Curtis Judd 12/19/22 Curtis Judd 12/19/22

Expander, Compressor, and EQ Setup on the Lewitt Connect 6 Audio Interface

In this week’s episode, we demonstrate how to set up the expander, compressor, EQ, and maximizer for the Lewitt Connect 6 audio interface using its Control Center app. While we use this very specific app, the settings we demo here are very similar on almost every expander, compressor, and EQ. Of course, our demo focuses on spoken word audio/dialogue.

Check out Podcastage’s review here and Julian Krause’s review here.

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Lewitt Connect 6 USB Audio interface — B&H, Sweetwater

- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rosco Gobo creates the pattern on the back wall — B&H

- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon

- Schneider Radiant Soft 1 diffusion filter — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Curtis Judd 12/12/22 Curtis Judd 12/12/22

DEITY V-Mic D4 Camera Top Microphone

In this week’s episode, we have a look at and listen to the DEITY V-Mic D4 camera-top shotgun microphone. This $99 USD microphone is at home on a camera, on a boom pole, connected to a mobile phone, or even to a Mac or PC. The D4 is powered via any AAA battery which can power it for up to 60 hours if you use a lithium battery. It automatically powers on or off with your camera, has a directional pickup pattern, and sounds best when you boom it within about 40 cm of the person you’re recording. One of my favorite features is the stemless gain dial which allows you to finesse the the gain. There is also an innovative feature — a shoe mount for a wireless transmitter on the shock mount rail. Let’s take a closer look and a listen!

Find out how to boom this mic to make it sound its best here.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- DEITY V-Mic D4 microphone — B&H, Trew Audio, DVE Store, Amazon

- DEITY V-Mic D3 Pro microphone — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon

- Rosco Gobo creates the pattern on the back wall — B&H

- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon

- Schneider Radiant Soft 1 diffusion filter — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 12/5/22 Curtis Judd 12/5/22

JBL 104 BT Affordable Reference Monitors Speakers

In this week’s episode, we have a look at and listen to the JBL 104-BT Bluetooth Desktop Reference Monitors. The 104-BT’s are small, lightweight, and can be a great step up from consumer desktop speakers; they also host a variety of different connections including TRS, RCA, and Bluetooth. In this video we talk through the 104-BTs’ feature set and discuss when and where these might be most useful in an audio editing and mixing workflow. Let’s have a closer listen!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- JBL 104-BT Bluetooth Desktop Reference Monitors — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sennheiser MKH 8050 Boom Microphone — B&H

- Sound Devices MixPre-3 II Series audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Trew Audio, Amazon

- Sound devices Pix-E stand (for the MixPre) — Amazon

- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon

- Rosco Gobo creates the pattern on the back wall — B&H

- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon

- Schneider Radiant Soft 1 diffusion filter — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 11/22/22 Curtis Judd 11/22/22

DEITY TC SL1 Smart Timecode Slate

In this week’s episode, we take a look at DEITY’s timecode slate: the TC-SL1. This slate is the latest installment in the TC family from DEITY and can be wirelessly synced to your other Sidus Audio timecode devices using the Sidus Audio app. In addition to this powerful connective functionality, the TC-SL1 is also physically compatible with other timecode ecosystems, supports a variety of project frame rates, and is easy to use in production and on set. In this video we walk through the TC-SL1’s feature set, discuss some situations in which you might want to use a timecode slate, and demonstrate how to use it with other components of the DEITY timecode family. Let’s take a closer look!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- DEITY TC-SL1 Timecode Slate — B&H, Trew Audio

- DEITY TC-1 Timecode Boxes — B&H

- DEITY NP-F550 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries — B&H

- XLR cables (high quality 59 C214) — B&H

- Sound Devices MixPre-3 II Series audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Trew Audio, Amazon

- Sound devices Pix-E stand (for the MixPre) — Amazon

- Prolycht Orion 675 FS LED Full-Spectrum Light — B&H

- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rosco Gobo creates the pattern on the back wall — B&H

- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon

- Schneider Radiant Soft diffusion filter — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 11/14/22 Curtis Judd 11/14/22

AKG studio classic microphones — Comparison of the AKG C214, C314, & C414 XLS

In this week’s episode, we take a look at and listen to the AKG C214, C314, and C414 XLS large diaphragm condenser microphones. These variations on AKG’s studio classic include similar feature sets for recording spoken word audio like podcasts, voice over, and livestreams. The AKG series of microphones include switchable polar patterns and inbuilt low-cut filters and pads. Although they’re often found recording vocals and instruments for music, the C series of mics can also be useful for podcast and voiceover recording. In this video we compare and contrast each mic’s feature set, discuss the applications in which they might perform best, and overall have a fun time playing with different mics. Let’s take a closer look!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone, brightest, crispest of the three — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- AKG C314 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone, best option for sibilant voices — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- AKG C414 XLS Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- AKG C414 XLII, brighter, crisper voicing than XLS — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Table mic stand — B&H, Amazon

- XLR cables (high quality 59 C214 ) — B&H

- Sound Devices MixPre-3 II Series audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Trew Audio, Amazon

- Sound devices Pix-E stand (for the MixPre) — Amazon

- Aputure P300C LED used as key light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon

- Rosco Gobo creates the pattern on the back wall — B&H

- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon

- Schneider Radiant Soft diffusion filter — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 10/31/22 Curtis Judd 10/31/22

Samson Q9x budget broadcast microphone vs SHURE SM7B & Electrovoice RE20

In this week’s episode, we take a look at and listen to the Samson Q9X budget broadcast microphone. This ergonomic podcasting, streaming, and studio microphone is a dynamic mic with a cardioid polar pattern, ample internal shock mounting and wind screening, and an inbuilt mid-boost presence effect. In this video we walk through the Q9X’s feature set, compare it to the SHURE SM7B and ElectroVoice RE20, and discuss how, when, and where you might use each of these three broadcast microphones. Let’s take a closer look and listen!

Check out our review of various audio recorders here.

Check out some more dynamic mic options for podcasting and livestreaming here.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- Samson Q9X broadcast microphone — B&H, Amazon

- SHURE SM7B studio microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Perfect Circuit, Amazon

- ElectroVoice RE20 broadcast microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Table mic stand — B&H, Amazon

- XLR cables (high quality Canare) — B&H

- FETHead in-line amplifier — B&H, Amazon

- Cloudlifter in-line amplifier — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre-3 audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Trew Audio, Amazon

- Aputure P300C LED used as key light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon

- Rosco Gobo creates the pattern on the back wall — B&H

- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon

- Schneider Radiant Soft diffusion filter — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 10/24/22 Curtis Judd 10/24/22

SHURE SM57 vs SM58 vs SM7B for Podcast, Livestream, or Zoom Calls

In this week’s episode, we compare three microphones from SHURE: the SM57, SM58, and SM7B. These noteworthy installations of the SM (‘Studio Microphone’) series include two of the bestselling mics in the world— the 57 and 58— as well as a favorite of podcasters and streamers, the 7B. In this video we walk through the SM57’s feature set, compare it to the SM58 and 7B, and discuss how, when, and where you might use each of these three great microphones. Let’s take a closer look and listen!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- SHURE SM57 microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- SHURE SM58 microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Trew Audio, Amazon

- SHURE SM7B microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Perfect Circuit, Amazon

- SHURE A2WS foam windshield (smaller, less imposing, for the SM57) — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- SHURE A81WS foam windshield (bigger, better for sibilant voices and wind for SM57) — B&H, Sweetwater, Trew Audio, Amazon

- SHURE A58WS foam windshield for SM58 — B&H, Amazon

- Table mic stand — B&H, Amazon

- RODE PSA1+ boom stand — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- XLR cables (high quality Canare) — B&H

- FETHead in-line amplifier — B&H, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre-3 audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Trew Audio, Amazon

- Aputure P300C LED used as key light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon

- Rosco Gobo creates the pattern on the back wall — B&H

- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon

- Schneider Radiant Soft diffusion filter — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 10/17/22 Curtis Judd 10/17/22

Sound Devices A20 Mini — Why do pros use gear like this in the film and TV production world?

In this week’s episode, we discuss how and why the Sound Devices A20 Mini wireless transmitter is useful to audio professionals in the filmmaking and TV production world. This tiny transmitter includes several distinguishing features like GainForward and SpectraBand technologies, as well as ultra-long transmission range and a wide variety of tunable bands. In this video we walk through the A20 Mini’s new technologies and talk about why pros incorporate this kind of gear into their kits. Let’s take a closer look and listen!

Read about how GainForward works here.

Read about how Spectraband technology works here.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- Sound Devices A20 Mini Digital Wireless Transmitter — Trew Audio, B&H

- Sound Devices A20 dual channel receiver — B&H

- SHURE Twinplex TL-48 Lavalier microphone — Trew Audio, B&H

- Sound Devices 888 recorder — Trew Audio, B&H, Sweetwater

- Sound Devices SL-2 slot system for wireless receivers — Trew Audio, B&H

- Aputure P300C LED used as key light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rosco Gobo creates the pattern on the back wall — B&H

- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon

- Schneider Radiant Soft diffusion filter — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 10/10/22 Curtis Judd 10/10/22

RODE NT1 microphone for podcast, voice over, livestream, and Zoom calls

In this week’s episode we have a look at the RØDE NT1, a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone. This studio mic has a directional, cardioid polar pattern, a 1” gold-sputtered capsule, and internal Rycote Lyre shock mounting to reduce bumps and typing from messing with your recording. In this episode we listen to some sound samples, discuss the NT1’s features, and walk through how you might use it in your audio recording, podcasting, or livestreaming workflow. Let’s take a closer look and listen!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- RØDE NT1 Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Neumann U87 AI Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone — Amazon, B&H, Sweetwater

- Foam cover for Electrovoice RE20 microphone — B&H, Amazon

- Desk microphone stand — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure P300C LED used as key light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rosco Gobo creates the pattern on the back wall — B&H

- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon

- Schneider Radiant Soft diffusion filter — B&H

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

Curtis Judd 10/10/22 Curtis Judd 10/10/22

SHURE SM7B vs SM58 Microphones for Livestream and Podcast

In this week’s episode we compare two classic microphones from SHURE: the SM7B and the SM58. These cardioid dynamic mics have proven themselves to be staples amongst podcasters and vocalists, respectively, but why exactly is that? In this episode we listen to some sound samples from each mic, discuss their features and histories, and walk through how you might incorporate one or the other (or both!) into your audio recording workflow. Let’s take a closer look and listen!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

- Shure SM7B Vocal Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Perfect Circuit, Amazon

- Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Shure A7WS foam cover, what we used on the SM58 to record this episode — B&H, Sweetwater

- Sound Devices MixPre-3 II audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon, Trew Audio

- Cloudlifter CL-1 in-line preamplifier — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Triton Audio FETHead in-line preamplifier — B&H, Amazon

- MOTU M2 USB audio interface — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure P300C LED used as key light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon

- Rosco Gobo creates the pattern on the back wall — B&H