AndrewChapmanCreative’s Gearfest: Overrated or Underrated?

In the latest episode of ‘Overrated vs. Underrated Studio Gear’, AndrewChapmanCreative dives into the gear cosmos, setting the stage for a debate that’s as polarizing as pineapple on pizza. This series, a fan favorite, doesn’t shy away from delivering the cold, hard truth about gear you might be saving up for. Andrew opens up his Reverb feed and starts the gear roller coaster, sharing experiences from his two-decade-long journey in audio production. Whether he’s recommending a piece for its versatility or trashing it for its comedic lack of quality, his insights are no comedy show – they are a valuable resource for both newbies and seasoned pros alike. With a flair for demystifying the mythical arts of studio setup, he makes sure that even the most die-hard gear snobs might just find a surprise or two. This episode isn’t just about throwing shade; it’s about illuminating the often murky waters of audio equipment evaluation, enabling everyone to avoid buyer’s remorse.

Microphones, the unsung heroes of every studio, take center stage in the discussion. Andrew kicks things off with the Yamaha Reface CP, and he doesn’t hold back on his admiration. He highlights how this unassuming piece, often snubbed by analog purists, delivers surprisingly sweet sounds that belie its digital nature. As he jumps around in his demo, he’s quick to point out its versatility despite its slight cheesiness due to in-built effects. It’s all about finding that diamond in the rough, and Andrew’s take is clear: the Reface CP is as underrated as a cheap pack of ramen on a cold Chicago night.

Then there’s the Mojave Audio MA200, lauded for its ability to match or even outperform higher-priced competitors, especially when bought second-hand. Andrew’s affection for this mic is evident, pointing out its aptness for acoustic instruments and certain vocal types. In his world of mics that come and go, it’s refreshing to see him sing praises for these outliers in a landscape cluttered with overpriced, overrated equipment. By the end of this segment, Andrew has sent a clear message: don’t sleep on these budget-friendly wonders.

Compressors, the gatekeepers of great mixdowns, get their day in court as Andrew brings his unique flair to the judge’s bench. From warm audio bus compressors to the legendary Empirical Labs Distressor, each device is scrutinized for its real-world application rather than just brand prestige. The Warm Audio Bus Comp faces Andrew’s critical eye, where he acknowledges its adequate VCA compression while punting on its transformer sound quality. It’s a love-hate relationship, ultimately receiving the lukewarm ‘properly rated’ label.

In stark contrast, the Mojave Audio’s compressors come off as runaway winners, punching above their weight class in both sound and value. The real crowd favorite, though, is the Empirical Labs Distressor – a jack-of-all-trades that’s everything but a master of none. Andrew’s enthusiasm for this staple piece is palpable, describing it as the Swiss Army knife of compressors, versatile enough to replace a whole rack of equipment. It’s like finding a food truck that serves gourmet meals at street food prices – a rare gem in the vast world of studio essentials.