5 Things To Avoid When Buying Audio Equipment
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- Опубліковано 3 чер 2024
- I just wanted to share 5 mistakes that I see a lot of people making when purchasing audio equipment that should be avoided. I know this channel could be used to justify over consumption of audio equipment so I wanted to take a week to advocate for fiscal responsibility. Also, these tips could apply to pretty much any good you're considering purchasing.
00:00 - Intro
00:30 - Tip #1 - Avoid Following Trends
01:39 - Tip #2 - Avoid Impulse Purchases
02:31 - Tip #3 - Avoid Buying The Dream
03:40 - Tip #4 - Avoid Going Into Debt
04:56 - Tip #5 - Avoid Paying Scalpers/Flippers
06:11 - Outro
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This is an absolutely awesome list of advice. I’ve definitely been guilty of buying “dreams” that really weren’t what I needed at all. 🤦🏻♂️
Ditto… 😅
Well, buy nice or buy twice, haha
You and him are legends in this field my man
@@DarkPa1adin true
i bought the AKG k240 studio because of that mindset!
some of the worst headphones i've ever used despite AKG being a solid audio company 😐
learned my lesson for sure
SPOT ON! I do this with everything - audio gear, cameras, guitars, computers.... thinking it's going to improve my work.
We have all gone down that road, and most of the time the higher end equipment becomes more transparent and shines a spotlight on our flaws. The more professional stuff is much less forgiving.
@@Podcastage Hey bro, I want to restart my UA-cam channel .... I want to buy a camera but before I do so .. I wanted to upload on my Pixel 6 until I'm monetized and know I'm getting money before going ahead and buying that camera .. I was thinking before I do that ... let me upload from my phone first and make sure it's working out and have been wondering what a good microphone is for a USB C? Whats your recommendation? I was thinking to get a Sony lavalier mic with a TRS connection, and just gett the USBC adapter and hook it up to the pixel 6 ..... what do you think about this setup and what is your recommendation? Thanks brotha
Look who we have here 😱
@@BensWatchClub What's up bro ... I saw the checkmark on your name and checked out ur channel... I want to buy a watch for myself but also want to get able to resell it later and make sure it goes up in value ... What are some good brands that not only hold their value, but also increase over time? I think Rolex and Omegas are like that ... But what about Cartier or other types of watches that are good investments? Also, get a pre-owned one right?
@@BensWatchClub haha @podcastage is a fellow watch guy, he's got some great watches.
3:32 Is the most important thing. It can actually be beneficial to build your skills on crummy equipment... If you've only every practiced with premium gear, you'll be in a bind whenever you find yourself with nothing but cheap junk to work with. If you built your skills on cheap junk, you'll be just fine even when there's nothing high-quality on hand, and when you do have the good stuff, you'll be way ahead of the game.
100% agree. It's also what sets off a real pro from the rest.
Yep! Started with Radio Shack stuff…..
Swinging the practice bat! As they would do in baseball. It’s huge.
I just financed a Nord keyboard and it's the first time I've ever financed music gear. HOWEVER, it was a terrific deal and it will be paid off at no interest using money made from gigging with the keyboard. I completely agree on this list! Great info and great principles to keep in mind!
I’m slowly building my podcast studio. I’ve been at it since 2019. I can’t thank you enough for your channel and all you do. Thank you
What is good for beginner podcast equipment?
@@eddieanderson714 I can’t tell you specifically what’s good for you, but I used Andrew’s reviews learned from this channel and got me these.
1.ElectroVoice RE320 (reviewed in this channel)
2. Shure SM58 (reviewed in this channel).
3. Best boom arms and cables I could afford.
4. KlarkTeknik CM2 mic booster.
Running directly into a pair of
5. DBX286s. (reviewed in this channel)
6. Behringer composer pro MDX 2200.
7. Yamaha MG10xU I have used as both mixer and audio interface in some cases. And a
8. Zoom Podtrack P4.
9. Comica boom XD Lav mics
10. Going for a used Motu M2 audio interface asap.
Hopefully I can submit a voice recording in the future😃
And lots of DIY sound treatment for a noisy room next to a parking lot. Ouch!
I hope that helps someone.
Do a rode caster pro, with a mediocre mic still sounds fantastic!
I totally agree with you. Sometimes we want the most expensive gear but we don't need it or we don't even know how to use it. It is better to do a research and buy what you need based on your specific needs.
I'm a huge fan of this video. Sharing general tips and advices is super helpful for newer podcasters, and just in general, audio engineers. Please make more!
Good tips. I would add buy quality. 10 plus years ago when I was trying to make records I bought a bunch of studio gear for my home studio - compressors, EQs, preamps; most of it second hand. When I came to sell it recently, I got my money back and in some cases made a tidy profit. Also, the paint of the extra cost of buying quality upfront reduces the risk of making a rushed ultimately unnecessary decision
That's great advice from someone with their heart in the right place
Great advice. It can be really hard sometimes to hold back on gear purchases, and this serves as a nice reminder to at least be sensible about the gear you do buy.
Great Video with advice that works for most all purchases. Except for motorcycles, aquariums, and a few other items.
Some advice. Just buy the motorcycle you want first. Don't work your way up to the bike you really want. Don't buy a 125cc, then a 250cc , then a 500cc, then finally buy a 750cc. Buy the bike you wanted in the beginning. You'll save money and time by just buying the bike you wanted in the beginning.
Salt water aquariums are the same way. Just buy the big aquarium that you wanted in the beginning. Don't waste your time starting with a 10 gallon, then upgrading to a 50, then a 100, then a 200, etc. Buy the 200 gallon right off the bat. You'll actually save money by not buying 5 tanks in-between. This may sound strange but larger aquariums are actually easier to maintain than tiny ones. The larger volume of water makes changes to the water take longer. The tank won't crash overnight like a small 10 gallon tank could.
Thanks for speaking truth! You're encouraging all of us to take a breath and reconsider what we want or need and weigh it out on a cost/benefit scale. That's all good!!! Encouraging patience is a virtue. Will you still be using this and liking it 2 months from now! Most of us get wrapped up in dreams, but practice, research, refine and improve Ourselves... the Human is a very important part of the quality equation.
You are totally spot on with the advice in this video. I do not always agree with your reviews because I think we have different ears and also what we are going for, but I always find your reviews very helpful because you are generally super balanced and consistent in what you are looking for from a mic. That is a great yardstick for anyone. You also help a lot of people deflate their G.A.S. by me realizing that my gear is already up to the task. How I do tire of cork sniffing, particularly when my task at hand is just cranking out demos with a very limited audience.
I am so impressed by your clarity of thought, and your ability to distill to the essence of the topic. Well done, and much appreciated! cb
This is an amazing video. Thank you Bandrew! It is important to note, especially when you are starting out with any expensive hobby or practice, that you don’t need the professional level gear. I did not know this how ever when I was just starting out as a young lad in high school and made some not so great purchase decisions and had to learn what you’ve said in this video, the hard way. You can make great sounding music, podcasts, voice overs, etc. without the need for a $4000.00 setup. People do it all the time. And so can you! If you have the drive and the will power, you can do it!
On "Buying the Dream": I'm glad I dodged this bullet earlier. As tempting as it was to buy a Focusrite 2i2 and an SM7b and call it an 'investment'. I gave it a bit of distance, and found a gently used Shure Beta 58a and a Barringer UMC 202HD for a quarter of the price. Met functionally all of my needs.
You're a wise man Nick
@@Tewahedo Ahhhh shucks, man.
Buying used is always smart
Smart man. I'm struggling to see the benefit in getting the Focusrite over the Behringer, other than they seem to have given a lot of free products to a lot of UA-camrs, and so we're flooded with gushing praise of it at the moment. The Behringer options seem so much better for a much lower price!
@@simon_patterson I'm not too proud to admit that the Focusrite is a beautiful product. Looking good/nice packaging & "Image" can move a lot of product. Especially when the product performs not half bad. But if figure- if I manage to actually manage to make enough money to make it a worthy investment, an upgrade won't be out of the question down the line.
One of your best! IMO - THIS should be the first video anybody thinking about buying podcasting equipment should watch before your excellent recording gear reviews. Thanks!
Man, this is the most valuable video of yours I've watched here.
I've of lately thinking about all those marketers out there who call themselves UA-camrs promoting "the best" this and "the best" that of equipments. In the end, they themselves don't use those equipments they promote, just for affiliate and viewship sake.Not many do advise people to try different equipments (mics, cameras and other gears) to identify which works better for their needs, voice and what have you.
Thanks again.
Great advice - I completely co-sign on it. Makes me think back to when I met an artist right after they bought the gear for their first album. They had spent over $2,400 on their first set of sample libraries right off the bat and later were disappointed with them that they literally gave them away.
LOVE IT!!!! I have been recording music professionally for 20 years, and I learned my craft in the box first before I started investing any outboard gear. The outboard gear I have invested in meets all of my criteria (Color, EQ, and Compression). So many people don't realize how versatile a good channel strip is versus a high-end mic pre. Also, Warm Audio. If you are a fiscal conservative, then you should own Warm Audio gear.
Good Greetings. Thank you for this brilliantly well made and well spoken and also, well suggested video. I am in the process of having to really do some learning and watching reviews over which mic I should buy at the moment according to the financial situation I have right now. Your advices are very truly resonant to indicate to how many errors I've made and how susceptible I still am in repeating those errors as I'm just having to desire for so many different things at once and even thinking about taking a loan in order to buy a mic but I fully agree in what you've suggested as to not indulge in impulsive purchasing and instead to just be patient and being more rationally reasonable with our choices for this. Excellent video. I really appreciate your insight for this. Stay safe and stay happy
Thanks for this video, Bandrew. I was almost about to spend my entire monthly allowance on a mic. You made me rethink my decision.
Thanks for the good common sense advice, for some people this will hopefully keep them from falling into an audio pit. It's easy to convince yourself you need something or it convince yourself that this one product will make things so much better. Great video and advice
This is really helpful as I’ve had huge life changes that make me want to interview my family to make a multimedia family history or yearbook. Anyway, I’ve been overwhelmed with how much equipment is available. Thanks for this, on many levels.
I love your recent videos! Reviews are great but you’ve some good wisdom in that noggin too.
Solid advice, thank you for putting things into perspective.
Most people on UA-cam don't bring up financial constraints as you did - thank you for helping us impulsive spenders!
Always a pleasure to see a general video from Bandrew
This was trully fun, interesting and helpful. I really enjoy when you go on this kind of subject.
Very true and insightful tips, like always, love your content!
This was your best video, in general all your video are great, but this one and the one about the law of diminishing returns you help us ground ourselves and see thing clearer. Thanks
Good stuff. I agree. Before a major purchase, I take my time and wait to make sure it is what I need.🦋
Thank you for this. I was ready to jump in. I will relax and do some more research. I love your channel
This is great advise, we sometimes are tempted to purchase more expensive hardware, because you watch a lot of youtubers or podcasters using the best of the best, i'm guilty of that as well. I've fallen into debt and lost the income I was used too and struggled because of my lack of perspective and patience. Thanks for this. Great content as usual
Great advice! I have been much better off ever since I took the approach that these things are tools. Spend the time and find the right tool for the situation (even if it's not the one that everybody else uses) and you won't be wasting your money.
This is an absolutely awesome list of advice. I've definitely been guilty of buying "dreams" That really weren't what I needed at all.
This is just good advice for life! Thank you for all your content, it is so helpful.
Clear and concise! So useful!
Your advise is as valid today as it was when you posted it.
Thanks!
You are so right about the equipment part. I once bought a $65 boom arm I had to return days later because my desk didn't have enough space for it. Eventually I found the right purchase In a gator table stand and I love it. I also researched for several weeks before buying an audio interface, and I only did it because the Fduce SL40 mic I bought came with its XLR cable plus it was at a %45 discount on Amazon. I also bought my audio interface for a discount as well. The interface I bought was the Evo 4 audi9 interface with Smart Gain
Great job as always and you videos has help me up out with my current journey in twitch. I have a bad habit with buying dream equipment, which ends up collection dust.
Awesome vid. Great advice. This comes from a really good sensible and considerate place. Love to see it.cheers
Now that I've been a professional in the industry for a few years, I am the most patient buyer you can think of. I literally waited 3 years to buy my first bass, wasn't happy with it, sold it, got the money back, waited another year, got advised by a top level instrument tech and bought my second bass today. I still haven't made my mind up yet on what kind of high-end in-ear system I'd like but I still have time. My audio interface is long overdue for a change but ...!! It works. It's stable. Maybe if I change... hmm actually if I change I *know* I'll run into issues I can't afford right now. Anyway...! Great advice :)
I feel I find myself in this rabbit hole too often. Take a breath, re-evaluate. Is the thing I want really going to improve what I'm doing? I try and answer this question first before buying anything. Thank you for putting this bit of wisdom out there. Cheers!
Great video and great content on this channel. Thank you
Fantastic... what a great subject: Impulse and/or trend buying, a great subject for all guys in music.
I needed this advice 5 years ago! Great Video!
Very wise and much needed advise for many!!!
really good advice. I got a little carried away with my new guitar center card in late summer. than something happened money wise that I knew was coming but was not thinking about. it's called winter!
great advice on all 5 tips, Bandrew! Just like musical instruments, the paradox in which we find ourselves is this:
***the more experience we gain, the less the equipment "matters"***
Reminds me of Michelle Shocked in a campfire recording from a cassette recorder... it was really engaging, fun and low-fi. A Perfect musical moment in time. The musician transcended the limited technology.
Really enjoyed this video. I also think it's valuable for someone to start on a cheaper piece of gear and learn through experience what upgrading to something better will do for them.
(love the punch!) yep, many points apply to many 'consumeristic' behavior. 1) Think, 2) research (learn, optional) 3) if 1st time purchaser of X, go low end. (yes, you WILL get better stuff after #2...). .....and HAVE FUN!
You just put everything I already did. Genius. Thank you for great video.
Fantastic! More vids like this please!
Great advice! You are amazing. Big love from Seattle
Hey thanks bro. Really solid honest advice.
All EXCELLENT points! One addition to the section about scalpers; I will buy from a retailer 99% of the time because of ware tees/support. After I’ve researched a purchase to exhaustion, I’d be really upset if my perfect piece of gear breaks (which it inevitably will), and there’s no one to fix it.
Great advice!! Live the focus on fiscal responsibility
Thank you, Brandon, go ahead!
Everything that was discussed is 100% accurate. I’ve noticed that I hardly use a lot of my previous impulse buys
You're right. Thanks for the advice!
much needed discussion. thank you
Your videos are just amazing! Thank you!
You are so correct bro! Thank you for this video.
Wow. What a great video. Helpful for me. Thanks for this kind of content dude.
Spot on Bandrew. Research, research & research again. The make a considered purchase that is within your means that will serve you well for years to come.
My dream was great video sound with good XLR mics and an external recorder - M5 stereo pair + simple 4-ch recorder.
What I really use is (1) Videomic NTG (2x for stereo) and (2) a tiny self made Mid-Side-Mic with Primo capsules.
Both work with the 3.5mm TRS inputs of my cameras, do not need synchronization in post, do not need special power supplies or battery and sound very good. They are not fancy but practical!
All great advice. Thank you 🇦🇺 💗
I have a 21 day cooling off period with my partner from the first time I say I want/need. Gives us time to figure if we missed something, needs more research and sorting out budgeting. We have a kid so choices matter.
I definitely agree with the points, especially the buying into a dream, debt, and impulse purchasing. I actually wound up falling into that "losing your job" category, and while EI was there, I found a new job in a similar market reasonably quickly ~and~ I got a sizeable severance (which I used to clear outstanding debts, and pick up a few things that had been on "the list for a while") it really did suck having to call a few places and negotiate for late payments on a thing or two while I waited for the transition of regular income to EI.
this is perfect! excellent reminder
I agree. (Continues to follow the podcastage trend, impulse buying the Austrian Audio OC818 after Bandrew calls it an instant classic but still waits for the Telefunken TF47 review)
Just recently discovered this channel, it's fantastic
Stumbled upon your channel and absolutely love your reviews and humor. Amazing tips! Impulse buying is a real thing 😅 Black Friday can sure get the best of you 😂 But I wish you nothing but success. New subscriber 👍🏻
I feel like I just got life advice from a video about audio equipment when I am considering to buy a gaming microphone o.o dude, this is awesome! :D Great video, much love
Great video! Congratulations from Brazil to you!
So on point; thank you!!!
Ei! Awesome video Bandrew! Thanks a lot, really helpfull. Man, if you have more "advices" like those just say it. It is very nice listening this idead from someone who knows so mich of audio gear. Again thanks! ❤️
I love this, thank you!!!
Yep. I went down this road a bit. Turns out my favorite mic to sing through for recording is a Shure beta 57.
Great tips and that has been how I was I was tought and found out myself.... Like I have the Blue Studio mic because I like the way it sounded and also it has the duel outputs and honestly the rest of it like the price and it has served me and my voice well for 3 years now. Also about the dream yes you should not let the idea of a product consume you but if you want that sound above nothing else and you thought really hard about it maybe then.
Just bought my first setup.
Innogear Boom Arm
AKG P120
Behringer Uphoria UM2
And a cheap XLR cable
I think it's a decent buy.
Did my research and I think it's fine :)
Great video. Thanks Bandrew.
Always decent and thoughtful. Both rare and valuable qualities.
Great content Bandrew!
Great advice video
I remember in one of your podcast for beginners video you did a "beta" version of this video
That helped me a lot...im setting up a yt channel from my truck and i needed audio equipment (duh lol) on a tight budget
I was tempted to follow the trend and go with the snowball or the yeti but your advice put me back on track and i focused on my main requirement; background noise rejection. And from your review(and others), i bought the Q2U with a shockmount...its cheaper and suits my needs, win-win 👌👍
Very well put!
Thanks dude. Love your sophisticated humor.
Thank you Carlitos. I appreciate the comment, and the kind words.
This is all 100% applicable in the DJ space also. So many people think the gear makes the DJ…if you got the money..buy what you want..but only hard work going to take you to the next level
Great advice. Just to embellish your point, using this exact advice I am completely debt free including all vehicles, house and no credit card debt. Any and all gear purchases are with cash.
Good advice.... I never do impulse buys I always wait weeks and keep researching. I always end up changing my mind in that timeframe.
I struggle with content creator reviews and the hype lol, I appreciate this perspective and if it's coming from maybe a place of guilt at all then just know you're putting out a lot of good quality content thats quantitative and valuable as people research their mics. Yes, I imagine you sell a lot of mics, but those were going to be bought either way and you're helping people make an informed decision. To all the buyers out there, my personal advice is if you're looking at a mic, try to seek out at least one negative review and see what they say about it. After a good bandrew review I'm stoked to buy, but take his good advice of waiting and letting that thought simmer a bit.. I'll say though that I recently got an Nt2-a and it was podcastage that helped me get through the analysis paralysis. Wasn't even a glowing review really, but together with my other 'research' it was what put me over. So many good mics out there, another good point is that once you buy, stop looking for awhile! Get to know what you have and what if any limitations are, then fill any gaps as needed. I myself have a home recording space (guitar, keyboard, vocals) and do voiceovers and interviews for work, I have the nt2a, sm57 beta, ev76, xm8500, videomic pro, ntg2+, and a yeti.. Once I get a re20 and a set of pencil condenser, I'm done with mics (at least for a few years :p)
hah we have similar recording needs, and consequently, mics.. I have the 57, and soon after a 58, for stereo recording acoustic. Love Shure. Got the Video Mic go 2 shotty for recording live streams and not wanting to be right up on the mic the whole time, and I got an RE20 a while ago, which is mostly for recording videos, and streaming when I want quality, and then its great for singing/instruments too. All through a Motu m4. The SM7b is too obvious for me haha I like the odd choice, always. The SM7b sound is so familiar. Re20 has more character, which some don't like. Then I have a Blue Nessie which I haven't touched in years lol. Dynamic is the way to go for untreated rooms... and yes research is your best friend for buying, well anything, but getting the wrong mic or audio equipment is much easier than most things.
The 57 or 58 is always a great entry option for XLR. It handles reflections quite well. Next on my list, a wireless lav would be nice. But yeah, it seems like all you'll need is one good mic, but then the more you learn the more you realize the shortcomings every mic has, in certain scenarios. It's good to have an arsenal.
Absolutely this - my home office is pretty noisy, and thanks to Trendcastage pointed me towards the Procaster and SSL2
Solid advice. A good dose of reality for everyone.
Fantastico and reasonable as always mi amigo!
Excellent advice!
Thanks for the video. I have a small budget with which to buy a small unit for field recording. While researching over a few months, I noticed the prices started to rise. One unit I was interested in has doubled in price. Add a few minor accessories and the price triples. And don't get me started on compatibility with your computer operating system !
Great Advice! And for more than just audio equipment.
Very good advice!
Tip 4 is something so many people need to hear nowdays. Not just for audio but just for buying anything. Especially here in Sweden, tons of people are buying all their non-essentials on "buy now pay later" platforms. Which just ends up costing more money, money they didn't even have in the first place. I'm all for people buying the things they want but man, some just need to learn financial responsibility
Thankyou very nice one ...need of the hour... Audiophile journey too