When Should You Upgrade Your Microphone or Interface? (FAQ Series)
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- čas přidán 17. 06. 2024
- Today I discuss when you should upgrade your microphone or audio interface, which device has more impact on your sound, and whether or not your audience will even care if you upgrade.
Picking the Best Microphone: • What's the Best Mic & ...
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My Favorite XLR Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favxlr
My Favorite USB Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favusb
00:00 - Intro
00:10 - Before Upgrading Listen to This
00:38 - PART 1: Don’t Follow the Trends
01:27 - PART 2: Upgrade With a Purpose
02:51 - PART 3: Should You Upgrade Your Mic or Interface?
02:55 - Interfaces Impact on Sound
04:45 - Microphones Impact on Sound
06:46 - PART 4: When To Stop Incrementally Upgrading
06:12 - When to Stop Upgrading Your Mic
07:58 - When to Stop Upgrading Your Interface
08:32 - PART 5: Will Your Audience Even Notice the Difference
10:04 - PART 6: Determining IF You Should Upgrade
10:34 - When Do You Upgrade From an Entry Level Setup?
10:59 - What If I Make Money From Content?
11:43 - Do NOT Go Into Debt
11:50 - PART 7: Have Fun With It!
12:34 - Outro
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Personal: www.bandrewscott.com - Věda a technologie
Instructions unclear, I now own a 5million radio station
😂
And still not satisfied😂
Ok, but is it class compliant?
the best comment on youtube
You must've been in that truck stop bathroom for a while.
"Don't go into debt to upgrade gear". The words of a wise man! Heed this throughout your life for all discretionary spending. With debt you are a slave to the lender.
also - just think of how much better of an upgrade you could have got with the interest you paid on the debt!
Nice. A real comment
Exactly. This is something where most people miss the mark. I work in retail, and usually I have to show customers that what they are buying doesn't make sense for their use-case.
@@hkhatri12 You are unusual in your thoughtfulness to consider a person's needs rather than being there just for the buck. You're the kind of salesperson I want to deal with.....and return again to when shopping for an item.
@@johnc.8298 Trust me, most young sales people are like that. This can sometimes not align with the higher-ups, but I haven't seen a big issue with hitting the numbers in the way I proceed.
How about, "Upgrade your microphone after you've treated your room"?
Dave Ball Mike from Booth Junkie taught me that :)
i was thinking of getting an sm7b specifically so i don't have to treat my room
kruddy The sm7b is really quiet so make sure you get either a FET Head or a Cloudlifter with it. The clean gain boost will do wonders for the sm7b!
@@kruddy3627 you right it is really quite but.. damage the pockets..😅😅
@@Justin_Ports it´s really less expensive treat your room and also u could monitor with more quality
The way you made us notice that you were using three different audio interfaces just blow my mind.
You are the best in what you do! Fantastic video!
I freaking loved this comparison! Genius!
Vocal range is limited. The more expensive interfaces become a little more important for music and cinematography. This is where high gain and low noise become important. Moderate speaking close to a mic does not require a high end interface. Powering a shotgun 3 feet away on a pole requires better equipment. For field recording I use a Zoom, and since I have one, I use it for all recording and it switches to interface mode for podcasting.
100%, my favorite CZcamsr. So wholistic, funny, and helpful. Podcastage stan here.
Your timing is perfect - this is great advice, and structured perfectly. I especially appreciated your take on interfaces - that's gonna save me some $. You rock, Bandrew!
By far my favorite reviewer out there. Always keeping it interesting and funny while providing top notch facts and tips! Keep up the great work!
I’m really glad you made a video on this question! I posed this scenario back when you had a poll a month or so ago. Thanks again 🙏🏽
I have only recently come across your channel and am a newbie in the area of audio recording but I am compelled to say how much I love your videos and the objective way you deliver the information which makes it extremely helpful to all of us. You've secured me as another regular viewer. Thank you!
As a theatre technical director, audio and lighting tech of 20 plus years, I can say this is very very good advice.
When to stop incrementally upgrading? Pretty much immediately.
Exactly. Affordable gear has gotten so good in recent years that you can get great quality at a very accessible level. Then you can save for the higher end gear you want.
Podcastage Hey man, I’m still watching the video. I’ve watched countless videos on mixing, mastering (kind of), and recording. The one song I still have up on my channel is from late 2018 when I first started. That was with a AT2020 and a phantom power supply from a $50 mic kit I used before that. I’ll let u listen to it (if you will) and get your judgement, I already have mine. Anyways, now I work w the same mic and an Apollo twin x. I learned more about mixing and recording than I ever knew, and while my mixes sound somewhat better, the vocals themselves are still trash. How do Ik if it’s my gear (mic), and not my ear? Ik it shouldn’t take a month to get a good mix on a 20 second verse.
Edit: Oh and I mix on ATH-M50X headphones
@@quanboy6533 You sound perfectly fine to me.
x Hades Stamps Thanks man, I appreciate that. It’s just when I listen to it compared to “professional” tracks, I don’t get that same feeling. The professionals are wider, separated more, and in your face, even w reverb. Not to mention how crisp and clear it is. Some of their recordings were so good, all they needed was a compressor and nothing else. That’s quality
@@quanboy6533 A lot of genres use delay instead of reverb. That's probably one reason why your voice sounds a little muddy and not that crisp. But mastering is incredibly complex and hard to get right imo, so don't sweat it and keep learning!
One of the best video I have ever seen regarding audio equipment. Your honest opinion on everything is always welcome.
Thank you for everything you do! You have helped to cure me of my "gear-itis" and convinced me to just start making content and worry about improving my setup after I improve my profitability (if that ever happens). Your reviews are always informative and I can tell you have a great deal of knowledge in the field of audio production. Thanks again!
This video is really “fun, interesting & helpful” thanks so much for the honest advice 🙏🏼
Bandrew, I'm 62 years AND I want to be just like you when I grow up. I'm right at that cross-road with some gear upgrades/changes, etc. and this very much helped keep me on track. As always, I love your honest, forthright, concise and clear approach and presentation. Well done young man, well done indeed. Thanks!
This is the first time I've seen one of your videos. I have to say I really appreciated your candour, expertise and humility. I found what you had to say informative, entertaining and useful. I had no hesitation in subscribing. Thank you.
ITM ! Love the channel and thank you for your reviews. I put together my first podcast/stream audio rig from your videos and i couldn’t be happier. Thanks for all of the hard work!
I've been using a cheap USB condenser mic to record vocals. I've learned a lot about how to clean up the noisy audio caused by the mic and room trying to squeeze out as much quality as I can.
But I had enough, so I bought an XLR dynamic mic and my first interface yesterday. I'm pumped! Thanks for your content.
What's the difference?
@@Oluwalolese the difference from going from an USB mic to either a dynamic mic or a condenser mic will usually be less self noise and better sibilance control, that guy said he got a dynamic mic so heres my 2 cents about it: Imo a dynamic mic for vocals sometimes isnt so great, especially for singing, even more especially for singing breathy falsettos like a Billie eilish type sound because most dynamic mics dont capture the whole spectrum of human hearing, they typically record around 50 khz to 15 khz while most condenser record around 20 khz to 20khz, so for singing id go with a condenser, for voice over, maybe even rap or rock vocals id consider a dynamic, dynamic mics are also much better at avoiding background noise than a condenser so that could be a good thing to consider for a bedroom rapper/singer/producer etc... But in general a proper recording of a Condenser mic will 9 times outta 10 be better than a dynamic, because the thing is, its easy to remove a frequency you dont want but its pretty much impossible to add a frequency you didnt capture for obvious reasons so yeah hope that answers all you want to know
@@purpleheart69420 interesting. I'm moving from my USB HyperX QuadCast to Shure SM27 w/ Audient 14 for voiceovers and ASMR (keyboard build and soundtest)
@@TheChrisDecember Hmmm thats a very nice setup for voice over but for asmr wouldnt you want a mic that captures from everywhere? like a omnidirectional mic... Just saying this in case you dont know that the sm27 is a cardioid mic (meaning it only pics sounds from the front of the mic)
@@purpleheart69420 Oh shucks you're right! So back to SM7B then? Point at sound source (keyboard)?
Thanks so much for all of your hard work on these videos. I am a hobby musician/full-time design professor and when I found out I was going to have to teach online all summer I made the jump to an SM7B. I had been looking at it for a while because I wanted to do create some skillshare classes, but the COVID-19 switch to online made me go for it. I also bought a Cloudlifter based on your comparison video and it was just what I needed for my Presonus Studio26. Thanks again for all the great videos!
Sean P. Hafer same here re: online teaching, musical hobbies, and the Covid-19 situation; My students tell me I have the best audio of all their instructors 😅.
Dude your channel is incredible! Really glad I've found it, keep up with the great content
Welcome aboard! You're stuck here, now!
You just earned my SUB with that debt tip. I’ve always told my clients don’t hire me if you’re gonna go into debt.
And, I encourage my students to avoid debt unless someone’s life is in the line.
Keep creating bruh.
"I am very risk averse when it comes to spending money"
Never have I ever felt closer to you Bandrew
You know you can show your appreciation with a buck now...
He says, while standing with tens of thounsands of $ in gear in the background
I have been using the same mic (Rode Podcaster) for the last roughly 7 years, finally want to upgrade just for a different sound as I am tired of how it sounds. Not that its bad and I personally still think its a great mic but just after all these years I need something different. Your videos have been a great help :D
I’ve been having this exact battle for a few weeks! Thanks for this!
Thank you for always doing honest reviews and FAQs. Rare to find in the audio review realm
Great video! I’ve Currently just upgraded my setup mainly due to my interface not being supported anymore!
Always feels like a small world when I find another one of my content creators commenting on another channel. :D
I don't know what's scarier, that CZcams recommended this when I was thinking this question, or that he made the video that answers my question. I'm amazed!
thanks for this. been at it as a hobbyist for 25 years, and this was really refreshing, and helpful to hear.
Thank you! Your videos have been wonderful as we work to navigate this new world.
What a fantastic video. I mean....I'm still (mostly) glad I own a CAD E100S and a Shure SM7B, but, man, did I need to hear this advice back in 2017.
Those are two INCREDIBLE microphones that will treat you well for decades if you treat them well! What a great set.
I wasn't supposed to spend $3k on my first setup? Oops.
Everything what we need to know is there in the first 16 seconds. Very effective content as usual. Thanks buddy! 🙏
Thank you for your video and your considerations...
It helped me so much in my choosing for an initial setup for voiceovers!
Biggest jump was definitely with the SE electronics mic. Just such a rich, warm tone to it.
The moment I realized the audience won't notice a gear change was when I did a remote news segment for the small radio station I work for from home using a budget MXL condenser. My manager texted me asking what I was using since "it sounded just as good" as the RE20 the host was using in the studio.
I think investing/upgrading in the space you record in is just as important as the gear you use. Sound panelling can go a long way to improve the quality of your audio.
Very true! Acoustic tiles are a lot more important than the actual microphone.
Simply put, your videos are awesome. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing this especially the interface vs mic portion. My favorite was the: "Will your audience notice?" lol
Lmao, that ending picture's stuck in my head. On your knees in a truck stop bathroom to get a mic 😂
Sorry for the imagery. Haha....okay. I’m not sorry.
"On your knees for a truck stop microphone."
Sorry for the imagery. Haha.
Can someone explain the meaning?
@@myke.p no
Giving BJ's for cash at a truck stop. I just want to say that there are worse careers. He makes it sound like a bad option.
@@DarrellBlackandBlue Oh, thanks. XD
So glad to come across your channel man. Great videos and great advice! Definitely an inspiration to produce quality stuff like you.
There are things we cannot unhear. Congrats. You made the list.
Now I need a video on how to get out of debt from buying audio equipment before I listened to this video. :)
Very good video, especially combined with the tip of avoiding impulse spending and instead sleeping on a purchase for some weeks. I remember buying my acoustic guitar. I went to two different stores, one of them three times, brought along two different friends on different days, had already settled on a guitar that then turned out to be a one trick pony, then finally found a guitar that I consider the best purchase of my life thus far. Man, I fucking have the process of researching and trying different gear. Hate it hate it hate it. But in most cases it's necessary.
Plus, the debt advice: Bandrew, that very advice kept me from buying the C414 and borrowing from my bandmates for it. I'll save up a little and probably get the SE 4400A instead.
Great channel, cheers!!
Just spent 5 years on CZcams with a yeti….
….Just ordered an Røde NTG3B and Audient Evo4, can’t wait to use it all on my show.
Thanks for all of your excellent advice.
This was very a propos for me right now, thanks for the great content!
I litterally just upgraded my whole set up. I was using the BM 700 microphone and the Scarlett Focusrite solo in an untreated room with the Alctron PF8 over my microphone when I first started recording my own music back in 2018. I hated the sound quality I was getting so after watching tons of videos I upgraded my microphone to the Blue Spark Blackout SL.
I loved the clarity of the Blue Spark Blackout SL that I wasn't getting from my BM 700 microphone but I hated the bassy tone of the microphone that made my already deep voice sound overbearing and made it incredibly difficult to mix. So after watching a ton of more videos on numerous subjects concering sound quality etc I decided that I needed to treat my room so I went and bought a shit ton of accoustic foam and put it on my walls.
That helped but I was still not getting the sound that I was looking for. I started to notice issues with my interface (Scarlett Focusrite solo) and the constant irritation of the Blue Spark Blackout SL and I decided that I needed another upgrade so I went all out.
Again after watching videos, reading books and articles and taking advice from different sound engineers just basically doing a shit ton of research, I purchased the Motu M2 interface, The Aurray Isolation Chamber, the Audio Technica AT2035, The Golden Age Project Pre-73 Jr Preamp, studio moniter stands, and small things like pop filters, and the Stage Right by Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield.
Now with all of this there is a big improvement to my sound quality and I love the new sound but it is still not sounding the way I want it to sound. After realizing this I then began to focus on myself and my understanding of equipment and how to use it properly. I realized that although I do have decent gear that I really don't understand how to use it properly. So i've decided not to do anymore upgrades and just spend the rest of my time learning how to make the best out of what I have and learning how to properly use my equipment to ensure I get the best sound quality that I can get.
You’re at the most exciting point of the journey. You get to learn so much cool stuff about audio production and audio gear. Have fun with this part. It’s sooooooo cool!
@@Podcastage Yes I just hate it took so much money and wasted time to get here lol. But like you said it is the best part! Thank you for all of your advice!
I'm here for the PewDiePie reference.
Just kidding I am here because you're awesome
okay I am here for both...
I couldn't agree more. Quality has gotten so much better in the past decade... Also the points on mic vs interface is spot on.
Thank you so much for the valuable information. I was just in the business of buying a mic and interface equipment. I very much appreciate your help today.
Reminds me of when I was big in recording >10 years ago. I had a cheap Marshall mic and an m audio delta 44 with a presonus tube preamp. My recordings were so so. I only made good recordings when it was at 96khz. The sound card was at its best there because the converters weren't that great. I have a new Motu now, and I can put that thing at 44khz and it sounds leagues ahead.
I have an aokeo ak-70 with a umc22, the sound quality is very good, it represents irl sound pretty much exactly the way it sounds to me. The only complaint I have is that its rather noisy when I need higher volumes. Happy with it but I need to upgrade to something better, just not sure what I can get for a low cost :(
Great video! This helped me make up my mind on the first mic and audio interface to purchase :) thanks!
First video of yours I have watched and man.... what great quality. Keep doing what your doing!
lol aside from you incorrectly numbering your sections which literally doesn't matter just messin with ya
I need hella gear like you
I mix and master all my music
I use a rode nt1 and a audient id4
But I think every mic fits beats different
I switch mics alot i have an Aston Oregon
Blue baby bottle, akg p120,
I just recently jumped up to a Scarlett 2i2 3rd gen and the AT2020. I thought I would end up wanting to upgrade the AT2020, but honestly I've been super happy with how it sounds. Unless I really come up with a good reason for a new mic, I don't think I will upgrade anything for a few years.
Go ahead and keep it the way it is! No need to upgrade if you don't want to!
I especially liked the blind evaluation of the three audio interfaces - brilliant - I didn't notice any tangible differences.- that was a nice aha effect!
The best video on upgrades ever! Thanks!
I just bought a SM7B, a cloudlifter and a solo Focusrite 2i2 upgrading from a Fifine K667. That setup should hold me for at LEAST 5 years.
Absolutely. That’s a STELLAR setup.
I agree
You should look for an audio interface that comes with a sturdy packaging box as they a great alternative for throwing across the room if you have already destroyed all the microphone boxes.
Maybe you should do a top 10 review of the best microphone boxes? Ranked on aerodynamics, endurance and thunk-ability!
And destroy something else, right?
@@xHadesStamps Usually a pretty good feeling!
@@Mia98455 Yup!
The way you explain things is really great!
Your Intro summary has a lots of information.
I was having the question and answere I got from the summary list n.o 3.
Thanks for the answer.
Austrian Audio
Why do I feel like the first 2 minutes was for me because I’m always asking stupid questions in the discord.
Thank you so much !!!!!!
I'm from France, but i understand quite much English.
Your video is so helpfull.
Especially the "Interface impact the Sound" part, because nobody was taking it out.
THANK YOU.
I'm currently looking to upgrade my mic from the Aokeo AK80 to the At2035 mic. After listening to my twitch streams and knowing what to look for in sound quality now, I'm really wanting to upgrade. Your videos have been a huge help to me ❤️
Also consider spending money on treating your room if needed! No need to have an expensive mic if the room you're in just sounds shitty.
Great video as always!
Exactly.
Just out of curiosity, for a friend, where are these truck stops you can be on your knees on for microphones?
This channel is awesome. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for doing these video. They are so helpful.
I use a $25 interface and $15 mic and it sounds waaaaaay better than my Blue Yeti. It also looks much cooler and is much more versatile.
It will be a long time before I upgrade.
@@krish2542 Behringer XM8500 mic and UM2 interface.
Extremely cheap but sounds more than fine for my needs. Way better than my $150 Blue Yeti.
@@Muzly Excuse me the UM2 dont have White noise? And you are using drivers or only plug and play? Thank you.
I just got a 48v neewer phantom power supply and I just bought a tlm 103 do I need an audio interface or am I good cause I connect my neewer to a usb chip that’s a type of audio chip that connects to my computer , do I needa replace my phantom power for a focusrite 212 ?
@@DonieCrick No white noise that I can detect, but I'm not exactly an audiophile. It's just plug and play, but I do have a cheap activator (SZ-MA1).
@Slim Acid It's certainly much better than the Blue Yeti. It does depend on the settings, but if I mess about with it I can get it so it only picks up my voice, but I have to be very close and speaking directly into it.
With other settings, it can pick up lots of background noise, but I use it for voice so don't use it like that.
You missed one of the biggest reasons to upgrade interface, the audio drivers
Why I went to RME
@@jeffnichter9805 Why i wanna go rme xD
just so much trouble with so many interfaces. And RME seems to be an amazing experience
@@reiniervanzwieten7092 As someone who shelled out a lot of money for an RME UFX+, I can say it was absolutely worth it. Best drivers and low latency performance in the business, on both Mac and Windows.
@@nate_creates update, I went with the UCX and holy shit is it ever amazing! i actually heard a clear diffrence in my headphones when listening to audio(which i wasn't expecting what so ever) then also the latency and the flexibility is just awesome and i practically never have any audio issues anymore
Thank you for still making these great videos and helping me know how to start up making my setup the optimum way and providing us with great info and reviews and comparisons < 3
Why is it that is the underground and under rated people are ones of the dopest and chillest people?
GREAT session. Good communicator, balanced in demeanor and presentation. Super practical, common sense info on how to think about achieving your recording goal. What are you recording? Podcast only? Recording demos/projects? Portability/ease of use, Quick set up / extensive routing? Have fun!
Podcastage: u should not buy an expensive mic if your is good
also Podcastage: uses Neumann U87 ai
Pews has never sounded more swedish while talking English than when he said "Stop!" 🤣
This is the best guide I've watched on youtube!! I remember wanting an SM7B not because I understood the specs etc....I wanted one cause I keep seeing podcasters and streamers using it that's it! I've been using the Samson Q2u and I am completely happy with this mic! only upgrade I made was purchasing a 2i2 3rd Gen which has made a significant difference
Fantastic video and information! Thanks bro! Just picked up an AT2020 USB plus and I think I'm golden!!!
When should I get a u47 vintage for $30,000 I have an at 2020 with a UM 2, 😂😂 jkk
We all need a vintage U47 for $30,000....but we also HAVE to run it through the UM2. =)
@@Podcastage ahhh 😆🤣🤣🤣🤣🙌🐐
Keep up the great work. I watch your every review, some of them more times :) you are making great point. You are great to listen to, and I watched all videos from 4 years back to new ones, and you have build a nice your own signature style/trade mark in your videos. I love the actual state and quality and content quality of your videos. (I am former musician and I have also TV/movie making and radio background)
Thank you so much for this video , you saved me from upgrading when I really don't need to . Subbed!
I instantly noticed you changing to Interface 3! Such a big change!
I have just upgraded to MOTU M2, thanks to this channel. I did it because my old Line6 UX1 was just screwing up, turning off at random moments, which required a system restart. That I could not tolerate anymore.
Such a Great Video Man As Always.
WOW your good compared 4 years ago when I started and watched your channel.! Your a good man and I appreciate YOU. Thanks! FAN
Awesome video, keep it up!
Great video, very informative in a great way and like you said, sometimes, if not often, it´s more about how you set up your mics than the mic itself. It´s all about mic placement and post production. Cheers mate!
Wish I had found you before getting my hardware, I don't even want to talk about my mistakes. Thanks for sharing your knowledge
Excellent insights ! Thanks
Thanks for this video. A lot of good information here.
Great video, thanks for all the advice.
I'm binging this channel even after I got my mic. LOL good content, keep it up
Great advice, thank you!
This video helped me lot, you are great brother, subscribed since saw your first video
thanks bandrew, i learn a lot!
Really great insights and advice! Thanks a lot!!!
Good content! Btw I get shock at 12:49... that big tight slap.. I’m using headphone while watching this video 😂
I just bought a nt1 after watching your vids and now this comes out awesome vid
Very informative and fun. Thanks!!
So helpful dude, thank you!
went from a yeti to sm7b. love it. can't say it made much of a difference for other people but i totally notice and love it
All the things you said really just made me realized that I do have a bad habit. Which I need to correct from now on. Thank you for sharing and enlightening us.