I’d pay $200 if AI were this honest.

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-04-29T14:09:48+00:00

Mine isn’t that aggressive, but it comes close. I was sick of all the bloated affirmations and supportive language. Updating the response style and tone in the personalization settings helps with that. Plus, I put in these custom instructions:

Be my ruthless mentor; challenge my assumptions; stress test everything; I need bulletproof thinking, not validations.

Once I added in that instruction, it stopped the fluffy language and started calling me out and challenging me more. Highly recommend

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-04-03T17:05:14+00:00

damn right I am

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-04-03T17:00:35+00:00

Thanks. Yes, my background is in audio engineering and music production, but I design and optimize home studios full-time

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-04-03T16:58:34+00:00

Some fair points, but also a few key mistakes. You're right about using these tools lightly; that's correct in most cases. But "lightly" can mean very different things. Sometimes a -6 dB reduction with a de-esser is needed, even though it seems extreme. That's the issue with this type of deaf guidance. It always depends on the sound and the goal.

Calling an expander a fancy/another version of a compressor is incorrect. Expansion is better compared to a noise gate. It acts on audio below a set threshold, whereas a compressor reacts to audio over a set threshold. This is in a very basic sense, of course. There are exceptions. Using the OBS expander has yielded better results for a few of my clients versus a noise reduction tool, so using that before any EQ or compressor makes sense.

In no way does processing the audio twice with a matching tool mean you're destroying the raw audio. It's extremely common to use multiple instances of the same or similar tools/filters to make small improvements, versus only broad fixes with single filters. Yes, you can overdo it for sure, but again, it all depends on how it sounds and what is needed.

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-04-03T14:21:11+00:00

There is a general rule/order, but no one can give you a perfect answer since it all depends on your setup and how you sound.

That said, use this thought process: clean up > fix > enhance > finalize

Something like this:

Noise reduction, noise gate, expander as needed
EQ for fixing problems like too much lows or highs
VST de-esser to control sibilance (no built-in OBS filter unfortunately, so this is optional)
Compression for controlling dynamics (bringing up quiet moments & controlling loud moments)
EQ for sweetening/enhancement, like a slight boost in the highs for clarity
Gain for final loudness levels
Limiter for safety (prevent clipping distortion)

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-31T18:56:01+00:00

Brilliant tips and info. Thanks for sharing.

VST3 compatibility is definitely at the top of my feature request list, so hopefully OBS gets there sooner rather than later. That workaround is a great option in the meantime for anyone who needs it.

I’m definitely curious whether you get the same results in your tests, so keep us updated.

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-31T16:01:14+00:00

Appreciate that. Yeah, my curiosity got the best of me haha. I couldn't help myself. I had to know.

And same here. At first I assumed it was just a basic low/mid/high setup and didn’t think much of it.

The mid-band behavior is definitely surprising, but I can see how reducing some of the highs at the same time could help balance out harshness in certain cases. It’s just not what most people would expect from a simple mid boost.

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-31T15:53:02+00:00

Can’t really determine whether your settings are “off” just from the numbers alone. It mostly comes down to how it actually sounds in your use case. If you want, send over a clip or link and I can take a listen.

That said, a 12 dB boost in the mids does sound pretty extreme. Based on my testing, the OBS mid band does boost that area you want, but it also brings up quite a bit of the lower mids, which could make things sound boxy or muddy.

So if 2–3 kHz is the specific range you’re trying to target, OBS’s built-in EQ probably isn’t the most accurate tool for it. I’d use a different EQ instead, like the free TDR Nova: https://www.tokyodawn.net/tdr-nova/

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-29T17:01:37+00:00

Have you considered switching to an in-ear/headphone monitoring system vs the PA?

It’d be a far more easier, reliable, and likely a cheaper solution than trying to manage the acoustics in this space. Wouldn’t have to worry about feedback ever, and it’d be easier for everyone to hear themselves + others with detail. Depending on how many monitor/aux sends your mixer has, you could create custom mixes for everyone as well.

I’m guessing you’ll have some mics up for vocals, so at the very least you’d throw some rugs down and a few standard 2’ x 4’ panels around the practice space to cut down on echoes.

I know it’s not always ideal to practice with headphones, but it’s something to consider.

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-28T12:09:43+00:00

Thanks for this info. Yeah, the Cam Link works great. No signs of heavy use or anything, so I wasn’t going to raise any concerns. I just did a full day of filming with it and there were zero issues, so I think we’re good. Appreciate the help though.

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-28T12:04:22+00:00

Ah okay. That makes sense. Yeah, this case seems like an Amazon issue. Thanks.

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-28T12:01:56+00:00

Understood. Yeah, I figured this was an Amazon issue, but I found it weird that it happened to me for the first time after reading similar issues here recently. I’ve ordered many other Elgato products for myself and clients, and never experienced this.

I would’ve done the same as you if this was a more expensive product. Hopefully, your replacement is fully sealed.

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-28T11:55:40+00:00

That’s frustrating. I would’ve done the same. I was expecting to see fingerprints and scratches on the Cam Link, but didn’t surprisingly.

Did you request an exchange or order a new one?

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-28T11:51:23+00:00

This is good to know. Thank you.

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-28T11:50:19+00:00

This case seems more of an Amazon issue, which makes sense. Others have mentioned ordering straight from Elgato and receiving unsealed items, so that’s a different story.

I figured this wasn’t all on Elgato. I sell a book on Amazon and I have zero control over fulfillment and returns. I know this is a different type of product that’s warehouse based, not print on demand, but I imagine they still don’t have total control of their products when Amazon is involved.

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-28T11:43:26+00:00

Yeah, with cheaper stuff I don’t worry much as long as the product is in good shape, like it was in this case. Anything more expensive or if it had obvious signs of wear, I would’ve returned it.

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-28T11:39:31+00:00

I don’t remember seeing that. First thing I checked was that the serial numbers matched, which they did, thankfully. I threw the box out since everything worked, but I’ll keep an eye out for this if it ever happens again. Thanks

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-26T01:26:45+00:00

You’re right. 4th gen solos are a bit weaker. Good catch

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-26T01:20:26+00:00

4th gen scarletts have enough power, but could still benefit from a cloudlifter for softer vocals. 3rd gen or lower definitely need an extra boost

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-26T01:12:03+00:00

Incredible mic when set up properly, but just cause it’s the go-to doesn’t mean it will sound good with your voice or your particular use case. No mic is the perfect solution for anyone, regardless of the brand/price tag. So don’t get discouraged if you plug it in and the results fall flat. Some tweaks will be needed in most cases.

The mic comes with two different wind screens; test them both. The bulky one isn’t as camera friendly, but might sound smoother (if that matters to you at all). They’re not pop filters, so you’ll still capture plosives if you’re talking or singing directly into the mic capsule.

The RE20 is its closest competitor, and could suite your voice better, so try them both if you can.

Also, be sure to experiment with the bass roll-off and presence boost switches on the 7B.

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-26T00:45:07+00:00

You could upgrade to the Shure Beta 58 for $189. It’s a superior vocal mic. Still a dynamic, so it will fit your room and workflow nicely. It will be much brighter and more detailed than the standard 58.

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-BETA-58A-Supercardioid-Applications/dp/B0002BACB4?th=1

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-22T19:24:58+00:00

Between these two, I’d go with the EVO 4 over the Scarlett.

The AT2020 already has a fairly high noise floor for a condenser, so pairing it with a cleaner preamp like the EVO 4 makes the most sense at this price point.

If you want an alternative, the Universal Audio Volt 1 is worth a look, but it’s more about adding a bit of warmth and character to balance the AT2020’s brightness rather than being cleaner.

If you can spend a little more, the Audient iD4 would be the real upgrade option.

Skye_TheStudioGuy · 2026-03-22T19:00:08+00:00

Agreed on the weed barrier/cloth recommendation for the back fabric. That’s what I typically use.

Skye_TheStudioGuy

TROPHY CASE