If what you do is considered shilling, then we need more shills in the education / review side of CZcams. You’re a guiding light for all of us, keep up the incredible work Curtis.
@@curtisjudd "Brandrew." Love it given the context. Curtis, and Bandrew, I love your videos, and your respective channels resonate with me as trustworthy places that don't hype products for the sake of views. Grateful for what you both do, and know that you inspire me.
You acceptance of free gear has never influenced my takeaway from your reviews. I have always seen an extremely balanced and thoughtful approach to every review and has helped my personal purchasing decisions greatly. Keep on doing it as time allows!
I have gotten free gear in the past. I don't take it anymore, because who needs 5 low cost, marginally effective light stands from China? I have given some away when I was in the film program at Sacramento City College (a really fine program, btw) but I'm not in that anymore, so no more free gear for me.
Finally, someone who articulates the problem with CZcams today. The humour thing really bugs me because most people doing it aren't funny at all and if I want comedy I'll go and watch the professionals. You've got integrity Curtis and for that you are someone I continue to watch. Thanks.
I feel like the Mr Beast style videos are like eating fast food or candy. It might be enjoyable while consuming, but I don’t ever find myself feeling great after. Your videos are like your fruits and vegetables! 😂 they are what’s actually needed, and for that reason I have watched for years and will continue to come back. Thanks Curtis!
I generally come here and lookup whether or not you have reviewed a piece of equipment when I am researching it. Keep making videos Curtis. They are definitely appreciated, particularly your non-biased take.
You're one of only a handful of youtube reviewers I actually respect AND trust. It's tough fighting against the machine Curtis. Thank you for never selling out.
One CAN look at negative reviews as helping out the manufacturer improve his product. I used to be a newspaper (remember those?) reporter back in the day, and it's hard to take criticism from an editor, but how are you going to get better?
While I agree that it appears that way, then as long as there is payment, or free items involved, then he can never be truly unbiased. Something negative may be featured for a smaller amount of time, the words used to describe this negative thing may be spun more positively. This can happen both consciously or unconsciously, and no one is immune to it. It's part of being human. Even reviewing something, that he bought himself, may be spun more positively in the hopes of establishing a relationship with a brand in the future or not burning any bridges. Only truly independent media has a chance of being as close to unbiased as possible, and even then personal bias can happen for numerous reasons. Love you Curtis, you helped me in my career with figuring out audio and lighting stuff. :)
@@hiawrj Thanks. I agree that humans are innately biased. There is no human way to become fully unbiased. Also, there's the possibility of bias when reviewing something I bought - a desire to convince myself that I bought a good product or justify my purchase. There's not perfectly unbiased option, but we can work to limit bias in some ways.
I found your channel while trying to learn more about sound gear options. I think it’s your best area of expertise and really appreciate learning your thoughts.
Working as a sound engineer trainee in my early years, I have some insight to the audio field. Your channel is the only one I fully trust on CZcams when it comes to professional audio. keep it that way, The content is great thorough, informative, and, in my opinion. exactly what you would need no matter if you’re doing this as a hobby or as a professional. Thank you for all the hard work that you and your family do to make this a great channel.
Curtis, your integrity carries the channel and your videos are intended for the mature prosumer audience. I've learned a lot and purchased several of your reviewed items. Thanks for the update.
I'm watching fewer videos nowadays but yours are still one of the bars by which others are judged. Thank you as ever for your professionalism, tact, and thoroughness. I think we've been over-Tubed to a certain extent; I spent a week in England recently, took a camera and an audio recorder, used neither.
Never commented, but following you since your mixpre-6 review. I really enjoy your seriousness about gear and that you're always reviewing it in a professional way, even if it's prosumer gear. Also, I learned a lot from you about lightning and sound editing, and you have all my gratitude for that.
Hi Judd - I trust your audio reviews more than most people because of your background as an actual practitioner in the field, the quality and comprehensivness of your reviews, and I really appreciate your up front summaries even though I usually end up watching the whole thing because it's so good. Whether you get sent gear or not, I know I can always really get a lot from your perspective and trust your judgment and ears. Thanks for all the reviews!
I rewatch a lot of your videos on microphones and recorders because of how comprehensive and well put-together they are, and I would assume the same applies to your DAW videos and others. The timestamps, summaries, and (for videos on audio recorders and microphones) the analysis of self-noise and EINs for specific mics and recorder preamplifiers are great. I rewatch the MixPre-3 II videos every now and then to learn more about mine. It’s a very down-to-earth and practical channel, which I very much like.
Ahhh Curtis, this is awesome. Thanks for sharing your broader findings on audio CZcams as a whole. Love your perspective, and appreciate your consistency.
Curtis, I’ve been watching your videos since the very beginning. You, Caleb, and Gerald are the most necessary tech reviewers out there. Not only based and the quality of your work, the balance and all of that, but especially because you three also talk about beyond just pieces of gear. And for that, I’d like to thank you. It’s always a delight to watch you.
Very interesting experiment Curtis, nice work. Love your audio equipment reviews! PS - hey, you should make a video about that mic you're using, it looks and sounds great!
I come here for nuance and detailed information and tips that I can't find in manuals. You have the expertise and authenticity that I enjoy in a teacher. To me, as a director and camera operator, your channel is invaluable in figuring out the audio questions I have nobody else I can ask.
I have absolutely no problem with you testing and reviewing free gear as long as they’re not paying you to review it and the company has no pull on what is said in the review or if they get to vet anything said in the reviews. Keep up the good work. This is my favorite audio channel BY FAR!
I like your style of video making and I appreciate your honesty, especially since I don't always agree with your equipment preferences. I like knowing both the "upside and downside" of a particular piece of gear. In particular, being more a video person than audio person, I like your lighting equipment reviews and tutorials. I have bought several of your courses and I have never had a single regret about buying any of them. Keep doing what you are doing, Curtis.
Thank you Curtis! I feel the same about CZcams and the pressure on creators to make their content catchier to get eyeballs and sadly it has a visible impact on quality. There are a handful of high quality content creators I am thankful for and learn from and you’re one of them, thank you very much!
Curtis, having watched hundreds if not thousands at this point, I'd say that your reviews are some of the best on this platform. Keep making videos that you'd like to watch! And I love that you put the TLDR up front - that makes it really clear that you don't really care about watchtime. Someone might click on your video, get all the info they need right then and there and leave.
I found your channel years ago as I was looking to get a microphone for recording voice overs and found your microphone reviews and after watching some of your videos, I subbed and I like watching your reviews because of your honest, non biased opinion and presenting style and have learned things through them. After wanting to upgrade my Tascam DR 701-D audio recorder to a better audio recorder and seeing your videos on the Sound Devices Mix-Pre 3 and Mix-Pre 3 II, I ended up getting a Mix Pre 3 II after saving enough money and I am very happy with it. Your how to tutorials are good but the lower viewer numbers may be down to the tutorial only really being useful to those who either have the product and want to learn how to use it or are considering it and want to learn more before they decide if they still want to get it or not, rather than most people.
Please just keep doing what you do. No request to change, we value your content for exactly what it has been and I'm sure what it will continue to be. Much respect Curtis 👌Integrity above all
Always been a fan of your videos, Curtis - you’ve always been a scratch to an itch I didn’t know I had when it comes to specific audio equipment 😅 In regards to lower views on tutorial things, I felt the same a few years ago. People always enjoyed and thoroughly commended my tutorials when they watched them, but _getting_ them to watch was the tricky part. In the end I decided they take too much of my time for little to no return and I stopped them on my channel. I still liked making them, but I just transferred “ownership” to work with brands such as Adobe and Atomos to make the tutorial content over on _their_ channels where people are actively searching for it. I’d love to see you involved with brands directly to impart your wisdom and still provide the same value, yet also earning a good revenue for the hard work to make it all!
People like you and @podcastage have paved the way for anyone reviewing audio/video tech. Thank you for this video. It makes me feel better about my videos and content to some extent. Keep doing you and making great content Curtis!
Yes, I trust your ability to give unbiased reviews regardless of where or how it comes to you. Please keep up the good work you always do. Tutorials are helpful for me. I don't have enough time or money to train myself for the non-profit work I do. You are appreciated!
As a teacher, both my in-person classes and my educator's blog have featured several of your audio- and lighting-focused videos, particularly your tutorials and explainers. I'm surprised at some of your findings, as in my own specific use cases, i've found the various types of videos on your channel equally invaluable resources for my students, in a variety of teaching situations. I for one hope you keep doing as you have been doing for years, for years to come.
Wonderful video Curtis! Thanks for doing this experiment and thanks for always being so thorough and helpful with your reviews. They've always felt very truthful and well thought out!
You stand out because of your honesty and integrity Curtis. I honestly think you should keep doing exactly what you want to do. And that's fine by me because I trust you. Trust is priceless in a world where that is a precious commodity.
When I came across your channels it's truely feels like finding a needle in a haystack! It's always optimal of whatever product you introducing and the script always same(ish), which is reassuring, ´cause you know it'll be consistently insightful and unbiased. No money or time has been waisted here!
I appreciate this video, you're one of my all-time favorite reviewers and an inspiration to me and my channels. CZcams has changed a lot and regularly reviewing products while maintaining integrity and keeping up with the alorithm is super difficult. Thanks for all your hard work!
I personally don't need any more entertainment in your videos. I value your professional opinion and come to this channel to get to know it. One of the best, if not the best thing in your channel are short text summaries in the beginning of each video. They're informative, concise and easy to use and I quite often go back to the videos just to see those short summaries. Also, personally I would love if you made more tutorials!
I find your channel and honest reviews by far one of the best on CZcams, and your courses are equally excellent. I find there’s so much misinformation and blatant dishonesty on some reviewers channels, never seen that on yours. Please keep up the great work.
Keep doing what you are doing. I have learnt so much from your channel over the years. Equipment I could only dream of owning, using or understanding when I started watching and learning, is now in my kit bag and used every day. The quality of the audio I now capture and process for the 70+ Live School Events I do a year has improved hugely through your tutorials. We now recommend your channel to our Media Students, and they have feedback they like your no-nonsense approach and in-depth approach. Looking forward to the RX 11 Live Stream tonight as I have just upgraded from 10.
I like the maturity in your videos, and even though that maturity is looked down upon by the algorithms, I believe that the authenticity will come back in popularity in a few months / years.
As one old fart av-guy living nearly on the very middle of nowhere I’ve found Your gear videos good source for reliable rewiews. Mic soundsamples mean more to me than brochures can deliever. They are hard ones to get test units up here.
Thank you for sharing your reviews with us, Curtis. I've learned so much from you and appreciate your methodical, honest, thoughtful approach. Keep up the great work.
You are a trusted and reliable voice not only because of your knowledge and expertise but because you stay true to yourself and your values and don’t follow the trend for sensationalism… your audience appreciates that. Keep it up
Your channel is always top notch! And, I don’t remember you posting much recently, that is a very “what does the algo do” reflection. You & people like you are extremely valuable, been consuming your reviews and guides both before and post purchase. Your ability to reflect on gear, both from your biases but also from someone with more experience of different options is superb. In some ways I think “new shiny thing review” does bring a certain entertainment/ relax value as well. Learning and honing craft is a bit of “work”, while watching new gear is more entertaining. So I certainly see why it tend to do well; it works both for people who actually need the review, but also for overworked office workers who just want a short “think about something else” while commuting to/from work :)
I grew up with little, but I learned how to use what I had. I found your channel because I had come across a microphone and had no idea how to use it. I then got into cameras and lenses. I've made short films since. It's been a fun ride. I come back to your channel because you teach things in a neutral manner. Of course there are minor biases here and there, but you don't push any one item as the end-all be-all for any single application. You have made me understand my gear.
What a great video! It feels so "real" and I absolutely understand what you are saying. Many thank's for the work and videos you and your family are providing the community. Stay well! Greetings from Germany
changes and shilling and optimization for a channel can be focused on growth, and as far as i can tell, you love this hobby and don't need to grow like mr beast. you are honest and have a clear passion for presenting what you believe. that's why the audio community loves this channel. you may not get to 1M in a month, but a genuine audience for a genuine channel is the real dream IMO.
Very much appreciate your style and format - cool, calm, and collected. I'm someone who watches about two-thirds of your videos, and choose them for the product/topic, independant of the title. It's unfortunate that CZcams puts so much emphasis on a catchy title. Love what you do. Keep it up.
Your Sound Devices training series outside YT was amazing and a game changer for me. Your lav videos on YT (manufactures, recommendations, etc.) are worth multiple views.
Hi Curtis, Thank you for your authenticity, transparency and setting precedence about the priorities of your channel. Similar to yourself the last thing I want to be is a salesman for some company wasting my time pushing gear without any real tangible benefit.
Hello Curtis, thank you very much for your great videos. Even older reviews can still be valuable, for example, for those who like to buy used items and want to inform themselves beforehand. Just keep doing what you have been doing. I like it!
If I'm looking for an audio product, I always check your channel first, because I know I will get a clear and balanced review. So in short, keep doing what you're doing :)
You missed the demographic of us who neither buy, or care about the characteristics of the product but just enjoy watching Kurtis talk about stuff. Keep up the good work buddy, been a fan for a fair while, I value your opinion on some things, even if I disagree with what you said about the Hollyland Lark Max 🙂
Just continue your videos. Really enjoy audio related as I am always seeking optimization/upgrade to my run and gun setup for filming motorsport. These are great to watch an informative!
Please don't follow the trends from this big creators pretending they don't like free products or getting pay from companies, just do what you do! Love your channel.
Hi! I'm a rare visitor, occasionally stumbling upon your channel when choosing between variants of gear I want to buy. But your attitude and content quality makes me wish you and your channel all the best. That kind of calm informative delivery is a beautiful island in a messy ocean of the internet. So - thank you!
I like the lighting Videos as well. I really appreciate the effort you put into these reviews! You are literally the only one I trust on Audio and Light. There are just to many people out there, that are 5 min in the bussiness and then they do reviews. So thanks
Personally, I have never at all thought you were trying to change my opinion or attempted to change my workflow. On the other hand, I have always felt like you have presented the value proposition as well as how to avoid pitfalls of specific pieces of gear. I appreciate your experience, you willingness to share the facts and your perspective. I would also say that Free Gear isn't "free gear" when you have to spend your time and resources to make a video. To me, every one of your videos is 100% Quality!
having started my career in the UK in the '80's selling audio gear in London, I always gravitate to a 'reviewer' who purchases the gear to talk about, because they believe enough in the gear 1. to buy with their own money, and 2. so their 'review' can be honest and without bias. regardless of how much I trust an online personality, the person who believes enough in a product to buy and then review will always stand out. and like you said, youtube has changed dramatically in the last five years or so... and what content creators need to remember, is that we all watch you all. it's always very clear who's getting paid and who truly likes the gear. peace.
Thank you for your work and your reviews.😊 You are one of the best in this category. I really appreciate the details, measurements, and the spotless video quality. Those who watched a couple of your videos should know that you are precise and accurate; the product's origin would not influence the review or measurements. I work as a professional in similar domain, but I still learned a lot from your videos 😀
Great news the reviews are back 👍As an introvert with a high attention span and imposter syndrome I rely on your superb reviews to make informed nuanced choices that meet my needs. And as a Brit with a dry sense of humour those seemingly entertaining, funny videos really irritate me particularly when they’re not timestamped to get past the fluff!
I really appreciate the lack of superlatives, and the clarifications when you prefer one product over another because of how it better fits your own needs. Such review videos allow me, the consumer, to make my own educated decisions on whether a product will fit my own needs (which oftentimes differ from those reviewing the products), rather than simply allowing someone to tell me what to think and make the decisions for me. I'll always prefer a simple, clean, honest review over a flashy clickbait video that's clearly more ad than review, and that's why this has been one of my go-to channels any time I'm looking to learn more about sound and lighting gear :)
Thanks for the video Curtis. I have bought many pieces of audio gear over the years based on video reviews so keep those coming. I will say that the only time I ever bought something that you reviewed and returned it was the RRS boom poles. Can’t remember if you had the same issues I was having with them (handling transfer noise and the coiled cable kept getting stuck every time I tried to collapse it), but that was the only time I wasn’t happy with a product you reviewed.
I completely trust you Curtis Judd! Your honesty is beyond reproach. Thanks for all your assistance and input! All shades of gray, not black and white.
I think it's quite normal that entertainment get more views that gear (niche) reviews. From my perspective your reviews are great and that's what I want to see - professional take on review, not a story or entertaining one. You're my favorite channel in terms of audio equipment but I also watch clips about lightning :) Hope you're not burn out, and if you are, then take a month vacation and try to be back here for so many people :)
Thanks! I totally understand that most visitors to CZcams are here for entertainment. My main concern is what CZcams is doing to their algorithm such that my videos do not rank in search like they did in the past and thus my videos get far fewer views. One example: for years, I put a written summary at the start of the video. I'm 99% sure that in the last 3 years, CZcams started ranking my videos lower in their algorithm because people would read the summary and then stop watching.
Curtis your reviews have been very helpful in helping me make several purchases of gear and apps. Your tutorials have been very helpful in similar ways. Gerald Undone posted a video the other day about new gear and companies bringing CZcamsrs to press junkets to show off gear. Worth a watch.
Biggest problem I see is that as more viewers get on the platform, it's becoming diluted with far more entertainment than substantive content. Pretty sure CZcams wants it that way. But it forces us tutorial/reviewer types to get more sensational with our content to appease the algorithm. Thankfully, I subscribed to the channels that matter to me before all of these changes seemed to kick in but it does make it more difficult to discover new channels with content that I'm interested in. And thank you for the very informative reviews, you helped steer me towards the RCP II and the RE-20. Couldn't be happier!
I've purchased many thousands of dollars of audio and lighting gear based on your reviews and tutorials. Based on the content you've produced over the years, I trust your perspectives and recommendations implicitly. Keep doing what you're doing and I'm really grateful to be able to lean on a knowledge source like yourself.
Great perspective! Keep up the good work! I have a huge issue with the hype culture around gear releases on youtube and I appreciate people like you who put in work to be as transparent and fair as possible. I also hate it when peole make comments on how this or that is the best… Like you said the world is so much richer and most of the things „depends“.
I don't really comment on videos often, so maybe in a way I'm part of the problem, but I wanted you to know that I have been coming to your channel for advice on audio equipment for well over 10 years now. You have helped me push my professional career to a level that may have been obtainable before, but damn if you didn't make it a LOT easier. 10 years later and Mr. Judd is still taking me to school. I do enjoy your lighting videos also but for whatever reason you are the audio guy for me. And for whatever reason Gerald Undone is my lighting (and camera) guy, DSLR video shooter my random camera equipment guy, Casey Ferris my Davinci guy, and Film Riot (♥) my general tutorial/entertainment guys. That's not to say "stop making lighting videos" but rather I think something about the algorithms push us in general directions to go to certain channels for certain things. I'm not savvy enough with the CZcams algorithms to be able to offer advice on how to improve that, but those are my thoughts on the subject. Your videos are phenomenal. Period. I think a lot of people on CZcams looking up equipment reviews and guides are typically "content creators" or aspiring content creators and your videos are geared more towards the video professional field (I know they are very similar but lets face it -- there is a difference) which I suspect has a smaller viewership on CZcams. I also think that when learning ropes a lot of content creators tend to focus on cameras and picture quality and neglect the fact that audio is half the video. They are generally just not interested in the nuances between lav or shotgun mics or they are looking for cheaper gear to get started. The point that I'm trying to make here is I think that for those of us who take audio seriously, you are an invaluable wealth of knowledge and experience to lean on. I may have been reading to much into it but I was picking up on a bit of consternation in your tone through this video, but I hope this helps assure you that you are valued and respected in this community.
Thanks so much for the thoughtful insights, Jonn! I'm a little frustrated, but overall doing fine. I love audio and plan to keep making videos to help others!
Curtis, all your videos have been instructive. Your gear reviews help me make purchasing decisions and your tutorials have taught me how to use them. Some things I haven't watched (the Fairlight videos, for example) because I'm just not there yet, but when I'm there, I'll watch them, perhaps a year or two later. Look on the positive side: if a video gets only 7,000 views, then that's 7,000 people you've helped. 7,000 is a lot. What you do should not be a ratings race. Thanks for everything. Bring back the daughter with the orange fingernails, she was fun.
I'm a long time viewer but don't usually comment. I feel this is the right moment to write something.For context, I'm a filmmaker working in Ecuador. I watch your videos for many reasons. Sometimes it's to learn before I buy a product, (I'm interested in all kinds of filmmaking gear) sometimes to learn a new skill, sometimes to learn abou equipment that I will never afford or need and sometimes just to relax and enjoy a video. I have always loved your fair and ethical approach to reviewing and the ever increasing production-quality. I've also learned a lot about sound and lighting from you. I even name some of my presets "Curtis Judd" I think all of us your regular viewers appreciate all the work you put into your videos. I hate that youtube is also joining other platforms and pushing for quick and low quality content. I hope and trust you wont change your content. I think we, your followers will be glad if you keep doing things the way you've always done. Im grateful for all I've learned from your videos. Carry on!
I appreciate your channel! especially your lighting and audio gear review videos! Although I would love to see tutorials on editing audio in DaVinci Resolve.
@@curtisjuddThank you! Also excited to see your take on the new Diety mic’s! And I think that xlr module may link to their timecode packs which could be really nice.
If what you do is considered shilling, then we need more shills in the education / review side of CZcams. You’re a guiding light for all of us, keep up the incredible work Curtis.
Thanks Bandrew!
@@curtisjudd "Brandrew." Love it given the context.
Curtis, and Bandrew, I love your videos, and your respective channels resonate with me as trustworthy places that don't hype products for the sake of views. Grateful for what you both do, and know that you inspire me.
That was the spell heckler! Yikes! Corrected…
And right back attcha, Mike. Love your work!
@@curtisjudd witnessing the above exchanges left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling...
Great stuff, Curtis! 👍
You acceptance of free gear has never influenced my takeaway from your reviews. I have always seen an extremely balanced and thoughtful approach to every review and has helped my personal purchasing decisions greatly. Keep on doing it as time allows!
Will do, thanks Tyler!
I have gotten free gear in the past. I don't take it anymore, because who needs 5 low cost, marginally effective light stands from China?
I have given some away when I was in the film program at Sacramento City College (a really fine program, btw) but I'm not in that anymore, so no more free gear for me.
Finally, someone who articulates the problem with CZcams today. The humour thing really bugs me because most people doing it aren't funny at all and if I want comedy I'll go and watch the professionals. You've got integrity Curtis and for that you are someone I continue to watch. Thanks.
Thanks Corey.
your lighting how to videos are so good , love them
Thanks!
Yup, it’s how I learned about the aputure p600.
Same here, but they might be more specialized than others?
I feel like the Mr Beast style videos are like eating fast food or candy. It might be enjoyable while consuming, but I don’t ever find myself feeling great after. Your videos are like your fruits and vegetables! 😂 they are what’s actually needed, and for that reason I have watched for years and will continue to come back. Thanks Curtis!
Haha! Good metaphor and thanks so much, Griffin!
I think ultimately calling it "content" to me implies a temporary, fast food-ish, filler categorization to it from the start.
@@Scott__C Yep,
I generally come here and lookup whether or not you have reviewed a piece of equipment when I am researching it. Keep making videos Curtis. They are definitely appreciated, particularly your non-biased take.
Thanks Gary!
Yes, this is the channel you go to to check if Curtis has reviewed it :-)
You're one of only a handful of youtube reviewers I actually respect AND trust. It's tough fighting against the machine Curtis. Thank you for never selling out.
👍
One CAN look at negative reviews as helping out the manufacturer improve his product.
I used to be a newspaper (remember those?) reporter back in the day, and it's hard to take criticism from an editor, but how are you going to get better?
I love your neutrality in your videos and your perspectives without going into an black or white mood! Thanks for your content!
Thanks 🙏
While I agree that it appears that way, then as long as there is payment, or free items involved, then he can never be truly unbiased. Something negative may be featured for a smaller amount of time, the words used to describe this negative thing may be spun more positively. This can happen both consciously or unconsciously, and no one is immune to it. It's part of being human.
Even reviewing something, that he bought himself, may be spun more positively in the hopes of establishing a relationship with a brand in the future or not burning any bridges. Only truly independent media has a chance of being as close to unbiased as possible, and even then personal bias can happen for numerous reasons.
Love you Curtis, you helped me in my career with figuring out audio and lighting stuff. :)
@@hiawrj Thanks. I agree that humans are innately biased. There is no human way to become fully unbiased. Also, there's the possibility of bias when reviewing something I bought - a desire to convince myself that I bought a good product or justify my purchase. There's not perfectly unbiased option, but we can work to limit bias in some ways.
Curtis is an intelligent fellow, and that often (but not always) leads to principled stands on issues.
I found your channel while trying to learn more about sound gear options. I think it’s your best area of expertise and really appreciate learning your thoughts.
Thanks!
Working as a sound engineer trainee in my early years, I have some insight to the audio field. Your channel is the only one I fully trust on CZcams when it comes to professional audio. keep it that way, The content is great thorough, informative, and, in my opinion. exactly what you would need no matter if you’re doing this as a hobby or as a professional. Thank you for all the hard work that you and your family do to make this a great channel.
Thanks! 🙏
I always liked your channel, but I like it EVEN MORE after watching this. Thanks for all that you do.
👍
Curtis, your integrity carries the channel and your videos are intended for the mature prosumer audience. I've learned a lot and purchased several of your reviewed items. Thanks for the update.
Thanks, Craig!
I'm watching fewer videos nowadays but yours are still one of the bars by which others are judged. Thank you as ever for your professionalism, tact, and thoroughness. I think we've been over-Tubed to a certain extent; I spent a week in England recently, took a camera and an audio recorder, used neither.
Understood and thank you!
Never commented, but following you since your mixpre-6 review. I really enjoy your seriousness about gear and that you're always reviewing it in a professional way, even if it's prosumer gear. Also, I learned a lot from you about lightning and sound editing, and you have all my gratitude for that.
🙏
Hi Judd - I trust your audio reviews more than most people because of your background as an actual practitioner in the field, the quality and comprehensivness of your reviews, and I really appreciate your up front summaries even though I usually end up watching the whole thing because it's so good. Whether you get sent gear or not, I know I can always really get a lot from your perspective and trust your judgment and ears. Thanks for all the reviews!
👍🙏
I rewatch a lot of your videos on microphones and recorders because of how comprehensive and well put-together they are, and I would assume the same applies to your DAW videos and others. The timestamps, summaries, and (for videos on audio recorders and microphones) the analysis of self-noise and EINs for specific mics and recorder preamplifiers are great. I rewatch the MixPre-3 II videos every now and then to learn more about mine. It’s a very down-to-earth and practical channel, which I very much like.
Thanks!
Ahhh Curtis, this is awesome. Thanks for sharing your broader findings on audio CZcams as a whole. Love your perspective, and appreciate your consistency.
Thanks Randy!
Curtis, I’ve been watching your videos since the very beginning. You, Caleb, and Gerald are the most necessary tech reviewers out there. Not only based and the quality of your work, the balance and all of that, but especially because you three also talk about beyond just pieces of gear. And for that, I’d like to thank you. It’s always a delight to watch you.
🙏
Very interesting experiment Curtis, nice work. Love your audio equipment reviews! PS - hey, you should make a video about that mic you're using, it looks and sounds great!
Thanks Gordon! Been subscribed to your channel for years and always appreciate your reviews!
LOL re: the mic. Done and done!
Thank you for the honesty as always!!!
Thanks Heng!
You do you Curtis. We will keep watching.
👍
I come here for nuance and detailed information and tips that I can't find in manuals. You have the expertise and authenticity that I enjoy in a teacher. To me, as a director and camera operator, your channel is invaluable in figuring out the audio questions I have nobody else I can ask.
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Your Mixpre walkthrough tutorial is best in class!
Thanks!
I have absolutely no problem with you testing and reviewing free gear as long as they’re not paying you to review it and the company has no pull on what is said in the review or if they get to vet anything said in the reviews. Keep up the good work. This is my favorite audio channel BY FAR!
Thanks!
I like your testing and reviews. They are more informative than most reviews out there. You always seem honest and balanced.
Thanks!
I like your style of video making and I appreciate your honesty, especially since I don't always agree with your equipment preferences. I like knowing both the "upside and downside" of a particular piece of gear. In particular, being more a video person than audio person, I like your lighting equipment reviews and tutorials. I have bought several of your courses and I have never had a single regret about buying any of them. Keep doing what you are doing, Curtis.
Thanks for the insights and honesty!
Thank you Curtis! I feel the same about CZcams and the pressure on creators to make their content catchier to get eyeballs and sadly it has a visible impact on quality. There are a handful of high quality content creators I am thankful for and learn from and you’re one of them, thank you very much!
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Curtis, having watched hundreds if not thousands at this point, I'd say that your reviews are some of the best on this platform. Keep making videos that you'd like to watch!
And I love that you put the TLDR up front - that makes it really clear that you don't really care about watchtime. Someone might click on your video, get all the info they need right then and there and leave.
Thanks. 🙏
I found your channel years ago as I was looking to get a microphone for recording voice overs and found your microphone reviews and after watching some of your videos, I subbed and I like watching your reviews because of your honest, non biased opinion and presenting style and have learned things through them. After wanting to upgrade my Tascam DR 701-D audio recorder to a better audio recorder and seeing your videos on the Sound Devices Mix-Pre 3 and Mix-Pre 3 II, I ended up getting a Mix Pre 3 II after saving enough money and I am very happy with it.
Your how to tutorials are good but the lower viewer numbers may be down to the tutorial only really being useful to those who either have the product and want to learn how to use it or are considering it and want to learn more before they decide if they still want to get it or not, rather than most people.
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Please just keep doing what you do. No request to change, we value your content for exactly what it has been and I'm sure what it will continue to be. Much respect Curtis 👌Integrity above all
Thanks James!
Always been a fan of your videos, Curtis - you’ve always been a scratch to an itch I didn’t know I had when it comes to specific audio equipment 😅
In regards to lower views on tutorial things, I felt the same a few years ago. People always enjoyed and thoroughly commended my tutorials when they watched them, but _getting_ them to watch was the tricky part. In the end I decided they take too much of my time for little to no return and I stopped them on my channel. I still liked making them, but I just transferred “ownership” to work with brands such as Adobe and Atomos to make the tutorial content over on _their_ channels where people are actively searching for it. I’d love to see you involved with brands directly to impart your wisdom and still provide the same value, yet also earning a good revenue for the hard work to make it all!
Thanks Joe. That's exactly what I do for Webflow. 👍
You are one of the very best and most trustworthy persons reviewing gear on the Internet. And for audio, you’re the absolute best reference, period!
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People like you and @podcastage have paved the way for anyone reviewing audio/video tech. Thank you for this video. It makes me feel better about my videos and content to some extent. Keep doing you and making great content Curtis!
Hey James, thanks so much! How would you like to come on our weekly livestream for a conversation about recording spoken word audio?
@@curtisjudd I would love that! Just let me know when and I'll be there! 🙂
Yes, I trust your ability to give unbiased reviews regardless of where or how it comes to you. Please keep up the good work you always do. Tutorials are helpful for me. I don't have enough time or money to train myself for the non-profit work I do. You are appreciated!
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Thanks Curtis! I always appreciate your work. Navigating CZcams and brands and all that is tricky nowadays for sure!
Thanks Josh!
As a teacher, both my in-person classes and my educator's blog have featured several of your audio- and lighting-focused videos, particularly your tutorials and explainers. I'm surprised at some of your findings, as in my own specific use cases, i've found the various types of videos on your channel equally invaluable resources for my students, in a variety of teaching situations. I for one hope you keep doing as you have been doing for years, for years to come.
Will do, thanks!
Wonderful video Curtis! Thanks for doing this experiment and thanks for always being so thorough and helpful with your reviews. They've always felt very truthful and well thought out!
Thanks!
You stand out because of your honesty and integrity Curtis.
I honestly think you should keep doing exactly what you want to do. And that's fine by me because I trust you.
Trust is priceless in a world where that is a precious commodity.
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When I came across your channels it's truely feels like finding a needle in a haystack! It's always optimal of whatever product you introducing and the script always same(ish), which is reassuring, ´cause you know it'll be consistently insightful and unbiased. No money or time has been waisted here!
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I appreciate this video, you're one of my all-time favorite reviewers and an inspiration to me and my channels. CZcams has changed a lot and regularly reviewing products while maintaining integrity and keeping up with the alorithm is super difficult. Thanks for all your hard work!
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I personally don't need any more entertainment in your videos. I value your professional opinion and come to this channel to get to know it. One of the best, if not the best thing in your channel are short text summaries in the beginning of each video. They're informative, concise and easy to use and I quite often go back to the videos just to see those short summaries. Also, personally I would love if you made more tutorials!
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I find your channel and honest reviews by far one of the best on CZcams, and your courses are equally excellent. I find there’s so much misinformation and blatant dishonesty on some reviewers channels, never seen that on yours. Please keep up the great work.
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Keep doing what you are doing. I have learnt so much from your channel over the years. Equipment I could only dream of owning, using or understanding when I started watching and learning, is now in my kit bag and used every day. The quality of the audio I now capture and process for the 70+ Live School Events I do a year has improved hugely through your tutorials. We now recommend your channel to our Media Students, and they have feedback they like your no-nonsense approach and in-depth approach. Looking forward to the RX 11 Live Stream tonight as I have just upgraded from 10.
Thanks Peter!
I like the maturity in your videos, and even though that maturity is looked down upon by the algorithms, I believe that the authenticity will come back in popularity in a few months / years.
Thanks and I hope so, too!
As one old fart av-guy living nearly on the very middle of nowhere I’ve found Your gear videos good source for reliable rewiews. Mic soundsamples mean more to me than brochures can deliever. They are hard ones to get test units up here.
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Curtis, please never change. You are the best of the best.
Thanks Clarke and i hope you’re doing well!
Thank you for sharing your reviews with us, Curtis. I've learned so much from you and appreciate your methodical, honest, thoughtful approach. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Bill!
You are a trusted and reliable voice not only because of your knowledge and expertise but because you stay true to yourself and your values and don’t follow the trend for sensationalism… your audience appreciates that. Keep it up
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You have integrity and honesty that is needed in today's world. I enjoy your format. Not missing the superlatives and fancy edits and sounds.
Thanks Doug.
Your channel is always top notch! And, I don’t remember you posting much recently, that is a very “what does the algo do” reflection. You & people like you are extremely valuable, been consuming your reviews and guides both before and post purchase. Your ability to reflect on gear, both from your biases but also from someone with more experience of different options is superb. In some ways I think “new shiny thing review” does bring a certain entertainment/ relax value as well. Learning and honing craft is a bit of “work”, while watching new gear is more entertaining. So I certainly see why it tend to do well; it works both for people who actually need the review, but also for overworked office workers who just want a short “think about something else” while commuting to/from work :)
Thanks for the insights!
Curtis Judd: the man for audio since...I forgot when as it's been too long. Keep it up as you can. Best.
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@Curtis Please keep doing what you do and post various material, not only reviews. Thanks for your work.
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I grew up with little, but I learned how to use what I had.
I found your channel because I had come across a microphone and had no idea how to use it. I then got into cameras and lenses. I've made short films since. It's been a fun ride.
I come back to your channel because you teach things in a neutral manner. Of course there are minor biases here and there, but you don't push any one item as the end-all be-all for any single application.
You have made me understand my gear.
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Always found your reviews fair, balanced and honest. Keep up the good work.
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Respect from Vietnam! I have learned a lot from your channel. Please keep blessing us with helpful tutorials 🙏🏻
Thanks!
What a great video! It feels so "real" and I absolutely understand what you are saying.
Many thank's for the work and videos you and your family are providing the community.
Stay well!
Greetings from Germany
Cheers!
changes and shilling and optimization for a channel can be focused on growth, and as far as i can tell, you love this hobby and don't need to grow like mr beast. you are honest and have a clear passion for presenting what you believe. that's why the audio community loves this channel. you may not get to 1M in a month, but a genuine audience for a genuine channel is the real dream IMO.
It is a great community ❤️
Mr Undone said pretty much same things. YT is different nowadays.
Yep.
I enjoy all your videos as they're varied and help people like me learn way more about gear and how to use it!
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Very much appreciate your style and format - cool, calm, and collected. I'm someone who watches about two-thirds of your videos, and choose them for the product/topic, independant of the title. It's unfortunate that CZcams puts so much emphasis on a catchy title.
Love what you do. Keep it up.
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Your Sound Devices training series outside YT was amazing and a game changer for me. Your lav videos on YT (manufactures, recommendations, etc.) are worth multiple views.
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Hi Curtis, Thank you for your authenticity, transparency and setting precedence about the priorities of your channel. Similar to yourself the last thing I want to be is a salesman for some company wasting my time pushing gear without any real tangible benefit.
Thanks Michael! I've always had the same vibe re: your channel - you're in it to help, NOT to chase money while selling your soul.
You da BEST
Thank you for the context and analysis of how things are going. Thankful for this channel and your hard work!
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Hello Curtis, thank you very much for your great videos. Even older reviews can still be valuable, for example, for those who like to buy used items and want to inform themselves beforehand. Just keep doing what you have been doing. I like it!
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Super-honest video, Curtis. You are always my go-to audio guy for both information and personality. Keep it up.
Thanks!
If I'm looking for an audio product, I always check your channel first, because I know I will get a clear and balanced review. So in short, keep doing what you're doing :)
Deal!
You missed the demographic of us who neither buy, or care about the characteristics of the product but just enjoy watching Kurtis talk about stuff. Keep up the good work buddy, been a fan for a fair while, I value your opinion on some things, even if I disagree with what you said about the Hollyland Lark Max 🙂
Thanks Neil. Appreciate that.
Just continue your videos. Really enjoy audio related as I am always seeking optimization/upgrade to my run and gun setup for filming motorsport. These are great to watch an informative!
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Please don't follow the trends from this big creators pretending they don't like free products or getting pay from companies, just do what you do! Love your channel.
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Great video. Don't change, Curtis!
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Thanks again, Curtis. You've helped me in upping my game with videos and I appreciate it.
Thanks so much 🙏
Hi! I'm a rare visitor, occasionally stumbling upon your channel when choosing between variants of gear I want to buy.
But your attitude and content quality makes me wish you and your channel all the best. That kind of calm informative delivery is a beautiful island in a messy ocean of the internet. So - thank you!
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I like the lighting Videos as well. I really appreciate the effort you put into these reviews! You are literally the only one I trust on Audio and Light. There are just to many people out there, that are 5 min in the bussiness and then they do reviews. So thanks
Thank you!
Personally, I have never at all thought you were trying to change my opinion or attempted to change my workflow. On the other hand, I have always felt like you have presented the value proposition as well as how to avoid pitfalls of specific pieces of gear. I appreciate your experience, you willingness to share the facts and your perspective. I would also say that Free Gear isn't "free gear" when you have to spend your time and resources to make a video. To me, every one of your videos is 100% Quality!
Thanks so much Carlos. You’re a class act and I’ve always appreciated your expertise from real-world experience. 🙏
Thank you! I enjoy all of your insights.
Thanks Jarvis.
having started my career in the UK in the '80's selling audio gear in London, I always gravitate to a 'reviewer' who purchases the gear to talk about, because they believe enough in the gear 1. to buy with their own money, and 2. so their 'review' can be honest and without bias. regardless of how much I trust an online personality, the person who believes enough in a product to buy and then review will always stand out. and like you said, youtube has changed dramatically in the last five years or so... and what content creators need to remember, is that we all watch you all. it's always very clear who's getting paid and who truly likes the gear. peace.
Thanks for the insights, Simon.
You are an invaluable resource and a good dude, Curtis.
Thanks so much, Ian!
thank you for sharing this ! the platform did change
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Thank you for your work and your reviews.😊 You are one of the best in this category. I really appreciate the details, measurements, and the spotless video quality. Those who watched a couple of your videos should know that you are precise and accurate; the product's origin would not influence the review or measurements. I work as a professional in similar domain, but I still learned a lot from your videos 😀
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Great news the reviews are back 👍As an introvert with a high attention span and imposter syndrome I rely on your superb reviews to make informed nuanced choices that meet my needs. And as a Brit with a dry sense of humour those seemingly entertaining, funny videos really irritate me particularly when they’re not timestamped to get past the fluff!
Sounds like I found my British counterpart!
I really appreciate the lack of superlatives, and the clarifications when you prefer one product over another because of how it better fits your own needs. Such review videos allow me, the consumer, to make my own educated decisions on whether a product will fit my own needs (which oftentimes differ from those reviewing the products), rather than simply allowing someone to tell me what to think and make the decisions for me. I'll always prefer a simple, clean, honest review over a flashy clickbait video that's clearly more ad than review, and that's why this has been one of my go-to channels any time I'm looking to learn more about sound and lighting gear :)
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I have learned so much from you and your videos. Please keep up the great work. I’ll watch regardless of the algorithm!
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Thanks for the video Curtis. I have bought many pieces of audio gear over the years based on video reviews so keep those coming. I will say that the only time I ever bought something that you reviewed and returned it was the RRS boom poles. Can’t remember if you had the same issues I was having with them (handling transfer noise and the coiled cable kept getting stuck every time I tried to collapse it), but that was the only time I wasn’t happy with a product you reviewed.
Thanks for the feedback. I used the shorter pole on a short film and got good results but, in retrospect, should have tested it in more situations.
You’re a CZcams gem… I always wonder what it would be like to have a coffee and chat about mics and YT with you.
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I completely trust you Curtis Judd! Your honesty is beyond reproach. Thanks for all your assistance and input! All shades of gray, not black and white.
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I think it's quite normal that entertainment get more views that gear (niche) reviews. From my perspective your reviews are great and that's what I want to see - professional take on review, not a story or entertaining one.
You're my favorite channel in terms of audio equipment but I also watch clips about lightning :)
Hope you're not burn out, and if you are, then take a month vacation and try to be back here for so many people :)
Thanks! I totally understand that most visitors to CZcams are here for entertainment. My main concern is what CZcams is doing to their algorithm such that my videos do not rank in search like they did in the past and thus my videos get far fewer views.
One example: for years, I put a written summary at the start of the video. I'm 99% sure that in the last 3 years, CZcams started ranking my videos lower in their algorithm because people would read the summary and then stop watching.
I LOVE THIS CHANNEL. I agree 100% on everything you've said. Thanks for sharing.
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Curtis your reviews have been very helpful in helping me make several purchases of gear and apps. Your tutorials have been very helpful in similar ways. Gerald Undone posted a video the other day about new gear and companies bringing CZcamsrs to press junkets to show off gear. Worth a watch.
Yes! Just watched it last night. I definitely agree with the sentiments.
This is an interesting first video to watch from your channel. You have earned my sub!
Welcome to the channel!
Thanks for your honest words - love it!
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Biggest problem I see is that as more viewers get on the platform, it's becoming diluted with far more entertainment than substantive content. Pretty sure CZcams wants it that way. But it forces us tutorial/reviewer types to get more sensational with our content to appease the algorithm. Thankfully, I subscribed to the channels that matter to me before all of these changes seemed to kick in but it does make it more difficult to discover new channels with content that I'm interested in. And thank you for the very informative reviews, you helped steer me towards the RCP II and the RE-20. Couldn't be happier!
Thanks and happy recording!
Thank you for being honest and professional. I love your videos.
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I've purchased many thousands of dollars of audio and lighting gear based on your reviews and tutorials. Based on the content you've produced over the years, I trust your perspectives and recommendations implicitly. Keep doing what you're doing and I'm really grateful to be able to lean on a knowledge source like yourself.
Thanks!
Great perspective! Keep up the good work!
I have a huge issue with the hype culture around gear releases on youtube and I appreciate people like you who put in work to be as transparent and fair as possible. I also hate it when peole make comments on how this or that is the best… Like you said the world is so much richer and most of the things „depends“.
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I don't really comment on videos often, so maybe in a way I'm part of the problem, but I wanted you to know that I have been coming to your channel for advice on audio equipment for well over 10 years now. You have helped me push my professional career to a level that may have been obtainable before, but damn if you didn't make it a LOT easier. 10 years later and Mr. Judd is still taking me to school.
I do enjoy your lighting videos also but for whatever reason you are the audio guy for me. And for whatever reason Gerald Undone is my lighting (and camera) guy, DSLR video shooter my random camera equipment guy, Casey Ferris my Davinci guy, and Film Riot (♥) my general tutorial/entertainment guys. That's not to say "stop making lighting videos" but rather I think something about the algorithms push us in general directions to go to certain channels for certain things. I'm not savvy enough with the CZcams algorithms to be able to offer advice on how to improve that, but those are my thoughts on the subject.
Your videos are phenomenal. Period. I think a lot of people on CZcams looking up equipment reviews and guides are typically "content creators" or aspiring content creators and your videos are geared more towards the video professional field (I know they are very similar but lets face it -- there is a difference) which I suspect has a smaller viewership on CZcams. I also think that when learning ropes a lot of content creators tend to focus on cameras and picture quality and neglect the fact that audio is half the video. They are generally just not interested in the nuances between lav or shotgun mics or they are looking for cheaper gear to get started.
The point that I'm trying to make here is I think that for those of us who take audio seriously, you are an invaluable wealth of knowledge and experience to lean on. I may have been reading to much into it but I was picking up on a bit of consternation in your tone through this video, but I hope this helps assure you that you are valued and respected in this community.
Thanks so much for the thoughtful insights, Jonn! I'm a little frustrated, but overall doing fine. I love audio and plan to keep making videos to help others!
Curtis, all your videos have been instructive. Your gear reviews help me make purchasing decisions and your tutorials have taught me how to use them. Some things I haven't watched (the Fairlight videos, for example) because I'm just not there yet, but when I'm there, I'll watch them, perhaps a year or two later. Look on the positive side: if a video gets only 7,000 views, then that's 7,000 people you've helped. 7,000 is a lot. What you do should not be a ratings race. Thanks for everything. Bring back the daughter with the orange fingernails, she was fun.
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Great video ive really enjoyed your channel you have help me get better at audio and video. Thanks 👍👍
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I'm a long time viewer but don't usually comment. I feel this is the right moment to write something.For context, I'm a filmmaker working in Ecuador.
I watch your videos for many reasons. Sometimes it's to learn before I buy a product, (I'm interested in all kinds of filmmaking gear) sometimes to learn a new skill, sometimes to learn abou equipment that I will never afford or need and sometimes just to relax and enjoy a video.
I have always loved your fair and ethical approach to reviewing and the ever increasing production-quality. I've also learned a lot about sound and lighting from you. I even name some of my presets "Curtis Judd"
I think all of us your regular viewers appreciate all the work you put into your videos.
I hate that youtube is also joining other platforms and pushing for quick and low quality content.
I hope and trust you wont change your content. I think we, your followers will be glad if you keep doing things the way you've always done. Im grateful for all I've learned from your videos. Carry on!
Thanks Jaime, means a lot 🙏
I appreciate your channel! especially your lighting and audio gear review videos! Although I would love to see tutorials on editing audio in DaVinci Resolve.
You got it! More Fairlight tutorials coming 👍
@@curtisjuddThank you! Also excited to see your take on the new Diety mic’s! And I think that xlr module may link to their timecode packs which could be really nice.