Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

---

If you’re using a USB mic that doesn’t sound good, there’s probably a simple fix!

⚙️ Gear featured in this video:
•Sennhesier Profile: geni.us/profile (Amazon)
•Elgato Mic Arm: geni.us/TMURA6G (Amazon)
•Blue USB Cable: geni.us/rodeusbc (Amazon)

⏱️Chapter Markers:
0:00 - Your Mic Can Sound Great!
0:27 - Adjusting The Gain
1:29 - Software Gain Controls
3:44 - Mic Positioning
7:09 - What About EQ & Processing?

———————————————————————
Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.

—————————— SUPPORT THE CHANNEL ——————————
Become a Channel Member: geni.us/joinchannel
Donate: buymeacoffee.com/tombuck

——————————— CONNECT ———————————
🎯 Subscribe! bit.ly/TEPsub
Instagram: @sodarntom
Main Site: himynameistom.com
Podcasts: himynameistom.com/podcasts

———————— ROYALTY FREE MUSIC ————————
•Artlist.io (2 Extra Months Free): geni.us/ArtlistTom
•Epidemic Sound (30 Day Free Trial): share.epidemicsound.com/enthusiasm

——————————— VIDEO GEAR ———————————
•Ecamm Live Streaming Software: geni.us/ecammtom
•Sony FX3 (Main Camera): bhpho.to/3EJuBde (B&H)
•Sony a7SIII: bhpho.to/3f8mMlS (B&H)
•Sony a7IV: bhpho.to/33mOGZo (B&H)
•Sony 24 1.4 (Main Lens): geni.us/sony24 (Amazon)
•Sony 50 1.8 Lens: geni.us/sonynifty50
•Tamron 20-40 2.8: geni.us/Rp3NeMc
•Zeiss 85 1.8: geni.us/zeissbatis (Amazon)
•Sony 70-200: bhpho.to/3B4tCr2 (B&H)
•Elgato Prompter: geni.us/elgatoprompter (Amazon)
•Anamorphic Lens: bhpho.to/309H0rV (B&H)
•GoPro Hero 13: geni.us/gopro13
•Rodecaster Video: bhpho.to/3Ub88j2 (B&H)
•DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone : geni.us/I2e0AB (Amazon)
•Tri-Charge: geni.us/ZYdV3dh
•YoloBox for Mobile Streams: bhpho.to/3pc8qHU (B&H)
•Colorful HDMI Cables: geni.us/NeOn (Amazon)

——————————— AUDIO GEAR ———————————
•Rodecaster Pro II: bhpho.to/3wCwaqI (B&H)
•Sennheiser MKH 50: geni.us/mkh50 (Amazon)
•Shure SM7B: geni.us/tepsm7b (Amazon)
•Earthworks Ethos: bhpho.to/3CthFs4 (B&H)
•Lewitt LCT 240 Pro: geni.us/4fww (Amazon)
•Sony Video Mic: bhpho.to/3ztb6Vb (B&H)
•Tall Mic Arm: geni.us/A39EvH (Amazon)
•Short Mic Arm: geni.us/zc7hAbW (Amazon)
•Sennheiser Wireless System: bhpho.to/43JgqkL (B&H)
•Rode Headphones: bhpho.to/3JNacqg (B&H)
•Blue XLR Cable: geni.us/bluexlr (Amazon)

—————————— LIGHTS & SUPPORTS ——————————
•Nanlite Forza 200 (Key Light): geni.us/9Ofr (Amazon)
•Aputure Light Dome Mini: bhpho.to/4eMAiJs (B&H)
•Small Nanlite RGB Tube Lights: geni.us/nanlite (Amazon)
•Big Nanlite RGB Tube Lights: geni.us/pavotubes (Amazon)
•Aputure MC RGB Light: geni.us/IuE4 (Amazon)
•Rolling Camera Stand: bhpho.to/3PbJGg3 (B&H)
•Big Tripod: bhpho.to/3lRoTyz (B&H)
•Small Tripod: geni.us/oQOh3Az (Amazon)
•Travel Tripod: geni.us/nlUBm (Amazon)
•Overhead Camera Mount: geni.us/ISBKAIv (Amazon)
•Motorized Slider: bhpho.to/3ztKMJA (B&H)
•Camera Backpack: geni.us/aEH2 (Amazon)

———————————————————————
🎥 Check out my full gear list here:himynameistom.com/gear
———————————————————————
– Who Am I? –

Hi! My name is Tom Buck, a lifelong A/V nerd and former high school Digital Media teacher. I started this channel in 2017 as a project to share my enthusiasm for everything related to audio and video production.

It's my goal for each video to be interesting/helpful/atleastmildlyentertaining, from a helpful enthusiast’s point of view. You can take a look at my bio to learn more about my background, both personally and professionally: himynameistom.com/about

•My channel is open and welcoming to people of all races, ages, genders, and orientations. I’m glad you’re here.

•Read my Ethics Statement about reviews, sponsorships, and brand partnerships: himynameistom.com/ethics

———————————————————————
Episode 475: Why Your USB Mic Sounds Bad