Pump Up Your Pod

Have you ever bought something online, thinking you scored a fantastic deal, only to realise later that it might not have been what it seemed? 

Well, that's exactly what happened to me with the Shure SM7B microphone. 

Today, I'm sharing my story of how I ended up with two fake SM7B microphones and the results of an audio battle I conducted between the real deal and its dupe. 

Find out if the dupe is worth the savings or if you should stick with the original. 

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

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GEAR WE USE HERE AT BAMBY MEDIA:

SE Dyncaster DCM8

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XLR Cables

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

Pre-Amp/Mixers we recommend

Focusrite Clarett+

Rode Streamer X

Rodecaster Pro II

Rodecaster Pro Duo

Have you ever been in a situation where an exciting opportunity lands in your lap, but something deep down makes you hesitate? 

I want to share a personal story that I think many content creators can relate to—deciding when to say no to a brand deal. Receiving offers from brands can feel like a huge opportunity, but sometimes, it’s in your best interest to pass on them as they might not serve the long-term goals you have.

Recently, I've started to receive opportunities from different software tools aimed at podcasters and microphone brands looking to partner with me. One brand in particular that I won’t name, reached out and offered to send me some of their latest products for me to review on our YouTube and podcast channels. On the surface, this offer seemed like a great idea and I agreed. I hadn’t heard of them before, but I was eager to give their gear a try.

Over the next couple of days, I started to dig deeper into this brand. I realised I hadn't heard of them for good reason. I have decades of experience in the audio space, and the fact that this brand never crossed my radar was a red flag. 

It's tempting to say yes to every offer that comes your way, especially when you're excited about the possibility of a new partnership. However, it's crucial to ask yourself whether this opportunity aligns with your brand’s values and how it may affect your brand’s reputation.

Next time you have an exciting offer, take a step back and consider its actual value. Are you saying yes because you’re genuinely enthusiastic about the opportunity, or are you just excited that someone reached out?

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

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GEAR WE USE HERE AT BAMBY MEDIA:

SE Dyncaster DCM8

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

Pre-Amp/Mixers we recommend

Focusrite Clarett+

Rode Streamer X

Rodecaster Pro II

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If you’ve ever spent time on YouTube, you’ve probably come across “faceless” channels. 

Some even employ AI voices, allowing them to focus purely on content creation without involving their personal identities. This style of creation is becoming increasingly popular for video because it involves far less work. You don’t need a video camera, lighting or recording space. I can see the appeal to some creators.

It made me wonder: could podcasts follow a similar trend and become entirely voiceless? Let’s be clear here as to what “voiceless” means in this context. There is still technically a voice, but it’s not your human voice. 

With the increasing popularity of cloning voices using AI, are we on the precipice of stepping into a world where synthetic voices are the norm?

Imagine using AI to replace your voice altogether. No more recording sessions, just write a script, or you could go even further and have AI write your script for you. Then let an AI-generated voice say it all and bam, you’ve got yourself a “podcast”. 

To some, this might seem like a utopian shortcut—minimal effort for maximum output. To me, it initially felt very wrong and entirely impersonal. But, in the spirit of experimentation, I decided to give it a go and share my findings with you.

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Descript

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We have one hell of a showdown between two industry-leading microphones from Shure for you today. On one side, is the legendary Shure SM7B. On the other, its modern sibling, the Shure MV7. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting, choosing the right microphone can hugely impact your recordings. My objective here is to dive into the pros and cons of each mic, give you some sound tests, and help you decide which microphone fits your needs best.

If you are an early-stage to mid-level podcaster, the Shure MV7 offers outstanding versatility. It allows you to jump into podcasting without a massive upfront investment. Despite its shortcomings in sibilance and plosive handling, it provides good sound quality for its price. Its ability to switch between USB and XLR connectivity means it can evolve as you upgrade your podcasting setup.

For the budget-conscious podcaster, I personally see no reason for you to go out and buy the SM7B which would have you spending almost AU$1000 on a microphone and appropriate pre-amp. It does not feel necessary.

In the end, your choice will depend heavily on your specific needs and setup. Do you prioritise versatility and budget, or are you eager to present yourself like the professional podcasters that you’ve seen using the Shure SM7B. I know that can be a very real factor to consider.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the SM7B vs. MV7. What works best for your voice and setup? Remember, just because one mic is widely used doesn't mean it’s the best fit for you. It’s always a good option to try a few, or watch reviews of different voices showcasing the microphones before deciding for yourself. 

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

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GEAR WE USE HERE AT BAMBY MEDIA:

Shure SM7B

Shure MV7

SE Dyncaster DCM8

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

Pre-Amp/Mixers we recommend

Focusrite Clarett+

Rode Streamer X

Rodecaster Pro II

Rodecaster Pro Duo

Chris Edwards is no stranger to the world of media. As the founder of the Honeycombers website which reaches over 2 million readers a month, she has learned the value of building connections and delivering quality content to those who visit the site. 

It’s no surprise to me that when Chris decided to start a podcast, she would bring that same attention to detail and enthusiastic attitude to this different form of media. 

As the host of the Good Business podcast and Founder of the Launchpad community, Chris's journey is packed with takeaways for anyone who wants to leverage podcasting to make more meaningful connections.

Chris's journey demonstrates the multifaceted benefits of podcasting. From building confidence and fostering connections to expanding your knowledge base, podcasting offers a unique platform for personal and professional growth. So, if you're looking to connect with like-minded individuals and embark on a journey of self-discovery, consider picking up a microphone and starting your own podcasting adventure!

CHRIS EDWARDS LINKS:

Podcast: Good Business

Community: Launchpad 

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

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GEAR WE USE HERE AT BAMBY MEDIA:

Shure SM7B

SE Dyncaster DCM8

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

Pre-Amp/Mixers we recommend

Focusrite Clarett+

Rode Streamer X

Rodecaster Pro II

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How many downloads are you receiving for each episode you release, and why should you care less about this statistic?

Well, dear reader as you no doubt know by now, download numbers appear to be the be all and end all statistic to track whether your podcast is making an impact. 

Yes, I do agree that you should know your download numbers and certainly track them over time, but what if downloads are just the tip of the iceberg? 

What if there's a whole treasure trove of insights waiting to be discovered, a deeper understanding of how your podcast is truly resonating with your audience and how far that reach actually goes.

By venturing past this single metric, you can unlock a wealth of knowledge about your listeners, their habits, and their preferences. This knowledge empowers you to refine your content, expand your reach, and ultimately, stay in it for the long haul. The more you track your growth, the more you realise how truly wonderful it is to keep your podcast going.

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

Free Podcast Audit Service

Apply to Join PodCoach

YouTube Channel

GEAR WE USE HERE AT BAMBY MEDIA:

Shure SM7B

SE Dyncaster DCM8

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

Pre-Amp/Mixers we recommend

Focusrite Clarett+

Rode Streamer X

Rodecaster Pro II

Rodecaster Pro Duo

Alright podcasters and vocalists alike, it's time to settle a score! Today, we're throwing down in a microphone brawl between two titans: the legendary Shure SM7B and the lesser-known but highly regarded sE Dynacaster DCM8. 

By the end of this rumble, you'll know which microphone I prefer for females with similar vocal tones to my own, as well as vocalists looking for that extra bit of sparkle.

To set the scene, we’ve recorded this battle at Gasworks studio in Fortitude Valley with both mics plugged into a top-notch John Hardy M2 preamp. We're keeping things raw with no post-production on the sound, so you hear exactly how these microphones perform. All we’ve done is boosted the levels to ensure they’re the same. 

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

Free Podcast Audit Service

YouTube Channel

GEAR WE USE HERE AT BAMBY MEDIA:

Shure SM7B

SE Dyncaster DCM8

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

Pre-Amp/Mixers we recommend

Focusrite Clarett+

Rode Streamer X

Rodecaster Pro II

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I’ve seen so many new podcasts launch with next to no promotion behind them.

Then they wonder why they didn’t receive as many downloads as they thought they should have. 

They’ve told their friends and family, put a few graphics or videos out across social media, and they feel like that’s plenty.

But it lands a little softer than they anticipated.

There are also podcasters out there that are so nervous about putting their show out, that they don’t want to promote it.

And that’s all well and good if you’re just testing the waters, or you don’t really want anyone to know about your show until you feel like you’ve found your feet.

But I’m not talking to that podcaster here. 

I’m talking to the podcaster who wants to make the most of their new podcast launch. The podcaster who wants to make sure they squeeze as much out of their launch as possible, without spending money on ads or other paid strategies. 

This is purely a strategy for those of you who want to use social media, email marketing and good ol’ fashioned word of mouth to help promote their new podcast.

So, here’s the exact strategy I recommend to our clients, and we use ourselves here at Bamby Media.

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

Free Podcast Audit Service

YouTube Channel

GEAR WE USE HERE AT BAMBY MEDIA:

SE Dyncaster DCM8

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

Pre-Amp/Mixers we recommend

Focusrite Clarett+

Rode Streamer X

Rodecaster Pro II

Rodecaster Pro Duo

What makes a great podcast conversation?

Well, we all know the answer is nuanced, but after many years of producing podcasts I’ve certainly found the quality of the podcast has a lot to do with the quality of the questions being asked.

When I was thinking about who I could speak with to help podcasters craft better questions, Kendall Breitman came across my radar. A lot of you would know Kendall as the community manager for Riverside, but her role prior to Riverside was what piqued my interest.

Kendall knows implicitly how to craft quality questions, connect with your audience and build a sense of community around your show. She shared so much value in our recent conversation, and I’m delighted to share it with you all.

Podcast - Call Her Daddy

 / @callherdaddy  

Podcast - Life Shift

https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/

TRY RIVERSIDE

Riverside Conversation Creators Facebook Community

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

Free Podcast Audit Service

YouTube Channel

GEAR WE USE HERE AT BAMBY MEDIA:

SE Dyncaster DCM8

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

Pre-Amp/Mixers we recommend

Focusrite Clarett+

Rode Streamer X

Rodecaster Pro II

Rodecaster Pro Duo

I received an Apple Watch for my birthday.

“Woop de doo,” I hear you say.

“People get Apple Watches all the time. What’s the big deal?”

Well, the big deal is that it has changed my life.

And there is a very simple reason why.

Attention.

Prior to my Apple Watch life, my phone was the way I accessed the bulk of those things that we all need:

The time, the date, banking, messages, phone calls, music, podcasts, maps, photos.

But because my phone also had these:

Social media, YouTube, News, Business Apps, Analytics, Slack, Real Estate, Airbnb…

Well, I know you understand what I’m going to say next.

I would pick up my phone purely because I wanted to know what time it was, and all of a sudden I was on Instagram answering DM’s and “just checking” my work emails.

If I was ever “waiting” for something my default action would be to check my phone.

But since this little watch has come into my life, all that has changed.

My energy has shifted from distracted, to attentive.

I don’t bring my phone anywhere unless it’s a bigger business trip. Everything I actually need is on my wrist.

The rest I can access within work hours when I’m at my desk.

And I feel like me again. 

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

Free Podcast Audit Service

PodCoach Service

Bamby Media Services

YouTube Channel

GEAR WE USE HERE AT BAMBY MEDIA:

SE Dyncaster DCM8

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

Pre-Amp/Mixers we recommend

Focusrite Clarett+

Rode Streamer X

Rodecaster Pro II

Rodecaster Pro Duo