RODE DS2 Premium Desktop Microphone Stand

In this episode we do a quick overview of RODE’s DS2 desktop mic stand. This premium stand is a solid step up from the average desktop mic stand in terms of design, functionality, and overall quality. In this video we’ll walk through the DS2’s feature set as well as test its stability, durability, and resistance to picking up extraneous sound and vibrations. Let’s take a closer look!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- RODE DS2 Desktop Mic Stand — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- RODE NT1 5th Generation Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- RODE NT1 Signature Series (same as 5th gen but without USB — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

Some of my other gear used in this episode:

- Sennheiser MKH50 microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure LS 600x Pro Bicolor LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Light Dome III Softbox — Aputure, B&H

- Amaran 300c RGBWW Single-Point LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran Spotlight SE — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2024, Curtis Judd

DJI Mic 2 Review! But...

In this episode we discuss some speed bumps we’ve encountered while researching and testing out the DJI Mic 2 during our usual in-depth review process. Something isn’t sounding right so we contacted DJI and their engineers said that there is a bug that they’ll fix in an upcoming firmware update. We’ll finish our review when that firmware ships. Let’s take a look and have a quick listen!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- DJI Mic 2 — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

Some of my other gear:

- Mackie DLZ Creator XS adaptive digital mixer — B&H

- Mackie DLZ Creator adaptive digital mixer (the big brother) — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- RODECaster Pro II digital mixer — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- RODECaster Duo digital mixer — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- RODECaster Steamer X USB audio and video interface — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Earthworks ETHOS microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure LS 600x Pro Bicolor LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Light Dome III Softbox — Aputure, B&H

- Amaran 300c RGBWW Single-Point LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran Spotlight SE — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2024, Curtis Judd

Best Small Podcast and Livestream Sound Mixer? Mackie DLZ XS

In this episode we review the Mackie DLZ Creator XS. This podcast/livestream/creator audio mixer competes most directly with the RODECaster Duo. It is nearly half the size of the Mackie DLZ, but has most of the same, amazingly powerful features. Let’s have a closer look and a listen!

Comparison table of RODECaster Pro II, Mackie DLZ Creator, and Mackie DLZ Creator XS can be found here.

Video covering how to get audio from your podcast mixer to your livestream can be found here.

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

Some of my other gear:

- Mackie DLZ Creator XS adaptive digital mixer — B&H

- Mackie DLZ Creator adaptive digital mixer (the big brother) — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- RODECaster Pro II digital mixer — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- RODECaster Duo digital mixer — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- RODECaster Steamer X USB audio and video interface — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Earthworks ETHOS microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure LS 600x Pro Bicolor LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Light Dome III Softbox — Aputure, B&H

- Amaran 300c RGBWW Single-Point LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran Spotlight SE — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2024, Curtis Judd

2024 Sound Bag & Cart Tour

In this episode we give you a behind-the-scenes look at our sound bag and cart setup for recording on location!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Sound Cart Mini Cart — (not an affiliate link)

- Orca OR-34 Sound Bag — B&H

- Sound Devices 888 Field Recorder/Mixer — B&H, Sweetwater

- Sound Devices SL-2 Slot Receiver System — B&H

- Sound Devices A20 Wireless Mic System — B&H

- Sound Devices A20 Mini Wireless Mic Transmitter — B&H

- Deity Theos Wireless Microphone System — B&H

- HiQ/Inspired Energy Smart Batteries — B&H

- PSC Triple Play Power Distribution System — B&H

Some of my other gear:

- Sennheiser MKH 8050 Supercardioid Condenser Mic — B&H, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre Series II Recoders — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure LS 600x Pro Bicolor LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Light Dome III Softbox — Aputure, B&H

- Amaran 300c RGBWW Single-Point LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran Spotlight SE — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2023, Curtis Judd

My Favorite Audio Gear of 2023

In this episode we briefly recap some of my favorite gear of 2023! My picks include several outstanding microphones, mixers, and a certain new wireless system… can you guess which devices really made our year? Leave some favorites of your own in the comments below!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- RODE NT1 5th Generation Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Mic — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Mackie DLZ Creator Adaptive Digital Mixer for Podcasting/Livestreaming — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- JZ Microphones Vintage 11 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Mic — JZ Mics (not an affiliate link)

- Deity Theos Wireless Microphone System — B&H

- Sennheiser MKH50 Supercardioid Condenser Studio Mic — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

Some of my other gear:

- Sennheiser MKH 8050 Supercardioid Condenser Mic — B&H, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre Series II Recoders — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices 888 Field Recorder/Mixer — B&H, Sweetwater

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure LS 600x Pro Bicolor LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Light Dome III Softbox — Aputure, B&H

- Amaran 300c RGBWW Single-Point LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran Spotlight SE — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2023, Curtis Judd

DEITY THEOS Wireless Microphone System Review

In this episode we finally get to take a look at DEITY’s long-awaited THEOS wireless microphone system! This brand-new prosumer wireless microphone system includes a well-rounded set of features to the market, including Global OneBand technology, simultaneous transmitting and 32-bit float recording (outside the USA, in the USA, you can record or transmit, but not both at the same time), and wireless timecode syncing when used with the DEITY TC-1 timecode generator or the DEITY SL-1 digital timecode slate. In this episode we go over the THEOS system’s most important features, compare it to its closest competitors, and answer your questions. Let’s take a closer look!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Deity Theos Wireless Microphone System — B&H

- Deity W.Lav Pro Lavalier Microphone — B&H, Amazon

- Deity TC-1 Timecode Generator — B&H, Amazon

- DEITY SL-1 timecode slate — B&H, Amazon

Some of my other gear:

- Sennheiser MKH 8050 Supercardioid Condenser Mic — B&H, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre Series II Recoders — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices 888 Field Recorder/Mixer — B&H, Sweetwater

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Aputure LS 600x Pro Bicolor LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Light Dome III Softbox — Aputure, B&H

- Amaran 300c RGBWW Single-Point LED Light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Amaran Spotlight SE — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2023, Curtis Judd

DEITY THEOS Wireless Microphone System & Q&A

In this week's session, we'll share my initial thoughts on the new DEITY THEOS wireless microphone system. This digital UHF system is a natural upgrade from systems like the RODE, DJI, Hollyland, and other consumer wireless systems. THEOS includes a wide UHF tuning range, timecode integration with the DEITY TC-1 and Slate, 32-bit float recording (though not at the same time as transmitting in the US), and a solid metal build. I'll share my first impressions, demo its audio quality, and work on some of the other tests for our final review. After that, we answer your sound for video questions.

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. We have a course on sound for live-streaming with the ATEM Mini, Introduction to Izotope RX for Dialogue Audio, and Mixing fundamentals in DaVinci Resolve Fairlight.

Gear I often use or that we mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Waves, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- DEITY THEOS wireless microphone system — B&H

- Mackie DLZ Creator — B&H, Amazon

- Earthworks ETHOS microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devies 888 field recorder/mixer — Trew, B&H, Sweetwater

- Sound Devices MixPre II Series Recorders - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera - B&H, Amazon

- Teleprompter Ikan 17" high bright — B&H

- Canon C200 Camera - B&H

- Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 lens — B&H, Amazon

- ATEM Mini Extreme & Extreme ISO - B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Allen & Heath SQ5 Digital Mixer - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel, pre-amp, EQ, compressor - Sweetwater, B&H

- Universal Audio 6176 channel strip pre-amp, EQ, compressor — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2023, Curtis Judd

Premium Budget Mic for Podcasting: Earthworks SR117

In this episode we take a look at and listen to Earthworks’ SR117 vocal mic! This interesting handheld number is built for high-quality vocal performance just like the beloved SHURE SM58, but this one is a phantom-powered condenser mic rather than a dynamic mic, allowing you to use less gain for similar-sounding results. Its super-flat frequency response also allows you to shape it however you like with EQ in post. In this episode we cover the SR117’s key features, compare it to a few similar mics, and explore situations in which this might be your best choice for a vocal mic. Let’s take a closer look!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX. See https://school.learnlightandsound.com for more info!

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Earthworks SR117 Supercardioid Vocal Condenser Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Earthworks SR314 Handheld Cardioid Vocal Condenser Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater

- SHURE SM58 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre Series II Recoders — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices 888 Field Recorder/Mixer — B&H, Sweetwater

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 200x S LED light — B&H, Amazon, Aputure

- Aputure Light Dome II soft box — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2023, Curtis Judd

Zoom F6: Is it time to upgrade your recorder?

In this episode we discuss whether or not you should upgrade to a new recorder from your ZOOM F6. We cover things to consider when choosing a potential new recorder– and when to pass on shiny new tech. In this episode we examine what’s available on the market in late 2023, show you how to determine whether recorder features will be useful to your workflow, and give you some opinions on and examples of when it’s best to upgrade versus not. Let’s take a closer look!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Zoom F6 Field Recorder/Mixer — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Zoom F8n Pro Field Recorder/Mixer — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices MixPre II Series — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sound Devices 888 Field Recorder/Mixer — B&H, Sweetwater

- Sennheiser MKH 50 Supercardioid Condenser Microphone— B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sennheiser MKH 416 Supercardioid Shotgun Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sennheiser MKH 8050 Supercardioid Condenser Microphone — B&H, Amazon

- Mogami XLR cables — B&H

- Canare XLR cables — B&H

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 200x S LED light — B&H, Amazon, Aputure

- Aputure Light Dome II soft box — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2023, Curtis Judd

Awesome 4017b/MKH-416 Alternative: DPA 2017 Shotgun Microphone!

In this episode we take a look at and listen to DPA’s new shotgun mic, the 2017. This sibling to the 4017b shares the classic and characteristic sound of DPA mics, but has a completely new design both in terms of feature set, capsule, and internal electronics. In this episode we listen to some raw sound samples from the 2017 as well as a variety of similar mics, walk through the 2017’s feature set, and rigorously compare it to the 4017b. Let’s take a closer look!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- DPA 2017 Supercardioid Condenser Shotgun Microphone — B&H

- DPA 4017b Shotgun Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sennheiser MKH416 Supercardioid Condenser Shotgun Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands — B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 200x S LED light — B&H, Amazon, Aputure

- Aputure Light Dome II soft box — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender — B&H

- Canon C70 Cinema Camera — B&H

- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2023, Curtis Judd