Pump Up Your Pod

Fifine Amplitank Tank 3 Review: The Best Budget Mic for Beginners?

Is the Fifine Amplitank Tank 3 actually good, or just another cheap microphone that sounds terrible? After extensive testing at Bamby Media, I'm breaking down exactly what this budget-friendly mic does well and where it falls short.I'm usually skeptical of inexpensive audio gear - if it's cheap, it's often poor quality. But the Tank 3 surprised me with its performance at this price point. That said, it's not perfect, and I'm covering all the issues you need to know about before buying.What You'll Learn: ✅ Build quality and setup process (true plug-and-play USB) ✅ Real sound quality testing - vocals and singing ✅ Plosive handling issues (you'll need a pop filter) ✅ Sibilance problems and how to fix them in post ✅ USB vs XLR sound differences ✅ Bottom end performance and preamp requirements ✅ Who should actually buy this microphoneThe Tank 3 has legitimate limitations including poor plosive control, noticeable sibilance, and weaker bottom-end performance. But when you consider the price point, it delivers impressive value for beginner podcasters, musicians recording demos, and content creators who need better audio than their laptop microphone.This is an honest review with real-world testing - no hype, just practical insights to help you decide if this microphone fits your needs.Perfect for: Beginner podcasters, musicians on a budget, content creators, online educators, remote workers upgrading their audio.Full disclosure: Fifine provided the Tank 3 for review. This is my honest assessment after real-world testing. Affiliate links below - I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.CHAPTER MARKERS00:00 Fifine Amplitank Tank 3 Review - Introduction01:12 Unboxing the Budget Podcast Microphone - What's Included03:05 Build Quality & Design - Affordable Studio Mic Construction05:20 Setup & Features - USB Microphone for Beginners Guide07:45 Microphone Sound Test - Plosive Test09:10 Sibilance Test - High Frequency Response10:30 Vocal Performance Test - Singing with Best Beginner Mic12:15 Real-World Use & Sound Analysis - XLR vs USB Comparison14:00 Pros and Cons - Budget Podcast Microphone Performance15:30 Final Verdict - Is This the Best Beginner Mic for $79?BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:Monetising Your Podcast CourseOur Learn Descript ProgramTry DescriptGEAR WE USE TO PRODUCE THIS PODCAST:Amplitank Tank 3:https://amzn.to/4rlHJ0SSE Dyncaster DCM8https://amzn.to/3SEWnkMSatechi Hub: https://amzn.to/4bhuDtDElgato Wave Mic Arm Prohttps://amzn.to/3HfOUoMXLR Cables: https://amzn.to/3SJyIjeFocusrite Clarett+: https://amzn.to/3UpqrSMSony ZV E10 Mk 11https://amzn.to/3MLXcnOElgato Camlink: https://amzn.to/4bjgYCeAputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light: https://amzn.to/4bhFXGeAputure Light Box Mini:https://amzn.to/3u55T7m

Elgato Wave Desk Stand Review: Better Than a Boom Arm?

If you're building a home recording studio, you've already discovered that you can’t really have a microphone without some sort of stand to get it in the right position. The desk stand versus boom arm debate is one of the most common questions I see from new podcasters and content creators, and the answer isn't as straightforward as most online advice suggests.Some people swear by the boom arm. Others would rather a neat little desk stand.After testing the Elgato Wave Desk Stand (provided by Elgato for review) and configuring studio setups for clients at Bamby Media for years, I can tell you exactly when desk stands work, when boom arms are the better choice, and what factors actually matter for your specific setup.Choosing the right mic stand or boom arm can make a world of difference in your content creation process. Don’t underestimate the impact of a comfortable, clutter-free setup. It’s the foundation for great audio and a smooth workflow.Full disclosure: Elgato sent me the Wave Desk Stand to try out, but this review is entirely my own. No payment, no script, no expectations. Just my honest take after real-world use. If you decide to purchase through the links below, I may earn a small commission as an Amazon affiliate (thank you in advance).BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:Our Learn Descript ProgramMonetising Your Podcast CourseYouTube ChannelOur ServicesGEAR WE USE HERE AT BAMBY MEDIAElgato Wave Desk StandSE Dyncaster DCM8Elgato Wave Pro Arm Rode PSA1+Shure MV7+Elgato Wave Mic ProXLR CablesSony ZV E10Elgato CamlinkAputure Amaran 200d LED Video LightAputure Light Box MinPre-Amp/Mixers we recommendFocusrite Clarett+Rode Streamer XRodecaster Pro IIRodecaster Pro Duo

How to Get Podcast Sponsors With Only 1,000 Downloads (Micro Sponsorship Strategy)

"You need at least 10,000 downloads per episode before sponsors will even look at you."If I had a dollar for every time I've heard this in podcasting circles, I'd have enough to sponsor someone's show myself. This advice has convinced countless podcasters that monetisation is off-limits until they hit some arbitrary download threshold. It's not just misleading, it's costing you money right now.After helping dozens of podcasters at Bamby Media secure their first sponsors, I can tell you that smaller shows have a distinct advantage that most creators haven’t explored: micro sponsorship.In this episode, I explain what micro sponsorship is, how it works, who to target and how much to charge.BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:Our Learn Descript ProgramMonetising Your Podcast CourseYouTube ChannelOur ServicesGEAR WE USE HERE AT BAMBY MEDIA:SE Dyncaster DCM8Elgato Wave Mic ProXLR CablesSony ZV E10Elgato CamlinkAputure Amaran 200d LED Video LightAputure Light Box MinPre-Amp/Mixers we recommendFocusrite Clarett+Rode Streamer XRodecaster Pro IIRodecaster Pro Duo

Why people stop listening to your podcast - latest data revealed

Recent data from The Podcast Study reveals exactly why listeners abandon podcasts, and the results had me nodding my head in agreement vigorously. This comprehensive research into listener behaviour patterns is so valuable to every podcaster whether you’re an audio-only or video podcast. After analysing the findings of this study alongside our experience working with hundreds of podcast creators at Bamby Media, I can tell you the reasons people tune out are completely preventable - if you know what to fix.The Podcast Study deserves significant recognition for conducting this essential research. Understanding listener behaviour isn't just curiosity - it's crucial intelligence that helps podcasters create better content and build sustainable audiences. Their comprehensive analysis of what makes listeners engage versus what drives them away filled me with gratitude.This type of data-driven research is invaluable for our industry. Too often, podcasters operate on assumptions about what their audience wants rather than evidence-based insights. The Podcast Study's work gives creators concrete direction for improving their content and retention rates.You can access The Podcast Study's full research here. I also did a full breakdown of the data over on YouTube.BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:Our Learn Descript ProgramYouTube ChannelOur Services

How to find great music to use in your content

In a world of doom scrolling and quick fixes, how do you get someone to actually stay on your content long enough to turn them into fans or listen to what you have to say?One element that makes a huge difference is the music that you use in your content.Music creates the vibe. It immediately gives the viewer or listener something to grab onto, and it sets them up for the experience that they’re going to have with your content. In my opinion, loads of creators don’t spend long enough on this crucial step. You want to set the right mood. You want to be in charge of your “sonic branding”, and the right track can do this for you.But here's the problem: finding music that elevates your content rather than making it sound like everyone else's is genuinely challenging.Every content creator knows this frustration: you need a track that's professional, copyright-safe, and doesn't sound like every other video in your feed. Traditional licensing meant grovelling to publishers for rights and paying premium rates for basic usage. Modern platforms like Artlist, Musicbed, and Soundstripe solved the accessibility problem but created a new one: limited variety at scale.I was recently approached by Audiosocket - a music library that I hadn’t used before. They asked me whether I’d be interested in trying their service, giving them some feedback, and potentially becoming an affiliate for them. This happens more frequently these days thanks to people enjoying my YouTube and podcast content, but I’m also always wary of saying “yes” to reach-outs like this.My thoughts need to be my own, and I’m not going to be affiliated with a brand just so that I can make a few extra bucks. That’s not my M.O. So, I was in fact pleasantly surprised after using Audiosocket that I didn’t have to rip them to shreds for being terrible.They are, in fact a great music library with an absolute stack of fantastic songs. What a relief that is. I can now happily talk about them, recommend them to you and be an affiliate without needing to sell my soul.10% off Audiosocket with the code "BAMBY10"https://audiosocket.com/?fpr=bambymediaCHAPTER MARKERS00:00 Introduction: Building Your Personal Brand with Video00:57 The Challenge of Finding Good Music02:57 The Solution: Music Libraries04:11 Introducing Audiosocket04:55 My Experience with Audiosocket06:30 Why Audiosocket Stands Out11:36 Final Thoughts and Discount Code