Today i review the Shure PGA181 an affordable side address condenser. It is very straight forward with only a cardioid polar pattern and no pads or filters. This mic is more of an upper mid focused sound which gives it a punchy character. The self noise on this mic comes in at 22dBA which is kind of high, but seems relatively inline with the competition LCT240 (19dBA), AT2020 (20dBA), 770 ($20dBA), X1a (16dBA), but it is still on the higher side.

RECORDING SETTINGS:

Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen

Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

Gain: +32dB

Boosted in Post: +9dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Freq Response : 50Hz - 20khz

Sensitivity: -38dB

Max SPL: 138dB

Self Noise: 22dBA

Impedance: 120-ohms

Buy the Shure PGA181(Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/pga181
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/pga181
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/43g9RZQ

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

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:24 - What’s in the Box
00:41 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:05 - Specifications
01:16 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:35 - Plosive Test
01:52 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:14 - Background Noise Test 
02:27 - Untreated Room Test
02:46 - Shock Rejection Test
03:09 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:39 - Neewer NW700 Comparison
03:51 - MXL 770 Comparison
04:15 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
04:40 - sE Electronics X1a Comparison
05:07 - Lewitt LCT240 Comparison
05:37 - AKG P220 Comparison
06:04 - Neat King Bee Comparison
06:30 - Rode NT1 (5th Gen) Comparison
06:58 - Sterling ST181 Comparison
07:33 - Shure SM57 Comparison
07:58 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
08:24 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:50 - Music Test
11:15  - Pros & Cons
12:20 - Overall Thoughts
14:08 - Recommendation

Video & HQ Audio: https://podcastage.com/rev/bumblebee2

Today I'm reviewing and demoing the Neat Bumblebee 2, a budget USB condenser mic that I got for under $30. This offers really great sound quality for the price and leans slightly V-shaped with a supportive bass and low mid section and a bit of a boost in the treble and air. You get a single cardioid pattern, a mute button, a headphone output, and a mix dial for computer playback and zero latency monitoring. At $25 or less this is a great deal. At $60 it has some fair competition but stacks up admirably against the alternatives. At $100 I don't think the value proposition is as strong.

Buy the Neat Bumblebee II (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/bumblebee2

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 Level: ~12%
Boosted in Post: +10dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity: -36dB
Self Noise: 14dBA
Max SPL: 128dB
A/D & D/A: 16 or 24-bit / 44.1-96khz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:25 - What’s in the Box
00:48 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:46 - Specifications
01:56 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:13 - Plosive Test
02:27 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:47 - Background Noise Test 
03:01 - Untreated Room Test
03:21 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:35 - Desktop Stand Demo
04:21 - Mute Button Test
04:51 - Samson Go Mic Comparison
05:16 - Razer Seiren V3 Mini Comparison
05:42 - HyperX Solocast Comparison
06:08 - Logitech Blue Yeti Orb Comparison
06:40 - Rode NT USB Mini Comparison
07:11 - Sennheiser Profile USB Comparison
07:46 - Audio Technica AT2020 USB-X Comparison
08:14 - Shure SM57 Comparison
08:43 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:14 - Music Test
10:34 - Pros & Cons
12:20 - Overall Thoughts
14:10 - Recommendation

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

Today i review the Neumann TLM107, a multipattern condenser with two high pass filters and two pad options. It has a balanced  bass and mid section and then a treble bump which gives the mic a bit of life. It does sound a touch sharp on spoken word but sounds great for the music applications I tried it in.

Buy Neumann TLM107 (Affiliate Links)

Amazon: https://geni.us/tlm107
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/tlm107
B&H: https://bhpho.to/4jJ9QDF
Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/415384 

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 4th gen

Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

Gain: 37dB

Boosted in Post: +8dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Omni, Wide Cardioid, Cardioid, Hypercardiod, Figure-8

Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

Sensitivity: ~ -39dB

Self Noise: 10dBA

Max SPL: 153dB (with pad engaged)

Impedance: 50-ohms

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Intro / Setup 

00:19- What’s in the Box

00:40 - Build Quality / Walkthrough

01:25 - Specifications

01:39 - Polar Pattern Tone Demo

02:37 - Polar Pattern Rotation Demo

03:52 - Plosive Test

04:04 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test

04:25 - Background Noise Test 

04:37 - Untreated Room Test

03:58 - Shock Rejection Test

05:15 - Mic Resonance Tap Test

05:29 - High Pass Filter Demo

06:05 - Pad Demo

06:30 - Outboard Preamp Demo

07:37 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison

07:55 - AKG P420 Comparison

08:16 - Rode NT2a Comparison

08:39 - sE Electronics sE4400a Comparison

09:05 - Neumann TLM102 Comparison

09:31 - Neumann TLM103 Comparison

09:58 - AKG C414 XLII Comparison

10:27 - Austrian Audio OC818 Copmarison

10:57 - Neumann TLM49 Comparison

11:28 - Microtech Gefell UMT70s

12:00 - Shure SM57 Comparison

12:26 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison

12:52 - Music Test

14:12  - Pros & Cons

16:02 - Overall Thoughts

18:09 - Recommendation

Video & HQ Audio: https://podcastage.com/rev/quad2

Today I'm reivewing and demoing the Hyperx Quadcast 2, a multipattern USB condenser microphone. This thing offers a nice sound quality, a fairly intuitive operation, a capacitive mute button, and everything you need to start recording. It's a nice improvement over the gen 1 with improved sound quality, A/D and D/A converters and functionality. 

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 Hyperx Quadcast 2 (Affiliate Link)

Amazon: https://geni.us/quadcast2

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: 11:00dB

Computer Input Level: 33%

Boosted in Post: +7dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Stereo, Bi-directional

Freq Response: 20Hz - 20kHz

Sensitivity: -7.5dB

A/D & D/A: 16/24-bit / 44.1-96khz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 

00:25 - What’s in the Box

00:42 - Build Quality / Walkthrough

01:34 - Specifications

01:42 - Operation Walkthrough

02:32 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation) 

02:51 - Cardioid / Omni / Stereo / Figure-8 Demo

04:03 - Plosive Test

04:16 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test

04:36 - Background Noise Test 

04:49 - Untreated Room Test

05:09 - Mic Resonance Tap Test

05:23 - Desktop Stand Demo

06:02 - Mute Button Test

06:18 - Does it ASMR Test?

07:02 - Samson Go Mic Comparison

07:26 - HyperX Solocast Comparison

07:53 - HyperX Quadcast Original Comparison

08:23 - Blue Yeti Comparison

08:55 - Sennheiser Profile USB Comparison

09:28 - Audio Technica AT2020 USB-X Comparison

09:58 - Elgato Wave 3 Comparison

10:30 - Rode NT-USB+ Comparison

11:04 - Logitech Blue Yeti X Comparison

11:39 - Shure SM57 Comparison

12:12 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison

12:40 - Music Test

15:04 - Pros & Cons 

16:29 - Overall Thoughts

17:49 - Recommendation

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