My Top 10 Pieces of Affordable Underrated Gear

[@Kimbuucha]

I definitely see a shift in KZbin of people going back to casual, simple videos and I'm here for it. Those color windshields look so nice every time I see them.

[@tombuck]

I definitely don't mind slowing things down a bit from time to time 👍

[@brianmillerspeaks]

We desperately need a return of conversational, minimally edited videos. This is much more enjoyable. I stopped watching virtually all my favorite creators when they made the shift to hyperedited videos that change every 2 seconds.

[@tombuck]

This is really refreshing to hear. I had a ton of fun making it, so I’m glad it was enjoyable to watch.

[@mr.waldodebaldo3208]

Agreed the clipping takes away from the personal connection you get

[@FollowTheJohn]

Likewise. Once the production becomes more important than the content.....I change channels.

[@mr.waldodebaldo3208]

@@FollowTheJohn that is a great way to word it . Thumbs 👍 up

[@robkennedyphotography1766]

I enjoyed it too. In fact a lot of the channels I enjoy best are less formal or produced. That doesn’t mean a loss of quality, obviously. Just less gimmicky. The one thing I would say is that to do this well you do need to be a really good speaker and presenter. I don’t think I heard one “er” or “ah” in the whole video. Excellent work 👍👍

[@schultzeworks]

You can tell Tom is a talented teacher. This is exceptionally hard to do and he made it look easy. In conclusion, wow.

[@tombuck]

Thank you! It really means a lot to hear that.

[@schultzeworks]

@@tombuck I've been teaching over 20 years and I think it took me around seven years to pull it all together: articulate, knowledgeable, comfortable, and enthusiastic / passionate. Poeple don't realize how much practice AND skill this takes. 😁👍

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

So glad to see more of these casual style videos making a comeback on KZbin :)

[@TheSkooterbords]

Tom getting distracted by his own joke is golden. 😂. And that's the magic that's being lost by having an overly produced video.

[@JaredRDelo]

A) Love the content and echoing other commenters, love the casual and conversational style. B) your dad jokes add so much to these

[@tombuck]

Thanks Jared! I really appreciate the kind words/support 🙏

[@dajok]

Hey Tom, I love this type of video. Much more personal, like sitting and chatting with you in the afternoon.

[@LatinosOver40]

34 minutes non-stop ... non-scripted ... well done amigo !!!!

[@SpookyDeer]

I'm loving this shift I'm seeing so many people are doing back to more naturalistic videos! Love how conversational this was

[@tombuck]

Thank you! I enjoy watching these kinds of videos, so I wanted to try making one. Plus I won't lie- it was so much easier/less chaotic than normal 😁

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

Just finished a review and it naturally was more conversation about the mic than the cookie cutter/tight review. Was debating whether to cut out a lot of it to get straight to the points, but after this video…I’m leaving it. Thanks Tom for backing us up and helping us feel more confident in restoring some personal touch to our videos!!!

[@tombuck]

That's awesome Mike! I think the personal touch is huge. I wouldn't want to make every video this way because then the pendulum could go too far in the other direction, but it seems like a nice mix is the way to go. Plus chapter markers can help keep things "tight" for the viewer. 👍

[@MeysamKianiii]

Not editing the weired parts out to show if the gadget genuinely works or not. You are a great reviwer man. been with you since 30K. Bought my SM7B becasue of your thorough comparison videos

[@tombuck]

Thank you for sticking around so long! 🙏 I didn't think of it before you mentioned it, but not editing product reviews does show exactly how things work (or don't). Interesting!

[@JonAdamsTech]

I really hope the future of tech-style videos like this is a more conversational and low-production format. We've all seen slow-mo b-roll and it's not impressive anymore, so I way prefer this style. Great video Tom!

[@jaspinko]

Thanks to you I ordered colorful SM7B windscreens (including the same light blue you use) a couple years ago and I routinely get compliments about them on my streams. People love colors! 💙🐦

[@tombuck]

It's really cool how a little pop of personality/color can make a huge difference.

[@daveatjude3]

Tom, I enjoyed watching this, as you share about things which have helped you in your day-to-day. No worries about raw unedited video. You're polished even unedited. You do a good job being on-cam, far beyond the abilities of most of us watching. Way to go. Thanks for sharing.

[@jonathanprestrud6733]

Love this video format. Learned so much from you and your channel. This format once in a while brings you closer to the viewer and there are all sorts of tidbits that get captured without the edits! Thank you!

[@CapnFlags]

That camera clip checks my 11-year-old-inside-me’s checkbox. So cool. I could buy a bunch and in combination with some straps I could finally be CameraMan for Halloween.

[@tombuck]

Right?! It's so satisfying. I've learned that airport security isn't too fond of it though 😬

[@andrewknapik]

Such an awesome channel. I am creating a middle school media class for next year and will be teaching podcasting, both audio and video. I have been binging on a lot of your videos and coming back to them while writing lesson ideas. Love it!!!

[@tombuck]

AWESOME! I love this! I have a lot of my old class project prompts on my website if you want them: himynameistom.com/classprojects

[@andrewknapik]

@@tombuck you are amazing! Thank You so much. I have bookmarked and downloaded some already.

[@Chicxulubs]

Those XLR cables are so awesome, I hope they put some time into making colored USB C to USB A cables.

[@JeffryGonzalezHt]

Ok, definitely "pro" non edited videos from you. This was fun - and I can't help but think if you edited this, you would have cut the best joke - the cremains in the sandbag thing. Absolute gold. Thanks!

[@tombuck]

Thanks Jeffry! I think you’re right- things are allowed to breathe and happen in a more natural way here.

[@ScottOtt]

Just posted the following review to Amazon about the Audio-Technical AT8459… “I can’t believe how much time I’ve wasted wrestling with microphones, shock mounts, mic clips, and other accessories - never getting them in the right position - when I could have bought this simple, sturdy, magnificent device. I use a Sennheiser MKH-416 overhead, on a basic stand with boom arm. Setup is so much quicker now, and I can actually get the tip of the mic exactly where I want it. BTW, KZbinr Tom Buck recommended this. “ Thanks, Tom.

[@tombuck]

I'm so glad it's worked well for you! It's pretty wild how sturdy it is for such a small mount.

[@PaulMDiaz]

Another cool video! Here's a tip I learned from an old school photog back in the day....ankle weights work well and can be easier to carry around over sandbags.

[@tombuck]

Oh that's smart!

[@homestudioacademy]

Such a cool yet laid back video! The colored cables and windscreens definitely look great on camera 👍

[@tombuck]

Thanks so much!!

[@Coleisabagel]

I think that particular shade needs to be renamed as Tom-Buck blue. It’s becoming iconic.

[@tombuck]

I would be totally ok with this.

[@BrilliantBatgirl]

I just love your videos. Always entertaining, always punny, always colorful (both in actual color and in personality). Thank you.

[@tombuck]

Thank you so much!

[@risbill1]

Some of my favorite xlr cables are ones I built myself. Was working at a TV station in the engineering department and we were rewiring the studio and control room. They ran Belden 9451 for all the audio so I kept some of the scrap and made really thin XLR cables with some quality neutrik connectors. I have used them for several years with no issues and they take up so much less space.

[@KarenPAlexander]

I love the unedited videos! They bring realistic content and more personality to creators. Keep it up...I'm subscribing.

[@TIM0NF0YA]

I purchased AT8459 based on your previous recommendation and it's some amazing piece of equipment. I absolutely love this kind of videos when you recommend "small things" based on your experience. Small things generate great result. ;-)

[@tombuck]

Really glad you're enjoying it! It's a bit pricey for how small/simple it is, but it'll last forever.

[@rudrashah6493]

Bought the Sennheiser Profile from your recommendation loving it 🥰

[@tombuck]

Great to hear!

[@michaelm6522]

Affordable gear?! Didn't anybody tell you that once you pass a certain number of subs you're only allowed shilling unattainable gear?! Start strapping three Leica's together or gold-platting a Hasselblad or something. I kid. Great content as always, Tom!

[@Bruces-Garage]

Thanks for a truly genuine video in many respects. I appreciate your authenticity and fun approach. I very much respect your ethics statement and have borrowed it so I can create my own for my new KZbin channel. BTW, you now have a new subscriber and fan.

[@tombuck]

This is really great to hear, thank you Bruce! Good luck with your channel!

[@AdultBeginnerHockeyClub]

I never thought to go through my hockey bag ? Thanks for the tip!

[@AudioHotline]

Awesome video!! You brought up something that i have thought about quite a bit! It’s always been interesting that people enjoy long form unedited podcasts but tell people to “get to the point” on KZbin videos that are longer and more casual… I guess it is the expectation of “learning” on KZbin? While listening to podcasts for enjoyment? I am making a bit of a generalization, but it’s something that I’ve noticed!

[@codeandcomponents]

Hello Tom, I really liked the informal style of this video, I learned a lot and found useful things to consider. The honest, clear style of the video adds a lot to the authenticity of the video. Some great suggestions too, i really like the at8459 and the mic mount, plus the mantispod. How does the "hockey tape" compare to 3M helicopter tape, which I've used for mountain biking (thanks for the brilliant channel)

[@tombuck]

Thank you! I’m not sure about hockey tape vs. helicopter tape though, but if you’re using it for mountain biking I’m guessing it’s pretty tough!

[@Ernesto_MyFavTech]

It makes it way more adjustable to your liking. Definitely helps. Pricey though

[@djtommykeys]

There you go Tom. I have almost all of these and a couple of similar items. I enjoyed the video. Thanks.

[@generationgeek]

I know that it’s P-G-Y-TECH but I refuse to stop calling them “piggy tech”

[@tombuck]

This is what I’ll be calling it now.

[@GeorgeChatzimanolis]

I loved this video. It was funny, entertaining, and also helpful. I like the conversational, minimal-edited videos.

[@tombuck]

Thanks George!

[@randyrektor]

Here for the breathing, Tom! That was nice 👍

[@tombuck]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ChelseaPrivateEquity]

Thanks for sharing. The lack of editing worked for the topic. And the ending was a masterstroke.

[@johndonabie5150]

Tom, you are simply the best KZbinr of them all. Also, you and your wife are also terrific.

[@stephansagmiller5460]

Pro tip: I've found "Boa bags" filled with steel shot more handy than traditional sand bags. They are smaller by volume, easier to store, and fit stands better, zero mess and longer lasting. Kupo and Mathews make nice ones. They are more expensive. But you can easily buy empty stand bags and fill them with your own steel shot to make your own. You can also use clean gravel, a bit cheeper but not as dense and functions more like a sandbag.

[@talktothemicrophone5731]

Hey Tom, thanks again for sharing great ideas. I’ve noticed your storage draws. Have you used tool boxes on wheels? I’d love to see your storage solutions for equipment. Love your hard work.

[@screensanctum]

that camera clip comes in clutch. i bought one a few years ago and its wonderful.

[@DawsonCordle]

I don’t normally comment on videos, but I really liked this form of content. Idk what it is, it just feels better

[@tombuck]

Thanks! I appreciate ether feedback.

[@GuilDormeus]

This was so good! Definitely need more videos like this on KZbin

[@stowgood]

This was a fun video, is this the most fun you've had making a video? I love that companies send you stuff in your blue.

[@tombuck]

It was really fun to make!

[@PeterLindgren1]

Love hanging out with you

[@tombuck]

We should totally hang out more...in real life!

[@NateNakao]

As a former hockey player, I've had so many rolls of Howies clear tape and have found so many uses for the stuff even after I've stopped playing regularly. I was so pleasantly surprised to see them get a shout-out here!

[@JakobSagatowski]

As always, great video! I'm really crossing my fingers that Rode will release colored earpads for the NTH-100. They look fantastic! Thanks!

[@shawnchenco]

Omg finally RODE Podmic Windscreens!!!! ❤❤❤

[@AAAndrew]

Peak Design makes a ton of great stuff that is all of high quality. I was part of their first Kickstarter, which was for the first version of the Camera Clip. I have traveled all over with this attached to my belt as well, and my camera is right at hand, but keeps my hands free and I don't need a heavy backpack or camera strap. It's fantastic for urban, spontaneous photography. Get a good lens, pop the camera on your belt and you're ready to go. The locking mechanism is good for when you'll be in more crowded situations where it's more likely for someone to try and remove your camera from the clip and steal it. Great video, I just got myself one of Rode's NT1 Signature series mics in Red. Now I am going to get a cord to match, and that will all match my Scarlett interface. I'll be looking good! (or, at least my equipment will all match, which is about as good as I can expect these days). Thanks!

[@kenyontech]

15:22 "I guess they didn't want to go down that RODE"😂😂

[@HomesickMac]

Such a cool and relaxed / relaxing video Tom!

[@tombuck]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@scottneumyer]

Sweet recommendations, sir!

[@tombuck]

Glad you like them!

[@bigrob029]

i like polished B-roll and good editing..... i can make none of those things. While I aspire to be able to do that one day, it's nice to see that those things have nothing to do with the video being good. Great job!

[@tiemji]

Looks good. Thanks for sharing those simple but useful gadgets

[@rudrashah6493]

Your channel is so underrated ❤

[@tombuck]

Thank you!

[@pingpongowo]

I've been a Peak Design Capture Clip user for 2 years now. I have one one of each side of my camera backpack. I opted to get the PD Dual Plate for each of my cameras so I can mount them to Arca or RC2 tripod heads. (also you lock and unlock by rotating the release button)

[@jrennickemd]

Never change Tom! Great video!

[@PrestonJensen]

I like the format! I often think KZbin is starting to get too scripted and edited making it more like regular tv. The reason I started watching KZbin is because it was less polished! Thanks for the video

[@tombuck]

Same here. Obviously I wouldn’t make every video totally unedited, but something like this every once in a while is a nice change.

[@GuilDormeus]

That DS2 mic stand looks sturdy!

[@tombuck]

It's a beefy boy!

[@samjolen]

Great video!! 👊🏻

[@madsmix]

The Hockey Tape was my pick. Didn't think there would be a clear alternative to Gaffers tape. Now I know. Thank you.

[@tombuck]

It’s been a game changer!

[@simonsayshomeassistant]

Hey Tom, your videos are fantastic, I love all the colour in your video and your great energy! I am learning so much from you and improving my youtube channel and podcast every day!!!

[@SpiderTreWithADash]

You must’ve seen my comment asking asking about the headphone cuffs and cushions. I LOVE YOU !

[@tombuck]

I wish they were available for sale!

[@MARSBAR81]

This might be a sign that I'm unhinged,but I started cursing at my monitor when he was waving that little AT96864165 ball mount around. Give me a still shot and let me see that damned thing!

[@martinleif2872]

Hi Tom. I'm really new to this whole video production thing. I was influenced to get a camcorder by your video comparing one to a mirrorless. It better matches my needs at this time. I loved the casual feeling this video brought. I'm considering picking up the Rode Wireless Pro system and wondered about your thoughts on that product. I can think of lots of use cases and flexibility it could bring. And now, it's being offered at $100 off at Adorama! Thanks for your videos and your time.

[@tombuck]

So glad the videos have been helpful! That’s also an amazing deal on the Wireless Pro 🤯

[@MickeyMullin]

Worth it! I like this as a style to rotate in. 😊

[@Worship.W.Chris.]

Great video man! 🔥🔥🔥

[@sebastianjautschus]

And I love the video style and all the stuff you talked about too 🥰

[@LetsGoHelio]

Johnnie Cochran would be proud of that glove joke. Lol! Great video as always.

[@NinoAmerica]

Awesome. That’s how I do my videos. Limited editing.

[@tombuck]

It was really fun to try something new.

[@PyroKalfje]

my few really small things what for make makes the difference and help me out in a lot. 3,5mm jack to xlr male. as a eng camera operator when I send to some press conference and they have some prosumer or even consumer PA system often battery powered. they have a line output in a jack not xlr. so with cheap adapter you are able to connect with xlr cable or plugin tx to the camera. but don't forget to set your input to line level ;) pasive xlr splitter. often there is only 1 or 2 breakout points In a installed PA system. example at a court or boardroom. often their are multiple News stations, and they all need to use that single breakout point, so splitting the audio is necessary Leatherman or multitool. there is no explaining needed. custom ear protection One thing you can't fix is hearing damage, so you need to protect is your ears. as a camera operator or film maker you come in a lot of places with loud noise. Festivals, Events, Building sights. So good custom fitted hearing protection, is not nice to have but really needed. work boots and rain boots, buy boots and work boots and put them in the car, you never knew when you need them. better save then sorry. rain pants, rain jacked and spare socks in some places rain it more then other, but soaking wet clothes are never nice Garbage bags, sounds sputid but in a pinch you can make, rain cover, puncho, cover things and more with a simpele garbage back Apdapters and cables. Lightning to jack, usb c to jack, Usb c to usb c, usb c to lighting, usb c dongle, ethernet dongle, Usb b to c , A to c and more. you never knew when you needed. but it is often. Dtap to type c. Charging your laptop, phone, camera or more with any battery with d/ptap port and also you can charge the vmount with any type c charger. Good rechargeable battery's and buy few extra's Rechargeble battery's are getting crazy good. they are cheap investment and save you a lot of money and time. the Ikea ladda battery's are amazing but deity made 3000mah version, that is now only avelible in the US, so I have not a change to tried them, but sounds amazing. Ugreen or Other gan charger, One small gan charger that gives your laptop, camera, phone, GoPro , drone power at the same time and with the same small charger is super nice. Xlr to xlr female and male. when you need to reverse the audio connection, example when its wired in the building. but keep in mind it does not work with digital systems like Dante. Spare xlr, hdmi and sdi cable. when a collage camera operator on a press conference able to help them when they forget their cable or brake them. gives you a positive name and they will help you out the next time when something happens to your self. decimator. display support only 1080p60, or the field monitor works only interlaced. the decimator will fix any video connection. it keeps the show running. high power 12v cigarette charger. Charging your laptop , battery, camera or drone in the car, a 100w+ PD 12v charger does the job, iam big fan of the u green one. 130w will do the most things, but don't forget to let the engine running otherwise you have flat battery. Small first aid kit, this has me helped a lot of times out, small bleeding or something smalls, also little feedback for you tom. the wide open aperture gives nice look, but everything you show to the camera is blurry as hell, we can't see what you are holding, for the next time maybe shooting at f8 will fix this, and background is not that distracting and its very interesting, showing it not bad

[@scottsparrow4982]

Yup! Add me to the pile of those who prefer simple/organic styles.

[@tombuck]

It's a quality pile.

[@MisterMayhem17]

Thanks Tom. I genuinely liked this video. ❤️👌

[@benw2751]

This was great. Definitely want to end up in a buddy’s sand bag

[@tombuck]

It could be a great tribute!

[@subject_james]

I actually got a windscreen included with my podmic!

[@tombuck]

Nice!!

[@micsteethanklemonitor]

Thanks for the video. Your channel has given me a lot of good advice. Thank you.

[@abstractvisions]

Hey you should check out Pig Hog wires. Good quality, good price and they offer fun colors as well. I purchased ten 25 foot XLR cables for $170, so $17 per cable is pretty good.

[@tombuck]

I have some for my guitars and they’re great! Haven’t tried their XLRs though.

[@PaulFeinberg]

Wow between your gloves and remains in sandbags….you scare me Tom! lol 😂 Seriously though I will take One buck…..priceless! Great video bud! I can’t wait for a green rode USB podmic windscreen!! Green everything!!!

[@tombuck]

Next time I'll talk about shovels and ice picks 👍

[@PaulFeinberg]

@@tombuck 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@CharlotteDrew]

Love the video style (and the crime gloves!). I'm wondering about the right angle XLR adapters you use. I could use some but I don't want to introduce a poor quality piece in an otherwise quality setup. What are you using; do you like them? And if so where did you get them? Thanks!

[@MrRobby1]

Hello tom. Great video Once again. Simple to understand. I love your Dad jokes. My question is can you fit the Audio Technica AT8459 on the Samson tabletop stand and the rode tabletop stand?

[@t0nyxgq]

PGY has the beetle clip and uses the same arca swiss mount as the mantis pod.

[@JamieHarveyJr]

Those colored NTH-100’s and mics would be great! @rodemic

[@spotsya1916]

Wow Tom you look incredible sharp like national tv show… thank you for sharing knowledge

[@tombuck]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@wnms]

Great video! Make another one in the future! Just please keep in mind to bump up the F stop so we can see clearly the gizmos that you are showing us ;)

[@hannahshipman]

They didn't want to go down that Rode!

[@robertharker]

I get empty sand bags and fill them with pea gravel from Home Depot. I use pea gravel rather than sand because it is less likely to leak and if a bag does leak, I am more likely to notice it. I rinse the gravel first to clean off any sand. Sand on nicely finshed hardwood floor is death to the finish. Ask me how I know...

[@jonathanramsey]

7:43 Funny. I have a Samson boom mic stand. I use a headset for my live shows now, but that stand has outlasted a couple of Ultimate stands that cost 4X as much. It has a lot of plastic where metal should be better. I’ve had to repair the clutch on the base, but I was able to do that, unlike either of my Ultimate stands. I originally bought it because I travel on Amtrak a lot and it was the lightest -probably most plastic lol😂- stand I could find.

[@jplayzgames_]

Totally not related to this video except the affordable part. What shotgun mic would you recommend for a budget friendly set up. Its going to be used for talking head youtube videos/streaming. Xlr or usb powered it doesn't matter

[@tombuck]

Depends on what your definition of "budget" is, but the Audio Technica AT897 is phenomenal.

[@jplayzgames_]

@tombuck that was a very broad question in terms of budget lol sorry I'll check out the one you mentioned. Thank you! Great video, by the way. I've added a few of these to my Amazon cart 🤣🤣

[@TechWithBruno]

"this are great for committing crimes" ☠😅

[@tomwilson4758]

Tom, there are a lot of mics out there, but how many other than the Rogue NT1 5th Generation are there that both support 32 bit float and the variability of gain and volume controls?

[@DustinWatts]

Cool coloured cables! They fit your "style" perfectly. Btw.. 1 inch is 2.54 cm. So 3 x 3 is not really accurate ;)

[@unquestionabletv]

3.3m and 6.6m 11:38 so 10’ and 20’ respectively

[@HamiltonNeill]

Hey Tom, love the content as always! I have a question for you. I'm thinking about buying the Rode RM2 ring-mount. Will it fit a Zoom ZDM-1 XLR mic?

[@2ndTommysRoom]

"I really don't use these to commit crimes." ...methinks the gentleman doth protest too much

[@tombuck]

What…what do you mean 👀…🏃🚕🛫

[@stowgood]

Are the gloves fully waterproof? I found out my gortex gloves aren't when I was photographing the Northern Lights in Norway in the snow.

[@kylematesic]

I love using colored xlr. Easier to sort out any technical issues sorting thru the jumble of wires lol. Also. Longer is better. I should have went longer to start. Now I have 6 extra xlr I don’t need. Anyone reading this need any 6’ xlr black. I’ll sell em Love the content. I should have also started with booms. Luckily the mics I bought originally came with table top mic stands

[@michaelmarcano9200]

Please never change.....half the reason I'm here is the education....the other half is because of the entertainment from the Dad Joke pro......now I'm wondering are you a dad? LOL

[@tombuck]

We've just got dogs, and I'm not 100% sure if they understand my jokes or not. They rarely laugh.

[@michaelmarcano9200]

@@tombuck 🤣🤣

[@trent3792]

I have been using a diaddario XLR cable that I bought basically cause it's red and matches my desk but I do have interference issues if the cable or mic gets too close to my PC