Podcastage

Video: https://youtu.be/Rbr_A3Pqj4E

Today I walkthrough, explain, test and review the budget Behringer MIC300 tube preamp. This offer +60dB of gain with +10dB on the output stage, and the main thing that drew me to it, an analog limiter (which is fine, but not great). If you're looking for a fantastic sounding preamp with tons of clean gain, this is not for you. It's a relatively distorted, slightly noisy tube preamp that's a little bit of fun.

Buy the Behringer MIC300 (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/mic300
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/behringer_mic300_tube_ultragain.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

Buy the Rode NT1 Kit (Affiliate)
Amazon: http://geni.us/rodent1
Sweetwater: http://bit.ly/2Xrwl62
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3OTT0Vn
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/rode_nt1_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

00:00 - Intro / Pricing
00:30 - What’s in the Box
00:40 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:12 - Specifications
02:05 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
03:15 - Preamp Gain Noise Test 
03:56 - Limiter Test
05:49  - Preamp vs. Interface Preamp
06:29 - Music Test
08:17 - Pros & Cons
09:16 - Opinion on Pre
10:08 - Recommendation
11:25  - Outro

Video: https://youtu.be/EaEf2YX_tnU

Today I walkthrough, explain, test and review the new Shure MVX2u. This is the smallest interface I've reviewed and it offers +60dB of gain as well as Digital Signal Processing such as EQ, Compression, and Limiting. The preamp is on the noisier side of things and as of early-September 2023 there is an issue with low frequency sounds increasing the noise floor of the device. 

Buy the Shure MVX2u (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/mvx2u
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/mvx2u
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/45D82Vh
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/shure_motiv_mvx2u.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

Buy the Rode NT1 Kit (Affiliate)
Amazon: http://geni.us/rodent1
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/nt1
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3OTT0Vn
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/rode_nt1_kit.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

Buy the Shure SM7b (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/shuresm7b
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/sm7b
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3qrIZV
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/shure_sm_7b_studiomikro.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

00:00 - Intro / Pricing / Disclosure 
00:31 - Signal Chain for Testing
00:30 - What’s in the Box
00:44 - Build Quality
01:19 - Specifications
02:14 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
03:27 - Preamp Noise Level Test 
05:03 - Software Auto-Level Walkthrough
10:28 - Software Processing Walkthrough
15:37 - Are Settings Stored on the Device?
16:45 - Pros & Cons
19:43 - Recommendation
21:32  - Outro

Video & HQ Audio: https://podcastage.com/rev/at2020usbx

Today I review a new USB mic from Audio Techncia, the 2020USB-X. This is an update to the 2020USB+ and it's offering higher conversion 24-bit/96kHz and it adds a new mute button. It comes with a desktop stand as well which the original did not, but it abandons the standard 2020 mount that the original USB+used in lieu of a 1/4" threading on the bottom. It offers a clear sound that leans into the territory of being a bit harsh, and it picks up a bit more room tone and reflections than I'd prefer. However, in a world of decreasing plug and play mics, it offers a pretty decent sound for those who need the limited functionality.

Buy the Audio Technica AT2020USB-X (Affiliate Link)

Amazon: https://geni.us/at2020usbx

Sweetwater: n/a

B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/44A0Pnj

Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/audio_technica_at2020usb_x.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:

Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

Computer Level: 29%

Boosted in Post: +0dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Freq Response : 20Hz - 20kHz

Bit Depth: 16/24-bit

Sample Rate:  44.1 - 96kHz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 

00:24 - What’s in the Box

00:48 - Build Quality / Walkthrough

01:33 - Specifications

01:46 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)

02:05 - Plosive Test

02:24 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test

02:41 - Background Noise Test 

02:57 - Untreated Room Test

03:18 - Shock Rejection Test

03:36 - Mic Resonance Tap Test

03:50 - Mute Button Test

04:04 - Desktop Stand Test

04:35 - Intro to Comparison

05:03 - Razer Seiren Mini Comparison

05:32 - Blue Snowball Comparison

06:00 - Samson C01u Pro Comparison

06:28 - Blue Yeti (Original) Comparison

07:00 - Rode NT-USB Mini Comparison

07:26 - Blue Yeti Nano Comparison

07:54 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison

08:28 - Audio Technica AT2500X-USB Comparison

08:57 - Sennheiser Profile Comparison

09:30 - Audio Technica AT2020USB+ Comparison

10:10 - Elgato Wave 3 Comparison

10:42 - sE Electronics Neom Comparison

11:11 - Rode NT-USB+ Comparison

11:35 - Blue Yeti X Comparison

12:11 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison

12:41 - Music Test

14:09 - Pros & Cons

15:49 - Overall Thoughts

17:22- Recommendation

19:00  - Outro

HQ Audio Of Review: https://podcastage.com/rev/sev2

Video: https://youtu.be/EomPiDMrbFg

Today i review the sE Electronics V2 Switch, a new budget dynamic mic that comes in at around $50. This thing has a great sound that is controlled in the lowend, forward in the upper mids but not overdone, and somewhat tame in the treble and air. The one big draw back to this in my opinion is the handling noise which is improved greatly on the sE V7 which is 2x the price.

RECORDING SETTINGS:

Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

Gain: ~3:30

Boosted in Post: +5dB

SPECS:

- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid

- Freq Response : 50Hz - 16khz

- Sensitivity: -51dB

- Impedance: 630 Ohms

Buy the sE Electronics sE7 (Affiliate Link)

Amazon: https://geni.us/sev2

Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/sev2

B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3sqjpRs

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

00:31  - What’s in the Box

01:06 - Build Quality / Walkthrough

01:30 - Specifications

01:41 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)

01:59 - Plosive Test

02:20 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test

02:49 - Background Noise Test 

03:07 - Untreated Room Test

03:25 - Shock Rejection Test

03:41 - Mic Resonance Tap Test

03:55 - Handling Noise Test

04:06 - Cup the Mic Test

04:29 - On Off Switch Test

04:43 - Intro to Comparison

05:09 - Behringer XM8500 Comparison

05:32 - Shure SM48 Comparison

05:55 - Mackie EM89d Comparison

06:21 - Lewitt MTP250DM Copmarison

06:49 - Sennheiser E835 Comparison

07:19 - Shure SM58 Comparison

07:56 - sE Electrtonics sE7 Comparison

08:31 - Audio Technica AT2010 Comparison

09:06 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison

09:36 - Music Test

11:05  - Pros & Cons

12:05 - Overall Thoughts

13:41 - Recommendation

15:24 - Outro

HQ Audio Of Video: https://podcastage.com/rev/xliivsxls
Video: https://youtu.be/eNod6LYwqtQ

Should you get the C414 XLII or the XLS? In this video I provide spoken word samples on every single polar pattern, background noise tests, distance tests, as well as electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and singing tests, and then I share my opinions.

Buy the AKG C414 XLII Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/akgc414xlII
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/xlii
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/458wmxY
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/akg_c414_xlii.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

Buy the AKG C414 XLS (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/c414xls
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/xls
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3YBuw6d
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/akg_c414_xls.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

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

00:00 - Intro to Versus Series
00:26 - Build Quality
00:52 - Blind Comparison
01:44 - Microphone Spoken Word Test (Price / Specs)
02:53 - Polar Pattern Samples
04:39 - Background Noise Tests
04:56 - Distance Tests
05:41 - Music Tests
07:40 - Winner & Use Case Discussion
10:00 - Summary
11:20 - Outro

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

Today I review a new USB mic from Sennheiser, the Profile. This thing offers an inoffensive sound that will work for people who don't want to think about audio, but I don't think it sounds amazing. The low end is controlled, the mids are a bit forward but not overly nasally, and the top end is a bit relaxed compared to USB condensers around the same price. The feature set is also really nice if you don't want software on your computer, and the build quality feels great.

Buy the Sennheiser Profile USB (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/profusb
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/profusb
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3OLr6uh
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/sennheiser_profile_usb_c_mikrofon.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:
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Mic Gain: ~2:00
Computer Level: 100%
Boosted in Post: +7dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity: -50dB
Max SPL: 125dB
Equivalent Noise: 34dBA (min gain), / 28dBA (max gain)
Bit Depth: 16/24-bit
Sample Rate:  44.1/48kHz
Headphone Freq Response: 20Hz - 18.5kHz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:22 - What’s in the Box
00:43 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:41 - Specifications
01:52 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:11 - Plosive Test
02:24 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:45 - Background Noise Test 
03:00 - Untreated Room Test
03:20 - Shock Rejection Test
03:37 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:50 - Mute Button Test
04:05 - Desktop Stand Test
04:35 - Intro to Comparison
05:17 - Razer Seiren Mini Comparison
05:45 - Samson C01u Pro Comparison
06:08 - Blue Snowball Comparison
06:39 - Samson Q2u Comparison
07:08 - Blue Yeti (Original) Comparison
07:43 - Rode NT-USB Mini Comparison
08:08 - Blue Yeti Nano Comparison
08:38 - Elgato Wave 3 Comparison
09:07 - Audio Technica AT2020X-USB Comparison
09:37 - Rode NT-USB+ Comparison
10:03 - Blue Yeti X Comparison
10:39 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
11:04 - Music Test
12:28 - Pros & Cons
13:35 - Overall Thoughts
15:14- Recommendation
19:24  - Outro

Today i review the sE Electronics sE7, a small diaphragm condenser which offers a nice low end, neutral mids and a lifted top end which gives you some liveliness but it's not overdone. Like most SDCs it doesn't do great with plosives, but does pretty well with off axis coloration. I also think this mic can exagerate a little bit of sibilance.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~1:30
Boosted in Post: +5dB

SPECS:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Freq Response : 40Hz - 20khz
- Sensitivity: -35dB
- Self Noise: 16dB
- Max SPL: 136dB (156dB with -20dB pad)
- Impedance: 200 Ohms
- High Pass Filter: 6dB/octave at 80hz
- Phantom power: +48V

Buy the sE Electronics sE7 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/sese7
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/sE7
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3rNZeN7
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/se_electronics_se7.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
00:23 - What’s in the Box
00:44 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:11 - Specifications
01:21 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:41 - Plosive Test
01:59 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:23 - Background Noise Test 
02:39 - Untreated Room Test
02:59 - Underboom & Overhead Booming Test
03:40 - Shock Rejection Test
03:56 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:08 - High Pass Filter Test
04:32 - Windscreen Tone Test
05:01 - Intro to Comparison
05:31 - Behringer C2 Comparison
05:57 - Rode M5 Comparison
06:27 - Sennheiser E614 Comparison
06:57 - sE Electronics sE8 Comparison
07:33 - Shure SM81 Comparison
08:03 - Beyerdynamic MC930 Comparison
08:34 - Neumann KM184 Comparison
09:18 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:46 - Music Test
11:09  - Pros & Cons
12:38 - Overall Thoughts
13:52 - Recommendation
15:00 - Outro

DSP Processing Walkthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bkad9b5173s
Rode Connect Walkthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDNlC19uUIc

Today I review a new XLR & USB Dynamic Mic from Rode, the PodMic USB. This mic has a controlled lowend, a mid forward sound, and a little bit of grain on the top end (mainly in XLR mode). This offers Digital Signal Processing that is stored on mic so you can use it on computers without Rode's software, and the pop filter works extremely well. It doesn't handle shocks too well, and the XLR port is inactive when you have the mic connected over USB.

Buy the Rode Podmic USB (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/podmicusb
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/podmicusb
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/474m971
Thomann: https://www.thomannmusic.com/rode_podmic_usb.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:
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Computer Level: 51dB
Boosted in Post: +8dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity: -57dB
Max SPL: 148dB
Bit Depth: 24-bit
Sample Rate:  48kHz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:27 - What’s in the Box
00:46 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:19 - Specifications
01:29 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:47 - Plosive Test
02:02 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:24 - Background Noise Test 
02:41 - Untreated Room Test
03:04 - Shock Rejection Test
03:20 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:33 - Windscreen Tone Test
04:02 - USB vs. XLR Output Test
04:55 - DSP Processing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bkad9b5173s)
06:23 - Rode Connect Software (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDNlC19uUIc)
06:52 - Does the DSP Get Stored on Mic?
07:22 - Intro to Comparison
07:52 - Maono HD300t Comparison
08:16 - Samson Q2u Comparison
08:46 - Fifine K688 Comparison
09:15 - Audio Technica ATR2100x-usb Comparison
09:44 - Rode NT USB Mini Comparison
10:10 - Rode Podmic (XLR) Comparison
10:44 - Audio Technica AT2040 USB Comparison
11:16 - Rode NT USB+ Comparison
11:47 - Rode Procaster Comparison
12:13 - Shure MV7 Comparison
12:49 - Shure SM7b Comparison
13:15 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
13:46 - Music Test
15:09 - Pros & Cons
16:20  - Overall Thoughts
18:02- Recommendation
19:24  - Outro

Today I review a budget dynamic mic which costs only $37, the Fifine K669d. This is a very basic microphone with no switches or buttons, and a single XLR port on the rear. It offers a very bright sound which can come across a bit too boosted and a bit sibilant. It doesn't do a great job with shock rejection, plosive rejection, or keyboard rejection, but for the price it's acceptable.

Buy the Fifine K669D (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/k669d

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

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~4:00
Boosted in Post: +9dB

SPECS:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Freq Response : 50Hz - 16khz
- Sensitivity: -50dB +/- 3dB

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 
00:26 - What’s in the Box
00:42 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:02 - Specifications
01:12 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:31 - Plosive Test|
01:46 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:08 - Background Noise Test 
02:26 - Untreated Room Test
02:46 - Shock Rejection Test
03:02 - 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
08:17 - Music Test
09:37 - Pros & Cons
10:28  - Overall Thoughts
11:40 - Recommendation
12:48  - Outro

Today I review a new USB dynamic mic from Audio Technica, the AT2040 USB. This is a plug and play device with a great mute button, a headphone volume control, mix dial to mix zero latency monitoring and computer playback, and a high pass filter. It offers a very upper mid/presence forward sound that can sound a bit artificial. It's not my favorite sounding, but for plug and play simple to use devices, if you don't care much about the sound, it's pretty great.

Buy the Audio Tehnnica AT2040USB (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/at2040usb
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/at2040usb
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/3ps3Acc
Thomann: n/a

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
Computer Level: 40%
Boosted in Post: +4dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid
Freq Response : 80Hz - 16kHz
High Pass Filter: 80Hz, 18 dB/octave
Bit Depth: 16/24-bit
Sample Rate:  44.1k-96kHz

00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer 
00:26 - What’s in the Box
00:49 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:30 - Specifications
01:41 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:04 - Plosive Test
02:18 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:49 - Background Noise Test 
03:06 - Untreated Room Test
03:27 - Shock Rejection Test
03:44 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:00 -  Low Cut Filter Demo
04:35 - Mute Button Noise Test
04:49 - Intro to Comparison
05:15 - Behringer XM8500 Comparison
05:51 - Maono HD300t Comparison
06:19 - Samson Q2u Comparison
06:46 - Fifine K688 Comparison
07:15 - Audio Technica ATR2100x-usb Comparison
07:49 - sE Electronics sE V7
08:19 - Audio Technica AT2040 Comparison
08:54 - Rode Podmic USB Comparison
09:28 - Shure MV7 Comparison
09:59 - Shure SM7b Comparison
10:29 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
11:00 - Music Test
12:13 - Pros & Cons
13:15  - Overall Thoughts
14:23 - Recommendation
16:28  - Outro