2023 Audio Gear Gift Guide

[@ezurg01]

I haven’t seen your videos in awhile looks like you lost some weight 🎉 congrats bro

[@7171jay]

The Shure SM57 isn't just for musicians but is a great mic for speech as well. Good enough to be on the lecturn of every U.S. President for over half a century. If you do use it up close a quality pop filter like the Shure A81WS is a good idea.

[@kevc6115]

1st off Happy Christmas Andrew! Thank you for all your hard work over the past year. It's truly appreciated. Coming from a background in clubs and live music, I wholeheartedly agree with the advice on ear plugs. My hearing has almost totally gone in 1 ear and I am missing frequencies in the other. I am 51. The damage was definitely caused by too much exposure to extremely loud music.

[@Podcastage]

I'm sorry to hear that Kev. I hope you're still able to enjoy music and audio. Thank you for sharing that with us.

[@ShaneT5S]

I always look forward to this more than game of the year awards. I absolutely love my Wave XLR. The software for my use alone is worth the price, and it's been my one constant thing in the last year and a half, for both tech and all other things too

[@jsasa5668]

I couldn't pass on the Prism Titan sale from a few weeks ago so I decided to gift it to myself :-) Now hunting for mics for both podcasting and acoustic guitars and vocals. Got some ideas and I have to thank you and your channel for helping me narrow things down. Happy Holidays!

[@majordrumkill]

Bro has perfect pronunciation with his speech. 10/10. Excellent video too!

[@simaminghui]

Great update for the holidays! Love the content and variety of products. The yelling part to show off the compression was my fave

[@Podcastage]

I really appreciate that simaminghui.

[@LuminairPrime]

AWESOME selection of mics. It feels like not long ago there weren't enough good affordable mics and interfaces in existence to even make this video!!

[@Podcastage]

We are living in a great time for those looking to record.

[@3jahel7]

Waiting for a Sterling ST151 Review!! Have not seen anybody else do a review on this awesome $60 condenser microphone. Weights even more than my 4th gen rode NT1

[@3jahel7]

Just looked it up and its listed at $39.99 !! Wow! I bought the mic brand new for $70 a couple months ago!

[@Podcastage]

I don't have the 151, I have the 159.

[@FLOODOFSINS]

I'm looking forward to seeing your sticker guide review.

[@DominicMalta]

11:32 I have a very dumb question, but I don’t understand the humidity affecting the audio because I’m very new to this😅

[@Sigourney-Cleaver]

Great list! I convinced my friend to upgrade from an old Samson Q2U connected via USB to my previous setup of an SE V7 and Elgato Wave XLR, and his audio is *so* much improved. I love my Wave XLR for 1) its simplicity, and 2) the wave link software's capacity to run different audio sources into the stream output, enabling me to play sound effects and background music in my TTRPGs without any additional hassle.

[@ThatLazyyGuy]

Been using my SE V7 for about 3 years and loved it every day of usage. Also, perhaps for next year (or 2025 if you skip a year) can I interest you in releasing this before Black Friday weekend?

[@ObscureMics]

Woooooooooooooo, I hate christmas but I LOVE THE GIFT GUIDE

[@Podcastage]

Thanks so much Bark. I’m an unapologetic Christmas lover.

[@ObscureMics]

@@Podcastage I wish I was...I really do. This year I've leaned in more than usual.....for the children

[@henryeowens]

Thanks for these ideas, Bandrew. After watching reviews, it’s nice to see how the experience holds up over time.

[@UnboxerofWorlds]

Yes! I look forward to this video every year. I'm going to take my time and enjoy it!

[@nr4052]

Sadly my Q2U died recently after 4 years of service. Stopped working over USB or XLR. Replaced with XM8500. Using for dictation and voice commands and video calls and screen recordings.

[@shorowho]

I've been debating picking up a new mic for my desk, but man that quick release system seems awesome for just using one mic between setups. I need to grab one ASAP

[@g3cd]

That's funny, I use the Parker Jotta's all the time (and also a little notebook for synth settings), they always work, they're very reliable. They're costly, but good. I bought a couple of Vbest Life Quick Releases with a 1/4 thread for my small camera cubes recently, will get the Gator Framworks releases now (and one of their rare 5/8 ball heads too).

[@EarthworksAudio]

Thanks for including the SR117 Bandrew!

[@uncle-english]

well-deserved

[@RudeCanine]

Earthworks unbeatable

[@nachtaktiveselement]

I find the Wave XLR extremly useful to get one microphone into your computer. I've been using it for about 2 years now as my main interface for communications. It's tiny footprint saves space on my desk, you can mute your mic easily and i guess clip guard became handy as well. I even bought a second Wave XLR recently as it was on sale during the black friday deals. Will give it to my offspring, so he can have his own microfone. I bet clipguard will become most useful with him, espacialy when he forgets, that our modern communication technologies are not sound powered. :D

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

I finally bought and sm48 and I'm so excited to use it as for my podmic that recently just broke from the yoke stand so I know need a replacement

[@conork325]

Merry Christmas Bandrew! And thanks for your very helpful videos.

[@Podcastage]

Merry Chrsitmas to you as well.

[@arildoyen8705]

Thanks for all of your videos and keep up the good work, and the good health! I'd like to add the Neat Worker Bee 2 for a good mic under $100.

[@Rezaeina]

Thank, Andrew, great video for end of the year! Could you also please review Steelseries Alias USB Mic? Happy new year!

[@Podcastage]

I don't currently have one and the XLR is out of my current budget right now, but perhaps I'll pick one up in the new year. Thank you for the suggestion.

[@burnedglade]

Before watching the vid, I bought myself an Arturia Minifuse 1, a double shielded xlr to xlr cable, and a Klark-Teknik CT-1 as my audio gift to myself this end of year and bday.

[@Podcastage]

Congratulations, and happy Christmas. Hope you get years of use out of those new pick ups.

[@KrissFighta2]

Hey, Bandrew! Thanks for this nice and useful video. I must admit you had me smiling broadly with some of your picks, especially the last one [no spoil]. At the same time, one can only recognize it's so true. Let's just say it was a litlle bit unexpected (or was it?). In any case, should you ever search for an idea for April 1st, that would be a good contender, wouldn't it?

[@andrew6889-p5c]

Great one. Always quality. Thanks.

[@Podcastage]

Thanks so much Andrew.

[@coffeehigh420]

a good gift guide ?! Enjoy life and go outside !!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@Somtric]

Could you maybe review the Audeze Maxwell.. I'm so on edge with it, some reviewers show the mic sounding really good and others not so much, as some has it closer and some further away from their mouths and so for. And I trust you and your tests more than anyone else. Also, the weight of the headset is definitely on the heavier side. It looks good though.

[@johnaheiserable]

Merry Christmas Bandrew.

[@Podcastage]

Merry Christmas to you too John or is it Johnah.

[@malexponce]

I love the Illuminaughty ring

[@AverageBlud]

Thank you so much for this video. I was just about to spend 5000 Rials (Egyptian dollars) on Gamer Bathwater but now I can spend that money fulfilling my dream of becoming an Alpha Male podcaster 💪💯. Thanks again.

[@lion123z]

Hey there! This could not have been timed better. I recently purchased a SM7db and MVX2U bundle (was able to get a discount). I feel that the MVX2U’s noise floor and lack of feature set has really left a lot to be desired. The hissing is pretty annoying! I was considering the vocaster one (I wasn’t a fan of it being mostly software driven but I love mute buttons), the elgato wave XLR, or the Scarlett solo 4th gen (I use the HD650 headphones, and liked the PHYSICAL buttons). Thoughts? Wanted the best option for a one person voice over for tutorial videos.

[@ThatLazyyGuy]

All those options are great and would all service you well but if your criteria are just a single xlr microphone (no music I/O) and a physical mute button, it’s hard to beat the Wave XLR because that’s exactly what it’s going for.

[@lion123z]

@@ThatLazyyGuy thanks for the reply! The Vocaster is on sale for $99 right now, Wave XLR is $160, would you still choose the Elgato?

[@ronaldmalcolm5609]

Merry Christmas! I'm glad the holiday gift guide is back; I didn't realize how much I missed it. I do have one question, however: which interface would you recommend if I needed at least 3 XLR/combo jacks so I could play instruments while recording a vocal track live? I'd need pretty quiet preamps (in terms of self noise, not dynamic range) and power for high impedance/multiple headphones. I'd like to keep the cost less than $350 if possible.

[@yifuhood]

the se8 is really really a great SDC

[@Podcastage]

Yeah. The sE7 is the one I've reviewed so far and it was impressive, and the sE8 is an improvement on that. sE is crazy with how good their stuff is.

[@yifuhood]

@@Podcastage totally! I almost gave up on SDC as a violinist, because I'm not gonna pay 2, 3k for pair. Thank you for the great videos

[@trektn]

Any mic arm recs for heavier microphones?

[@faiqsyahbani]

For audio interface, is Audient Evo 4 in 2023 outdated when compared to your list here and your fav gear video's list?

[@fallinmor]

Good list. I don’t want to sound like a jerk asking but the NT1 5th gen came up for a good reason but no mention of the Signature Series. Just curious. Thanks for the hard work!

[@charbelLife]

I noticed you didn’t include the 2i2 4th gen or 3rd gen, I waterbed your review, don’t think it’s worth it ? Love to hear you thought process

[@itsstrez]

OK but I NEED that Podmic windscreen... Where can I find one?

[@TheSodingen627]

how about the rode ai-1 interface?

[@pasindukavinga]

The best reviewer ❤

[@Podcastage]

You are too kind. Thank you very much for those kind words.

[@TSGEnt]

Great list of goodies. Wow, that XM8500 for the money, is quite nice. Now that SM57 is real lll nice. I have six at the studio, so all I have to do is go to my mic closet. The SR117 is a terrific choice for off axis rejection too! A flashlight is a must in any engneer's pocket! Merry Christmas to you.

[@joesquadcoptervideos2067]

Hey Bandrew, any chance you'll do a review on a Shure 545SD? I was thinking of asking for one for Christmas

[@Podcastage]

I don't have one currently so there's no review coming any time soon but it does look interesting and perhaps I should compare it to the 57.

[@joesquadcoptervideos2067]

@@Podcastage that would be awesome! I won't wait for your review to buy it, but I'd really enjoy a thorough comparison

[@inaifdz]

ill add TAPE! i always use tons of it!

[@DERACODA]

can you do a review on the hyperx solocast its a microphone currently under $50 and its the little brother to the hyperx quadcast

[@Podcastage]

I'll see about checking that out. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@DERACODA]

welcome! always been watching your videos to see about what audio equipment to get. gotta be one of the best informative foreward channels on youtube @@Podcastage

[@meistudiony]

What would YOU like for the holidays Bandrew?

[@Mr.C0ffee]

Sorry Bandrew but you forgot the Sybasonic sound card. One of the best overall gift. How can you call yourself a “mic guy” and miss these gems 💎😫

[@Podcastage]

USB Sound cards, nOOoOoOoO!

[@curly_]

Sonnect audios Soundbullet is probably the best gear every soundtech has to get

[@Podcastage]

I hadn't heard of this, but that's a cool looking device to help trouble shoot.

[@drumtours2226]

Great list but no MOTU M2? I am disappointed.

[@Markisbeatz]

Hey! I am a producer most of the time but love lying on some ideas, vocals or rap, and have a budget of 150$-180$ and want a condenser because they are richer and can be used for both vocal and podcast. What do you recommend? I've been suggested the rode nt1 signature series, lewitt lct 240 pro, se x1s, AKG P220 and avantone ck6+ or classic, and really don't know which to get. Can you suggest something for me?

[@OlexanderZnaharenkoUA]

Very good video. It has best recommendations for people, who searches for good audio setup. Thanks! 😊. Like always "annoying", but informative. I decide to share with you a bit of positive. Take it, please 😊.

[@Podcastage]

I appreciate the positive Olexander. Thanks for watching. I hope you have a great day.

[@johanwillfred6139]

Is that a Tudor?

[@NodofApproval]

Hydrate!

[@ohstudiousa]

Does whiskey count as liquid? lol Great video

[@Podcastage]

Ha. Yeah it hates whiskey too.

[@ohstudiousa]

@@Podcastage damn it! I'll have to start using a sippy cup. 😃

[@MarkoAssi_pokervlogger]

Oh it's December again

[@apolinariiouxsbabbiii]

PLEASE JUST UPLOAD THE SOLID NOTE VIDEO

[@greccoox]

I love you.

[@ShawnMilo]

Butts 〰

[@ROBOTRIX_eu]