I AM NO LONGER REVIEWING CHEAP CONSUMER GEAR!!

I use Epidemic Sound, sign up for a 30-day free trial here - www.epidemicso...
Join the Dark Corner Studios Discord!! - / discord
My Instagram - @darkcornerstudios
My Twitter - @DarkCornerYT
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My Gear -
Mics - Sennheiser MKH416 - amzn.to/40D8IIr
Mixer - Arturia Audiofuse Studio - amzn.to/3swdBq0
Boom Arm - amzn.to/3FY56XP
Camera - Canon T7i - amzn.to/49w6xu8
Lenses - Sigma - 18-35 f1.8 - amzn.to/3QPaOBQ

[@soulmanager]

You are just a glorified sad character.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Sad? Not whatsoever. Glorified? Who doth donne their glory upon me? Odd thing to complain about on a video like this. Seek help if you are triggered by opinions on audio gear

[@soulmanager]

What triggers me is you. You are sickening.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Lol...again...seek help buddy

[@soulmanager]

@@DarkCornerStudios I did something better, I just muted this sad channel from my notifications, that way I don't even get reminded of your existence.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@soulmanager lol

[@randomsphagetti3404]

Personally, I tend to like your videos on cheap consumer gear, because I wish to buy something in that range. Honestly, your videos have helped me from wasting money I could not make back. I totally understand why you choose not to make videos on that topic, though. Cheers either way.

[@newfoundmass]

I totally get where you're coming from. I guess my biggest issue, or more a concern, is that there are people on a lower budget who could benefit from genuine honest reviews on that lower end gear. These companies flood easily influenced KZbinrs with this gear, knowing that they will be positive because they want free gear or feel important working with companies. A voice that counters this is much needed, though I understand if that's a task you don't want.

[@TheGeekGauntletPodcast]

I guess my issue with this is and it’s the same issue I have MKBHD is that only high end tech gets reviewed. We needs voices to where mid tier tech gets reviewed as well. Not everyone can afford high priced gear to get into the content creation space. I get it and you do you but to have a honest voice in the mid tech space to me is invaluable..

[@-adelalqatmeh3141]

Believe me, the reason I subscribe to this channel is your credibility, impartiality, and highlighting the defects of products before their advantages, Keep Going

[@ActionPopCast]

You do what suits your channel. I've bought some crap in the last 2 years and ultimately I took your advice and got an SM58 which I should have done at the start saving me ££££. I'm Looking forward to all your future reviews 🤘🤘

[@AskJoe]

I understand your motivation. I got an early copy of a low end mic that claimed to have the sound of a Neumann TLM 103 for under $300, so I compared it to a real one in a Whisper Room and I considered it a positive review of a budget friendly alternative. They asked me to remove it and to not to compare it to the Neumann. I spent hours on that review, so I removed it, and compared it to an even cheaper $50 mic. Suffice it to say, they didn't like it either because it sounded almost as good for even less, but that's the one I kept online and I made a similar decision to stick to trusted brands unless I stumble on an exceptional product that deserves my time. By contrast, when I did a review of an early Shure MV7 and pointed out some issues, they actually reached out to confirm what I found and eventually fixed the issues, but never asked me to remove the video.

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

Why i trust shure and rode the most

[@emergingloki]

I can see where you are coming from, and I get it, but please keep an eye on that market segment. It's quite possible one of the budget manufacturers will come out with a real humdinger or two, and we'd like your take on it. I've used to holy trinity of you, obscure and podcastage to guide several purchases; you haven't steared me wrong.

[@kyleethekelt]

Aiden, I for one appreciate your honesty. It is a rarity online. Don't let those whose reason can't even out last one breath put you off.

[@doubledeckers]

Probably for the best. I really appreciate your honest reviews such as those about Zoom hand-held recorders. It's infuriating to be misled and discover what you've bought is landfill. Having grown up in the 70s, to me an SM58 seems pretty inexpensive for what you get.

[@juanraden]

nah, the pd100x is straight up plastic garbage.

[@rickonmic]

It's sad that it has come to this. Totally understandable though. The IEM subreddit has the same type of people. They get mad when you say anything bad about KZ (cheap manufacturer with shady practices).

[@mycosys]

*applause* The grandmother jokes....... obviously

[@DeletedRedactedConfidential]

Great. No more reviews on cheap garbage gear that I can disagree with because I find it fun. Happy Monday.

[@musicalneptunian]

What? I will defend the Cult of the Blue Snowball!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Bahahaha

[@raymota4515]

@@DarkCornerStudios translation to Engtrish: dfghjwe rtyucvbnmsdfghjkl Got it?

[@raymota4515]

I very much appreciate your critiques and honesty. Be true to yourself and you'll always be true to me.

[@UnusualAudio]

Wait, surely that doesn't include industry giants like BBeiyy, Anykuu, BZXZB, MillSO, or even Boland?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

No...just the Amazon wonders of the world...lol

[@KillahKuin]

I want to get serious in voice over, and for that I need to upgrade my blue yeti nano -I know, I know-. I'm undecided between buying a Rode NT1 Signature Series + Arturia Minifuse/Scarlet Solo, or a 5th generation Rode NT1 -for the USB-. The price difference is going to be very small, but I'd like to ask if it's worth buying the interface + microphone combo or if the 5th generation USB produces the same sound.

[@hmurchison8123]

Kept it a buck. This is why I sub. I bought my kids the Maono stuff for a starter and it is what I paid for. It's not a Rodecaster and i'm ok with that. There's a few too many people saying "this stuff from brand x is just as good as the more expensive stuff". Typically that's not really truthful. You get what you pay for as a general rule.

[@LukeONYOURSELF]

Come for the cool new gear, stay for the grandma jokes!

[@benjiang9789]

You may rephrase it as "I AM NO LONGER REVIEWING CHEAP CONSUMER GEAR but affordable products."

[@jenky1044]

I appreciate your honesty. Even if I own something that didn't do well with your test. I feel lucky that you found the problem and now I'm aware of it. (I don't get pissy about purchases I've made. Because that's on me). I think you do a great job, thank you, sir.

[@user-fz5qk6xe6y]

Hey man.., glad to hear this. Really looking forward to see your new approach. We all know cheap eventually ends up being more expensive, so having thorough reviews of expensive gear is better for those of us looking to make the right buy just once if possible. By the way, having a similar voice to yours, I was wondering if you could do a AT 4047 SV (not the multipattern one, the cardoid version only) review, it is a mic that where I live no one has it and have not been able to try it out myself. And no one has done a review for it.

[@steve.schaeffer]

My grandmother said "If you don't have anything nice to say, come sit by me!"

[@RichardMitchell1829]

I'll also chime in that I enjoy the cheap hardware reviews. I think as long as you say, in clear language, that the hardware isn't professional, has serious limitations, will lose value quickly, poor support, only works (or doesn't) in specific applications, etc. etc. I think it adds value. I've mentioned to people who want to start podcasting and the initial purchase of a $500+ rig is their reason for not starting. These people could start with a $75 rig to get started, and it would be OK. The hardware doesn't matter at the start. Let them thumbs down you... own it as a badge.

[@blakecamp5848]

As a fellow Kanuck I enjoy your honesty on the products you review. I may not always agree but what you say does go into the mix when do I research on a future/ or up coming purchase. To your naysayers I say ESADMF.😊

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@blakecamp5848 welcome fellow person who lives where the wind hurts our faces!

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

If it wasnt because of the fact that I make gaming vids straight from the ps5 I would have stopped using crappy gear with the blue yeti when everyone who wasnt in the audio community recommended it. My last cheap purchase will be the fifine am8 because I'm sick of the tonor td510

[@meistudiony]

Im with you. I did a couple of fifine things and called it quits on those things. Anyone that gets their info from GS is rolling the dice lol. The misinformation is rampant. Its a shame, maono, when i first worked with them were very open to criticism. The last product I did with that was a little less receptive, and I don't even give opinions in my videos for the most part. You do you man, its YOUR channel and whatever you decide is best for you is what we as viewers will choose (or not) to consume. You can always turn course later on if you feel the need!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I think this is a pretty decent decision...and one that I don't think I am going to regret. I felt the same way about banning most USB mics from my channel. That was a great decision too...

[@chronicmayhem]

i no longer have it, sold it..,,but when i had a Maono PD400x it seemed pretty decent.

[@OttoisOhio]

Behiringer xm1800 gang assemble!

[@nrjonesy]

Ended up watching the channel as it's always entertaining.. often talking about gear I would probably never buy as it's sometimes niche or way outside my price range for something I might not really be able to use that much or get the best out of.. but often I'd learn something about sound gear or brands that I simply didnt know.. and definately learn about stuff that is useful and stuff I would buy! The cheap consumer gear content seemed to me to be about stuff I "can afford" but "why would I even want to buy it".. I wont miss your change to not review it.

[@TheMuffinCaptain]

While I understand and agree with your reasoning, the decision selfishly upsets me. Just recently found your content and immediately subscribed. Your take on reviewing these cheaper consumer products was straight forward, information based, and always seemed 100% honest. If things change in the future, great, if not, looking forward to all of your other content.

[@rounderone8437]

Good for you! The viewer is responsible for buying a crappy mic, and someone should tell them that objecting to an honest review (like any of yours) will not make their crappy mic good. So sad!

[@marinrealestatephotography]

I would suggest that a lot of the down votes are NOT people who are upset that you didn't partake in their confirmation bias. Instead, I would think that a lot of the down votes are for people who tried to express their disdain for the PRODUCT by giving a down vote for the video. It's kind of like how on Amazon, there will be a lot of 1-star reviews for a product because they were sent the wrong product, or the post office / amazon driver lost the package, or the neigbor's dog used the package as a toilet, or the shopper meant to order a medium size instead of a large size and they got upset when they received the large size that they ordered. Or because their stainless steel skillet isn't "non-stick" when stainless steel skillets were never claimed to be non-stick.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@marinrealestatephotography judging by the vitriol and disdain I have received in the comments...I doubt it. That occurance is also something that would exist throughput my videos...and it does not. Sadly I think it's just the way the world works these days

[@mtwsilent]

Hi, can you recommend any good microphone with great sound, USB connection and a button to mute the microphone on the microphone itself? And preferably it should be dynamic, not condenser. Is there anything really good under 100$?

[@FIFINE]

Just found out that we came into Aiden's videos again, but it seems to be the very last time. Don't know what to say about this, since we're also part of the subjects in this video and we didn't take care of the issue with the K688, the mic you reviewed last year quite well. But the dislike ratio may not have much to do with the crazy fans, instead, it could just be the controversial pricing or the budget imaging. Whatever products can draw a wide range of likes or hate as long as they have an exceptionally low price tag. So we kind of see why choosing not to review budget products, namely consumer-level gear is the last sort in some cases. For people who have just started with a limited budget, they want to have every penny well spent, so it's crucial to get as many opinions as possible from others and the pros. And we always try to be one of those roles to guide the viewers to choose the product properly and wisely, so that they don't regret their purchase and we don't get the wrong sales. As a brand, we also cherish the views of customers and experts! That's why we always face up to critical videos since we take them as the most effective way to make spot-on improvements. Not just the ones that get mostly reviewed, but the seemingly the same ones. So it could be the business practice to flood similar products to the market, but we do it in our own way to make them get improved little by little and thus differentiate them from each other. And in these processes, we all need brutally honest reviews. But anyway, as we always say under other videos we really enjoy the insight of the audio field that you share with every one of us in all your videos.

[@GarretClaridgeMeerkat]

Don't worry about numbers, Interaction of any kind on this site helps you, can even tell people to dislike! Also agree with everything said here, I constantly get emails for review requests, I did one long ago with BenQ with a speaker but it was stolen from me before I could review it, Felt awful about that

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Not really bothered by numbers on either side. That said...I don't like feeling like a pawn for companies to try and get positive reviews.

[@SmokeDaJitt]

As someone who's worked with both brands I COMPLETELY agree with you. Some decent agents, but they go for view farming cash cows who will accept the minimum theyre willing to offer you for HOURS of work you put in to create the content. I did like my PD200X, but I accept it for what it is at its price. Especially for just casual gaming and discord. I have a Focusrite interface and a MV7 (wish I'd of bought the DCM8😫) for anything I need better quality for. I was excited to try the interface, as I have a love for tech and it all started because I wanted to learn algorithms for music. Though now I may pass... I'm no pro and often refer to you and others to learn more as I'm fairly young. No matter what you make I trust and appreciate the videos you produce.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@SmokeDaJitt thank you for the kind words!

[@SmokeDaJitt]

@@DarkCornerStudios always! Thank you for being genuine, down to earth, and helpful. 🫂

[@theawsomekicker]

You forgot Audio Haze. He teaches is on the same level as Tom Buck,just with a different style.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@theawsomekicker yeah...to be honest I missed several. Hard to point them all out.

[@koenignero]

Thank you! There are already enough Channel reviewing (and praising) cheap BS Gear.

[@voiceshrey]

Hi I just came across to your channel and it is very intersing and informative. Many things to be learned from it ❤. I am from India and an aispiring Voice Over artiste . Want to buy a mic but as i am begginner dont want to go for extra setup like audio interface etc. Also i dont have a proper acoustic treated place for recording and will be doing some adjustments with either pillow/foam etc. So need an expert advice about the mic (i think i have only got an option of USB mic or ?) Looking forward to hear from you. Cheers

[@tomwatson283]

"CHEAP CONSUMER GEAR"? I thought your videos were brilliant. Some folks can't remember 4 years ago, let alone 40. Price per product were not in our simple "consumer" lives. Everybody's gotta start somewhere? And I'm quite sure after your reviews someone would have started a great career? and moved on to something more "professional". I'm sure you'll do more in the future. When you're on to a winning formula, why change it? Or at least that part of it? After all - Consumer or professional? Isn't it all about how you use it?

[@rombsix]

I think you're doing quite the (Fi)fine job with your channel, and I would watch your videos even if you recorded them in m(a)ono. :) (sorry, just trying to lighten up the mood - we love you!)

[@Eldon.308]

Hit me with the truth and nothing but the truth.love your videos and respect what you do

[@marko1314]

I think all products for all pockets should be honestly reviewed - lntially l incorrectly assumed your reasons for doing this would be some sort of elitist brand snobbery - However after listening to your defence l can see exactly where your coming from - Fair enough and carry on - Cheers 😊👍

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Lol

[@PiriyaSambandaraksa]

I subscribed to your channel for your honesty. When I sense bs I would just unsub. Just wanted to say I love what you do.

[@ILikeIT-UK]

I found your channel last year (2023), when I was looking for reviews into a microphones and audio equipment (Both Rode) that I was looking at purchasing. I stayed for the content and the personality. The product reviews inform and entertain. I enjoy the reviews on "Bad" products. How are you defining what is or is not consumer?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Basically the egregiously inexpensive stuff...like the Maono and Fifine... Anything that is not sold at actual music stores...lol

[@ysamuelarai]

@@DarkCornerStudios What music store? Sam Ash? 😆

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@ysamuelarai anything reputable

[@frogboyx1Gaming]

LOL I watched this video and my Fifine AM8 literally just turned into crap after a day and a HALF. I too am done reviewing cheap stuff

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@frogboyx1Gaming oof...that sucks

[@BojanBojovic]

What is considered cheap and what consumer? 😃 Ask those at Gearsnobs and this will be everything below the U67 and Fairchild 660. 😁

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Nah...we all know the line. It's the Amazon lineup

[@BukanIbuMu]

Even the U87 is hated on Gearsnobs.

[@poorpoppa]

I AM NO LONGER REVIEWING CHEAP CONSUMER GEAR? I hope you start doing Keyboards because your CAPS Lock is stuck " Points at your Title" lol just kidding, and thanks for your reviews in the past! from your honest reviews I use a Fifine k688 and it's great!

[@Rustwhiper]

I have to agree with you, I'm just a gamer and use discord and bought the RGB fifine mic he looked at! will you start doing mic reviews PPT?

[@poorpoppa]

@@Rustwhiper Not really my thing, I just do tech, Linux and retro emulation, OBS/MELD/PRISM etc. I myself go to channels like his for Mic's and stuff.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Lol...I can't help it...I'm a sucker for attention

[@poorpoppa]

@@DarkCornerStudios I look forward to see your new direction!

[@MichaelW.1980]

I agree with that by now. But I would rule out consumer gear in general. No matter the company. And that includes certain Products by Shure and RØDE. I won’t name them, but people, who can see behind the hype, will most likely know, which ones I hint here. Anyhow.. I’ve seen lots of consumer and so-called „streamer“ gear, that wasn’t up to scratch or that broke on users early, if they weren’t dead on arrival.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Yeah...any large scale release...especially of first gen concepts may run up against stuff like that. And avoid only listening to opinions in a vacuum People who are annoyed (rightfully so) by a product not working tend to be the loudest online. Also...those same people tend to vent online before even calling the company for help. Millions of those products sold. Tonnes of people happy. Yet those aren't the people online giving testimonials. Just a thought.

[@orvet]

👍🏻

[@ImAWSMDanny]

I am here for purchase validation, not an honest review backed up with objective data and professional expertise.

[@merjaymermanph]

I saw your video before buying the Maono Neo g1. But i still bought it because its just affordable. Well, i have a Yamaha ag06 which is a superior interface/ mixer .. 😅 but its okey. I got superior brands and not a newbie anymore. Im here to explore 😅 and will let you know my experience in that brand. 😅

[@davekojo87]

I'm just hear for the jokes... or is this the wrong channel for audio puns

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Nope...right where you need to be!

[@sobaturov]

Hi! I’m try to buy my setup for studio podcast. Budget setup. No want to choose rodecaster on start and rode Podmic) plz) what you can recommend 400-600$ budget for 2 mic and interface ? I shoot video podcast (now with lavalier mic)

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Two sm58s and a Vocaster Two

[@sobaturov]

@@DarkCornerStudios sm58s not podcast like mic (for me) and vocaster two out of stock…

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@sobaturov sm58 is one of the best investment mics you can buy...podtrack P4 works too

[@sobaturov]

@@DarkCornerStudios thx!

[@FURYCastMedia]

To be honest, we don't watch your videos on the crap. Something about a company putting out an end address microphone, and yet every one of their own promo pics shows people using them as a side address. We just don't waste our time and are very glad to see you won't be either.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Cheers!

[@h1i0a]

I saw your two review but whay you want to stop if you don’t care about the numbers …yes i have one of maono products i have pd100 and i agree not all companies have good products there is some crap …. in my opinion all cheap interface from fifine or maono or there company that have buttons and sliders with are crap i have teyun q12 it can’t handle my pd100 when i try to buy good interface but not expensive i didn’t find any thing good.

[@h1i0a]

they say q12 is good one from all mid yt reviews i say i void it and save up because after i bought it last year when i edit my videos my voice wave is very low i always needed to add some gain and the gain was at 100 after months i get sick of always adding gain soo i start searching for other interface but they cost more then my mic 😂 i added elgato compressor with gain set to 12db there is alot of noise floor until yesterday i researched for q12 again and find small YouTubr reviewed the product after 4 months of buying it he measure it all info in the box are wrong the max db it can handle is 43 in line1 that what i use for my mic if you use line2 with hi res on you will get to 51 which is below the recommended for dynamic mic

[@h1i0a]

Almost all cheap interfaces are 48khz/16bit all of them don’t support 48phantom in teyun q12 theres a button for 48phantom but it doesn’t do anything 😂

[@h1i0a]

This the reviewer channel name @Chris_Grossman

[@lilScruffers]

i went down the sm7db trap and now i got an expensicw mic that sounds like poop

[@carm3d]

There is room for everyone to focus their attention on any area they wish. I still love my Fifine K669D.

[@_Looft]

I'd be interested to see you dive into some more SDC content

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I have some on the way...just figuring the best way to package the content

[@KenTeel]

Fill the bill.

[@tricogustrico]

Cheap crap is what your viewers can afford.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

It's not about affording. Just because it is cheap doesn't mean it gets a free pass.