Should YOU BUY The ISOVOX 2 | ISOMIC?

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This video has been a long time in the making...though it was worth it.
Not going to lie...this thing is cool.
There are some things to consider though...
BUY the ISOVOX2
US Link - amzn.to/3AI7rlh
UK Link - amzn.to/3slUElw
Canada Link - amzn.to/3jRrC9y
Buy the ISOMIC
US Link - amzn.to/3ALdO7f
UK Link - N/A
Canada Link - N/A
My Instagram - @darkcornerstudios
My Twitter - @DarkCornerYT
Timestamps -
00:00 Intro
00:18 Disclaimer
00:35 What is it??
01:03 Build Quality
01:47 ISOMIC
02:17 Specs
03:15 What makes the ISOMIC special?
03:57 ISOVOX 2 Kitchen Test
05:34 Inside Ambient Testing
05:54 Outside Ambient Testing
06:40 Whisper Test
07:10 Female Voice Test
08:30 ISOMIC Final Thoughts
09:04 Other Mics In ISOVOX 2
09:33 AKG P420
10:16 TZ Audio Products Stellar X2
11:02 That Awkward Convo About Cost
12:25 Should You Buy It?
12:57 Final Thoughts
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My Gear -
Mics - RODE NT2A - amzn.to/2WWQTnn
- TZ Audio Products Stellar X2 - amzn.to/3gHTj0X
Mixer - Arturia Audiofuse Studio - amzn.to/33kSBnq
Secondary Boom Arm - amzn.to/2WBhveB
Camera - Canon T7i - amzn.to/2X3yTYi
Lenses - Canon 50mm 1.8 - amzn.to/2LxiI0k
Canon 24mm 2.8 - amzn.to/2zF96Ok

[@princessl.d.g.]

I went ahead to purchased the ISOVOX for my ISOVOX, and it drastically improved my audio. Sure there is a bit of low frequencies, but you can easily EQ those out. I'm glad I chose not to listen to all the negative reviews 😊

[@fission5324]

Your kitchen sounds better than my treated bedroom studio

[@kinghengkeithleung3931]

agree!

[@retrogamingbygones4454]

I'm shocked how good the AKG P420 sounded in the booth. I wasn't a huge fan in your original review, but the Isovox seems to emphasize lows and slightly tame highs naturally. And personally, I'd rather repurpose a closet somewhere in my home, as I'm not sure I could tolerate any length of time with that on my head. But for a traveling voice artist, this would be great. Great review, Aiden.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Thanks... Just to clarify...you would prefer a closed and FULL closet over this? Perhaps it's my low level claustrophobia speaking

[@tomnaumann2104]

Nice, helpful video. Can you shoot a small follow up showing how a conventionally sized condenser mic would fit inside (U67 size, for instance)? Most photos just show the mic that comes with the box. Thanks!

[@ap48187]

Audiobook narrator here, who is moving to NYC. I just may have to indulge in getting one of these. I've heard so many negative comments, that it was good to hear the positive ones. It seems like a good solution, considering a lot of narrators perform in closets that can give a boxy sound to begin with.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I don't know why there is such negativity. Outside of a closet setup...which is exhausting to read in...there really is no other option at this price point. It sounds amazing and fits a LOT of mics

[@LEYGSL]

The intro was hilarious, thanks for the review.

[@stevekrumlauf8178]

Thank you for mentioning the advisability of using the Isovox 2 if you are recording audiobooks in an apartment. I deal with both scenarios on a daily basis. And I upgraded to the Isovox 2 several years ago from an enclosed, three panel, moving blanket and mattress pad foam-lined privacy screen set end-to-end with a second-identically-lined three panel privacy screen. The difference is night and day. For some strange reason, Isovox decided to make a cheaper version of the Isovox 2, a huge business and marketing mistake in my view.

[@EsQuizzyMusic]

Wow - when you whispered into the IsoMic… that just… wow. Thanks man for this video! =)

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Cheers and thanks for watching

[@cmd_f5]

I kinda wanna get one of these for metal vocals. Not only room verb killing but the deadening of the sound outside the box as you said. It's an investment though, I would have to use it plenty to justify it and right now I'm more writing instrumental music. Hmm. Back burner for now :) Awesome review!

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

@Dark Corner Studios unfortunately, there was no level matching between your voice in the kitchen vs in the booth (1st test). It was difficult for me (and likely others) to get a solid ambience comparison without the level matching, in addition to the vocal level boost with your proximity to the microphone.

[@JothanGurr]

The X2 still sounds so smooth even in a box!

[@jediisafella6262]

Actually pretty surprised by the performance of this thing. Seems like a pretty good deal if you don't have the space to have a booth/don't have the money to fully sound proof your room or even if you just don't want to spend the time sound proofing your room (since it can take a good amount of time)

[@jediisafella6262]

I enjoyed the video btw! Keep up the great work

[@DarkCornerStudios]

It is really quite good. Kinda blew me away when I started playing with it.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Cheers and thank you!

[@lyndonirvine3531]

I just got the Isovox 2. Question. What mic stand do you use? And is it adjustable so I can sit as well as stand

[@BkuBrown]

Need to know more about how to remove the boxy sound

[@princessl.d.g.]

Great review! This is one of the few positive reviews of this product. 😊

[@klutzycutie]

I want to save up to get one. I saw this one voice over artist who decided to live in a van and got one herself so he can work from her van life while still having a great audio sound.

[@tasteapiana]

I've yet to find a better solution than 2 mic stands, in T positions just above head height, with packing blankets and curtains draped over them in a V shape in a large stone room, with floor and ceiling open, bare, no carpet. When there are no reflections the human voice just sounds weird and to my ear the chest is where the best bass inflection comes from. Since 120hz and 240hz are the points at which sound has the least tendency to swing toward absorption or reflection those DO lend support to frequencies octaves up that are reflection prone, ie they are super important to keep from activating proximity at higher volumes. In my setup, when the volume of the voice goes up it slightly overcomes the damping, which is good, then when it ramps down there is a large contrast with the more reverberant louder passages which gives intimacy. In a box, you just get more of the nasally frequencies fighting with the proximity effect, a fake intimacy where one end of that contrast is overtly there while the other strangely disappears, then the reverse when dynamics change, yuk. That's fine for a lot of radio or VO work at consistent dynamics because we expect that Wolfman Jack thing (some dude talking to you in a cubical of a VIP room, likely about whores or cocaine he's selling) in those situations, but for any vocalist doing dynamic work, no, just no. I applaud their effort but they are trying to make a perpetual motion machine out of redundant logic. As for ''vocal booths'', also, no. Dead is dead, so if you want to evoke Roger Waters whispering creepy etudes about his fkd up childhood into a museum piece Neumann for your Wall moments, have at it, but, for me, nah. Hard pass on that jazz meets ''rock'' brain fkd and by default super depressive no matter what you're transmitting because it sounds like it is echoing inside of your empty head instead of any real space no matter what synthetic reverb you put on it thing. Great video, though. Listen back to a few hours of Sinatra recordings from the 50s and 60s and realize, really wrap your head around how absolute boss he comes off and strive to figure out why, learn to hear that kind of presence. Those were big rooms with gobos, no dickpullery. I like your presentation style.

[@kian.concepcion]

Thank you for the in-depth review! Is there a close product alternative to the Isovox?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Not really that I know of. Blanket forts?

[@entmedias4965]

t.Akustik Vocal Head Booth

[@kian.concepcion]

@@entmedias4965 thanks a lot!!

[@brianajohnson1689]

Hey, any ideas if the isovox would work if you do ADR work for dubbing? Especially if you are receiving live directing?

[@politicalsideshow]

I love my Stellar X2! This Box is very cool.

[@Ms.MaryFox]

Amazing, however I wish to see how it's look like or feels holding a book inside the box. is it tiring? possible?

[@daviddecker2]

Where would the copy being read be placed?

[@princessl.d.g.]

I'm curious how this will sound on my voice using the Neumann TLM 49. 🤔

[@imminlynnprodution5287]

How do i read off of paper or lyrics from my phone

[@d42]

it seems like the perfect mic. why is not more popular?

[@kris.monroe]

Stuff like this is great, but what would you do about copy or punch and roll situations? Would you have to rely on an ipad and muscle memory on a key board you can't see? Simply curious. Thanks!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

It's not hard to look down to a keyboard. You aren't as closed in as you might think...

[@kris.monroe]

@@DarkCornerStudios Good to know! I see there's a decent amount of room to stand in it but you're right, it must have more room that I think. Are you thinking of doing a sort of follow up video to this? I'd love to see some more footage of real-life use, especially concerning long session usage. It's definitely and interesting product that could solve a ton of issues for a lot of home studio scenarios and traveling work! Thanks for the reply!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@kris.monroe nothing at the moment...though I am including a test of each mic I review in the Isovox2 Perhaps if I start doing more long-form I will...for now though I tend to be rather busy

[@TheKatchutes]

DAW’s like Logic have an app so you can have your phone in your hand and look down to punch in and out.

[@eriklyon1068]

Would love your thoughts about the ventilation. The manual says not to use it for more than 2 minutes at a time, and take 5 minute breaks between each 2 minutes session. I can't tell if that's major over compensation to cover their asses or if that's something to take seriously. I started setting mine up and read that in the manual and now I'm debating getting rid of it.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Fascinating...I didnt see that when going through the manual. I have spent probably max 7 minutes at a time in there and I have had no issues. That said...I am in a well treated environment and I can just keep the back flap open if need be. Still though...I should get a CO2 tester to see what kind of levels get built up in there.

[@eriklyon1068]

@@DarkCornerStudios thanks for the response! I haven’t seen anyone mention it online in my searches, and I’ve watched a couple well put together review/overview vids on it to no avail, but it’s definitely in the manual. I’d be very interested in the results if you tested that kind of thing out.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@eriklyon1068 stay tuned...gonna track down a co2 sensor

[@skyace888]

Thanks for the video! I do voiceover work and am currently looking to upgrade my setup. Considering this solution vs a treated room with a quality mic or perhaps even recording in my closet. Unfortunately there aren't any local dealers that stock the IsoVox or IsoMic so I can't test it out myself before paying thousands. :( Maybe next time I head to NY I can try it out at one of the many shops there.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I know right? It is a tough purchase in that regard.

[@skyace888]

@@DarkCornerStudios Yes for sure. Pretty much just Guitar Center and Sam Ash here in South Florida. Neither stock the items in-store. I'm actually renting a TLM103 and Manley Reference Cardioid mics from Sam Ash for a week to get a feel for them. That has been helpful. Will see if I can rent some other mics as well.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@skyace888 it is a great way to nail down what you are looking for. Make sure you keep a recorded clip...and put it side by side with the other mics...

[@skyace888]

@Yippee Skippy Thanks for the detailed reply! I ended up just using my closet for now and bought some GIK bass traps for the ceiling. For XLR cables I use Mogami. Haven't bought the main mic yet but leaning towards the MKH416 for it's flexibility in other scenarios as well as the noise rejection. I use a MixPre 3 II recorder. Also been looking into Atlanta Voiceover Studios and may do an online class with them soon. Take care...

[@glazersout4272]

Have you done a review of the VOMO?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I have not...I will reach out to see what they say

[@janfriberg_]

It looks like you have the arms outside the box all the time, so how do you change page or scroll text when you read inside the box?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Easy to get a scroller app...and you can get your arms in the box...its not as small as you might think

[@Isovoxbooth]

There is room for you to put your hand inside =) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnTHlXypZrlniLM

A couple questions. How can you read a book for voice over in there? A. 2. I have neighbors with dogs that dont bark, they high pitch squeek. Will this drown that out. And C, what kind of camera can you fit in there? A gopro or cell phone? I couldnt imagine putting my 90D inside that with. Sigma 18-35mm lens. BTW, great video, i wish i had a basement to shoot in, too. Thanks Aiden!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

You can get a cellphone or a go pro in...but you'd need a very wide angle if you were gonna use a camera. The squeaks from dogs should be fine...sadly though...impossible to tell. Something I can't recreate here. A book? Well...I would go for a pdf on a tablet. Book in there would be rather loud. Worth a shot though

@@DarkCornerStudios maybe a decibel reading inside the booth from an airhorn blown outside the booth? I feel like a tasteless joke about sending you my neighbor's dogs should go here somewhere. Anyways, thanks for your time. It seems that the majority of my tech subscriptions are from Canadian channels because Casey Neistat lies!😆

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@ fair... We have 3 dogs...and one is a whiny Great Dane. Pretty sure that is worse

[@Isovoxbooth]

You can use a tablet like this =) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYW8qXeXrtFml9U

[@itscarlosreally]

Okay, I was seriously considering getting one of these. Given where I live, it would cost more than the usual arm and a leg. Thank you for this.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Depending on the quality of the arm and leg I suppose?

[@itscarlosreally]

@@DarkCornerStudios Man, good point. Might have to go out on a limb.

[@freebeats6061]

bro ,are you the guy that spoke on wctr radio station in gta san andreas, i swear u sound like him... it was even more realistic when u spoke to ur wyf and then back to us... the mood and attitude was 100% him .👀 bro

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Though my voice has been heard on several radio stations...I have NOT been on any in a video game. If Rockstar wants to change that...they know where I am...lol

[@daveycrockett9447]

Hell no- not for the price they are selling it for.

[@PharaohLawLess1]

I have the Isovox 2 and I must warn everyone ....do not use the isovox on a 90 degree day. lol. I use it with my AKG c414 XLS. I definitely have to use my Maag EQ2 to add some air to my voice bcuz this device is very bass responsive

[@ellisgl]

I'm sad that you didn't test a Newer NW-700/800. 😂 But doesn't look like it would nice to use with a RE20.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

It will fit if you don't have the shockmount....

[@ellisgl]

@@DarkCornerStudios duct tape it in place, eh?

[@trenillo]

When your wife was in the box, your mic outside the box sounded way better. With her mic you could really hear the low end rumble of the room.

[@CypiXmusic]

Thought I'm the only one noticing. That felt odd.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

You do realize my mic sounded so much better because I am in a fully treated studio. Hardly a balanced comparison

[@bigtastyben5119]

Yo Aiden, could you view a copy or note for narrations and audiobooks when using this, that's my biggest concern. Cheers

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Yes...the box is very well lit

[@bigtastyben5119]

@@DarkCornerStudios sorry that was poorly worded on my part I wasn't talking about light lol I meant like space to view a tablet or paper script lol

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@bigtastyben5119 yes to that as well...though paper might be a tad loud in there. I would run with a tablet

[@bigtastyben5119]

@@DarkCornerStudios aight thanks man,!

[@bigtastyben5119]

@Yippee Skippy Didn't ask

[@officialchannel1292]

is this good for singers?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I know Laura Jane Grace from Against Me! used it

[@producerhat]

I agree, it's good for a VoiceOver booth -- however, as you can see on my review, it is a terrible option for anyone wanting quality vocal recordings for music production.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

The idea that the singer from Against Me has been using this for the past two years tends to disagree. I didnt find many problems with it...

[@producerhat]

@@DarkCornerStudios I can understand that viewpoint given your situation :) just giving my honest feedback with examples. Thanks for the reply 😎

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@producerhat To be clear...I am not offended. So much is lost in the text here. OK to disagree...and honestly a testament to different testing scenarios and what can go right and/or wrong

[@pastorseanlester]

How do you read a script in that thing?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I use my phone or an ipad...it does fit

[@pastorseanlester]

@@DarkCornerStudios and you can get your hand in there to scroll? Demo?

[@peculiarchap]

How about for neighbors? if you sing really high and loud, can they hear you?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

It does a fantastic job of attenuation. There are a few videos out there of metal singers testing this...its rather impressive

[@Dr.P.I.]

Iiiiiiiiim the maaaaan in the BOX. Chung. Chung. Chung Chung. Chung. Chung. 🤟🏼

[@ronbeaviens561]

"Great"

[@bladethewitch1442]

But why is the box by itself 1k ? No mic, just a booth with a stand! No way makes no sense.

[@KeenApollo]

No real good mic is going to come under 500 alone so to think this and a mic should be included is fucking insane. You guys should stop being so cheap. Invest in your craft.

[@nagomizik9358]

F ‘ that ! They can keep it🤯

[@asianguy6174]

What if you don’t use the mic.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Like...just have a box? I actually show what it sounds like with a few different mics

[@ChrisFineganTunes]

You should have got Brad Pitt to help out with the 'wife's head in a box' section.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

"Whats in the box?!?!"

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Lil bit of glue perhaps

[@WriterZeye]

999 ponies, whoosh, that's a lotta neighing!!!! Stand not included.

[@UnusualAudio]

No chin-strap? Im out.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

If you don't have the gumption to install one yourself you are missing out!!

[@brandoncharleswhite7893]

For $2300 You could probably professionally treat a whole home studio room for the price of this setup

[@DarkCornerStudios]

That all depends on your space...also...not everyone has room for a studio.

[@brandoncharleswhite7893]

True, that's just from my perspective. It is cool for a professional VO artist or vocalist possibly but most of them have their own space for recording or go to a studio. It looks and sounds amazing and for the right person would be awesome.

[@brandoncharleswhite7893]

Love the channel though man keep it up

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Cheers and thanks! No plan to stop now

[@tulsamcclean]

Sounds like your head is in a box.

[@tricogustrico]

Claustrophobia, also it may get hot in there, no it is not for me.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

It's not that bad...I find the closet hotter... But fair.

[@Isovoxbooth]

There is plenty of space in there kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnTHlXypZrlniLM And The ISOVOX 2 has a passive air ventilated construction that allows air to come in and out.⁠ Breaks according to the included manual are recommended.

[@mikebauer6917]

God no.