TPRP EPISODE 129: THE WAR FOR KALEB LIVESTREAM

Comic creator Jason Pittman returns to the podcast for a live stream of his Kickstarter graphic novel project, "The War for Kaleb: A Superhero Story about Anxiety." 

This episode was livestreamed on 4/11/18 at 7pm PST

Jason has created a 3 issue story and is collecting it into on fantastic book. On this episode we chat about the process of making comics, the ups and downs of Kickstarter and why we love makes comics and telling stories.

Send Your Questions to:

thepaperrobots@gmail.com

Follow:

JASON PITTMAN

GN.png

LOGAN NAUGLE

REFERENCED

  • Backpack Reviews
  • Drawing Comics the Marvel way

 

30176183_10209506686019058_1953489560_o.jpg

IK Multimedia iRig Mic Studio Review

Today I'm reviewing another microphone from IK Multimedia, iRig Mic Studio.

For this review, I have the mic connected directly to my 2017 iMac with the input gain set at 10:00. I have done no post processing on the audio, it is all raw, but the audio was slightly boosted in final cut pro X to simply make the audio easier to listen to.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $150.00 on Amazon

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. Microphone Mount
  3. 5/8" to 3/8" Stand Adapter
  4. Desktop Tripod Stand
  5. USB-A Cable
  6. Lightning Cable
  7. Micro-USB Cable
  8. Storage pouch
  9. Documentation

Specifications

  1. Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
  2. Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  3. Sensitivity: ~-42dB
  4. Max SPL: 133dB
  5. Self-Noise: 11dBA
  6. Bit Depth: 24-Bit
  7. Sample Rate: 48kHz

Performance / Features

The build quality of this microphone doesn't give me anything to complain about. It has a metal body construction and a metal grill that feels sturdy. It is also a bit on the light side. These are all good attributes for a travel microphone. On the front you'll find a gain dial to adjust the microphone's gain, a multi-color LED light for metering, and a headphone volume control. Lastly, on the back of the microphone you'll find a 3.5mm headphone jack, which does not offer latency free monitoring.

The frequency response is listed as 20Hz - 20kHz. They do not have any frequency response published, but while listening to the audio samples it sounds as though this mic has a significant treble boost which gives it too much clarity, to the point that it starts to sound unnatural. Additionally, this mic has a rather prominent proximity effect, so if you mic any source closely, you will get a slightly scooped mid tone. 

The polar pattern of this mic is cardioid. It didn't do a good job at background noise rejection. There was a slight volume decrease as you move around the microphone, but the ambient noise, keyboard noise, guitar noise will be apparent in your recordings. 

The overall performance of this mic is fine, but I'm becoming pickier, and more curmudgeonly. First, the preamp is relatively quiet all the way up to 100%, the main noise introduced was ambient noise. The tone of this mic is overly bright, and this adds too-much clarity in my opinion which leads it to sound somewhat unnatural. As I already mentioned, if you mix this frequency response with the proximity effect, you will likely end up with a slightly scooped mid tone. Also when I compared this mics samples against flatter mics like the NT1, it had a minimal nasal tone.

Pros

  • Convenient since it's compatible with multiple OS (Mac, Windows, iOS, Android)
  • HD Recording (24-bit, 48kHz)
  • Relatively quiet preamp
  • Fairly good job at rejecting plosives

Cons

  • Overboosted treble frequncies
  • Lacks latency free monitoring
  • No specs included in documentation

Conclusion

This microphone is perfectly mediocre. Nothing really sticks out to me as a reason to buy it except for the almost universal compatibility. Other than that, I do not think that I can recommend it. This is mainly because the overly boosted high end leads to a unnatural tone which I am not a fan of.  I am also turned off by the lack of zero latency monitoring.

If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them on the youtube video, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy the IK Multimedia iRig Mic Studio
US: https://amzn.to/2qF7X0O
UK: https://amzn.to/2HEi4v3
CA: https://amzn.to/2H8ig8U
DE: 

IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD Review

Today I'm reviewing an outdated microphone that has a newer model already released...the iRig Mic HD.

For this review, I have the mic connected directly to my 2017 iMac with the input gain set at 11:00. I have done no post processing on the audio, it is all raw, but the audio was slightly boosted in final cut pro X to simply make the audio easier to listen to.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $110.00 on Amazon

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. Microphone Mount
  3. 5/8" to 3/8" Stand Adapter
  4. USB-A Cable
  5. Lightning Cable
  6. Cable lock
  7. Storage pouch
  8. Documentation

Specifications

  1. Frequency Response: 40Hz - 18kHz
  2. Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  3. Max SPL: 134dB (3% THD)
  4. Bit Depth: 24-Bit
  5. Sample Rate: 48kHz

Performance / Features

The build quality of this microphone is sufficient. It has an all metal body and a sturdy feeling metal grill. It does feel a bit on the light side which makes me reluctant about the durability of this microphone's body. On one side you will find the microphone gain dial, and on the other side you will find a multi-color LED light which can be used for metering. 

The frequency response is listed as 40Hz - 18kHz. They do not have any frequency response published, but while listening to the audio samples it is apparent that this not as presence boosted as the majority of handheld dynamic microphones. 

The polar pattern of this mic is cardioid. The background noise rejection did not blow my socks off. At 90 / 270-degrees, there was almost no low frequencies; there was only treble. Once we got around the mic to 180-degrees, all the treble had been eliminated and the low end returned. 

The overall performance of this mic is a mixed bag. The tone of this microphone is pretty good (if you like flatter microphones). Because it is flatter it is more neutral, and is a bit more boring sounding. The preamp fairly quiet all the way up to 100%, but it is difficult to measure the actual noise floor since I do not have an anechoic chamber to test this in. On the other hand, it suffered significantly from plosives which could lead to ruined recordings. The handling noise was also pretty disappointing. 

Pros

  • Convenient since it's compatible with multiple OS (Mac, Windows, iOS)
  • HD Recording (24-bit, 48kHz)
  • Relatively neutral response compared to other handheld dynamics
  • Relatively quiet preamp

Cons

  • Lacks latency free monitoring
  • Suffers from plosives
  • Did not perform well with handling noise

Conclusion

If you are looking for a USB mic to run on your windows or mac computer, I would suggest you look somewhere else for a microphone. I say this because this microphone suffers so badly from plosives, it doesn't do well with handling noise, and it lacks latency free monitoring. Additionally the USB microphone market it very competitive so you can get a microphone that meets all your requirements for the same price if not cheaper.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a handheld dynamic microphone, that requires HD audio, has a relatively neutral frequency response, and runs to your iOS device over lightning cable, then your options are much more limited. I think in that case, this may be one of the only options you have, but i would suggest you check out the Mic HD 2 as it added the latency free monitoring, and hopefully they improved the plosive issue. 

If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them on the youtube video, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy the IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD
US: https://amzn.to/2v9xvJ4
UK: https://amzn.to/2v6cDSY
CA: https://amzn.to/2EEZHDc
DE: https://amzn.to/2IN4RPW

Buy the IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2
US: https://amzn.to/2Hfgr9n
UK: https://amzn.to/2v7q2dn
CA: https://amzn.to/2EEGdhS
DE: https://amzn.to/2qqFZWt

 

TPR PODCAST 128: PQ'S STYLE

This episode we breakdown what "Style" means to us as creators and humans. Joined by toy designer Cynthia Gerriets and artist, Vincent Kukua. Style is describes as "distinctive manner which permits the grouping of works into related categories" With a topic like this we could have chatted for hours but I think we touch on a little bit of everything and provided our opinions on what style means in a creative world.

Send Your Questions to:

thepaperrobots@gmail.com

Follow:

LOGAN NAUGLE

VINCENT KUKUA

  • IG:  @VKukua

CYNTHIA GERRIETS

  • IG: @tentimesatiger

REFERENCED

Follow us on:

► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepaperrobots

► Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paper_Robots

► Website: http://www.geeksrising.com

Beyerdynamic TG-V70D Dynamic Mic Review

Today we're looking at a handheld dynamic microphone from Beyerdynamic, the TG-V70D.

For this review, I have the mic connected directly to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen, with the gain set at 2:00. I have done no post processing on the audio, it is all raw, but the audio was slightly boosted in final cut pro X to simply make the audio easier to listen to.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $200.00 on Amazon

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. Microphone Mount
  3. 5/8" to 3/8" Adapter
  4. Documentation (including frequency response & sensitivity of the actual mic you bought)
  5. Carrying Pouch

Specifications

  1. Frequency Response: 25Hz - 18kHz
  2. Polar Pattern: Hyper-Cardioid
  3. Sensitivity: ~-49dB
  4. Impedance: 280-ohms

Performance / Features

The build quality of this mic is basic but robust. It has a standard tapered metal handle and a sturdy feeling metal mesh grill, which has a good amount of foam on the inside to attempt to reject some plosives. 

The frequency response is listed as 25Hz - 18kHz. The frequency response on this mic begins to gradually roll off the bass at around 250Hz, and then starts a drastic roll off around 150Hz. The low mids are flat, and then in the high mids we start to see a boost beginning at around 1.5kHz. This boost ends up peaking betwen 7-8kHz, and then begins a consistent roll off from 8 -18kHz. 

The polar pattern of this mic is hyper-cardioid. The 90-degree rejection on this mic is great. You have almost no low end, and the volume significantly decreases. When you get around to 180-degrees some low end returns, but the higher frequencies seem to disappear. In the tests I conducted, it did an excellent job at rejecting keyboard noise and acoustic guitar noise when they are in the null spots of the polar pattern. 

The overall performance of this mic is great. On electric guitar you're getting a tight low end without any muddiness, on the acoustic you get a nice body with a bit of shimmer on the high end, and on vocals you get amazing clarity with full low end which you can adjust by utilizing the proximity effect. 

freq.png
polar.png

Pros

  • Very detailed tone without sounding harsh
  • Prominent proximity effect that can be used to your advantage
  • Hyper Cardioid Polar Pattern assists in background noise rejection and feedback rejection
  • Minimal Handling Noise
  • Great Build Quality

Cons

  • Proximity effect can be a detriment if mic technique is poor
  • Not the best at rejecting plosives
  • Some may find it expensive in comparison to entry level live mics

Conclusion

I think this has become my new favorite handheld dynamic microphones. This thing cut right through mix on the vocals due to the presence and treble boost, and it also picked up minimal ambient noise, even when I was playing the acoustic guitar about 1 foot off-axis. The proximity effect also allows you to offset some of the detail, or beef up your voice if you have a thin voice. If you do not have good microphone technique, you will need to be careful on this thing because the proximity effect on this mic can be dangerous.

If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them on the youtube video, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy the Beyerdynamic TG-V70D
US: https://amzn.to/2qkivlS
UK: https://amzn.to/2IFSllc
CA: https://amzn.to/2HmUe6X
DE: https://amzn.to/2II0CoR

Buy the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen)
US: http://amzn.to/2vDFbzK 
UK: http://amzn.to/2w8O2f6 
CA: http://amzn.to/2wKGKfG 
DE: http://amzn.to/2hbtxsV

BSP-114: Skype Podcasting Tools, Apple Mac Pro, Changes to YouTube Kids, and More

On episode 114, I talk about Skype rolling out a new content creator app, Apple rolling out a new RAW video codec, Apple moving off of intel chip architecture, Apple hiring Google’s AI leader, the Mac Pro being delayed until 2019, The shooting at YouTube HQ, an update to YouTubeTV, Youtube hand picking videos for YouTube Kids, Facebook adjusting how people are able to search on their service, and Mark Zuckerberg not firing anyone due to the Cambridge Analytica data scandal.

(https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/)
(1-800-273-8255)

Discord Server (https://discord.gg/dXQUc7v)

00:00 - Intro
00:43 - Missing Next Week’s Episode
01:09 - What You Had to Say (Amazon Banking Accounts)
04:25 - New Skype Podcasting Tools
* (https://blogs.skype.com/news/2018/04/06/make-collaboration-the-heart-of-your-live-streams-podcasts-and-videos-with-skype-for-content-creators/)
06:45 - Apple Rolls Out New Video Format
08:19 - Apple Switching off Intel Chips and What This Could Mean
11:08 - Apple Hired Google’s AI Leader
12:13 - Mac Pro Delayed Until 2019
14:20 - YouTube HQ Shooting
* (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/)
* (1-800-273-8255)
16:25 - Quick Update to YouTube TV
16:46 - YouTube Hand Picking Videos for YouTube Kids
* (ttps://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6168681?hl=en)
20:41 - Facebook Updating How People Can Search for you on Facebook
22:15 - Facebook Didn’t Fire Anyone over Cambridge Analytica
24:32 - Ask Bandrew
24:48 - YT Comment 1
25:03 - Is Go Pro Abandoning the Chinese Market?
26:14 - Email 2
26:28 - Where’s the Serial Number on the Samson C01U Pro?
27:02 - Email 3
27:59 - Do you sell your mics?
28:47 - What’s a good mic for streaming? 
29:30 - Email 4
30:16 - What do you think about the Paul Brothers podcasting and twitch streaming?
31:57 - What do you think of you tubers in general all starting podcasts?
33:54 - Adjustments to this episode of the podcast
34:38 - Outro 

Submit your questions to be answered on a future episode to AskBandrew@gmail.com

The Bandrew Says Podcast is available on:
►iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bandrew-says-podcast-audio/id1046423132?mt=2
►Google Play Music: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ieua25h7tadlb2ti4p5nclqhjuu?t=The_Bandrew_Says_Podcast_Audio_Video__Tech
►RSS Feed: http://bandrewsays.libsyn.com

Follow us on:
► Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bandrewsayspodcast
► Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bandrewsays
► Website: http://www.geeksrising.com

Cyber Acoustics USB Condenser Mic (CVL-2006) Review

Today I'm reviewing a USB multi-pattern condenser microphone and I don't know what the proper name is. I think it's the Cyber Acoustics Tahoe, or Rainier CVL-2006, or Cyber Acoustics CVL-2006.

For this review, I have the mic connected directly to my 2017 iMac with the computers gain set to 100% and the microphone gain set at approximately 25-30%. I have done no post processing on the audio, it is all raw, but the audio was slightly boosted in final cut pro X to simply make the audio easier to listen to.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $70.00 on Amazon

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. Desktop Stand
  3. Foam Windscreen
  4. 1.5m Cable
  5. Documentation

Specifications

  1. Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
  2. Polar Pattern: Cardioid / Omnidirectional
  3. Max SPL: 124dB
  4. S/N Ratio: 121dB
  5. Bit Depth: 16-Bit
  6. Sample Rate: 48kHz

Performance / Features

The build quality of this microphone decent. It has a metal body, and a metal grill that feel sturdy enough. The desktop stand is flimsy feeling and offers no shock absorption so it picks up every bump of your desk. On the front you have a headphone volume control, microphone gain control, and an indicator light to let you know if it's plugged in and getting power. 

On the back of the mic you'll find a button to switch between cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns. On the bottom you'll find the USB port to connect this to your computer, a 3.5mm headphone jack which does offer latency free monitoring (which cannot be turned off unless you turn the mic volume all the way down), and a 1/4" threading for additional mounting options (this is the standard camera mount size.

The frequency response is listed as 20Hz - 20kHz. I don't know if this is accurate, and no frequency response graph was provided. All I can say is that this thing sounds harsh and thin, and all around is painful to listen to.

The polar pattern of this mic is cardioid or omni directional. The cardioid polar pattern seems fairly wide so it tends to pick up a bit of room noise, and the omni polar pattern just sounds bad.

The overall performance of this mic left a lot to be desired. There's a constant underlying digital interference in the noise floor, the tone was painful to listen to while editing the video, the fact that you can't turn off latency free monitoring without muting the mic is irritating, and the fact that it doesn't have a standard mounting option just adds an additional cost.

Pros

  • Offers latency free monitoring

Cons

  • Harsh & Thin tone
  • Constant digital interference in the noise floor
  • Can't turn off latency free monitoring
  • Camera mount threading and not a mic stand threading
  • Flimsy desktop stand that picks up all bumps of deak
  • Bit depth limited to 16-bit

Conclusion

I do not recommend this microphone. In my opinion, this mic seems like it's attempting to compete with something like the Blue Yeti, but it fails on all fronts. I think you'd be better off saving some money by going with the Q2u, or spending the same amount on an ATR2100USB or AT2005USB. Or if you're deadset on a usb multipattern condenser microphone, go with the Blue Yeti. 

If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them on the youtube video, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy the Cyber Acoustics CVL-2006
US: https://amzn.to/2JnORFh
UK: N/A
CA: https://amzn.to/2qa4s2c
DE: N/A

Samson C01 XLR Condenser Mic Review

Today we're not looking at another microphone from Samson, the C01.

For this review, I have the mic connected directly to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen), with the input gain set at approximately 12:00. I have done no post processing on the audio, it is all raw, but the audio was slightly boosted in final cut pro X to simply make the audio easier to listen to.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back around $75 on Amazon

What's In the Box

  1. Plastic Storage Box
  2. Microphone
  3. Microphone Mount
  4. 5/8" to 3/8" Stand Adapter
  5. Documentation

Specifications

  1. Frequency Response: 40Hz - 18kHz
  2. Polar Pattern: Hyper Cardioid
  3. Sensitivity: ~ -33dB
  4. Impedance: 200-ohms
  5. Max SPL: 136dB

Performance / Features

The build quality of this microphone is perfectly fine given the price. It has an all metal body as well as a sturdy metal mesh grill, and a good amount of weight to it coming in at 1.1 lb. On the front of the microphone you'll find a blue LED light that lights up when phantom power on your interface is turned on and on the bottom you'll find the XLR port. 

The frequency response is listed as 40Hz - 18kHz. The bass frequencies begin to roll off at 150Hz but peak again at around 95Hz before rolling off the remainder of the low frequencies. The mids and presence fluctuate quite a bit with a minor boost around 600-700hz, a peak at around 1.7kHz, 2.7kHz, and 5.5kHz, with a broad boost from 6Khz to 12kHz. 

The polar pattern of this mic is Hyper-cardioid. This means that the front is sensitive and the rear of the mic has a small lobe of sensitivity with the dead spots around 112-degrees. 

The overall performance of this mic lacks. As far as a vocal mic it seems to lack significantly in the low frequencies, sounds a bit nasally, and has some minor sibilance issues as well. On the electric guitar, I had to put the mic right on top of the amp to get some low end in the guitar, but it did end up sounding fairly decent. The acoustic on the other hand sounded brittle in the high end. Something that was not listed on the specifications sheet was the self noise, and when I was testing the mic, it seemed like a fairly big downfall of this mic. Finally, the tone of the mic all around was somewhat harsh and become painful to listen to after lengthy listening sessions. 

Pros

  • Pretty good build quality
  • Comes with a storage box

Cons

  • Subpar performance with self noise
  • Lacks in the low end
  • Sibilance issues
  • Harsh tone that became painful after long listening sessions
C01Freq

Conclusion

I was somewhat let down by this microphone. I have really enjoyed the majority of Samson mics on the market, but this one didn't meet my expectations. The frequency response left a lot to be desired in that it left the voice and guitar sounding thin and harsh. The self noise also makes this unusable for professional applications as well.

Due to how competitive the mic market is, I don't think I can recommend this mic. There are too many mics in this price range for me to recommend a mic that doesn't perform amazingly.

If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them on the youtube video, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy the Samson C01
US: https://amzn.to/2JgDkHs
UK: https://amzn.to/2EdQZvt
CA: https://amzn.to/2pZmnJ5
DE: https://amzn.to/2pZZPZu

Buy the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen)
US: http://amzn.to/2vDFbzK 
UK: http://amzn.to/2w8O2f6 
CA: http://amzn.to/2wKGKfG 
DE: http://amzn.to/2hbtxsV

BSP-113: Amazon Banking Services

On episode 113 I provide an update to my Twitch live-streaming, introduce a new segment where you guys tell me how dumb I am, talk about Amazon launching banking services, Mac OSX launching external GPU support, the first Chrome OS Tablet, the new iPad, Apple launching classroom tools, a new entry level GoPro, a serious issue with affiliate marketing, Jake Paul getting a talk show, Rhode Island blocking porn unless you pay, and much much more.

Discord Server (https://discord.gg/dXQUc7v)

00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Update to Live Streaming
*     (Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/podcastage)
*     (WIDG Ep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-sZjVcyCTE)
02:24 - What You Had To Say (Getting Corrected by Viewers)
04:34 - Amazon Checking Accounts for Teenagers
07:31 - Mac OSX Launches External GPU Support
08:09 - First Chrome OS Tablet
09:30 - 2018 iPad Launch
10:45 - Apple Classroom Toolkit
12:38 - New Entry Level GoPro
14:03 - 90% Of Affiliate Posts Go Undisclosed
17:30 - Jake Paul Gets a Talk Show
20:14 - Rhode Island Blocking Porn Unless you Pay
23:28 - Apple TV Programming Coming 2019
23:55 - Ask Bandrew
24:12 - Email 1
25:06 - Can you quit caffeine?
26:05 - What is your dream job?
27:00 - Are panels beneficial for Fans & Creators?
29:40 - Is Roku the Best? 
* (Privacy Policy: https://docs.roku.com/doc/userprivacypolicy/en-us)
31:41 - Email 2
33:05 - Response to SP
33:40 - My Thoughts on Launching a Store
35:11 - Email 3
35:43 - Discussing Issues with C01u Pro
36:32 - Email 4
36:50 - How’d you come up with your intro?
37:26 - Do you have any future podcast plans?
38:29 - Outro 

Submit your questions to be answered on a future episode to AskBandrew@gmail.com

The Bandrew Says Podcast is available on:
►iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bandrew-says-podcast-audio/id1046423132?mt=2
►Google Play Music: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ieua25h7tadlb2ti4p5nclqhjuu?t=The_Bandrew_Says_Podcast_Audio_Video__Tech
►RSS Feed: http://bandrewsays.libsyn.com

Follow us on:
► Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bandrewsayspodcast
► Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bandrewsays
► Website: http://www.geeksrising.com

Neumann TLM 103 Review

Today we're not looking at a budget microphone, we're looking at a high end mic from Neumann, the TLM-103.

For this review, I have the mic connected directly to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen), with the input gain set at approximately 10:00. I have done no post processing on the audio, it is all raw, but the audio was slightly boosted in final cut pro X to simply make the audio easier to listen to. In the review I also include a test on the Audient ID4 to see how the mic sounds through a Class A Mic Pre.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back around $1,100 on Amazon

What's In the Box

  1. Wooden Storage Box
  2. Microphone
  3. Microphone Mount
  4. 5/8" to 3/8" Stand Adapter
  5. Documentation

Specifications

  1. Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
  2. Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  3. Sensitivity: ~ -33dB
  4. Impedance: 50-ohms
  5. Max SPL: 138dB
  6. Self Noise: 7dBA

Performance / Features

The build quality of this microphone is what you'd expect out of a mic that exceeds $1,000. It has an all metal body that feels meticulously machined. It has a metal mesh grill that does feel a little bit weak (but it's not like this will be on stage taking abuse) and this thing has a good amount of weight coming in at 450g.

The frequency response is listed as 20Hz - 20kHz. It begins to roll off the bass frequencies at around 65 or 75Hz, and then remains flat all the way up through around 3.5kHz at which point it builds to a 4dB boost from 6kHz to 15kHz at which point it rolls off the remainder of the air hitting around -6dB at 20kHz. 

The polar pattern of this mic is cardioid. At 2kHz and 4kHz it has a fairly wide response that is almost omnidirectional but slightly quieter at 180-degreed. As a whole this thing picks up a large amount of ambient noise. 

The overall performance of this mic is excellent. The mic offers a very smooth tone, even though it has a broad boost from 4kHz - 15kHz. Additionally, this microphone has an excellent proximity effect that you can use to your benefit to beef up your voice or offset some of the boost in the presence/treble/air. The self noise of this mic is also only 7dBA, so it is quiet. This means it offers a dynamic range of 131dB which is more than you could ever need, but it's nice to have. However, it does tend to pick up a lot of ambient noise, so if you're in an untreated room, this may have a negative impact on your recordings.

Screen Shot 2018-03-26 at 8.38.02 PM.png

Pros

  • Very smooth frequency response
  • Great proximity effect
  • Low self noise of 7dBA
  • Dynamic range of 131dB
  • Great build quality
  • Handles processing very well

Cons

  • Picks up a lot of ambient room noise
  • Very expensive

Conclusion

I was very impressed with this microphone. On the electric guitar it provided a fairly accurate representation of the guitar amp, but it added more bite and attack due to the presence & treble boost. The acoustic guitar accomplished a sound I am always looking for, a nice full body without sounding muddy or boomy with a nice shimmer on the high end and good attack from the guitar pick. For singing, this thing sounded amazing. It really cut through the mix and sat forward without sounding shrill or harsh and the smooth tone made it sound very pleasing. For spoken word the presence/treble/air boost offer great clarity, while remaining clean sounding, and then if you need a bit more bass you have the buttery proximity effect to use. 

If you're a voice over artist or a musician and you're looking for a brighter microphone that is very pleasing to listen to, this is a great option if it fits within your budget, and I'd 100% recommend it.

If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them on the youtube video, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy the Neumann TLM103
US: https://amzn.to/2IT9gSa
UK: https://amzn.to/2upKG8m
CA: https://amzn.to/2I8Raur
DE: N/A

Buy the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen)
US: http://amzn.to/2vDFbzK 
UK: http://amzn.to/2w8O2f6 
CA: http://amzn.to/2wKGKfG 
DE: http://amzn.to/2hbtxsV

TPR PODCAST EPISODE 127: COMIC CREATOR JP HERRON

Jessica Herron comic creator origins!  Anime, Tim Sale and, Japan led her to Midnight Furies, her ongoing comic series published on Webtoons! Stick around for all the details and check out the links in the down below.

We also find out that the podcast is "better than silence" or if you have to commute its "better than the person next to you." so give us a listen, thanks!

Follow:

Jessica Herron

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Referenced 

Follow us on:

► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepaperrobots

► Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paper_Robots

► Website: http://www.geeksrising.com

MUSIC Credit

Intro/Outro: Bandrew Scott of Geeks Rising

Other: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

BSP-112: YouTube Updates Firearm Policies

On episode 112 I discuss my first livestream on Twitch, Facebook rolling out a pattern like feature, GoPro licensing their lens & sensor technology for 3rd party devices, YouTube rolling out picture in picture on desktop, YouTube webcam launching, Youtube updating it’s firearm policies, YouTube annoying music listeners intentionally, YouTube distributing films to theaters, China banning parody videos, Facebook & Cambridge Analytica, Facebook collecting your call & text meta data, and what we can learn from Facebook & the data they collect?

Discord Server (https://discord.gg/dXQUc7v)

00:00 - Intro
00:46 - PSA
01:26 - Completed My First Twitch Stream
02:58 - Facebook Rolling out Patreon Like Feature
04:44 - GoPro Licensing Lens & Sensors for 3rd Party Devices
06:17 - YouTube Picture in Picture on Desktop
07:47 - YouTube Webcam Launching
09:55 - YouTube Updates to Firearm Policies
12:00 - YouTube Annoying Music Listeners Intentionally
14:24 - YouTube Distributing YouTube Originals to Theaters
16:12 - China Has Banned Parodies
17:56 - Facebook & Cambridge Analytica
20:48 - Facebook Collecting Your Call & Text Meta Data
22:18 - What Can We Learn from Facebook!?
23:56 - Ask Bandrew
24:13 - Email 1
25:05 - What are some of your recommended comedy entertainment? 
28:30 - Will you podcast with an NW700, Camera Mic?
29:05 - Will you review shotgun mic reviews?
29:26 - Will you review underwater mic?
29:41 - Will you change your intro?
30:36 - Email 2
31:04 - Why haven’t you reviewed more shotgun mics?
31:27 - Why haven’t you used a shotgun mic instead of the SM7b?
32:13 - Email 3
32:41 - What animal would be cutest scaled down to the size of a cat?
33:08 - What situation started out bad but ended up great?
33:53 - What makes you roll your eyes every time you hear it?
34:54 - Email 4
35:00 - What headphones would you recommend for video editing and music listening?
36:00 - Outro 

Submit your questions to be answered on a future episode to AskBandrew@gmail.com

The Bandrew Says Podcast is available on:
►iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bandrew-says-podcast-audio/id1046423132?mt=2
►Google Play Music: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ieua25h7tadlb2ti4p5nclqhjuu?t=The_Bandrew_Says_Podcast_Audio_Video__Tech
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► Website: http://www.geeksrising.com

Shure PGA58 Dynamic Mic Review / Test

Today we're reviewing one of the cheaper dynamic microphones from Shure, the PGA-58.

For this review, I have the mic connected direction to the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (1st Gen), with the input gain set at approximately 75%. I have done no post processing on the audio, it is all raw, but the audio was slightly boosted in finalcut pro X to simply make the audio easier to listen to.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $55-$60 on Amazon

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. Microphone Clip (No 5/8 to 3/8" adapter)
  3. Carrying Pouch
  4. Documentation
  5. Sticker

Specifications

  1. Frequency Response: 50Hz - 16kHz
  2. Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  3. Sensitivity: -55dB
  4. Impedance: 150-ohms

Performance / Features

The build quality of this microphone is on par with most other Shure microphones. It has an all metal body, and a metal grill that feels like it could handle the stage rather well. It has an off switch on the side which is always handy in spoken word situations, it has the XLR port on the bottom like you'd expect, and it has a good amount of weight to it, coming in at 10.37 oz.

The frequency response is listed as 50Hz - 16kHz. It begins to roll off frequencies starting at around 500Hz, and then is relatively flat up through 3kHz. At that point it has a boost that peaks at around 5.5kHz followed by a steep cut down to 6.5kHz with additional variations of a few dB through ~12kHz, which ends up rolling off at around 15kHz. 

The polar pattern of this mic is listed as cardioid. It does a good job at rejecting noise around the rear of the mic which would be ideal for live situations. This will assist in avoiding feedback from the PA and from on stage wedges. 

The overall performance of this mic is pretty decent. It did not do a great job in terms of handling noise or background noise rejection, but neither of these are bad enough to destroy the microphone. The off axis coloration of this mic does seem to lose a bit of the low end and high end as you move around to 90-degrees giving you a somewhat mid forward sound around the sides. The rear is quiet enough that you're not going to get much coloration from it though. 

Due to the bass roll off beginning around 500Hz, this thing will seem to lack body on instruments. On the electric guitar, I found it to be somewhat muddy, while the acoustic guitar lacked a bit in the low end and didn't have much shine to it. Where this mic really excels is on the vocal performances. It has a flatter response when compared to the SM58, and it rolls off the low frequencies to help ensure your voice doesn't get too muddy. 

Screen Shot 2018-03-11 at 8.28.30 PM.png

Pros

  • Less boosted High End compared to SM58
  • Cheaper alternative to SM58
  • Great build quality
  • On/Off switch

Cons

  • Dull sound on instruments / Slightly muddy on bassier instruments
  • Not the most flattering off axis coloration
  • Less smooth sounding than SM58

Conclusion

I think this is a rather decent alternative to the SM58 if you're on a limited budget. I don't think this microphone is ideal for acoustic guitar or electric guitar, but I think it is a fine vocal microphone for the $60.00 price tag. The less prominent presence boost, and the roll off in the bass frequencies may not be preferred for some musicians, and it may not stick through a mix as well, but I don't think you will have many issues with this in a live situation. Or if you do have this microphone and you want to start a podcast, or do gaming commentary, I think this would suffice for that as well.

If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them on the youtube video, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy it on Amazon
US: http://amzn.to/2myIaI6
UK: http://amzn.to/2mgtHjf
CA: http://amzn.to/2FVlCrb
DE: http://amzn.to/2HK1XuE

Shure X2U XLR-to-USB Interface Review

Today we're reviewing an extremely portable travel interface from Shure, the X2u.

During this review video, I have the X2u connected directly to the Rode NT1, with the gain set at approximately 50% (not certain of gain since there are no markings). In post I boosted the audio by +6dB in Final Cut Pro to ensure the audio is at a listenable level. 

If you are interested in this interface, it will set you back $100.00 on Amazon

What's In the Box

  1. Interface
  2. 3m USB Cable
  3. (2) Velcro Straps
  4. Carrying Pouch
  5. Documentation

Specifications

  1. Bit Depth: 16-Bit
  2. Sampling Rate: Up to 48kHz
  3. Power: +48v Phantom Power
  4. Gain: 50dB

Performance / Features

The build quality of this interface is great, which is what you'd want out of a travel/portable interface. It has an all metal body with a good amount of weight without becoming burdensome while traveling. On the front of this device you'll find a metering light, mic gain control, headphone volume control, monitor mix dial to mix between 0-latency monitoring and computer playback, a phantom power button, phantom power indicator light, and a power light.

On the left hand side you'll find a 3.5mm headphone jack which does offer 0-latency monitoring as well as computer playback. On the top you'll find the XLR port and on the bottom you'll find a usb port to connect it to your computer. On the back you'll find two slits that allow you to mount this to a mic stand with the velcro straps, and you'll find some foam padding to keep the device from sliding around too much.

The preamp on this thing offers 50dB of gain and it lists the noise floor of -78dB FS when the gain is set at 100%. It did get a bit noisy once we got about ~50-60% of gain.

The overall performance of this interface is decent. On one hand it has all the features you could need for a solo preamp interface (0-latency monitoring, mix control, metering light, etc). But on the other hand the preamp is nothing spectacular. The preamp is fairly noisy once you get about ~60%, and almost unusably noisy above ~80%. It was able to drive the Sm7b but you will have to boost the audio in post, and you'll likely have to do some noise removal since it will be a noisy signal. The A/D converters also lack with a max bit-depth of 16-bit, and when you listen to the recordings at high levels, I heard some digital interface. 

Pros

  • Extremely portable
  • Great build quality
  • Offers 0-latency mointoring
  • Has a mix to adjust 0-latency and computer playback
  • Offers +48v Phantom Power
  • It's bus powered!

Cons

  • Fairly noisy preamp
  • A/D converter limited to 16-bit 48kHz
  • Metering light not visible when connected directly mic.

Conclusion

This interface was difficult for me to decide on. As mentioned previously, it is insanely full featured in a small package which is a huge benefit when traveling. However, the preamp and a/d converter are somewhat lacking and if you're using a dynamic mic this will negatively impact your audio. So when it comes down to it, if you're just going to be using this for music demos, or as a backup for your podcast, I think it will be fine. You can work around the negative aspects of this thing. However, if you're looking to record high quality audio with a dead silent noise floor, whether on the road or in the studio, this interface will not cut it. 

If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them on the youtube video, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy the Shure X2u
US: http://amzn.to/2tXVOcc
UK: http://amzn.to/2ICXtrd
CA: http://amzn.to/2GNpegc
DE: http://amzn.to/2G9c27p

Buy the Rode NT1 Kit
US: http://amzn.to/2i1eWfO
UK: http://amzn.to/2i3uFh8
CA: http://amzn.to/2qzk3dz
DE: http://amzn.to/2FCzPsk

TPR PODCAST EPISODE 126: WRITER DYLAN GRAY

Writer Dylan Gray hopes on and provide us with his origin into comics and working for Top Cow Productions. We bond over a love of the great Paul Dini as well as chat about comic convention travel plans. If you looking to get into comics as a writer there's no better way than just starting to write. But it doesn't hurt to meet and greet with companies and creators at Comic Cons.

Send Your Questions to:

thepaperrobots@gmail.com

Follow:

DYLAN GRAY

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REFERENCED

Follow us on:

► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepaperrobots

► Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paper_Robots

► Website: http://www.geeksrising.com

BSP-111: YouTube Disinformation

On episode 111 I discuss Stephen Hawking passing away, Twitter live streaming MLS games, Apple acquiring texture and what this means, Trump creating a US Space Force, YouTubeTV’s price increase, YouTube’s fight with Misinformation / Disinformation, Chinese police using facial recognition glasses, Moviepass saying that they do not track you, and Apple picking up a new series from the creator of Bob’s Burgers.

Discord Server (https://discord.gg/dXQUc7v)

00:00 - Intro
00:43 - Sunshine Summit 2018
01:27 - Stephen Hawking Passed Away
02:40 - Twitter Live Streaming MLS Soccer
03:54 - Apple Acquires Texture
06:18 - Trump’s Space Force
07:42 - YouTubeTV Price Increase
08:21 - YouTube’s Continued Fight with Misinformation
10:46 - Chinese Police Using Facial Recognition Glasses
13:03 - Movie Pass States They’re Not Tracking You
15:48 - Apple Acquired Show from Bob’s Burgers Creator
17:27 - Ask Bandrew
17:41 - E-mail 1
18:17 - What mic did you use on BSP-108
18:28 - Was that mic Dynamic or Condenser?
18:45 - What are your thoughts on it?
20:03 - Do you use the DBX286s on your podcast?
22:11 - E-mail 2
22:51 - Thoughts on Crowdfunding
23:33 - Thoughts on Solar Power Start Up Investments
25:50 - One Piece of Investment Advice
26:25 - Email 3
26:59 - Did you know NASA is going to mars?
27:50 - Opinions on Emoticons?
29:32 - Most expensive & cheapest mic you’ve reviewed?
29:51 - Outro

Submit your questions to be answered on a future episode to AskBandrew@gmail.com

The Bandrew Says Podcast is available on:
►iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bandrew-says-podcast-audio/id1046423132?mt=2
►Google Play Music: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ieua25h7tadlb2ti4p5nclqhjuu?t=The_Bandrew_Says_Podcast_Audio_Video__Tech
►RSS Feed: http://bandrewsays.libsyn.com

Follow us on:
► Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bandrewsayspodcast
► Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bandrewsays
► Website: http://www.geeksrising.com

Telefunken M81 Dynamic Mic Review

Today we're looking an awesome microphone from Telefunken, the M81.

For this review, I have the mic connected directly to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen, with the gain set at 3:00. I have done no post processing on the audio, it is all raw, but the audio was slightly boosted in final cut pro X to simply make the audio easier to listen to.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $250.00 on Amazon

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. Carrying Pouch

Specifications

  1. Frequency Response: 30Hz - 18kHz
  2. Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  3. Sensitivity: ~-60dB
  4. Impedance: 250-ohms
  5. Max SPL: 140dB

Performance / Features

The build quality of this mic is outstanding. It has a great feeling machined metal body that has a really good amount of weight to it, which feels nice in the hand. It has a shiny metal mesh grill on the top which seems sturdy enough to handle the abuse of stage use. Inside the grill there is a substantial amount of foam, as well as an additional piece of foam to attempt to curb plosives.

The frequency response is listed as 30Hz - 18kHz. The frequency response on this mic has a slightly recessed mid section that helps with clarity, but avoids having a v-sound or scooped mid sound. The presence boost on this mic helps you cut through a mix, but immediately after the boost, the air frequencies are rolled off drastically to help battle shrill higher frequencies. Lastly, the low end is controlled well. It allows for some decent proximity effect without getting overly boomy or muddying up your mix.

The polar pattern of this mic is cardioid. The off axis coloration on this thing is incredible. At 90-degrees the tone is almost the exact same as at 0-degrees, just quieter. At 180-degrees the rejection is impressive as well. In my tests there was minimal keyboard noise from my Cherry MX blues, and I think would translate great to a live venue. 

The overall performance of this mic is excellent. On spoken word you're getting great clarity with a nice warm sound even with the slight mid-cut while the low end allows you to utilize the proximity effect without ruining a recording. One draw back to this mic is that it did not handle plosives well at all. Therefore if you plan on using this mic on a singer, you may want to add an additional windscreen. The company states that this mic is a great option for taming brighter vocals and guitar tones and for fattening up percussion, horns, and thinner sounding sources. 

Screen Shot 2018-03-15 at 6.41.19 PM.png
Screen Shot 2018-03-15 at 6.41.27 PM.png

Pros

  • Amazing off-axis coloration
  • Great rear-rejection
  • Sturdy build quality
  • Decent job with handling noise

Cons

  • Did not handle plosives that well
  • A bit expensive in comparison to other handheld dynamics

Conclusion

I think this is a great mic to have in your live mic locker. When comparing this to the industry standard SM58, the slight mid cut and the less prominent low end makes for better clarity in singing/guitar, as well as offering a more forgiving sound for performers with less than optimal microphone technique. The presence boost will also help stick through a mix, and the air roll off will keep the harshness from overwhelming your mix. If you're just looking for a new tone to add to your live sound, I think this would be a great option.

If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them on the youtube video, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy the Telefunken M81
US: http://amzn.to/2FE7Tcj
UK: http://amzn.to/2FYio9G
CA: http://amzn.to/2FD6YIQ
DE: http://amzn.to/2IufmZd

Buy the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen)
US: http://amzn.to/2vDFbzK 
UK: http://amzn.to/2w8O2f6 
CA: http://amzn.to/2wKGKfG 
DE: http://amzn.to/2hbtxsV

 

TPR PODCAST EPISODE 125: DAVE BAKER RETURNS

Comic Creator Dave Baker returns to the podcast. We discuss the numerous books he has worked on in the past year as well as the new projects and web-series is making. A large part of comic life is working at going to conventions and selling you book, I got the chance to ask Dave a few convention travel tips and how to prep for comic conventions. Dave Bake is one of the hardest working story tellers I know and I encourage you all to check out his work linked below.

DAVE BAKER Works:

  • Action Hospital
  • Shitty Watchmen
  • Fuck off Squad
  • Suicide Forest
  • Web show
  • Script writing
  • Planet purgatory

Send Your Questions to:

thepaperrobots@gmail.com

Follow:

Dave Baker

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REFERENCED

 

Follow us on:

► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepaperrobots

► Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paper_Robots

► Website: http://www.geeksrising.com