Podcastage

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

Today i review what I would classify as a BUDGET mic, the CAD E40. This thing has an MSRP of $100, but at the time of review it's on sale for $50 and I bought mine for $30. It offers a super cardioid polar pattern, a 100hz highpass filter and a -10dB pad. The max SPL is a little on the low side at 125dB, but for spoken word applications this should not cause any problems. As far as the sound it offers a very bright sound that I think comes across unsmooth and a bit brittle, and it also can have an exaggerated bass and low mid section when you close mic.

Buy the CAD E40 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/cade40
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/40693VQ

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: +5dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Supercardioid

Freq Response : 20Hz - 18khz

Sensitivity: -35dB

Self Noise: 15.8dBA

High Pass Filter: 100Hz, 6dB/oct

Max SPL: 125dB (with pad engaged)

Impedance: 155-ohms

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:27 - What’s in the Box
00:42 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:20 - Specifications
01:32 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:50 - Plosive Test
02:09 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:31 - Background Noise Test 
02:46 - Untreated Room Test
03:05 - Shock Rejection Test
03:24 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:38 - High Pass Filter Demo
04:04 - Pad Demo
04:34 - Neewer NW700 Comparison
05:00 - Blue Ember Comparison
05:25 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
05:49 - sE Electronics X1a Comparison
06:13 - Lewitt LCT240 Comparison
06:40 - AKG P120 Comparison
07:07 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
07:33 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
08:34 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:04 - Music Test
11:05  - Pros & Cons
12:12 - Overall Thoughts
14:01 - Recommendation

Today i review the Rode NTR, an active figure-8 ribbon microphone which has a really healthy output so you don't have to worry about your preamp that much. This gives you a very classic sounding ribbon tone with an insanely robust bass and low mids, a slightly more neutral mid section, and then the treble and air are tame but not overly so.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~12:30
Boosted in Post: +4dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Bidirectional

Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

Sensitivity: -30.5dBV

Max SPL: 130dB

Equivalent Noise: 15 dBA

Impedance: 200 Ohms

Power Requirement: +48v Phantom Power

Buy the Rode NTR (Affiliate Link)
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/4gTx74d

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
00:51 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:16 - Specifications
01:29 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:50 - (Not a) Plosive Test
02:10 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:30 - Background Noise Test 
02:47 - Untreated Room Test
03:07 - Shock Rejection Test
03:26 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:54 - Shure SM7b Comparison
04:18 - sE Electronics VR2 Comparison
04:40 - Royer R10 Comparison
05:03 - Beyerdynamic M160 Comparison
05:26 - Shure KSM313 N/E Comparison
05:57 - AEA KU5a Comparison
06:28 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
07:05 - Music Test
08:39 - Pros & Cons
10:04 - Overall Thoughts
12:27 - Recommendation

Today i review the Shure Nexadyne 8/C, a handheld dynamic. The mic has a cardioid polar pattern with good off axis coloration, it has a controlled lowend and a dominant upper-mid and treble boost which allows it to sound less muddy when your lips are on the grill. However, when you're farther from the microphone the low cut and high boost can make it sound a bit unappealing. I also found that it didn't do a greatjob at handling noise rejection.

Additional Guitar Sample: https://youtu.be/8Lh8u9k8exI
Additional Mic Tests: https://youtu.be/tBUI3YGK57E

RECORDING SETTINGS:

Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

Gain: ~4:00

Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Freq Response : 50Hz - 20khz

Sensitivity: -54dB

Impedance: 300-ohms

Buy the Shure Nexadyne 8/C (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/shure8c
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/shure8c
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3N4IIQn
Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/591049?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
00:24 - What’s in the Box
00:42 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:14 - Specifications
01:27 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:46 - Plosive Test
02:08 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:28 - Background Noise Test 
02:43 - Untreated Room Test
03:01 - Shock Rejection Test
03:17 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:30 - Handling Noise Rejection Test
03:47 - Cup the Mic Test
04:20 - Shure SM58 Comparison
04:41 - Sennheiser E835 Comparison
05:01 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
05:22 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
05:48 - Telefunken M80 Comparison
06:12 - Electro Voice RE520 Comparison
06:38 - Shure KSM8 Dualdyne Comparison
07:02 - Beyerdynamic M88TG Comparison
07:24 - Neumann KMS105 Comparison
07:57 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:40 - Music Test
10:35  - Pros & Cons
11:52 - Overall Thoughts
13:24 - Recommendation

Video: http://podcastage.com/rev/nxn8c-comp

This is a supplemental demo to my full review of the Shure Nexadyne 8C (http://podcastage.com/rev/nxn8c). The 8C is a handheld dynamic that seems to be primarily designed for stage use where you are going to be close micing with your lips touching the grill. So I wanted to demo how that sounds compared to a number of other options.

TONE

I found that the tone of the mic with the lips on the grill was quite nice compared to a lot of the others. It has a more exaggerated bass roll off and a very dominant upper mid & treble boost which keeps the mic sounding less muddy and a bit brighter and more open than much of the competition. The only mic in the lot that really competed with it in that regard was the Sennheiser E835, which is another microphone that I dislike when used at any kind of distance.

PLOSIVE REJECTION

With lips on the grill, pretty much every single one of these mics performs identically so there was no winner in that regard.

HANDLING NOISE

I found the handling noise of this mic to be pretty bad. It doesn’t ring like a bell, but it does have a bit of a resonant frequency to it which exacerbates handling noise. Also, it may be the coating on the mic, but if you rub it with your hand it can create extremely loud sounds that will make it into the recording and sound really bad.

CONCLUSION

When close micing with your lips on the grill, I think this sounds pretty nice. Farther away than 1-2” I think this mic starts to sound kind of bad. Also if you’re really aggressive with your hand holding of the mic, this may not be the right fit for you. For more tests and demos, check out the full review.

00:00 - intro
00:17 - spoken word test
02:38 - plosive rejection test
03:43 - tap rejection test
04:13 - rub rejection test

Video: https://youtu.be/241Yn_IKJRA

Should you get the Neumann U87 Ai or the TLM49? I don't know what you should do, I'm not your dad! But in this video I provide spoken word samples, background noise tests, distance tests, as well as electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and singing tests, and then I share my opinions. I hope this helps you understand the differences between this microphones sonically and in the spec department so that you can make a more informed decision if either of these is right for you.

Recording Settings
Interface: Universal Audio X8
U87 Gain: 30dB (+2.7dB in Post)
TLM49 Gain: 38dB (+2dB in Post)
Conversion: 24-bit / 48khz

Buy the Neumann U87 Ai Affiliate Link)
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/u87ai
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3XAwJP9
Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/276800?partner_id=23899
Amazon: https://geni.us/u87aikit

Buy the Neumann TLM49 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/tlm49
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/tlm49
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3zGwR7M
Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/194633?partner_id=23899

Buy the Universal Audio X8 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/uax8
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/uax8
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/4gALxGg
Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/446926?partner_id=23899

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

00:00 - Intro to Versus Series
00:25 - Build Quality
01:08 - Blind Comparison
02:20 - Microphone Spoken Word Test (Price / Specs)
03:32 - Polar Pattern Samples
04:10 - Background Noise Tests
04:36 - Distance Tests
05:21 - Isolated Music Tests
06:32 - Multi-Instrument Music Test
09:02 - Winner & Use Case Discussion
11:16 - Summary

Today i review the Shure SM4, a new offering in the $200 price range. The mic is very straight forward with a cardioid polar pattern and no pads or switches. This is a brighter mic which controls the bass, has a neutral mid section, and then a dominant boost focused in the treble and air frequencies. I found that on some S's they could sound a bit sharp on this mic, and also the self noise is a bit high at 17dBA compared to the competition. The accessories are all nice and effective and the build quality is great.

Buy the Shure SM4 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/smfour
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/sm4
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3XCPsuI
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/shure_sm4_kit.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.

RECORDING SETTINGS:

Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

Gain: ~2:00

Boosted in Post: +6dB 

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

Sensitivity: -38dB

Self Noise: 17dBA

Max SPL: 140dB - 145dB

Impedance: 150-ohms

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:27 - What’s in the Box
00:45 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:08 - Specifications
01:19 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:36 - Plosive Test
01:51 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:15 - Background Noise Test 
02:30 - Untreated Room Test
02:52 - Shock Rejection Test
03:11 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:38 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
03:56 - sE Electronics X1a Comparison
04:15 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
04:39 - Shure PGA27 Comparison
05:00 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
05:25 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
05:49 - Lauten Audio LA220 (Gen 1) Comparison
06:23 - Shure SM27 Comparison
06:52 - Sennheiser MK4 Comparison
07:17 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
07:48 - Music Test
09:18  - Pros & Cons
11:41 - Overall Thoughts
13:24 - Recommendation