Emma Attempts to Review the iFootage 200BNA LED Light...

In this episode Emma has a look at the iFootage SL1 200BNA, a 200-watt LED video light. This LED fixture is comparable to the Amaran 200x S in terms of both price and features, and scores surprisingly well on color accuracy measurements. In this video we’ll walk through the SL1’s feature set, take a look at its color quality, and do an in-depth comparison with the 200x S. Let’s jump right in!

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:

- iFootage SL1 200BNA LED COB Video Light — B&H, Amazon

- Amaran 200x S — Aputure, B&H, 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

RODECaster Pro II Review

In this week’s episode, we have a look at the new RODECaster Pro II. This follow-up to the original RODECaster Pro is an ‘integrated audio production studio,’ as well as a user-friendly audio recorder and interface for streaming and podcasting. It’s also something of a real-time digital audio processor, sound pad playback device, 4-way headphone amplifier, livestream MIDI controller, and overall purpose-built computer. Because this is a deep product, we’ll just scratch the surface in this video by giving you an overview of the feature set as well as walk through some sound quality and functionality tests. In future episodes we’ll take a deeper dive into some of the specific features and use cases discussed here. 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, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- RODECaster Pro II audio recorder/interface — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- SHURE SM7B microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Perfect Circuit, Amazon

- SHURE MV7 microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Aputure P300C LED used as key light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure Amaran P60X used for rim light — B&H, Amazon

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

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo Cool Lavender creates the color pattern on the back wall - B&H

- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K — B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Canon C70 camera — B&H

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

Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd

Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone Review

In this week’s episode, we have a look at and a listen to the Sennheiser MKE 600 shotgun microphone. This medium sized shotgun mic — in Sennheiser’s words, a ‘microphone for video journalists’ — is highly directional and can be used both as a traditional shotgun mic or as a camera-top vlog microphone. The included XLR to 3.5 mm TRS cable also allows you to record from this mic directly into cameras with a 3.5mm mic input. In this video we walk through the MKE 600’s feature set and test it out in multiple environments and applications. Let’s take a closer look!

Additional microphone reviews:

- Audio Technica AT875R

- RODE NTG4

- RODE NTG2

- RODE VideoMic NTG

- Sony ECM 674

- Deity S-Mic 2S

- Deity S-Mic 2

- Deity D3 Pro

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, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone – Trew Audio, B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Sennheiser MKH416 shotgun microphone — Trew Audio, B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- DEITY S-Mic 2 shotgun microphone — Trew Audio, B&H, Amazon

- Aputure 600D PRO LED Light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Impact Luxbank softbox - B&H

- Aputure Amaran 100D - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

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

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo Cool Lavender creates the color pattern on the back wall - B&H

- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K — B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Canon C70 camera — B&H

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

- SoundDevices 888 Audio Recorder – Trew Audio, B&H, Sweetwater

Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd

Mobile Audio Interface and Mixer — iRig Pro Quattro I/O review

In this week’s episode, we take a look at the iRig Pro Quattro I/O from IK Multimedia. This compact audio interface and mixer has two XLR combo mic/instrument inputs and two XLR combo mic/line-in inputs equipped with phantom power, two 3.5mm RCA line-in inputs, two balanced XLR outputs, direct monitoring for the headphone output, and several recording modes and functions. This multifunctional device can be used for streaming, podcasting, and other applications of dialogue recording. In this video we walk through the Quattro’s feature set and compare it to similar sound recorders like the Zoom H8 and CEntrance Portcaster. 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, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- iRig Pro Quattro I/O audio interface & mixer — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Shure SM7B — B&H, Sweetwater, Perfect Circuit, Amazon

- Aputure 600D PRO LED Light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Impact Luxbank softbox - B&H

- Aputure Amaran 100D - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

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

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo Cool Lavender creates the color pattern on the back wall - B&H

- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K — B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Neumann U87 Microphone Set — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- Zoom H8 Digital Multitrack Recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon

- CEntrance Portcaster Podcast Mixer and Recorder Interface — B&H

- Canon C70 camera — B&H

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

Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd

ZOOM F8n Pro Audio Recorder Review

In this week’s episode, we take a look at the new Zoom F8n Pro recorder. Zoom’s self-described ‘new flagship field recorder’ has 8 inputs and 3 outputs, 10-track recording, dual A/D converters, professional-grade preamps, Automix, and, of course, 32-bit float wide dynamic range recording capability. This new edition of the F8 recorder can also be used as an 8-in/4-out audio interface and can be controlled with the F8 Control App for both iOS and Android. In this video we walk through this feature set and compare it to your other favorite recorders. Let’s take a closer look!

Original ZOOM F8 review

ZOOM F8n review

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, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Zoom F8n Pro — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- Zoom F6 — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- SoundDevices MixPre II series — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- Earthworks SV33 — B&H, Sweetwater

- Shure SM7B — B&H, Sweetwater, Perfect Circuit, Amazon

- Bebob Cinema Batteries — B&H

- D-tap to hirose cable to power with cine batteries — Amazon, B&H

- Aputure 600D PRO LED Light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Impact Luxbank softbox - B&H

- Aputure Amaran 100D - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

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

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo Cool Lavender creates the color pattern on the back wall - B&H

- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K — B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd

Epiphan Video Pearl 2 Live Stream Switcher, Encoder, Recorder...Appliance

In this week’s episode, we explain when a high-end livestream device like the Epiphan Video Pearl 2 makes sense. Many of you are familiar with the Blackmagic Design ATEM and ATEM Mini switchers. The Pearl 2 has several important features that make the Pearl 2 indispensable for productions where you need remote control or to add remote contributors to your stream with Secure Reliable Transport (SRT). It also has several small, but important features like the ability to stream to multiple platforms at the same time or to be controlled remotely from anywhere in the world. 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, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Epiphan Video Pearl 2 — B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Epiphan Video Pearl Nano — B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Epiphan Video Pearl Mini — B&H, Amazon

- Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini switchers — https://geni.us/b8my

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

- Rupert Neve Design Shelford Channel — B&H, Sweetwater

- Canon C70 camera — B&H

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

- Aputure 600D PRO LED Light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Impact Luxbank softbox - B&H

- Aputure Amaran 100D - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

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

- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo Cool Lavender creates the color pattern on the back wall - B&H https://geni.us/GWKt

- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K — B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd

Shure Duraplex Lavalier and Headset Microphones

In this episode, we have a look at the Shure Duraplex lavalier microphone. The Duraplex is fits in price below the flagship Twinplex and adds IP57 dust and waterproofing. In this episode we provide some audio samples comparing the Duraplex to the Twinplex TL48.

Samples of the Duraplex headset microphone

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 course is Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini.

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, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Shure Duraplex lavalier and headset microphones — B&H, Sweetwater

- Shure Twinplex lavalier microphones — B&H, Sweetwater

- Shure Axient Digital wireless microphone system — B&H, Sweetwater

- Sound Devices 888 audio mixer/recorder — B&H, Sweetwater

- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon

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

- Canon C200 camera — B&H

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

- Aputure Amaran 100D LED light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Lupo Actionpanel LED light — B&H

Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2021, Curtis Judd

MOTU M2 USB Audio Interface

In this episode, we have a look at and listen to the MOTU M2 USB audio interface. An audio interface allows you to record professional level XLR microphones into your computer and play back your computer’s audio to high quality external powered speakers or headphones. We cover the features of the M2, what you can expect with microphones like the Shure SM7B, how to use the loopback feature, and much more.

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 course is Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini.

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, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- MOTU M2 USB audio interface - Perfect Circuit

- MOTU M4 USB audio interface - same as M2 but with 2 additional line inputs, 2 more line outputs, and input monitor mix knob - Perfect Circuit

- Shure SM7B microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Perfect Circuit, Amazon

- Earthworks SR314 microphone - B&H, Sweetwater

- Aputure COB120d II for the key light - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure Nova P300C for the b-roll - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Amaran 100D for the background light - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount for the pattern on the back wall - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Canon C70 cinema camera for the talking head clips - B&H

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

- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K - B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Signa EF 24-70 f/2.8 DG OS ART lens - B&H, Amazon

Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2021, Curtis Judd

Audio Technica AT875R Budget Short Shotgun Microphone Review

In this episode, we have a look at and listen to the Audio Technica AT875R short shotgun microphone. This small, lightweight shotgun microphone looks like it was originally designed to be used on professional camcorders, but also works really well as a boom microphone for tighter budget productions and films. In this review, we provide some raw audio samples along with the same samples recorded on the classic Sennheiser MKH416. We also look at its self-noise performance, off-axis response and coloration, as well as other important factors.

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 course is Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini.

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, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Audio Technica AT875R Short Shotgun Microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- Sennheiser MKH416 shotgun microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- Sound Devices 888 field recorder - B&H, Sweetwater

- Sound Devices MixPre field recorders - B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure COB120d II for the key light - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure Nova P300C for the b-roll - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Amaran 100D for the background light - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount for the pattern on the back wall - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K - B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Signa EF 24-70 f/2.8 DG OS ART lens - B&H, Amazon

Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2021, Curtis Judd

RODE Connect - A Software RODECaster Pro with the NT-USB Mini Microphone

In this episode, we have a look at and listen to the new RODE Connect app. This free app allows you to record and stream with up to 4 RODE NT-USB Mini microphones at the same time and also features some useful effects including a compressor, noise gate, aural exciter, and big bottom.

My review of the RODE NT-USB Mini microphone

Download the RODE Connect app.

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 course is Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini.

Support my work creating videos by donating.

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

- RODE NT-USB Mini microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon

- RODE Colors Pack - B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store

- RODE USB-C to USB-C 1.5m cable SC-17 - B&H, DVE Store

- RODE USB-C to USB-A 1.5m cable SC-18 - B&H, DVE Store

- Canon C70 camera - B&H

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

- Aputure COB120d II for the key light - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure Nova P300C for the b-roll - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store

- Amaran 100D for the background light - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Aputure Spotlight Mount for the pattern on the back wall - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K - B&H, DVE Store, Amazon

- Signa EF 24-70 f/2.8 DG OS ART lens - B&H, Amazon

Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.

Copyright 2021, Curtis Judd