 Comparison
08:22 - Lewitt LCT940 Comparison
08:39 - Telefunken TF-51 Comparison
09:07 - Lewitt LCT1040 Comparison
10:05 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:35 - Neumann U67 Reissue Comparison
11:09 - Music Test
12:19 - Pros & Cons
14:49  - Overall Thoughts
16:18 - Recommendation
17:13 - Outro

Today I review a budget broadcast dynamic microphone, the Mackie EM99b. This is an XLR dynamic mic which offers a great build quality, a nice set of accessories, and very clear presence and treble region.

Buy the Mackie EM99b(Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/em99b
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/em99b
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3p3N2XB

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.thomannmusic.com/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: Focusrite 18i20 Gen 2
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~4:00
Boosted in Post: +8dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response : 50Hz - 16kHz
Sensitivity: -53dB
Impedance: 350 Ohms

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:23 - What’s in the Box
00:40 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:03 - Specifications
01:13 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:30 - Plosive Test
02:00 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:20 - Background Noise Test 
02:36 - Untreated Room Test
02:55 - Shock Rejection Test
03:11 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:24 - Windscreen Tone Impact Test
03:50 - Intro to Comparison
04:15 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
04:35 - Shure SM58 Comparison
04:55 - Elgato Wave DX Comparison
05:18 - Rode Podmic Comparison
05:38 - Audio Technica AT2040 Comparison
06:03 - sE Electronics DCM6 Comparison
06:31 - Shure MV7x Comparison
06:59 - Electro Voice RE320 Comparison
07:23 - Shure SM7b Comparison
07:53 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:21 - Music Test
09:22 - Pros & Cons|
10:10  - Overall Thoughts
11:18 - Recommendation
12:23  - Outro

Today I review a budget dynamic mic which costs between $70 and $80, the Fifine K688. This is an XLR & USB mic with zero latency monitoring and it offers a pretty decent sound. The main draw back to this is how resonant and hollow sounding it is.

Buy the Fifine K688 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/k688

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d

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
Mic Gain: ~2:00
Computer Level: 100%
Boosted in Post: +3dB

SPECS:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Freq Response : 70Hz - 15kHz
- Sensitivity: -58dB
- Max SPL: 130dB
- Bit Depth / Sample Rate: 16-bit/44.1k-48kHz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:25 - What’s in the Box
00:46 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:24 - Specifications
01:32 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:51 - Plosive Test
02:06 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:30 - Background Noise Test 
02:47 - Untreated Room Test
03:07 - Shock Rejection Test
03:25 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:37 - Windscreen Tone Impact Test
04:05 - Mute Button Noise Test
04:24 - XLR vs. USB Output
04:59 - Intro to Comparison
05:27 - Maono PD100 Comparison
05:55 - Tonor TD510 Comparison
06:23 - Maono HD300t Comparison
06:47 - Samson Q2u Comparison
07:17 - Audio Technica ATR2100x-usb Comparison
07:49 - Samson Q9u Comparison
08:23 - Shure MV7 Comparison
08:53 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:23 - Music Test
10:15 - Pros & Cons
12:01  - Overall Thoughts
13:43 - Recommendation
15:04  - Outro

Today I review a tube mic from MOJAVE, the MA-200. This is a cardioid only condenser mic and it has a sound that seems fitting for modern pop with a clear mid section and airy top end. It is very sensitive to low end rumble and it picks up a lot of the room you're recording in so you'll need to be aware of that.

Buy the Mojave MA200(Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/ma200
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ma200

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~2:00
Boosted in Post: +5dB

SPECS:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
- Sensitivity: -37dB
- Self Noise: 14dBA
- Max SPL: <1% = 117dB, <3% = 125dB
- Impedance: 200 Ohms
- Tube: 5840

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

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:22 - What’s in the Box
00:49 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:30 - Specifications
01:41 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:38 - Plosive Test
02:24 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:47 - Background Noise Test 
03:03 - Untreated Room Test
03:23 - Shock Rejection Test
03:39 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:59 - High End Audio Interface Test
04:38 - Analog Preamp Test
05:24 - Intro to Comparison
05:53 - Mojave MA-201 Fet Comparison
06:21 - AKG C414 XLII
06:48 - Neumann TLM103 Comparison
07:16 - Sony C100 Comparison
07:50 - Soyuz SU-023 Bomblet Comparison
08:20 - Lauten Audio FC387 Atlantis Comparison
08:57 - Telefunken TF-51 Comparison
09:30 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:12 - Neumann U67 Reissue Comparison
10:54 - Music Test
12:20 - Pros & Cons
13:53  - Overall Thoughts
15:01 - Recommendation
16:26 - Outro

Today I review a budget dynamic mic which costs only $50; the PD100. This comes with a mic, stand, and xlr cable as well. It offers a V-shaped sound with a dominant bass and low mid section, scooped mids, and a aggressive boost in the presence and treble region.

Buy the Maono PD100 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/pd100

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~4:30
Boosted in Post: +7dB

SPECS:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Freq Response : 60Hz - 14khz
- Sensitivity: -54dB
- Impedance: 600 Ohms
- Max SPL: 132dB

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

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:21 - What’s in the Box
00:39 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:09 - Specifications
01:21 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:40 - Plosive Test
01:52 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:10 - Background Noise Test 
02:29 - Untreated Room Test
02:49 - Shock Rejection Test
03:07 - Desktop Stand Test
03:30 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:43 - Intro to Comparison
04:10 - Behringer XM8500 Comparison
04:32 - Mackie EM 89d Comparison
04:54 - Zoom ZDM1 Comparison
05:19 - Shure SM58 Comparison
05:42 - Elgato Wave DX Comparison
06:10 - Audio Technica AT2040 Comparison
06:38 - Rode Podmic Comparison
07:06 - sE Electronics DCM3 Comparison
07:35 - Shure SM7b Comparison
08:05 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:35 - Music Test
09:52 - Pros & Cons
10:57  - Overall Thoughts
12:24 - Recommendation
13:27 - Outro

Today I review a brand new handheld condenser microphone from Earthworks, the SR117. This mic has a controlled low end, a neutral mid section, and a bit of extension into the treble, but it has a bit of a roll off in the air frequencies.

Buy the Earthworks SR117 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/sr117
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/sr117

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~3:00
Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
- Sensitivity: -30.5dB
- Self Noise: 16dBA
- Max SPL: 125dB (140dB with -15dB pad)
- Impedance: 180 Ohms
- High Pass Filter: 6dB/octave at 250hz
- Phantom power: 11-52V.

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

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:22 - What’s in the Box
00:42 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:09 - Specifications
01:19 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:38 - Plosive Test
01:49 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:18 - Background Noise Test 
02:35 - Untreated Room Test
02:54 - Shock Rejection Test
03:12 - Handling Noise Rejection Test
03:25 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:38 - Cup the Mic Test
04:01 - Intro to Comparison
04:26 - Shure SM58 Comparison
04:48 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
05:08 - Audio Technica AT2010 Comparison
05:32 - Lewitt MTP350 CM Comparison
05:56 - Beyerdynamic TG V70d Comparison
06:22 - Sennheiser E945 Comparison
06:50 - Shure Beta 87a Comparison
07:18 - Earthworks SR314 Comparison
07:49 - Neumann KMS105 Comparison
08:23 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:01 - Music Test
10:40 - Pros & Cons
11:44  - Overall Thoughts
13:21 - Recommendation
14:05 - Outro

Today i review the Beyerdynamic MC930 which is a $600 small diaphragm condenser mic which has a thick lowend, a neutral mid section, and a slightly elevated treble and air region.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~2:00
Boosted in Post: +4dB

SPECS:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Freq Response : 40Hz - 20khz
- Sensitivity: -30.5dB
- Self Noise: 16dBA
- Max SPL: 125dB (140dB with -15dB pad)
- Impedance: 180 Ohms
- High Pass Filter: 6dB/octave at 250hz
- Phantom power: 11-52V.

Buy the Beyerdynamic MC930 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/mc930
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/mc930

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d

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

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:29 - What’s in the Box
00:52 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:17 - Specifications
01:27 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:45 - Plosive Test
01:57 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:22 - Background Noise Test 
02:38 - Untreated Room Test
02:59 - Underboom & Overhead Booming Test
03:28 - Shock Rejection Test
03:45 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:59 - High Pass Filter Test
04:20 - Pad Switch Test
04:45 - Intro to Comparison
05:15 - Rode M5 Comparison
05:38 - Beyerdynamic TG I53 Comparison
06:02 - sE Electronics sE8 Comparison
06:24 - Shure SM81 Comparison
06:50 - Neumann KM184 Comparison
07:21 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
07:44 - Music Test
08:52  - Pros & Cons
10:24 - Overall Thoughts
12:17 - Recommendation
13:15 - Outro

Today I review one of the cheapest mics I've covered that sounds fantastic. This thing is small, portable, affordable, and feature rich. It may be out dated and have a number of flaws, but if you're able to get this at a good price, and you don't have the budget or desire to go above this, I think you'll be fine.

Buy the Samson Go Mic (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/goomic
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/samsongomic

DISCLOSURE: As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:23 - Setup
00:40 - What’s in the Box
01:01 - Build Quality
01:53 - Specifications
02:21 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:56 - Plosive Test
03:11 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:32 - Background Noise Test 
03:49 - Untreated Room Test
04:12 - Shock Rejection Test
04:30 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:46 - Desktop Tripod Test
05:08 - Laptop Monitor Test
05:31 - Intro to Comparison
05:56 - CAD U1 Comparison
06:18 - Razer Seiren Mini Comparison
06:42 - Blue Snowball Comparison
07:04 - Rode NT-USB Mini Comparison
07:28 - Blue Yeti Nano Comparison
07:55 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:28 - Music Test
09:48 - Pros & Cons
11:37 - Overall Thoughts
14:00 - Recommendation
14:33 - Outro

The Austrian Audio OC16 is a worthy competitor as an all rounder studio workhorse mic. It uses the same capsule as the OC18 which is 2x the price and uses different electronics and is made in China instead of Austria.

Buy the Austrian Audio OC16 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/aaoc16
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/oc16

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d

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

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:17 - Setup
00:34 - What’s in the Box
00:57 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:31 - Specifications
01:56 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:16 - Plosive Test
02:26 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:52 - Background Noise Test 
03:09 - Untreated Room Test
03:30 - Shock Rejection Test
03:51 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:05 - High Pass Filter Test
04:39 - Intro to Comparison
05:10 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
05:33 - Rode NT1 Comparison
05:59 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
06:34 - AKG P214 Comparison
06:59 - sE Electronics 4400a Comparison
07:35 - Austrian Audio OC818 Comparison
08:21 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:47 - Music Test
09:51 - Pros & Cons
11:06  - Overall Thoughts
13:17 - Recommendation
14:18 - Outro