I'm Done w/ Gear Review Videos

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[@BennJordan]

Thank you for all the supportive words. A few things I probably could have expanded on: - I am very much open to the idea of making videos with new gear if I'm not speaking in them. The problem is that few companies would want this and it's KZbin algorithm poison. - I should've emphasized this better: No part of me feels like I'm "giving into the trolls" or "letting trolls win". Those who do value this channel will just see more inspiring and educational content, those who exist solely in the geartube community will see one less face on the weekly treadmill of content. - I have no ill feelings towards Polyend, or really anyone in-particular here. When I explain these things to someone who isn't part of this space, I probably sound like Brad Pitt from 12 Monkeys. It's the same ridiculous controversy with the company name changed every few weeks and for some reason I unintentionally volunteered to be the spokesperson for it. - I've managed to make some of the most viewed gear content on this platform this year and lose money in the process. I started an NPO that is bound by law to make all transactions public at the end of the year. I routinely disclosed my friendships and biases. If THAT is considered "shilling", I simply cannot offer more. This already wasn't sustainable. - Finally, in my position, spending money on gear was actually more problematic than receiving or borrowing a prototype because confirmation bias is MUCH stronger, and nobody is immune to it. I will take a bullet for something I spent $400 on while having no emotion at all regarding something that showed up for free.

[@shylohmonster]

Thank you. I reckon I'll be watching your videos regardless of topic because I admire what you have to say and how you say it.

[@allhandsonberk]

I'm collabing with someone sort of near your area on trying to DIY some synth stuff around an organ - loosely based on the chipophone. If in like 6-12 months you're bored and want to hammer on it, lmk. It's about retrofitting *existing* stuff for fun so it's got zero mass commercial viability and is just to be a nerd.

[@bouzoukiman5000]

Hi Benn. The hum might be clogged eustachian tube(s). My chiropractor does acupressure on the area then adjusts a certain part of my spine on the neck and i get a lot of relief. Had it for years and he's really made progress

[@leGroschampion]

I wish you well. And personally, it’s your philosophical/educational videos that got me to your channel, so i’m a happy guy :-)

[@SuperKirby_Gaming]

Thanks for doing these videos Benn. I recently discovered your music through this channel and I've been loving it!

[@nivikliriak]

I am, in fact, one of those people going "aw." I'm sorry this content stopped being fun to make, and hope it frees you up to do more of the stuff you do enjoy making! More crazy audio science stuff would be super rad, and I know you're really passionate about those ideas when you get them!

[@JamesOKeefe-US]

Perfectly said!

[@BlauerGMI]

💯

[@Diayse]

I was part of the design team of PolyBrute at Arturia. This was a long development and these always come with their share of frustrations, emotional rollercoasters and so on. You can't imagine how happy and proud I was when I watched your review of PolyBrute.. and for that I am grateful. It pushed me to try and make better instruments. Whatever comes next on this channel will most certainly be great and hopefully will make you a happier person :)

[@ToumalRakesh]

I don't have a Polybrute myself (yet) but I just wanted to tell you that I always felt like a "no compromise" device, made by people who wanted to make the best instrument, and not just to check some boxes and meet some revenue target. I hope to be able to get one someday.

[@asynchronicity]

Much respect that you were on the development team of that remarkable synth✌️

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

Dude, you all did an amazing job!!! It is still one of the instruments i have on my bucketlist :) You have every right in the world to be proud of what you achieved. It is one of the finest instruments of our times and a amazing fresh breath of air in the Synthesizer world. Thank you for being part of this new golden age of analog synthesizers that we currently live in :D

[@Gibson1976uk]

I recently bought the Minifreak :) Polybrute would be nice but its out of my budget :)

[@Keymandll]

I own a PolyBrute and it's an incredible beast, beautiful and more importantly very intuitive. You guys did an amazing job and thanks a lot for that!

[@sinestarproject1023]

dude - its not just the synth community - its the pretty much most of the world, but more so online for obvious reasons. Still, I love you man, i love watching your videos, and I love your voice! plus you are a super bright human being.. so please feel that. Pete xx

[@ohiasdxfcghbljokasdjhnfvaw4ehr]

yeah i dont think is specific to gear related channels at all. all influences experience toxicity, it's just the nature of living in a time where we have free speech and capitalism. though I totally understand not wanting to deal with it. some things just aren't worth fighting, especially when you know it wont change anything. that's why celebrities pay people to interact with their fans for them.

[@UnitSe7en]

Yeah pretty much this. The Internet is a cesspool.

[@robertdabob8939]

This has been called the age of narcissism. A shallowness that's manifested in all the sadistic and toxic online behavior.

[@sn1000k]

I agree, sadly

[@sn1000k]

​@ohiasdxfcghbljokasdjhnfvaw4ehr free speech isn't the issue. It's the combination of hyperindividualism and anonymity (and capitalisms tendency to put us all against each other inherently)

[@hoobastank118]

Sorry man! You seem like a great dude! You will always have my support!

[@adriatic.vineyards]

Jesus Christ man, i had no idea you had to deal with this kind of bs -- I'd naively imagined the worst of it (i.e. threats of doxxing/hacking) was reserved for the biggest and more recognizable channels/names. Hope youre doing okay mentally, i love nearly *all* the content and music you've produced. You're an exceptionally talented musician and an intelligent, elequent and witty speaker, whose voice is surely valued in the KZbin Music Sphere!

[@onlyrealnumber]

Benn, you are an inspiration. To know that someone, anyone, robbed you of a joy you once had for whatever reason is heartbreaking. I hope at the very least you will continue to nerd out about cool gear in a more solitary fashion, though vicariously living through that experience will be missed.

[@thelongvirtuesignal8551]

Come on man, it's not "heartbreaking".

[@onlyrealnumber]

@@thelongvirtuesignal8551 My God... You're right! I forgot to take my cynicism pills this morning. My bad.

[@toesexe5880]

Just found/started watching your channel recently and I’ve been drawn to it because of your ethics when it comes to music and gear. You don’t approach things like you’re trying to sell something and NO ONE does that in this kind of space. I appreciate what you do

[@TheJanda777]

There is something about that one video you made with the polybrute that really made me start making music again. It was a great showcase of the board and I think you had mentioned spending so long in the flow that you experienced the sunrise. This is what the other reviewers don't do that makes it a special experience coming from you. I'm hoping to still be able to watch in on your musical/personal journeys no matter what you make videos about.

[@ashchap]

100% agree. The polybrute video is the only gear review video I've re-watched multiple times, keep making music and art.

[@orangeActiondotcom]

Completely agree. I have sent it to people who aren't even gear heads or musicians as an example of how its possible to be passionate about a topic without coming off like a brand-obsessed advertising executive trying to 'create a community', whatever the fuck that means.

[@aretwodeetoo1181]

That video was beautiful... Will miss that kind of stuff. But we'll survive.

[@lunarthyme]

totally agree, just want to add that I also feel the same way about Benn's Hydrasynth video and a few of his reverb videos, except when I got the Hydrasynth a few months after watching, it was my first piece of gear ever, and I still play it all the time

[@mmoncur]

awww! I have enjoyed your gear videos but my favorite thing is your out-of-the-box projects so I look forward to what's coming. I'm glad you're able to exist on KZbin at all. I started a small channel in a space that is somehow way more toxic than synth tube and honestly the toxicity hit me so hard I quit.

[@cary4603]

Your video on how animals perceive us is how we met and has been a topic I was touched by in such a way that it has become a part of conversations I have with people. I am thankful for the unique videos you have brought forth through the exploration of auditory processes. I wish you the best and honestly hope continue to grow and develop your talents!

[@HisoriSan]

i'm more of a passive watcher but now i almost feel guilty for not letting you know enough, that you videos are real fun to watch and brought lots of interesting points to my thinking about music and gear. sending lots of love man

[@Sool101]

I second that, thanks!

[@dlabrador]

literally watching this after the Play video, which I appreciated. love your work. please don't make decisions based on youtube comments because as we all know they are a cesspool at a level that few other social networks can rival.

[@MyrddinREmrys]

I'm afraid the problem goes beyond the screen when some of these people do active things to interfere with their lives and hurt, damage and/or harass people in their circles or even their family. Unfortunately for whatever reason some of these [blanks] think they're justified in taking extreme action outside the realm of even nasty, unthinking and false comments and accusations. You'll find this in almost any arena of interest now and it's deeply disturbing at the very best.

[@saoirsecameron]

I’ve been in a lot of toxic online communities: fandoms, political movements, subcultures, etc. I briefly got interested in learning more about music gear and joined some groups, and wow, they truly were above and beyond the worst of all.

[@stylusnation]

You’re a good man Benn, honest, insightful, and articulate. It’s a shame there is so much tragic toxicity out there; doubly so that you have been undeservedly subjected to it like this. I look forward to seeing you continue to follow your passion and wish you well.

[@RadicalRumin]

You stand out as a creator that puts effort into being as honest and fair as possible in whatever you do. You've got integrity and I think it shows. It's a shame you'll have to stop doing something you enjoy, but here's to other fun projects! I look forward to what comes next.

[@captainlovett4724]

This is one of your most wholesome videos. I appreciate you just talking about yourself, your background, your ideas and philosophies. I want to see more of this.

[@tsluke]

It makes me sad that one of the best synth KZbinrs out there has been chased out by the noise and insanity of people who should step back, get some perspective, and chill out. I am sorry to see you stop producing gear videos. Yours were very helpful to me.

[@AmateurSynthusiast]

He calls everyone toxic, proceeds to act toxic by sharing KZbinrs comments and usernames. Oh the irony

[@bb-sw6ur]

@@AmateurSynthusiast if he didn't show them, people like you would assert he has no proof that the harassment is occurring.

[@somfierce]

@@AmateurSynthusiast ????? KZbin is public website -- it's not like he's "leaking" anything. You are braindead

[@FantasticOtto]

​@@AmateurSynthusiast You don't believe people posting in a public forum should risk having their posts highlighted? If what you wrote cannot stand the light of day, don't post publicly.

[@thelongvirtuesignal8551]

Why take it so personal though, the online compliments should do about the same as the online insults : nothing. Avoiding negativity is not going to make you any better at dealing with it. Exposure to it will.

[@HilbertSpacersson]

We don't deserve you. Thanks Benn for your work! You're probably the most genuine and honest youtuber I know. You usually correct yourself when you notice inconsistencies in future videos, your passion is completely honest. But honestly, these sh***y people are out there and youtube unfortunately attracts "shilldetector9000ers" and cynics like any other public place.

[@elmoredneal5382]

So much social media has become toxic in recent years 😫 And this is the reason I've very much withdrawn from social media. I was the moderator / admin for several groups on Facebook. It was fun at first, but now it's just a war against trolls, scammers, and idiots 😫 And a realization that nobody listens and nobody cares. I'd do my best to remove scammers from the group. And I'd do my best to educate the group members about how these scammers operate. I'd even post warnings with examples of what to look for. But I began to feel as though I'm wasting my time. People would ignore my warnings because they "wanted to believe" that these scammers were real 🙏 And surprise surprise! They would end up getting scammed by the very same scammer I had warned everybody about 💸 This is why we can't have nice things...

[@parristaylor]

Wow, you're truly a gem. I'm so sorry that you've had to deal with this shit for so long. What a shame that a vocal minority can throw so much trash. Your transparency and honesty has always been inspirational. Stay strong ❤

[@CodyGratner]

I’ve been watching your videos for years! The first time I remembering seeing you interacting with people online was on Reddit with the Synthrotek misery where you talked about offering to pay to rebrand gearslutz. I have always appreciated you pushing for a less divisive world we can all make art in. I will miss your gear videos. But, I hope to see more science and adventure videos (you and Cameron in the cave is one of my favorite videos in the last year or so). Please be well!

[@WarriorTier]

No one did gear videos quite like you, and I hope that in some capacity they continue in the future. Appreciate everything you do and all the inspiration you’ve provided over the years!

[@MagnitudePerson]

The internet will always be a shit place filled with toxic people, focus on those that matters on here not the random strangers that hurl insults or scream at you, or spread negativity.

[@JayaLove]

One of the things that is cool about your videos is how creative they are. You can and will do that with whatever videos you choose to do.

[@DJClassicAuto]

"The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog." Mark Twain

[@mrgum6y]

Benn, your content is always top quality. Your opinion and insight are valued. Thanks for sharing the journey. Peace

[@mitdemall]

Thanks so much for your old "how to get into modular" video. It made me get a Dfam that is still the heat of my live setup and enabled me for the first time to play live music on my own. This was a moment that changed my life.

[@hvhvgitaar]

Sir, You are one of the best KZbinrs around. After a 40 year break I started making music again a few years ago and your channel has always been informative, inspiring and fun. Your passion and unique approach to showcasing “gear” is a joy to see because everyone can tell you love making music. Don’t let a small noisy minority spoil what you enjoy. By the way, the rushed make-up looks fine 😊

[@llanginger]

Some people suck, your work is consistently great regardless of the focus and while I’m one of those in the “aww” camp, I’m so excited for what’s next!

[@philroodart]

There's always dumb shit surrounding gear... I play guitar and whenever I mention that certain models have neck dive, I am inevitably called an idiot for not knowing how to remedy it and for daring to point out a design flaw in a guitar that I am otherwise praising. A huge part of the musician community is insane with the levels of militant brand loyalty they get angry about.

[@martti7363]

I think we’re all exhausted from gear and things being constantly sold to us when trying to learn production tricks. I don’t blame ya.

[@EnervatedSociety]

You don't have to watch them. It's easy enough. Go to another page. Watch another video. Like turn the screen off. Read a book. Do some calisthenics. Close your eyes. There's endless choices really. There's also channels, smaller channels usually, that just straight talk techniques/composition, ect This isn't one of them BTW.

[@tylerevans1700]

@@EnervatedSociety I think you may have missed the point of the op's comment... *Whoosh*

[@BinauralBae]

I think we're all exhausted of people being absolute fucking dicks more

[@user-ks8ux4ig6b]

I guess I missed it too@@tylerevans1700

[@EnervatedSociety]

@@tylerevans1700 Do tell. What was the point in your view because I don't think I missed the point. I'm disagreeing with the words on the screen. I'm not exhausted from gear and things being constantly sold to me and I'm aware of alternatives. Unless "we" means a specific group of people I'm not aware of the comment is just objectively wrong on that point, and the rest is covered in my previous post. What more could there be to it ?

[@supertwang]

Thank you Benn for all of the great videos you have made and shared. I'm happy if you got some free gear out of the gig! I value that you're sharing an opinion, above all. I can go to the manufacturer's web page for the details. It's a shame that some folks aren't secure enough in their own selves to allow someone the space to hold their own opinion. As for me, I welcome them, respectfully delivered, that are different than my own... I'm open enough sometimes to let that change me, to learn something new and expand my own breadth through that exposure. I hope that the folks who channel their self-expression through toxicity can learn a happier path though life. They've got bigger issues that whatever the latest perceived gear slight they've found, and unfortunately for them those problems will plague them, diminishing their own quality of life until actually dealt with and healed. But I diverge! As for your stated "What's next..." I've always found your "other" videos (ie non-gear denos) much more unique, creative and special. You've got a curious mind that takes you and your viewer on some incredible adventures and a real penchant for sharing that joy and discovery. I've always felt richer, smarter or otherwise uplifted after one of them. I can't wait to see you grow in this direction. You can be damn sure I'll be along for that ride. One day I hope to shake your hand at a conference, club or other venue and give you an abbreviated version of this "Thanks" in person. Screens are ubiquitous, but a real human connection is priceless, however brief. PS. I totally relate to your "Forgetting how to string a sentence together," esp. after the pandemic shift to work-from-home. LOL!!! I just -might- be the guy who talks the ear off of the mailman whenever I bump into them. :)

[@simonboisjoli316]

Man, that was gut-wrenching. I love your channel, I love The Flashbulb and I hope to see and hear more of both in the future.

[@ClifBratcher]

Love your dives into gear that's been around for a bit. Your Evolver and Medusa videos got me dusting off gear I hadn't touched in ages.

[@inperfectsequence7840]

Well, I remember that in the 2000s things could still feel like the 90s, but starting in 2004, everything started to be toxic and boring. So good luck Mr. Ben, I feel lucky not to experience toxic things, I am happy dedicating myself to my job in the music industry and earning a great salary to feed my family. I have the things I need most and they are a lot of musical equipment.

[@NickBaysingar]

I totally understand your decision. Even if 99.9% of death treats from internet trolls are totally empty, you still have to take all of them seriously for your own safety, not to mention the safety of those who are close to you. You just never know with some people out there. Having to deal with that shit would no doubt be stressful for anyone and I can totally see how it would sap all of the fun out of making gear content. Perhaps I'm one of the few that's sad to see you step away from gear videos. The video you made on the FLKey convinced me to pick one up for myself and I have really enjoyed using it. There were plenty of other videos from other creators on it, but you definitely did the best job of demonstrating all of its capabilities and its unique integration with FL Studio. So I for one have always really appreciated your input on both hardware and software.

[@LyliJ]

There are some incredibly toxic people in these spaces. When you’re a woman it’s all that much worse (and you’ve made a video about inequality in the industry which I applaud you for 🎉) you’re amazing and big respect for taking care of your mental health and preserving your integrity! Happy new Year 😊

[@BYAHchase]

You are one of the most transparent and passionate musicians on KZbin. To anyone that made you feel like you are being anything but your sincere self, f**k you. I will never understand why people watch videos just to complain about them. You’re a GOAT, Benn, and so many of us love your content and personality. It’s why us “normal people” (grains of salt and all) that watch content we like… well, watch it. If I don’t like it, I don’t watch it. I don’t care about most sports so I don’t watch much sporting content… who populates their own KZbin feed with content they actively dislike? Sounds like a *SKILL ISSUE* and Benn isn’t the one with said issue… Some of you folks need to get a life or maybe write a song about how you feel because there isn’t much worse cringe than nonproductive “musicians” bagging on real musicians. Unsure how a well priced and cool groovebox is even remotely a hot take. The device involved here is literally called PLAY. I guess your channel isn’t the kind of parasocial drama some of these folks require to find happiness by being a toxic POS behind a keyboard. *BENN YOU RULE - STAY TRUE* ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@maskingtables]

You have been a blessing in the music World. Greetings from a Long and Mcquade Canada employee... I recommend your videos to several customers every week.

[@DerekRNeumann]

Thank you for all the vids thus far. Suggestion for a new series. What if instead of reviewing the gear you explore the synthesis engines and other how it works type content when truly new pieces of hardware come around. For instance, the drone synth was a phenomenal thoughtful and inspiring product vid that also tickled the engineering side of my brain. Cant wait to see whats in store for this channel in the future..!

[@anconaesselmann]

So sorry you are dealing with so much crap. I must have found your channel a bit after that initial incidence (your Spotify video was my first) and since I normally don't read video comments I had no idea. Absolutely love your content and it makes me sad you ended up not being able to feel comfortable having a financial gain from these amazing and thoughtful videos any more.

[@Beatsbasteln]

Yeah I totally get you. I hate having to be a hater on gear in a video. I only do that when I was already in the process of making the video and then got disappointed that moment. but sometimes i even delete these videos before uploading, sometimes even after i already edited them. it's a bit of a waste of time but i don't wanna be negative all the time. we should all strive to mediate what makes us passionate about our craft

[@andreasoberg2021]

Good for you. Best of luck with future projects! This is one reason I do not share videos, dont feel like being flamed.

[@Robilinski83]

Good for you man. I’ve never really watched your gear stuff anyway as I’m a guitarist, but your non-gear stuff is exceptional. Hope you keep that up!

[@Sharpie360]

I need a triple bypass gainstage delay bank reverb slot ultradriver on every instrument, stat!

[@ProfessorHumblesDelusions]

I mostly enjoy your investigative topics. 👍

[@tmappe]

Benn please don’t quit Keep making videos. Doesn’t have to be about gear. I really am enriched by your videos that are about your music research. I love your videos about how animals hear sounds and capturing reverb from tubes in the middle of nowhere.

[@JemmyJoeAGoGo]

I’m sorry you’ve gone through this. I started following this channel because you seem like someone I’d be friends with and will remain watching/hearing what you’re doing.

[@antfactor]

Always quality material, and sincerity. I REALLY enjoy (prefer, even) your more conceptual, philosophical, and documentary works. I think this ‘move’ is a great choice/fantastic fit for you. Thank you for your great work!

[@midsoulmusic]

I’m sorry that you’ve had to deal with all this Benn. Your passion always resonate with me with what you do. Abrazos, from your Honduran Friend, now in ATL.

[@valmax47]

This is sad as hell. It won’t be an exaggeration that you’re my favorite KZbinr and I’m waiting with excitement for everything that’s coming in the future, so much so that in the waiting process I’ve been rewatching your older videos regularly (I saw the physical modelling video around 15 times and by the end of this day I will own 3 plugins you mentioned over there, as Chromaphone 3 is on sale rn). I hope as a result of this decision you won’t be bothered by jackoffs and will have more peace, but remember there are plenty of people who do care and wish you all the best. As always keep creating. Aww.

[@lbcsrw]

I am so grateful for your insights, both into gear and into the process of music production, composition, and business. I've learned so much from you. Thank you.

[@PerChristianFrankplads]

Noooo. I bought Falcon only because of your demonstrations! I hope that you can still let your love or irritation over some gear win you over, and then make a video about it just to share that with the world. It would be sad if you never made anything with gear again, since I and so many others really enjoy how you portray your processes and creativity. It's just very inspiring.

[@thelemetric]

got the polyend play solely on your rave review. still feel robbed everytime I look at the box.

[@recycled_city]

Benn, I was the person from R/synthesizers who approached you a few years before you started this channel to do an AMA, because I’ve been a fan of The Flashbulb for a long time. I am so sorry that you’ve experienced such toxicity and have really found your gear reviews to be the best on KZbin (and also secretly hoped you’d someday review the Jamstik midi guitar), but totally understand and support your choice. I feel like there are way too many people creating gear reviews these days, and not nearly enough discussion about programming and technique. I’d love to see more of a focus on that (like how you programmed some crazy Flashbulb drum patterns in the past vs. how you’d do it now) as a way to encourage actual (electronic) music education instead of appealing to GAS, consumerism, and the often extreme reactions people express online. Whatever you do, I’ll still be tuning in.

[@frenchfingerskater]

I have been listening to your music for 15 years. You literaly opened a whole world before my eyes when I first discovered your musical projects. And even if I am not a musician myself, I enjoy listen to you talking about what you love, even if you feel like you're not qualified to talk about it. I wish you all the best.

[@Wayne_Robinson]

Unfortunately, "this is why we can't have nice things" happens far too often. It's unfortunate but you're probably making the right decision. As an amateur musician composer I'm far from being a gearhead but definitely appreciate seeing & hearing what's new or interesting.

[@LetsAllGame]

@BennJordan I don't want to mess with the survey results but the background hum in the video was absolutely giving me those "Where is that coming from? Is it outside?" vibes. The survey seems to be directed to non-stimulus hum but please do correct me if I'm mistaken.

[@0HHC]

I'm literally watching this near a shipyard and they honk all the time here. That part was spooky lol

[@danielwagner6911]

I really enjoyed the polyend demo. Even though I am not in the market to buy a sequencer. Just interested in how you use gear to create music. Still I had the urge to get such a sick gear.

[@archaicsoul4597]

Just a random thought, but the low rumble could be induction magnets of nearby central air style systems or even cavitation

[@tragus44]

Thank you for everything you do. A lot of good people love what you do and appreciate the time you put into these amazing videos. I have learned so much form you!!

[@SamGrooveTV]

I left the music industry for the same reasons. At the end of the day, it stopped being enjoyable. Glad to hear I'm not the only one who shares this sentiment.

[@aristotleprovidence7060]

I’m glad you were able to share this and get it off your chest. Good luck!!! I’ve always enjoyed watching everything you’ve posted because you’re smarter than most clearly care about what you say and do.

[@LiamDeLaVega]

I don’t make music. I’ve only recently become interested in technology that makes music. Your videos in this space have been entertaining and informative. Your passion for making music is infectious. It is unfortunate that the anonymity of the internet has empowered yet another group of ignorant destructive hateful people to take the joy out of this for you and those of us who enjoyed watching you. It’s completely understandable that you want to distance yourself from this toxicity and I know you’ll find new ways to share your talent and creativity on this channel. To those idiots spewing hate and ridiculousness at creators such as Ben: stop it. Time to grow up find something better to do with your time. It’s not constructive criticism to run around calling people shills. It only exposes your complete lack of understanding of how any of this actually works and exposes how jealous you are of a perceived reality that isn’t even true. Again , Ben, thank you for sharing your enthusiasm and creativity in whatever way you find joy in doing.

[@aaronjones8162]

sucks to hear as I have loved your videos and have made purchases based off your insights. It's sad the internet has become such a toxic place. I rarely read comments, or even comment myself, but I just wanted to give you my support and appreciation. You are an incredibly talented and smart person. You hurt my brain sometimes with the depths of your fundamental knowledges. Your next phase will be bright I'm sure. Much light and peace to you. And thank you.

[@steveimprovises]

It was awesome at 2x. I didn't realize internet toxicity was this bad in this space. I've always preferred your gear videos to any others in the space, kind of reminded me of early SOS reviews (like early 2000s) when they weren't afraid to say things were bad. I think this was a well-balanced rant.

[@pham4925]

Hey Benn! Just wanna say you've been the reason why I got into gear. These videos! That's a totally understandable move. We're not made of iron and some people really can't control their responses. It's a bittersweet feeling for sure but I really hope to see other videos from you! Online experience can be so frustrating and sometimes outright dangerous. Just wanna say I appreciate you for your work and great personality you brought into this space. Peace man

[@l1fef0rm]

you are always the flashbulb to me, have been since the late 90s. i appreciate all the videos you made, but i respect your decision. to be honest, i liked it more when i only knew you as a musician and didn't "know" you as a youtube personality (i mean no offense by that in any way). i know this isn't why you are doing this, but it's my two cents. i hope to see more of your documentary-type videos, but if not that's great too. i know you will always make music, it's in your blood and it's your calling. peace and love and all the luck in the world to you in the future.

[@drewbarries]

I bought the Mercury X based on your review and it’s as great as you described, thanks for what you do!

[@kitralmaro]

Who are you

[@drcustomblades2984]

Im sorry you had such a rough experience. I really enjoy your content and your reviews are very helpful. Thank You for the work you have done thus far! Do what you love and most of all forget them haters!!

[@PrinceWesterburg]

I'll have to win the lottery now and send you every new or obscure piece of gear in existence.

[@Brambified]

Always appreciate the content you put out- probably my favorite channel on KZbin. I'll miss the gear videos but definitely understand your reasoning behind not making them anymore, especially since I'd imagine it takes a massive amount of emotional bandwidth to take on all of the other topics you're passionate about.

[@ThinkerThunker]

Don't quit.

[@wewillrise3663]

relax benny boy

[@chameleonblockstudios]

Does this mean your done with videos exploring a piece of gear altogether? I understand not review beta products and upon release but I do really enjoy those that explore the workflow, or integration into a set up, of something previously released, I hope you'll still be making those.

[@FrequencyMurderation]

Don’t think I’ve even soon your content before but you seem legit as fuck. I’ve been on a music gear journey (if you will) since about 2021 after being a passionate lifelong music lover and something that’s kept me from putting out content of any kind is the idea that this might actually ruin my love and organic enjoyment for this thing of ours

[@pyrox2518]

I think a big challenge for any content maker is to not let negativity and toxicity to get to you. To me this channel is one of the best things to currently be on KZbin and I'm sure that anyone who feels that would rather watch than comment anything about it. Maybe a suggestion would be to completely ditch the comment section and keep doing what you like.

[@phillippeo]

Back in the 90s I dreamt of being a superstar singer songwriter producer but man... these days, I could think of nothing worse than being an 'influencer' or even being famous. Humans have taken a massive u turn since the nineties and have begun to devolve in an unpleasant way. You are well out of it and hats off to you for being public about it. You are not the first and I have seen a real trend in good folk like you following the same course of action. Let the negative toxicity eat itself while you get back to what you were born to do. The best advice I was given in recent years was "how can you be positive and shine if you surround yourself with negative people and darkness"

[@emmanueloluga9770]

I love this Benn. 1:04 shows Communicating fluently is an underrated skill that is taken for granted.

[@MiloCarrete]

Music was good when there was scarcity of instruments and no massification of gear. Now everybody thinks they can make music.

[@-frantsel6403]

Somehow good to hear and really relatable.. I truly hope you are still making your videos! I also stopped checking new gear. It makes me depressed. Maybe its my age, but I stopped buying stuff in general. Doesnt make me happy anymore..

[@CivSkates]

Im sorry that you have faced so much abuse. Honest people are scary to some. Stay authentic. That said, your very best material has always been your curiosity about the art and science of sound. I absolutely love that about you. p.s. Somehow i wasn’t subscribed?! Well, that got sorted.

[@ddeafner]

Sorry you had to go through all that man, your content is very inspiring as I do music myself. Folks are getting way too comfortable with the online bullying smdh.

[@xenoicroots]

I have been tormented my entire life because I am ASD and ADD. And in spite of being very high-functioning in my disabilities and appearing perfectly normal, I now suffer severe anxiety, severe depression, and C-PTSD. I think I've got a pretty good idea where you're coming from. I'm not supposed to say it but, humans are sick and stupid. That's how I ended up disabled and mentally ill; I didn't do it to myself. But hey! Good news: after loosing my house, car, retirement, ability to work, sanity, etc. I can really write some awesome music now! I wish I had words of encouragement for you Ben, but I feel I'm still trying to figure out how to protect myself from those who think its a good thing to cause harm to others... and I'm in my mid 50s. I am super smart in most things, except particularly in the field of understanding humans. Hang in there;

[@SteveSatori]

You are IMO the most articulate person that I watch on KZbin, and with or without gear reviews, it will still be one of my go-to channels. The toxicity of the world won't change that fact, and that toxicity shouldn't hinder your happiness. Keep doing your thing.

[@kioarthurdane]

I appreciate your comments about the sensitivity of in-groups and fandoms, especially when it comes to platforms or "favorite gear". It's a shame that enough people feel they have to defend the "culture" surrounding a product merely because they perceive the cost as being too great to add the new device or to pass, content with the skills and or tools they have at their present reach. Even in the music space, I see and hear occasional backlash at my favorite operating system, criticism at it's manufacturer, and other such old wounds I though healed over from my high school nerd clique. I appreciate the things I love aren't perfect, and I'm sorry those vocal people are not so secure about themselves that they project onto you. I also appreciate how I'm not a public figure like you are in this space, and I appreciate that you are setting your boundaries and attempting to be heard on these. I care for your work, I appreciate your existence, and I have hope for us all.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

I continually reference this video when people give me toxic crap. So sad that you experience this of trying to be genuine about the content you make. It's the loud, toxic, and annoying ones that ruin it for the good ones.

[@BrianScott4555]

I’m done with consumerism myself, have everything I need at this point

[@profpep]

I admire your stand on this, and hope it cools down the toxicity. One reason I rarely go on 'Mod Wiggler', is for similar reasons. Once, having seen a very famous DIY designer get his work ripped off and the abuse he got for defending himself, I did some research. None of the abusive trolls seemed any music posted anywhere. I came to the conclusion the toxicity was due to their failure as music makers, and their buying into the theory that gear=music. This a concept pushed by many gear makers in many spaces, music design photography, and many others which led them down this alley of gear delusion. I think the toxicity is a kind of rage that whatever they buy, it doesn't make them creative. They then volley this out at people who can make stuff. Just keep on doing what you do well. I enjoy your content, will keep watching. Thanks for many good entertainng videos. And to the trolls and abusers: get off the net and make some music - if you actually can.

[@richardgreene3532]

i totally understand. best of luck

[@theclouddweller6947]

Dude, I’ve always enjoyed your content and insights! Do you we respect!

[@leyetnin1]

Good. We all have too much crap.

[@davidblesse2820]

@Benn Jordan it's the way of the internet rn. Gross all around. You do you and love life! Screw the bad vibes of YT. Always grateful for your videos! Looking forward to the next one.

[@scattystormborn]

Are you talking about the choir drone noise? I’m too high for this kind of a test

[@jaywriter2342]

benn, thank you for being an inspiration ever since i stumbled upon your videos while on my journey through the space of synthesizers. you're an awesome gear reviewer. i totally get why you're fed up doing it. fuck the haters, it's strange times we're living in. i wish you all the best! ❤

[@BudzyFoxMX5]

The Flashbulb got me listening to synth music in 2006 and I've seen you live only once at Terminal West a couple years ago (I wish I've been able to see you perform more). But I've only recently found out you had a youtube channel and I really enjoyed your videos, even though I don't play synth music but hope to someday. In that sense, your videos have been enjoyable and I want to thank you for them for when I make the jump into purchasing equipment. Thank you for your time and thank you for the many years of The Flashbulb! I'm excited to see what direction your channel goes.

[@SuperNicktendo]

I'm not part of this demographic but when I was researching a DAC for my microphone the forums were intense about which one was the best. To the point where there was no discussion of the properties of the equipment. Just tribalism. Wild. Keep your chin up.