@@ItzrealMusic it does affect the dynamics so choose your poison, ya know? I have the new Iconic Mars Comet Pro to review to see if I like it better. I used nothing on the DUETS review I posted recently and post processing was terrible. The amount of corrective EQ needed also destroyed the dynamics. That’s what I mean by pick your poison lol
They’re really good for recording music like pop and hip hop. If you really know how to mix your music or have a good engineer then you’re good to go in a open space. I’ve heard people record music using these things and I was like no way this was recorded in a bedroom.
Talking about bad recording environments; My house was built in the 50s. There is no insulation in the floors. I'm set up in my half-finished basemen on the other side of an uninsulated wooden wall, behind the furnace and washer-dryer. My sister, bro in law, 2 y/o nephew, and elderly parents all live with me, and only ONE has an indoor voice. No joke; my Shure MV7 once caught a dinner conversation going on in my kitchen. Upstairs, and about 15 feet from my door! lol Also my recording area is directly below the entrance to my toddler nephew's room, so there is constant walking back n forth, with the old boards creaking.
Thank you for this review, I have watched a lot of reviews for this and by. far this is one of the best! instead of complaining about it sounding bad, you gave an honest review. I think some people's expectations for the eyeball are too high, it sounds like it does what it says it's going to do, Is it going to solve all your problems No but it does make a difference from what I can hear.
As someone who records in a non treated environment I’m Considering getting one to help mute out a/c and laptop fan. How well do you think the Kaotica will help with that?
Using it with my neumann tlm 103 & so far so good, with MX50s I'm finding very good takes full of vocal body and nomore beat in the vocal takes (huge problem I had with my prior headphones) thanks for the review
Great question. If you’re using Logic, put it in pre-fader metering. Sing the same distance away that you would be by doing the recording. And then you’re looking to make sure that it’s not peaking more than -16 you want to see an average level of -12 to the -18 dB. What you’re adjusting to achieve those levels is your preamp. So make sure you’re checking that before every real recording. You’ll often change the pre-amp a little bit to make sure that your vocal is sitting around there. *those numbers don’t have to be EXACT - just my rule of thumb*
Hello I have a quick question, I have a Neumann tlm 103 and I’m looking for a stand/mount like the one you have so that I can angle it in front of my face while streaming but not have to have the stand sitting straight up in front of me, any recommendations?
Will a snap studio vocal booth and the eyeball be good for my lewit lct 440 pure and audient id4? Do you think all that equipment combined with good engineering will give my industry quality vocal takes?
If you have access to both, Id start with the snap studio. That and some clean up EQ would be great. Adding the Eyeball would be overkill. The eyeball does add a little more muddiness and is designed really for reflections. The snap studio will do that with MUCH LESS muddiness. Wish I had access to one! That’s what I’d be using.
@Producer Hat message me when you get around it because I want you to do a review on it and I like the song you sang in do you produce for other artists
I have one and learned right away,it increases proximity effect and has a reflective node. I think if the inside were faceted would correct this. Works great as an isolation rig on guitar cab!
For less then the Kaotica money you can buy all the pvc tubing and connectors + a heavy winter blanket that you need to build a vocal booth which looks better and works to a very high standard and doesn't kill your microphone. Anyone can do it, it's all about fitting plastic tubes in plastic corner connectors and you can disassemble it and store it in no space.
Soooo, did you get to keep the Kaotica??? I hope so. Nice review. I'm considering this instead of the curved metal/foam isolation thing (ugh) vs similar Kaotica knockoffs on Amazon. My gut feeling is that getting the real deal (Kaotica) is possibly the best way to go.
I gotta say, this is the most comprehensive and I guess clinical test of the Eyeball I've seen, of the several I've looked at. so the title isn't pretty accurate. I am wondering, is it just entirely foam or is there some sort of rigid material inside the foam, like thin orb-shaped shell that is then covered or inserted into the foam? Basically, and especially for someone that made their own sound panels and bass traps, what is the difference between this and using sound proofing foam to make one of these yourself?
honestly - not sure on the total construction but yes, I bet you could use sound proofing foam or material to make something similar yourself. It may not be as "pretty" but should definitely get the job done.
This review is actually somewhat biased in a couple ways and not really down to earth. So unfortunately, it's not the only review I'll need/want. Some examples are how you compared the Eyeball vocal takes, to takes on the mic with no pop filter whatsoever.. because ALL vocalists with that mic would be using a pop filter. An unbiased test would have had the Eyeball vs Standard filter, not a raw mic. Also if they sent it to you for free, it's hard to believe you can rate the value the same as someone who paid the 200 for one. All love tho, just wanted to share my observations as an engineer. Keep up the good videos.
Hmmm. A pop filter doesn’t do anything except help with plosives. The comparison showed and untreated room vs using the eyeball. There are way better ways to get better takes than using an eyeball but using a $15 pop filter is not one of them. Even using a vocal shield doesn’t really help bc the reflection from the 180° behind the vocalist just reflect back into the shield. I have the most realistic comparison I could for what most people would use the eyeball for. An untreated space.
Although the Kaotica Eyeball and its clones work, they can also make your vocal sound dull, lifeless, and muffled. A little bit of reflection can make your vocals sound natural. But I must admit that my room is not nearly as reflective as yours I just found that the eyeballs affected my Vocal recordings in a bad way.
Def do muffle some - not as bad as the Isovox 2 though. I'm getting the Iconic Mars Comet Pro on Friday to test and will see how it fares. Guess you gotta choose your battles - I did my latest vocal recording for the DUETS review without the eyeball and editing the vocals was ugly. Definitely put it back on. Nothing can beat professional sound treatment but some of us can't afford that! lol
@@producerhat If I were you before you try another eyeball, I’d try the Waves Clarity Vx or better yet the Clarity Vx pro. Although my mix room is smaller than yours and not nearly as reflective, I was pleasantly surprised by how well they work. With the clarity pro, you can separate the voice from the ambiance and if needed, you can add back any clarity that was lost in the process.
Love your voice man! Beautiful timbre! I would really like to shoot that thing out against my SE Electronics shield tho. I suspect the SE blows the Eyeball out of the water - but but BUT! I’m constantly annoyed at not being able to have notes in front of me when singing. The Eyeball is so much smaller; I could easily have a screen or notesheet holder behind it while singing! Thanks for this video!
Thank for the comment - I never thought of putting it against the SE. I actually have on in the garage I think. That could be an interesting comparison - in this room, I don't know how the SE would fare because of how reflective it is (if I didn't have treatment up).
@producerhat I disagree it's always bad for the frequency response. Foam isn't broad band and off axis sound isn't even the main problem. Like I said, bad science if you understand how cardioid microphones work.
It’s great science as it serves its purpose. Not everyone can afford to treat their room, rent studio space, etc. it’s a product built for a purpose and serves that purpose well.
What are your thoughts? Are you picking one up?
You still use it today or no I heard it ruin’s dynamics of your microphone
@@ItzrealMusic it does affect the dynamics so choose your poison, ya know? I have the new Iconic Mars Comet Pro to review to see if I like it better.
I used nothing on the DUETS review I posted recently and post processing was terrible. The amount of corrective EQ needed also destroyed the dynamics.
That’s what I mean by pick your poison lol
@@producerhat so pretty much no 😂 with the kaotica eyeball you would prefer using nothing on your microphone?
@@ItzrealMusic actually I prefer the eyeball on there.
@@producerhat want to know your reasoning with knowing you lose dynamics range with your microphone ?
They’re really good for recording music like pop and hip hop. If you really know how to mix your music or have a good engineer then you’re good to go in a open space. I’ve heard people record music using these things and I was like no way this was recorded in a bedroom.
I agree
Talking about bad recording environments; My house was built in the 50s. There is no insulation in the floors. I'm set up in my half-finished basemen on the other side of an uninsulated wooden wall, behind the furnace and washer-dryer. My sister, bro in law, 2 y/o nephew, and elderly parents all live with me, and only ONE has an indoor voice. No joke; my Shure MV7 once caught a dinner conversation going on in my kitchen. Upstairs, and about 15 feet from my door! lol
Also my recording area is directly below the entrance to my toddler nephew's room, so there is constant walking back n forth, with the old boards creaking.
Thank you for this review, I have watched a lot of reviews for this and by. far this is one of the best! instead of complaining about it sounding bad, you gave an honest review. I think some people's expectations for the eyeball are too high, it sounds like it does what it says it's going to do, Is it going to solve all your problems No but it does make a difference from what I can hear.
Exactly my thought process!! Preciate the comment and feedback!
So the eyeball is made for ppl who record in untreated spaces like hotel rooms right ?
Yes. It is a portable solution for non-ideal recording situations. Most certainly better than recording bare.
I recently purchased on for my L22 and it sounds pretty damn good. The thing to note about the eyeball is that the closer you are the better it works.
Good point! Glad you enjoy it too
As someone who records in a non treated environment I’m Considering getting one to help mute out a/c and laptop fan. How well do you think the Kaotica will help with that?
It would help some but depends how loud and how close you are to the sound source
Great job Phil! Best Review on youtube for sure, I already have one and absolutely love it.
Thanks Alexander!!
Using it with my neumann tlm 103 & so far so good, with MX50s I'm finding very good takes full of vocal body and nomore beat in the vocal takes (huge problem I had with my prior headphones) thanks for the review
Glad you're seeing great results like me! It's a permanent fixture in my studio for sure!
Did you ever make
The video for
The DIY sound traps ?
it's one of the very next video's i'm planning as soon as my garage get's cleared out and this Texas freeze goes away haha!
Hey man awesome video. I’ve been on the edge of picking one up for podcasting and I think this has pushed me over.
I’m glad I could help!
What level would be the most appropriate for recording, I'm talking about the preamp
Great question. If you’re using Logic, put it in pre-fader metering. Sing the same distance away that you would be by doing the recording. And then you’re looking to make sure that it’s not peaking more than -16 you want to see an average level of -12 to the -18 dB. What you’re adjusting to achieve those levels is your preamp.
So make sure you’re checking that before every real recording. You’ll often change the pre-amp a little bit to make sure that your vocal is sitting around there. *those numbers don’t have to be EXACT - just my rule of thumb*
Also song the loudest part of the song when you’re doing that initial set.
@@producerhat thanks 🙏, At what volume do you advise me to leave the sound effects such as explosions and reverse?
Hello I have a quick question, I have a Neumann tlm 103 and I’m looking for a stand/mount like the one you have so that I can angle it in front of my face while streaming but not have to have the stand sitting straight up in front of me, any recommendations?
What I have may suit you. It’s the Rode PSA1. It can clamp mount or you can drill a hole in your desk (what I did). Nice strong, movable arm.
@@producerhat thanks dude! Appreciate that, I’ll check it out 🤞🏻
Will a snap studio vocal booth and the eyeball be good for my lewit lct 440 pure and audient id4? Do you think all that equipment combined with good engineering will give my industry quality vocal takes?
If you have access to both, Id start with the snap studio. That and some clean up EQ would be great. Adding the Eyeball would be overkill. The eyeball does add a little more muddiness and is designed really for reflections. The snap studio will do that with MUCH LESS muddiness. Wish I had access to one! That’s what I’d be using.
Did you do that video 📹 on the on the boards on your wall
Unfortunately not yet!
@Producer Hat message me when you get around it because I want you to do a review on it and I like the song you sang in do you produce for other artists
I have one and learned right away,it increases proximity effect and has a reflective node. I think if the inside were faceted would correct this. Works great as an isolation rig on guitar cab!
Interesting! Thanks for sharing
For less then the Kaotica money you can buy all the pvc tubing and connectors + a heavy winter blanket that you need to build a vocal booth which looks better and works to a very high standard and doesn't kill your microphone. Anyone can do it, it's all about fitting plastic tubes in plastic corner connectors and you can disassemble it and store it in no space.
Agreed. Portable and convenient vs non-portable and better quality. Choose what’s most important to your needs, right?
Do you think the eyeball or a DIY vocal booth would be better? And Yes, you should show everyone how to make those acoustic panels!
honestly, it depends on your situation. a well made vocal booth could keep the reflections at bay better but wouldn't be portable.
Thanks for this video. It's a great comparison of the difference between a treated room and an untreated one.
My pleasure Tony!
This is awesome!!
What microphone do you use
Slate ML-1
A kaotica eyeball with a sm7b sounds kinda crazy lol
haha I should try it.
Ok, after A/Bing the clips I can say it maybe kills 15-20% of the reverb tail at best. Is it worth $200? If you're made of money, maybe.
I would disagree but I appreciate the feedback 🙌🏽
Have you tried the Aston Halo?
I haven't even heard of it
Nice Review - Would like to see how well those panels are made and are they expensive to make.
I want to do a video soon!
Get a dynamic mic with the eyeball and that’ll help in a major way.
I have a SM7B but there’s a different model Eyeball for that so haven’t got to try it c
@@producerhat thanks for that info, I will definitely do my research. Appreciate you.
Microphone you used in this video?
Slate ML-1
Soooo, did you get to keep the Kaotica??? I hope so. Nice review.
I'm considering this instead of the curved metal/foam isolation thing (ugh) vs similar Kaotica knockoffs on Amazon. My gut feeling is that getting the real deal (Kaotica) is possibly the best way to go.
I Did get to keep it 🙌🏽
What do you think about using the "curved metal/foam isolation thing" in addition to the Eyeball (using them together at the same time)?
I gotta say, this is the most comprehensive and I guess clinical test of the Eyeball I've seen, of the several I've looked at. so the title isn't pretty accurate.
I am wondering, is it just entirely foam or is there some sort of rigid material inside the foam, like thin orb-shaped shell that is then covered or inserted into the foam? Basically, and especially for someone that made their own sound panels and bass traps, what is the difference between this and using sound proofing foam to make one of these yourself?
honestly - not sure on the total construction but yes, I bet you could use sound proofing foam or material to make something similar yourself. It may not be as "pretty" but should definitely get the job done.
That's a sick melody man.
wow amazing sound quality!
And your have a great singing voice
Not too bad at all :)
thanks for the review man
Do the panel video
I just might have to :)
Thank you for the review! Please make the video on the panels 😅
Nice Video! Would be really interested in the making of your panels!
I’ll try to get workin on it :)
What mic are you using?
Slate ML-1
This review is actually somewhat biased in a couple ways and not really down to earth. So unfortunately, it's not the only review I'll need/want. Some examples are how you compared the Eyeball vocal takes, to takes on the mic with no pop filter whatsoever.. because ALL vocalists with that mic would be using a pop filter. An unbiased test would have had the Eyeball vs Standard filter, not a raw mic. Also if they sent it to you for free, it's hard to believe you can rate the value the same as someone who paid the 200 for one. All love tho, just wanted to share my observations as an engineer. Keep up the good videos.
Hmmm. A pop filter doesn’t do anything except help with plosives. The comparison showed and untreated room vs using the eyeball. There are way better ways to get better takes than using an eyeball but using a $15 pop filter is not one of them. Even using a vocal shield doesn’t really help bc the reflection from the 180° behind the vocalist just reflect back into the shield. I have the most realistic comparison I could for what most people would use the eyeball for. An untreated space.
Disagree, like dude said. 90% of Real musicians record with a pop filter buddy, but A+ on your comeback for the effort, almost had me.@producerhat
I'd like to see a video on the panels.
clearing out the garage to make room to showcase :)
@@producerhat Awesome!
Thank you
Although the Kaotica Eyeball and its clones work, they can also make your vocal sound dull, lifeless, and muffled. A little bit of reflection can make your vocals sound natural. But I must admit that my room is not nearly as reflective as yours I just found that the eyeballs affected my Vocal recordings in a bad way.
Def do muffle some - not as bad as the Isovox 2 though. I'm getting the Iconic Mars Comet Pro on Friday to test and will see how it fares. Guess you gotta choose your battles - I did my latest vocal recording for the DUETS review without the eyeball and editing the vocals was ugly. Definitely put it back on. Nothing can beat professional sound treatment but some of us can't afford that! lol
@@producerhat If I were you before you try another eyeball, I’d try the Waves Clarity Vx or better yet the Clarity Vx pro. Although my mix room is smaller than yours and not nearly as reflective, I was pleasantly surprised by how well they work. With the clarity pro, you can separate the voice from the ambiance and if needed, you can add back any clarity that was lost in the process.
I can def check them out. For software i’ve been seeing pretty good results with the C Vox Suite from Apollo.
Love your voice man! Beautiful timbre! I would really like to shoot that thing out against my SE Electronics shield tho. I suspect the SE blows the Eyeball out of the water - but but BUT! I’m constantly annoyed at not being able to have notes in front of me when singing. The Eyeball is so much smaller; I could easily have a screen or notesheet holder behind it while singing! Thanks for this video!
Thank for the comment - I never thought of putting it against the SE. I actually have on in the garage I think. That could be an interesting comparison - in this room, I don't know how the SE would fare because of how reflective it is (if I didn't have treatment up).
@@producerhat I'd love to see that too. Great video. Looking forward to watching more of your stuff.
Panel video ?
yes, soon! :)
dang! I need to get one of those!
🙌🏽
cool vid. love the eyeball. highly recommend.
Agreed and thank you!
But, they're kind of extortionate, no? I mean $198 for a foam sphere? Isn't that a bit ludicrous?
you gave me usher vibes wit that song
Haha dope!
I think I have to get that Fuji water. 😂
hahaha I mean, it is pretty dang good
For the price tag I expected a lot more
Panel video please
Clearing out the garage to get to my wood working setup 😎
Noise canceling microphones are going to make this product obsolete very quick
Also, I guarantee you won’t see these in a professional recording studio.
@jiznak2000 I would agree. This is meant to be a bandaid for unideal environments for sure
2:53 bro want that sponsor lmaooooo
I’m just saying…don’t miss opportunities 😂😂
Why LIE about removing panels? We can see them.
Watch the video
I prefer the iso over this
nice
It’s a total nice piece of garbage
Already put your order in I bet 😂
Bye bye linear phase, hello comb filtering! They're crap!
Ruins the sound. Bad science
depends
@producerhat I disagree it's always bad for the frequency response. Foam isn't broad band and off axis sound isn't even the main problem. Like I said, bad science if you understand how cardioid microphones work.
It’s great science as it serves its purpose. Not everyone can afford to treat their room, rent studio space, etc. it’s a product built for a purpose and serves that purpose well.