Amaran Spotlight SE: Unleashing Creativity on a Budget

Step into the world of creative illumination with our latest video featuring the Amaran Spotlight SE. In this unboxing and review, we take a closer look at this budget-friendly lighting tool that promises to add a sharp and distinctive edge to your photography or videography. Let's delve into the key highlights and applications showcased in the video.

The video opens by introducing the Amaran Spotlight SE, emphasizing its affordability at around $335 (with potential discounts). Despite its budget-friendly price tag, this lighting tool boasts powerful features that make it stand out in the market. Highlighted in the unboxing is the variety of GOGOs or cookies that come with the Amaran Spotlight SE.

One of the standout features of the Amaran Spotlight SE is its focus control. Users have the ability to adjust the sharpness or softness of the light, allowing for precise control over the visual impact of their shots.

The video demonstrates how the four cutters can be used to direct light in specific ways. Whether it's top, bottom, left, or right, these cutters provide a level of precision that is essential for creative lighting setups.

The Amaran Spotlight SE proves to be a practical tool for bouncing light in tight spaces. The video showcases scenarios where this feature can be utilized effectively, offering a creative solution for photographers or videographers working in smaller environments.

A highlight of the Amaran Spotlight SE is its ability to create unique shapes and looks. The included tray for changing looks, along with the option to customize lenses, opens up a world of creative possibilities for users looking to add a distinctive touch to their visuals.

As we continue exploring innovative tools for photographers and videographers, stay tuned for more exciting content. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments section – your journey into creative lighting starts here!

Audio-Technica AT2040 vs Elgato Wave DX (Head to Head)

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Head to Head" on Black Valve! In this installment, we're putting two fantastic microphones up against each other: the Audio-Technica AT2040 and the Elgato Wave DX. Both of these mics come in at an MSRP of around $100, but they can often be found on sale for approximately $90, making them excellent value choices, especially for those starting their podcasting journey. The AT2040 from Audio-Technica is known for its affordability and great sound quality, and we'll take a closer look at its build, features, and performance. It's a solid option for podcasters on a budget, offering a compact design that's suitable for both audio and video podcasting.

On the other side, we have the Elgato Wave DX, which surprised us with its audio quality and build. Elgato, not typically associated with audio equipment, has crafted a winner here. It's a compelling choice, particularly for those just starting out in the podcasting world, with its impressive sound quality and plosive rejection. We also present a mystery mic challenge in this episode, where our team compares the two microphones and shares their thoughts on their performance. Which mic will come out on top?

Join us for the exciting showdown and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Don't forget to like this video if you found it informative and subscribe to Black Valve for more insightful comparisons and reviews. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to drop them in the comments section below. Thanks for watching, and we'll see you in the next episode of "Head to Head"!

Links to the Mics: Elgato Wave DX https://amzn.to/3rWH2RP

Audio-Technica AT2040 https://amzn.to/3ZYZIgA

How to Record High Quality Audio on Your Phone On A Budget

In this video, Hunter from Black Valve explores an affordable and high-quality solution for getting good audio into your smartphone. He discusses the limitations of built-in phone microphones and introduces a dynamic microphone with an XLR connector. The key to connecting this microphone to your phone is a special cable, the XLR to 3.5mm TRRS. Hunter demonstrates the setup with two dynamic microphones, the Shure SM58 and the CAD D38, providing insights into their differences. He also covers the use of adapters for both iPhone and Android devices, emphasizing the need for Apple-certified adapters for iPhones. The video concludes with a side-by-side comparison of audio tests using the different microphones. This cost-efficient setup aims to enhance audio quality for content creators using smartphones for video recording. Check out the video for a detailed tutorial and more information on the equipment used.

---

Product Links:

Saramonic SR-XLR35 Mic to 1/8" (3.5mm) TRRS (Sr-XLR35) https://amzn.to/40wccMQ

UGREEN USB C to 3.5mm Audio Adapter Type C https://amzn.to/3MYLhE3

Apple Adapter https://a.co/d/3JDwsCV

Shure SM58 https://amzn.to/4722nsD

Shure SM48 https://amzn.to/3FRGGiP

CAD Audio D38X3 https://amzn.to/3u5tbJU

Checking Out 2 Budget NEEWER Boom Poles

In this article, we delve into the world of budget boom poles as Hunter from Black Valve takes us on a journey to discover their usability and performance. With two boom poles priced under a hundred dollars, we explore whether these affordable options can meet our audio needs both in the studio and on location.

Understanding Boom Poles:

Before diving into the review, it's important to understand the key factors that make a good boom pole. Hunter, drawing from his experience as a sound utility and a boom operator, shares some insights. A high-quality boom pole should be lightweight yet sturdy, with multiple sections that can collapse for easy transport. It's also essential to consider whether an internally cabled boom pole is necessary for specific scenarios, such as sports broadcasts.

Reviewing the Boom Poles:

Hunter begins by introducing their current studio boom pole, an aluminum K-Tech model that has served them well over the years. However, the internal cable has broken multiple times. Next, they discuss a poorly constructed on-stage stand boom pole that was acquired for free but is in dire need of replacement due to being broken.

Now, it's time to unbox the budget boom poles and examine their features and performance.

NEEWER NW-7000

The first boom pole they unbox is the NEEWER model, which comes with foam handles and a thread at the back for additional mounting options. It boasts good locking connectors and two sections, allowing for a decent length. The half-turn locking mechanism provides a secure grip, and the collapsible length is around three and a half to four feet. Hunter finds this boom pole lightweight and suitable for studio use, and the price is revealed to be $49.02, which they consider fair for the quality and functionality.

NEEWER NW-088

Moving on to the second boom pole, they unbox another NEEWER model, but this one is a cabled version with three sections. The entire pole section is covered in foam, which Hunter expresses some reservations about, expecting it to wear out over time. However, they note that the upper section design resembles higher-end models. The coiled cable is sealed, which limits its adjustability but prevents tangling. The XLR connector is located at the bottom, and the pole extends to approximately 11 feet. Despite feeling slightly heavier, it remains manageable. The price for this cabled boom pole is also under $100, impressing Hunter with its usability and build quality.

Audio Performance and Conclusion:

To evaluate the audio performance, Hunter attaches a microphone to each boom pole. Both models produce satisfactory sound, with the cabled boom pole eliminating the need for an external cable, resulting in a cleaner setup. While there are some minor concerns, such as tight connections and a non-locking section, these issues can be resolved or managed. Overall, the budget boom poles exceed expectations, offering reliable performance and functionality for their price range.

In conclusion, the budget boom poles reviewed in this article prove to be viable options for those seeking affordable solutions without compromising too much on quality. Whether for studio work or on-location shoots, these budget-friendly choices deliver satisfactory audio results. However, it's important to note that higher-end boom poles may still offer additional features and better longevity. Nonetheless, for those on a tight budget, the Newer boom poles present a solid choice for audio needs.

Remember, selecting the right boom pole depends on your specific requirements and the scenarios you anticipate. By considering factors such as weight, sections, cable management, and connectors, you can make