Curtis Judd 4/26/21 Curtis Judd 4/26/21

Audio Technica AT875R Budget Short Shotgun Microphone Review

In this episode, we have a look at and listen to the Audio Technica AT875R short shotgun microphone. This small, lightweight shotgun microphone looks like it was originally designed to be used on professional camcorders, but also works really well as a boom microphone for tighter budget productions and films. In this review, we provide some raw audio samples along with the same samples recorded on the classic Sennheiser MKH416. We also look at its self-noise performance, off-axis response and coloration, as well as other important factors.

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 course is Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini.

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, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Audio Technica AT875R Short Shotgun Microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- Sennheiser MKH416 shotgun microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- Sound Devices 888 field recorder - B&H, Sweetwater

- Sound Devices MixPre field recorders - B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure COB120d II for the key light - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure Nova P300C for the b-roll - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Amaran 100D for the background light - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount for the pattern on the back wall - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K - B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Signa EF 24-70 f/2.8 DG OS ART lens - B&H, Amazon

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Curtis Judd 4/19/21 Curtis Judd 4/19/21

RODE Connect - A Software RODECaster Pro with the NT-USB Mini Microphone

In this episode, we have a look at and listen to the new RODE Connect app. This free app allows you to record and stream with up to 4 RODE NT-USB Mini microphones at the same time and also features some useful effects including a compressor, noise gate, aural exciter, and big bottom.

My review of the RODE NT-USB Mini microphone

Download the RODE Connect app.

Support my work creating videos by donating.

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

- RODE NT-USB Mini microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- RODE Colors Pack - B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store

- RODE USB-C to USB-C 1.5m cable SC-17 - B&H, DVE Store

- RODE USB-C to USB-A 1.5m cable SC-18 - B&H, DVE Store

- Canon C70 camera - B&H

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

- Aputure COB120d II for the key light - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure Nova P300C for the b-roll - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Amaran 100D for the background light - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount for the pattern on the back wall - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K - B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Signa EF 24-70 f/2.8 DG OS ART lens - B&H, Amazon

Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Curtis Judd 4/1/21 Curtis Judd 4/1/21

Live Review: ANDYCINE AC-M1 Camera-top Microphone

In this impromptu session, we have a look at and a listen to the ANDYCINE AC-M1 camera-top microphone. This is a budget mic designed for vlogging. But I'm looking at it as a potential low-cost livestream mic option.

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. We also just added a course on sound for live-streaming with the ATEM Mini.

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

- ANDYCINE AC-M1 camera-top microphone - B&H, Amazon

- Earthworks SR314 - B&H, Sweetwater

- Canon C70 Camera - B&H

- ATEM Mini Extreme & Extreme ISO - B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Allen & Heath SQ5 Digital Mixer - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre II Series Recorders - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel, pre-amp, EQ, compressor - Sweetwater, B&H

Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Curtis Judd 1/17/21 Curtis Judd 1/17/21

ZOOM PodTrak P8 for Podcasting and Live Streaming: Recorder, Mixer, Audio Interface

ZOOM launched a new addition to its PodTrak line of recorders, the new PodTrak P8. This all-in-on mixing board, recorder, and USB audio interface features six XLR inputs, 9 sound pads (with 4 switchable banks), and an input for mobile devices to add remote guests. Its automatic mix minus feature also makes it easy to add remote guests. Let’s take a closer look and compare the PodTrak P8 to the RODECaster Pro - it’s most obvious competitor. We also talk a bit about how the P8 compares to the ZOOM LiveTrak L8.

You can support my work creating videos by donating at Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.

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

- ZOOM PodTrak P8 Podcast Recorder, Mixer, & USB Audio Interface - B&H

- RODECaster Pro Podcast Recorder, Mixer, & USB Audio Interface - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- SHURE SM7B dynamic broadcast microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- SHURE MV7 dynamic podcast/livestream microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Electrovoice RE20 dynamic broadcast microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Canon C200 cinema camera used for talking head shots - B&H

- Canon EF 24-105 f/4L Lens - B&H, Amazon

- Canon C70 cinema camera used for BTS shots - B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L IS Lens - B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5S camera overhead B-roll shots - B&H, Amazon

- Olympus 45mm f/1.8 lens - B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “For the Kids” by Utah. Get the best music for your videos at Musicbed.

Curtis Judd 12/24/20 Curtis Judd 12/24/20

Earthworks ICON PRO Premium Livestream, Broadcast, Podcast Microphone

In today’s episode, we have a look at and a listen to the new Earthworks ICON PRO broadcast, streaming, and podcasting microphone. This is a premium, small diaphragm mic which is designed for spoken word audio capture. Aside from its striking appearance, this microphone is unique in that it was designed to capture audio with great time-domain coherence than most other microphones. Have a watch to learn more!

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

- Earthworks ICON PRO Microphone - B&H, Sweetwater

- Earthworks SR314 Microphone (my favorite for my voice for livestreams) - B&H, Sweetwater

- Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices 888 Mixer/Field Recorder - B&H, Sweetwater

- Shure SM7B broadcast microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Aputure 600D Pro - Aputure, B&H

- Aputure 300x LED Light - Aputure, B&H, Pictureline, Amazon

- Aputure Light Dome 2 soft box - Aputure, B&H, Pictureline, Amazon

- Aputure Nova LED Panel Light - Aputure, B&H, Pictureline

- Canon C200 camera - B&H

- Canon 24-105 f/4 L lens - B&H, Amazon

- Canon C70 camera - B&H https://geni.us/ABYB

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

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “For the Kids” by Utah. Get the best music for your videos at Musicbed.

Curtis Judd 11/15/20 Curtis Judd 11/15/20

Shure MV7 USB & XLR Microphone Review

In today’s episode, we have a detailed look and listen to the SHURE MV7 podcast microphone. This USB/XLR hybrid microphone uses a dynamic design which is a great fit for recording at home or in other spaces without acoustical treatment. It sounds great when you connect to your computer or mobile device via USB and comes with an app which allows you to fine-tune the sound for your situation, even if you don’t know a lot about sound. But if you are more of a soundie, it also allows you to set some basic EQ settings, a limiter, and a compressor to even things out and increase the overall level of your audio.

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

SHURE MV7 USB/XLR microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
SHURE SM7B broadcast microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
On-stage Stands desk stand - B&H, Amazon
Canon C200 camera - B&H, Pictureline
Canon 24-105m f/4 L lens - B&H, Pictureline, Amazon
Cloud Lifter microphone activator - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
Fethead microphone activator - B&H. Amazon
Aputure 300x LED Light - Aputure, B&H, Pictureline, Amazon
Aputure Light Dome 2 soft box - Aputure, B&H, Pictureline, Amazon
Aputure Nova LED Panel Light - Aputure, B&H, Pictureline
Panasonic GH5 camera - B&H, Pictureline, Amazon
Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS Lens - B&H, Pictureline, Amazon
Lupo Superpanel 30 Full Color Soft - B&H

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “For the Kids” by Utah. Get a free trial of the best music for your videos at Musicbed.

Curtis Judd 9/21/20 Curtis Judd 9/21/20

GVM MB832 LED Panel Light Review: Affordable LED Light

In today’s episode, we take an in-depth look at an affordable LED light panel for video and photography: The Great Video Maker GVM MB832. This LED panel produces light from its 832 LEDs and can be tuned from 3200 Kelvin (tungsten) to 5600 Kelvin (daylight).

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

- GVM MB832 LED Panel (single) - B&H, Amazon

- GVM MB832 LED Panel 2 Light Kit with Stands - B&H, Amazon

- GVM NPF-970 battery & charger (not included with the light) - B&H

- Sekonic C-800 Photo Spectrometer for measuring light output and color quality - B&H, Amazon

- Westcott 5 in 1 Reflector - B&H, Amazon

- Impact Turtle Base C-stands for holding scrims and lights and more - B&H

- RODE NTG3 Shotgun microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices 888 Mixer/Recorder - B&H, Sweetwater

- Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K - B&H, Pictureline

- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS ART Lens - B&H, Pictureline, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “For the Kids” by Utah. Get a free trial of the best music for your videos at Musicbed.

Curtis Judd 9/5/20 Curtis Judd 9/5/20

GODOX SL150II LED Light Review

In today’s stream, we have a look at the new GODOX SL150W II, a daylight balanced LED light for video and photography. This single point light can produce hard or soft light, depending on the light modifier you put on its Bowens mount, making in a light that can fill lots of different roles. Its output is easily strong enough to use as a key light for full body shots or talking heads. The color quality is also decent for the very affordable price. Join us to see the details.

FULL DISCLOSURE - Pergear provided this light and the soft boxes to me in exchange for a live stream review. They have not told me what to say and have not reviewed this video prior to going live. All opinions shared here are my own.

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

- GODOX SL-150II LED light for video and photography - Amazon Discount Claim Code: 05ORLTWY

- LAOFAS 41 in 120 cm Deep Soft Box - Amazon

- LAOFAS 33 in 85 cm Lantern/China Ball - Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera used for product shots in the live stream- B&H, Pictureline, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS II Lens - B&H, Pictureline, Amazon

- Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K used for product demo in the studio - B&H, Pictureline

- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS ART Lens - B&H, Pictureline, Amazon

- Earthworks SR314 - B&H, Sweetwater

- Canon C200 Camera - B&H, PictureLine

- ATEM Mini Pro ISO - B&H, Pictureline, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “For the Kids” by Utah. Get a free trial of the best music for your videos at Musicbed.

Curtis Judd 7/19/20 Curtis Judd 7/19/20

CEntrance MicPort Pro 2 Mobile USB Audio Interface

In today’s episode, we have a look at and a listen to the CEntrance MicPort Pro 2 which is a mobile USB audio interface with a single XLR combination input. This allows you to record to your Mac, PC, iOS, android mobile devices. What makes the MicPort Pro 2 special are several high quality features including Jasmine preamps, VelvetSound converter, an analogue limiter, and an AmpExtreme headphone amplifier. So you get very high quality audio, without a bunch of extraneous features. Let’s have a listen!

00:00 Intro

00:15 Summary

00:25 Recording with This

00:50 Raw Audio Samples

01:47 USB Audio Interface

02:08 Pros

10:00 Cons

11:23 Who is this for?

12:55 Please take my courses

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

- CEntrance MicPort Pro 2L (with limiter) - Amazon

- CEntrance MicPort Pro 2 (NO limiter) - B&H

- CEntrance Mixerface R4 2 channel interface - Amazon

- RODE NT1 large diaphragm condenser microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Shure SM7B broadcast dynamic microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Earthworks SR315 condenser microphone - B&H, Sweetwater

- Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K (talking head shots) - B&H, Pictureline

- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS ART Lens - B&H, Pictureline, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera - B&H, Pictureline, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS lens - B&H, Pictureline, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “For the Kids” by Utah. Get a free trial of the best music for your videos at Musicbed.

Curtis Judd 6/7/20 Curtis Judd 6/7/20

Earthworks SR314 Microphone from the Perspective of Live Streaming, Podcasting, and Voice Over

In today’s episode, we have a look at and a listen to the Earthworks SR314 condenser microphone. This microphone was designed as a live vocals microphone, but works very well for live-streaming, podcasting, and voice over work. It is a premium microphone with a premium price tag, but provides value in terms of its true-to-life voicing, stellar off-axis uniformity, and incredible build quality. And it looks nice, too.

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

Earthworks SR314 condenser microphone stainless steel - B&H, Sweetwater
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro HDMI switcher & recorder - B&H, Amazon
Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens for Canon EF - B&H, Pictureline, Amazon
Canon C200 camera for demonstration shots and live-streaming - B&H, Pictureline

Get a free trial of the best music for your videos at Musicbed