Podcastage

Today I walkthrough, explain, test and review the new Heirtage Audio i73 Pro 2. I compare it to the 18i20 2nd Gen, compare it to a BAE 1073, test the preamps with the SM7b, demo the D.I. Instrument inputs, and walk through the software.

Buy the Heritage Audio i73 Pro 2 (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/i73pro2
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/i73pro2
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/4bLkftd
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/heritage_audio_i73_pro_2.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Mic: Neumann U87 Ai
Conversion: 32-bit / 48kHz
Gain: 30dB
Boosted in Post: +8dB

SPECS:
USB: Bit Depth: 32-bit, Sampling Rate: 44.1-192khz
Gain: +70dB
+48v Phantom Power 

00:00 - Intro / Pricing / Disclosure 
00:25 - What’s in the Box
01:01 - Build Quality
01:40 - Walkthrough of Interface
03:21 - Specifications
04:05 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
05:58 - i73 Pro 2 vs Scarlett 18i20 Gen 2 (noise floor test)
07:08 - BAE 1073 vs i73 Pro
07:44 - Distortion Character Comparison (WA73 & BAE 1073)
09:10 - D.I. Instrument Input Test
11:09 - Software Walkthrough
15:28 - EQ / Compression Plugin Demo
17:21 - Pros & Cons
20:28 - Recommendation

Today I review the Rode Lavalier II which is Rode's more recent Lav release. It offers a good build quality and a ton of great accessories. The noise is 27dBa but for a Lav, that's not the worst. The sound when used on the collar or on your chest can be kind of muddy and low detail compared to the competition, but if you get the mic away from your body so the front of the mic faces your mouth you can get a bit more top end into your recording.

Buy the Rode Lavalier II (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/lavii
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/lavii
B&H Photo: https://www.thomannmusic.com/rode_lavalier_ii.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:
Input: Canon 90d
Computer Level: ~30%
Boosted in Post: +5dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity -38dB
Noise: 27dBA
Max SPL: 106dB (1%), 120dB (10% THD)
Power Required: Plug-in Power

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:21 - What’s in the Box
00:39 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:07 - Specifications
01:15 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:36 - Plosive Test
01:53 - Lav Mic Position Tests
03:08 - Background Noise Test 
03:21 - Untreated Room Test
03:39 - Windscreen Test
04:19 - Camera Internal Mic Comparison
05:01 - Different Room Tests
05:54 - High Pass Filter Tests
04:41 - Camera Mic Input Demo
06:56 - Smart Phone Demo
07:19 - Laptop Input Demo
07:41 - USB Soundcard Demo
08:01 - Lav Mic Audio Interface Demo
08:20 - Portable Record Demo
08:36 - XLR Interface Demo
09:21 - Shure MVL Comparison
09:41 - Rode Lavalier Go Comparison
10:08 - Sennheiser ME2 Comparison
10:32 - Countryman B6 Comparison
11:02 - Sanken Cos 11D Comparison
11:30 - Shure TL48 Comparison
12:02 - Neumann U87 Comparison
12:34 - Pros & Cons
14:15 - Overall Thoughts
15:31 - Recommendation

Today i review the Shure SM27, a studio workhorse or all-purpose cardioid condenser microphone. Features wise it offers a -15dB pad and 2 high pass filters. The sound has a bit of a bump in the bass, and then a presence and treble boost, with a slight boost in the air which gives it a brighter sound. It also leans slightly on the sibliant side so for sibilant voices it may not be the best choice.

Buy the Shure SM27 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/ssm27
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/4br7bZR

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: ~1:00

Boosted in Post: +10dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

Sensitivity: -37dB

Self Noise: 9.5BA

Max SPL: 152dB (with pad)

Impedance: 150 Ohms

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:17 - What’s in the Box
00:40 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:14 - Specifications
01:25 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:42 - Plosive Test
01:59 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:20 - Background Noise Test 
02:35 - Untreated Room Test
02:55 - Shock Rejection Test
03:11 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:24 - High Pass Filter Test
03:56 - Pad Test
04:34 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
04:56 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
05:19 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
05:44 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
06:10 - Sennheiser MK4 Comparison
06:39 - Shure KSM32 Comparison
07:08 - Shure KSM44a Comparison
07:39 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:11 - Music Test
09:47 - Pros & Cons
10:58 - Overall Thoughts
12:16 - Recommendation

Video & HQ Audio: https://podcastage.com/rev/d2pp

Today I review the Behringer D2 Podcast Pro, an XLR and USB dynamic mic that costs about $130. This offers a headphone port, an XLR port, and a USB output. On mic you have a headphone volume control as well as a mic mute button. Conversion wise you can record up to 24-bit/96khz, but playback seems to be limited to 16-bit 48khz. I find the sound to be lacking in the low-end with a less aggressive upper frequency range which leads to a more mid focused sound.

Buy the Behringer D2 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/d2pp

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
Level: ~53% (6dB)
Boosted in Post: +8dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response :50Hz - 18kHz
Sensitivity: -53dBV (XLR)
Max SPL: 130dB (USB)
A/D: 24-bit / 96khz
D/A: 16-bit / 48khz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:19 - What’s in the Box
00:46 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:40 - Specifications
01:52 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:10 - Plosive Test
02:27 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:47 - Background Noise Test 
03:03 - Untreated Room Test
03:22 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:36 - Shock Rejection Test
03:53 - Mute Button Test
04:06 - USB vs. XLR Output
05:08 - Wiring Issue
05:25 - Intro to Comparison
05:57 - Behringer XM8500 Comparison
06:29 - Samson Q2u Comparison
06:59 - Fifine K688 Comparison
07:32 - Shure SM58 Comparison
08:01 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
08:31 - Earthworks SR117 Comparion
09:03 - Rode Podmic USB Comparison
09:38 - Shure SM7b Comparison
10:09 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:39 - Music Test
12:04 - Pros & Cons
14:29 - Overall Thoughts
15:45 - Recommendation

Today i review the CAD M179, a relatively affordable multi-pattern condenser mic ranging from Omni to Cardioid to Figure 8 or anything in between. The mic gives a slightly more V-shaped sound with a high frequency boost and deep extension into the bass frequencies.

RECORDING SETTINGS:

Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

Gain: ~12:00

Boosted in Post: +7dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Fig-8, Omni (anyhthing in between)

Freq Response : 10Hz - 20khz

Sensitivity: -36dB

Self Noise: 11BA

Max SPL: 143dB

Impedance: 200 Ohms

Buy the CAD M179 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/cadm179
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3KDg4o9
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/cad_audio_m179.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.

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:26 - What’s in the Box
00:52 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:32 - Specifications
01:46 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:47 - Plosive Test
03:02 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:21 - Background Noise Test 
03:36 - Untreated Room Test
03:57 - Shock Rejection Test
04:18 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:32 - High Pass Filter Test
04:56 - Pad Test
05:16 - Selfless Shame Promotion
05:45 - Intro to Comparison
06:16 - CAD E40 Comparison
06:44 - Lewitt LCT240 Comparison
07:16 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
07:43 - Shure PGA27 Comparison
08:11 - Audio Technica AT2050 Comparison
08:43 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
09:10 - Sennheiser MK4 Comparison
09:37 - AKG C214 Comparison
10:12 - CAD E100s Comparison
10:48 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
11:23 - Music Test
13:11 - Pros & Cons
15:11 - Overall Thoughts
17:03 - Recommendation

In Q&A episode 3 I discuss my ultimate 5 microphone collection, podcast habits/trends that I find incredibly annoying, what mic and interface I'd select if I was starting over, and what band/albums inspired me to pick up a microphone.

00:00 - Ultimate 5 Microphone Collection
07:31 - Annoying Podcast Trends
10:59 - Interface & Mic to Start Over With
13:57 - What Band/Albums Inspired me to Pick Up a Mic?
16:51 - Conclusion

Video: https://youtu.be/KCpCjQ1_jNU
Specs: https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/handheld-recorders/handheld-recorders/h1essential/

Today I walkthrough, explain, test and review the Zoom H1e. This is very similar to it's predecessors the H1 and H1n, but it introduces 32-bit floating point which means you are theoretically unable to distort your converters; although you can still distort the microphone capsules if you're recording something very loud. The mic does suffer from wind/plosive issues, handling noise rejection isn't great, and the preamps are a bit noisy. But for $100 I think it offers a pretty utilitarian device that has a lot of bang for your buck.

Buy the Zoom H1e(Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/zoomh1e
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/h1e

Specs:

Internal Mic: 90-deg XY, Sensitivity: -37dB, Max SPL: 120dB

3.5mm Input Impedance: 2k-ohms,

3.5mm Input power: 2.5v

Bit Depth: 32-bit float (SD), 16-bit (USB)

Sampling Rate: 44.1/48/96khz

Storage /  microSDHC: 4GB-32GB, microSDXC: 64GB-1TB

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

00:00 - Intro / Pricing / Disclosure 
00:23 - What’s in the Box
00:36 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:51 - Specifications
02:08 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:28 - Plosive Test (Dead Cat Demo)
03:04 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:26 - Background Noise Test 
03:40 - Keyboard Recording Demo
03:51 - Untreated Room Test
04:11 - Shock Rejection Test
04:27 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:41 - Handling Noise Rejection Demo
05:08 - 32-Bit Floating Point Demo / Test
05:58 - Lo Cut Filter Demo
06:39 - External Mic Demo
07:14 - ASMR Test
07:40 - H1e vs. Original H1
08:58 - USB Mic Comparison
09:57 - Intro to Comparison
10:27 - Zoom h1 Comparison
10:55 - Zoom h1n Comparison
11:36 - Zoom h6 comparison
12:13 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
12:45 - Music Test
14:39 - Pros & Cons
17:21 - Overall Thoughts
18:10   - Recommendation

Video: https://podcastage.com/rev/tf5

Today i review the Rode TF-5, a premium small diaphragm condenser from Rode. This offers a pretty healthy bass response, clear and open mids which sound less forward than much of it's competition, and a nice amount of detail and articulation in the upper frequencies. The only downside I hear is the slightly higher self noise which sounds like it may be a bit above the advertised 14dBA.

RECORDING SETTINGS:

Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

Gain: ~12:00

Boosted in Post: +9dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Freq Response : 30Hz - 20khz

Sensitivity: -29dBV

Self Noise: 14dBA

Max SPL: 135dB

Impedance: 63 Ohms

Phantom power: +48V

Buy the Rode TF-5 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/rodetf5
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/tf5
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/rode_tf_5.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.

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:30 - What’s in the Box
00:54 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:19 - Specifications
01:46 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:06 - Plosive Test
02:28 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:50 - Background Noise Test 
03:07 - Untreated Room Test
03:26 - Underboom & Overhead Booming Test
03:58 - Shock Rejection Test
04:15 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:30 - Windscreen Tone Test
05:09 - Self Noise Test
06:28 - ASMR Test
07:00 - Intro to Comparison
07:29 - Rode M5 Comparison
08:06 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
08:46 - Lewitt LCT140 Air Comparison
09:21 - Sennheiser E614 Comparison
09:56 - sE Electronics sE8 Comparison
10:29 - Shure KSM141 Comparison
11:05 - Beyerdynamic MC930 Comparison
11:44 - Neumann KM184 Comparison
12:23 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
13:04 - Music Test
14:57 - Pros & Cons
17:06 - Overall Thoughts
19:10 - Recommendation

Video & HQ Audio:  https://podcastage.com/rev/mv7plus

Today I review the new Shure MV7+ an XLR & USB dynamic microphone with a lot of DSP processing available over USB. The sound of the XLR is great with a supportive lowend, somewhat mid focussed but pleasing sound, and a non-aggressive upper frequency range. Over USB the sound is a bit different with a somewhat hollow sound with congested mids and a tame top end. The DSP processing is all very nicely implemented and it stores all the settings on device so you can use this on a computer without Shure's softrware as well.

Buy the Shure MV7+ (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/mv7plus

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: -6dB
Boosted in Post: +8.5dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response :50Hz - 16kHz
Sensitivity: -55dBV (XLR)
Max SPL: 128dB (USB)
Impedance 350 ohms
Bit Depth: 24
Sample Rate:  48khz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:21 - What’s in the Box
00:42 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:42 - Specifications
01:55 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:14 - Plosive Test
02:43 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:06 - Background Noise Test 
03:21 - Untreated Room Test
03:42 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:56 - Shock Rejection Test
04:12 - Mute Button Test
04:27 - Processing Walkthrough / Demo
10:39 - Demo on iPhone
11:29 - Are DSP Settings Stored on Mic?
12:11 - Shure MV7 vs. MV7+
13:40 - USB vs. XLR Output
14:12 - Intro to Comparison
14:42 - Samson Q2u Comparison
15:07 - Fifine K688 Comparison
15:38 - Elgato Wave DX Comparison
16:07 - Shure SM58 Comparison
16:31 - sE Electronics V7 Comparison
16:58 - Audio Technica AT2040 Comparison
17:25 - sE Electronics DCM6 Comparison
17:53 - Earthworks SR117 Comparion
18:19 - Rode Podmic USB Comparison
18:49 - Rode Procaster Comparison
19:19 - Shure SM7b Comparison
19:48 - Electro Voice RE20 Comparison
20:17 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
20:44 - Music Test
22:21 - Pros & Cons
24:45 - Overall Thoughts
26:12 - Recommendation

Today i review the Lewitt Ray, a microphone based on the LCT440 but with technology inside that adjusts to your distance. This means that if you move around a lot while recording it will maintain a relatively consistent level and tone. The mic leans on the brighter side of mics with tons of detail and it also has a physical mute button which is tight.  

RECORDING SETTINGS:

Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

Gain: ~3:00

Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

Sensitivity: -33dB

Self Noise: 8BA

Max SPL: 131dB

Impedance: 120 Ohms

Buy the Lewitt Ray (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/lray
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/ray
 Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/lewitt_ray.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.thomannmusic.com/lewitt_ray.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
00:25 - What’s in the Box
00:51 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:45 - Specifications
02:00 - Walkthrough of AURA
05:46 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
06:05 - Plosive Test
06:20 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
06:40 - Background Noise Test 
06:56 - Untreated Room Test
07:20 - Mute Button Demo
07:36 - Shock Rejection Test
07:52 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
08:06 - Intro to Comparison
08:24 - Lewitt Ray (w/ Aura) Sample
08:57 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
09:20 - Lewitt LCT240 Comparison
09:51 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
10:19 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
10:50 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
11:18 - Aston Origin Comparison
11:50 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
12:29 - Sennheiser MK4 Comparison
13:03 - Austrian Audio OC16 Comparison
12:42 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
14:18 - Music Test
16:15 - Pros & Cons
18:32 - Overall Thoughts
20:22 - Recommendation