Youtube

Logitech C922 Pro Webcam Review/Test

When researching camera's for your youtube channel, it can be overwhelming. There are $1,000 DSLRs, $800 Mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lens systems, 20+ megapixel sensors, and hundreds more features that you will never use. Well, Logitech has made the search for your first camera much easier with their new webcam, the Logitech C922.

This camera is nearly identical to their prior high end webcam, the C920, but there are some differences. The first thing you can tell is that there is a slightly improved microphone. Secondly, you will notice a very slight improvement in sharpness. The third and most drastic change is that this thing claims to do background replacement without a green screen 

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $100 on Amazon

What's In the Box

  1. Webcam
  2. Desktop Tripod (if you order C922 ommitted with C922x)
  3. Three month X-Split license (Six-Month license with C922x)
  4. Documentation

Specifications

  1. 1080p 30fps
  2. 720p 60fps
  3. Background Replacement
  4. Stereo Microphone

Performance / Features

The build quality of this webcam is nearly identical to the C920. It has a standard plastic build, but it feels fairly durable. It has a mounting system that allows you to mount it on top of your monitor or laptop screen as well as a tripod mount. The desktop tripod is nothing special, it has standard expandable legs, and a ball mount so you can adjust the angle of your camera. 

The image quality on this camera is great for a $100 webcam. It has slightly improved sharpness when compared to the prior C920 and can absolutely function as your primary youtube camera. When shooting at 1080p you can shoot up to 30fps which looks great. If you're doing a let's play and you plan on overlaying a facecam, you can shoot 720p up to 60fps and get really smooth video quality. But not everything on this camera is excellent.

The background replacement on the other hand leaves a lot to be desired. It struggled greatly when separating me from the background even though I was very well lit. The hair seemed to cause the most problems. It was constantly trying to differentiate my hair from the background, and it never succeeded. Ultimately, the background replacement does not function as well as I was hoping for, and if you do plan on using it, I highly suggest clearing your background completely, or investing in a green screen.

Pros

  • Great image quality
  • 1080p 30fps 
  • 720p 60fps

Cons

  • The microphone lacks in quality
  • The background replacement is not usable unless you have a clear background or green screen

Conclusion

Regardless of the fact that the background replacement does not perform as well as I had hoped, it is still an excellent camera. The video quality is superb at 1080p, and the fact that it can shoot 60fps at 720p will be a HUGE attractor for gamers. If you are in the market for a webcam and you have $100 to spend, I highly recommend this camera for your youtube channel/let's plays. If you are on a slightly tighter budget, I would 100% recommend the Logitech c920 which has video quality that is almost on par with the C922.

If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them on the youtube video, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy it on Amazon
US: http://amzn.to/2e4uSNG
UK: http://amzn.to/2eb1ZOq

BSP-028: What Inspired Me to YouTube

00:00 - Intro
00:24 - Disclaimer
02:00 - How do you deal with YouTube Hate?
05:40 - Cloud backup update
07:00 - Why do internet conversations devolve into screaming matches?
12:13 - Twitter Verification
13:34 - Small YouTuber Strikes
14:15 - When should you use a mic stand instead of a boom arm?
15:35 - Most comfortable headphones I’ve used
16:45 - Cheap vs. Expensive gear when testing the waters
18:45 - What Inspired Me to Start YouTubing
23:45 - Outro

On episode 28 of the BSP, the audio quality is not at the usual standard, but I didn’t want to miss another episode. I received a question that from viewer HighlyFictional that I thought was important to answer; "how do you deal with youtube hate?”.

I also share my ideas (with help from veritiasium) why I think internet conversations typically devolve into nothing more than screaming matches. I shortly cover some small news stories and then answer a few more listener questions.

Lastly, I briefly discuss what inspired me to begin creating youtube videos and ultimately what inspired me to begin making microphone review videos.

Veritasium Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cebFWOlx848

Follow BSP on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bandrewsayspodcast
Follow BSP on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bandrewsays

http://www.geeksrising.com

BSP-026: How I Make Money on YouTube

00:00 - Intro
00:50 - Why I Missed Last Weeks Episode
02:25 - How I Make Money on Youtube (Full Disclosure)
10:11 - New Podcast?
11:45 - Self Driving Death!
13:38 - New Nasa Rocket
14:27 - Apple Buying Tidal?
17:08 - Show & Tell
17:50 - TV/Movies/YouTube of the Week
18:55 - Blink 182 California
20:19 - Magpul  iPhone Case
21:00 - FitBit Fail
21:33 - How to Differentiate Your Podcast / YouTube Channel
21:35 - Tech (Reliable Gear)
26:08 - Content
31:30 - Outro

On episode 26 of The Bandrew Says Podcast, I briefly discuss why I missed last week’s episode and why I did not announce it prior to missing it. I then talk about plans for a new podcast I will be launching. If you don’t hear anything else about this show, Hound me on twitter to keep me motivated.

Then I talk about about some Apple, Nasa, and Tesla News, as well as give my thoughts on a youtube channel and the new Blink-182 Record. I briefly discuss a new iPhone case I’m testing, and some problems I have with my fit bit.

Lastly, I cover very basic ways to differentiate your podcast and youtube channel. I briefly discuss some information about tech used in your podcast, and then discuss a few ways to differentiate your content. I may revisit this topic on a later podcast.

Follow BSP on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bandrewsayspodcast
Follow BSP on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bandrewsays

http://www.geeksrising.com

BSP-025: Being Authentic on Youtube & Podcasts

00:00 - Intro
01:27 - How You Helped Me last Week!
03:17 - Apple Dictation Tool
05:01 - Brexit
06:05 - New Amazon Kindle
06:55 - New Nasa App
08:02 - YouTube New
12:17 - Bit Torrent App
13:50 - Show & Tell X-Files
16:11 - Every Day Carry Stuff
20:23 - UFOs & Freaking Aliens
23:30 - Feed the Beast on AMC
25:16 - Music Recommendation
25:36 - Automatic
28:02 - Zenni Optical
30:20 - Why You Should Be Authentic on Youtube & Podcasts
39:04 - Outro

On this episode of BSP, I cover a LOT of topics ranging from the awesome advice you guys gave last week, to advice about being genuine on your youtube channel or podcast. There are also brief discussions of a BUNCH of youtube news, a new NASA app, and even a new BitTorrent app for iOS, Android, and Apple TV.

For what I have been testing, I briefly discuss what Automatic is and how I like, and then I talk about Zenni Optical, which is a super cheap glasses company that you can order online!

As stated, the main topic is why you should be genuine on youtube or your podcast. Since day one on YouTube, I have seen people copying formats and personalities of those who have been successful and then questioning why they in turn are not also successful. Hopefully you can get some information from this.

BSP-019: Choosing the Right Mic for YouTubing / Podcasting / Gaming

00:00 - Intro
00:36 - Hateful YouTube Comments
07:57 - Canon DSLR Mic
09:56 - Hyperloop Test
12:15 - Lost Mayan City
14:52 - Allie Goertz - Sad Dance Songs
15:32 - Doom & Diablo 3
17:37 - Howl.FM Podcast App
21:38 - Podcast Questions
33:49 - Choosing The Right Mic for YouTube / Podcasting / Gaming
45:06 - Outro

On this episode of The BSP, there is discussion of a few youtube comments that I believe warranted a deeper discussion. There is talk of Canon Camera, Hyper Loop, and Lost City news. For the music of the week, I talk very briefly about Sad Dance Songs by Allie Goertz.

I talk about my experiences with the new DOOM as well as Diablo 3, and then share my thoughts on the Howl.FM Podcasting App. 

For podcast questions, I answer questions from @EHVV666, @Benjamin Ewald, Jake Grainger, AnaReeceWeston, Leowyx, Toast n Beans, and Aziz Bettaieb.

And lastly, I talk about how to choose the right mic for your youtube channel, your podcast or for gaming. 

Follow BSP on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bandrewsayspodcast
Follow BSP on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bandrewsays

BSP-015: Multi Channel Networks and YouTube Channel Growth

On episode 15 of The Bandrew Says Podcast, we experience a new theme song? But more than that we discuss a new cable company known as Layer 3 / UMIO. We also analyze the music of MUSE and explain why they are one of the greatest bands of our generation.

We talk about an awesome android app to consume your podcasts on, and then we get into the body of the topic. We look at what Multichannel Networks promise you, and why they care completely worthless. And lastly we discuss slow growth of youtube channels, and why that's beneficial to your community.

Make sure you like The Bandrew Says Podcast on Facebook to hear actual examples of the bands that Bandrew discusses in this episode.

BSP-013: XLR vs USB Microphones, Which Should You Buy?

On this episode of The Bandrew Says Podcast, Bandrew clears some more air regarding YouTube comments.

He talks about testing out YouTube red and the value that he found in spending $9.99 for a service that used to be free. There's also a brief overview of the latest Apple Event (iPad Pro 9.7", iPhone SE, iOS 9.3, Apple TV). And lastly there is discussion of which type of microphone is right for you; a USB microphone or an XLR microphone.

BSP-012: How to Outline, Script & Edit for Youtube

On episode 12 Bandrew clears the air about giving away free microphones to Podcastage viewers, Talks about a comic book that everyone needs to read, discusses his gratitude for The Mythbusters, gets excited for The last man on earth, shares his thoughts about a few audio recording apps, spotify, and then discusses how he outlines, scripts, & edits for youtube.

Blue Spark Condenser Microphone Review / Test

Today I am testing out a mic that I have been dying to try out. The Blue Spark.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $199 on Amazon.

WARNING: This microphone will require phantom power to function. So if you plan on purchasing this, make sure to purchase a phantom power supply, or make sure your audio interface is capable of providing sufficient voltage.

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. Metal Pop Filter
  3. XLR to XLR Cable (certain packages)
  4. Shock Mount (5/8" to 3/8" Stand Adapter NOT Included)
  5. Documentation

note: I do not believe that all Blue Spark microphones come with an XLR cable. 

Performance / Features

The build quality of this mic is awesome. It has an all metal body and a nice metal grill. The shock mount is a nice sturdy metal and performs it's job without any problems. The windscreen has a very fine mesh to help eliminate plosives as well. The XLR cable is a very nice and high quality cable and the box is a nice wooden box which will provide sufficient protection while storing the microphone.

The frequency response of this mic is 20Hz - 20kHz, and you can hear every bit of this in the microphone. The sound is incredibly full without having any excess boominess in the low low end. The acoustic guitar, voice, and electric guitar all sounded great on this mic.

There is a button on the back that activates a FOCUS MODE, which slightly alters the EQ of the microphone and provides slightly improved clarity through boosting mid & high frequencies, and gently rolling off frequencies around 100Hz.

The Spark provides a Cardioid polar pattern which performs very well for voice & guitar. It picked up very minimal background noise while providing the freedom to move around the microphone a bit. As I got farther away from the microphone, you could hear a decrease in volume, and the largest drop in velocity seemed to appear between the 1-2 foot mark.

Lastly, this requires FULL +48v PHANTOM POWER! 

Pros

  • Full frequency response
  • Great vocal/guitar sound
  • Does not pick up excess background noise
  • Nice shock mount
  • Nice wind screen
  • Focus button to add Clarity

Cons

  • None?

Conclusion

I have to say. This is my favorite XLR mic that I have tested out to date. I couldn't find anything that I didn't like about it at the price that I paid. I do want to recommend that you shop around. I found this for $70 less than the normal price tag.

This microphone will not be for everyone. It will be for people who are more serious about recording music, voice overs, etc. It will require additional investment in an audio interface that provides +48v phantom power, and some people may not like that. If you want a plug and play microphone, there are plenty of other options for you to choose from. If you are in the $200 price range, and you're looking for a good XLR condenser microphone, I would highly recommend this one. 

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy it on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1YWlPz1

 

Audio Technica ATR2100-USB Mic Review / Test

Today I'm testing out maybe my favorite USB microphone that I have tested out to date. The Audio Technica ATR2100-USB

The reason I like this microphone so much is because of a very special attribute...it has a USB plug as well as an XLR plug! That means that you can use this microphone to record directly on to your computer, then take it down to your bowling alley and use it on the PA to sing some Lynyrd Skynard Karaoke. In all seriousness, this is an AMAZING feature because it allows you to grow and upgrade to an audio interface with a better preamp and more control over your microphones sound.

What's In the Box 

  1. Microphone
  2. Microphone Clip
  3. Microphone Stand
  4. USB Cable
  5. XLR to XLR Cable
  6. Documentation

Performance / Features

The build quality of this microphone feels decent. It has a metal body, but the grill feels like it's plastic, or at least it is metal that is coated in plastic. There is an LED light on the front to indicate the microphone is plugged into the USB port and is receiving power, and directly below that there is an on/off switch that feels somewhat flimsy.

On the bottom of the microphone we have a USB port to connect the microphone to your computer. There is a headphone jack to allow for latency free monitoring and audio playback when it the microphone is connected to your computer through the USB cable. There is a headphone volume control. And lastly there is an XLR plug which allows you to plug your microphone into an amplifier, mixer, or preamp.

(note: the headphone jack does not work when the microphone is only plugged in using an XLR cable. It also does not work if you are connected to an XLR cable and the usb cable is plugged into a charger. However, it does work if you have the XLR cable plugged in and the USB cable plugged into your computer).

The mic has a Cardioid Polar Pattern, and it is decent at cancelling background noise. When I was typing on the keyboard it did pick up a bit of noise in the background. So it is not the best at cancelling out noise, but it still sounds pretty good!

The frequency response is 50Hz - 15kHz which is plenty for a starting podcaster or voice over artist. Voice sounds incredibly crisp and clear through this microphone and acoustic guitar sounds full and wide as well. I think it does fall a little flat when recording electric guitar though.

Pros

  • USB Microphone & XLR Microphone (allows room to expand and grow)
  • Nice build quality
  • Good sound
  • Latency free monitoring (in USB Mode)
  • Decent at noise cancellation

Cons

  • No microphone gain control

Conclusion

This is hands down my favorite USB microphone that I have tested out yet. This is because of the microphones versatility. It provides great sound through the USB function, and it still allows you to grow and get better microphone preamps, or even use the microphone in a live situation. With that being said, I wish I could recommend this to everyone who is just starting out as solo podcaster or anything. It's an amazing product and I'm glad that I finally got around to testing it out.

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Audio Technica ATR2100-USB: http://amzn.to/1nSfAy5