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Overrated vs. Underrated Studio Gear Ep. 6 Microphones, Compressors, Amps, Drums and More!

Andrew Chapman Creative

30,183 views

In today’s episode of Overrated Vs Underrated Studio Gear, I’m diving deep into some of the most talked-about (and argued about) pieces of studio gear in the home-recording and professional audio world. Whether you're building your first home studio or refining a fully-dialed production setup, Hopefully this breakdown will offer some perspective to help you cut through the hype and find out what’s actually worth your money.

If you're researching microphones, compressors, keyboards, or amps—or just love nerding out about studio equipment—this episode is packed with valuable insight for producers, musicians, and engineers of all levels.

Today's Voiceover Chain: (affiliate links unless otherwise noted)

Dachman Audio DA67: (not affiliate)
https://www.dachmanaudio.com/products...

The Great River MP500NV Preamp:
https://sweetwater.sjv.io/554zAj

GEAR MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO: (links are for new, not used)

Yamaha Reface CP Synthesizer:
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/it...

Pennacle (Cascade) Fat Head / Fat Top Ribbon Microphone:
https://sweetwater.sjv.io/Dy24d5

Warm Audio Bus Comp Analog VCA Compressor:
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/it...

Mojave Audio MA200 Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone:
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/it...

Chandler Germanium Compressor:
https://sweetwater.sjv.io/Dy24z5

Empirical Labs Distressor Compressor:
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/it...

Klark Teknik EQP KT Program Tube Equalizer:
https://sweetwater.sjv.io/2aA40M

GEAR LINKS:

What I typically use for audio: (affiliated unless noted otherwise)

My Voiceover Mic: (Not Affiliated)
https://www.dachmanaudio.com/products...
Roswell Mini K87:
https://roswellproaudio.com/chapman
My VoiceOver Preamp:
http://sweetwater.sjv.io/kO6NWN
My Interface:
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/it...
My Main Monitors:
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/it...
My Headphones:
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/it...
My LiN76 Compressor:
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/it...
Plugins:
https://pluginboutique.com/?a_aid=691...

My Camera Gear:
My Main camera: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/RGQarg
My Main Lens: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/554z7L
My Main On Camera Microphone: https://www.zzounds.com/a--3993776/it...
My B Lens: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/qzPo2L
My Softbox: https://amzn.to/3EyfA2Q
My Video Lighting: https://amzn.to/4oISvMC

Subscribe for real-world, no-hype recording insights: @andrewchapmancreative
Follow me on TikTok/IG: @andrew_chapman
Business inquiries: andrewchapmancreative@gmail.com

#homestudio #homerecording #audioengineering #microphone #recordingstudio #musicproduction

Timestamps:
Intro: 0:00
My Reverb Home Page: 0:40
Yamaha Reface CP: 1:16
UPCOMING ON THE CHANNEL: 3:24
Cascade Fat Head: 4:44
Warm Audio Bus Compressor: 6:46
Mojave Audio MA200: 9:26
Ampeg B100R: 10:46
DBX 165A: 12:44
Barton Drums: 15:15
Apex 460B: 17:08
Pioneer RT707: 19:28
Chandler Germanium Compressor: 22:24
Empirical Labs Distressor: 24:25
Klark Teknik EQP KT: 25:45
Closing Thoughts: 28:00

20 Comments

@mkshffr4936 10 months ago Pinned

Also worth keeping in mind... overrated doesn't actually mean no good.

@davelordy 10 months ago

The beauty of music making is that someone will reject all the stuff you recommend, get all the suff you rejected, and still be able to make an amazing record.

@ThePladiator 10 months ago

A reminder: when Andrew says “not for me” that just means he has experience with equipment/own gear that does the job for him. All gear can get ya there, you just gotta find how to use it right

@davelordy 10 months ago

The Yamaha Reface CP has a very nice hidden acoustic piano, place the selection dial between any two of the six instruments, power off, power on, and you have a great acoustic piano to go with all the amazing electric pianos.

@officialWWM 10 months ago

Bro, stop showing me gear that I don’t need but absolutely want!

@nicknovak1352 10 months ago

The Warm Bus I haven't personally used, but my studio manager whos taste in gear I really trust, owns one and really raves about that thing.

@walterschock1270 5 months ago

Exciting episode!

@WillyKellyMusic 10 months ago

Just wanna say I’m liking this channel and I watch all the different series you have going! Thank you for some straight talk without the need to be the only opinion… 😎

@AndrewKangas 10 months ago

Clicked on this video just because I saw the Yamaha CP. I sold my actual Wurly when I was a teenager - what a regret! I have a few virtual Wurlys for my recordings, but, just missed the knobs and ability to turn on and go. After a lot of research, I landed on the CP. I use via the midi dongle for a better key bed. Anyways, thing is absolutely awesome. The wurly and Rhodes are where it shines. The "secret" digital piano is a nice add, and honestly, Yamaha's own EP on there is a lot of fun too. I bought mine for $200 and love it. Thanks for adding this to the vid.

@scuffedthings530 10 months ago (edited)

I would love to see something like your tierlists done on budget gear as well at some point.
I believe lots of people are doing this on a hobby basis and thereafter are interested in not only the cost/value sweet spot for gear but also how less expensive stuff compares to products that are established benchmarks.
Propably not the nice english way but should be possible to be done for "free" due to the usual return windows and paypals 30day till pay feature :)

@wraith1117 10 months ago

One of the reasons I love these, is as you mentioned, and I agree. After some time in the industry, you get a feel for what is good, and what is hype. Sometimes hype is warented, and sometimes it is not. The idea of giving an honest no BS take on gear is refreshing. And I get it, my ear is not your ear, and in many other ears. but bang for buck, the gear that works over the pricy crud, is important. Far too many 'reviews' of gear are sponcered, and biassed AF.

@Thunderchunders 10 months ago

Love this series

@ryan.noakes 3 months ago

Just picked up an Apex 460B about a month ago. Not only am I quite happy with it on vocals like you said, I am very pleased with it on brass and woodwind instruments too. Will be looking into modifying down the road, but even just stock it's a solid choice. Great price for surprisingly nice tube mic.

@lucasjuniorproducer 4 months ago

Hi, about the last item the Pultec clone from Klark, i would like to say that i really love the Lindell LINTEC solid state kind of Pultec. Work's so good and sound amazing, i have 2. Nice job from Lindell.

@kemthdanielgutierrezcortez2278 10 months ago

Gracias por siempre subir los videos en español ❤

@counterspellband 10 months ago

I'm glad this is building viewers for something more significant

@EzyoMusic 4 months ago

I went to pick up an Ampeg B100R in another country just because I heard they're like a solid-state B-15. I still have it.

@noahlampe2208 10 months ago

perfect timing

@Alex-xt8dv 10 months ago

Insane refresh pull

@andrewjeffries5651 10 months ago

I want to thank you for responding to my comment on one of your other videos. I ended up buying a warm audio wa12 (to add api color to my rig), but i sent it to revive audio for some mods. I have high hopes for that unit. I think my little home studio is going to put out some good sounds thanks to your guidance. I wish i had you as a teacher way back when i went to audio school.