Marques K. Brownlee, also known by his stage name MKBHD, is a video producer, host, tech-reviewer and Internet personality, best known for his technology-based YouTube channel, MKBHD. The channel was a combination of his initials and the acronym, HD, for high definition., the channel has more than 1.9 million subscribers, and over 130 million total video views. In August 2013, Vic Gundotra, the former Senior Vice President, Social for Google, called Brownlee "the best technology reviewer on the planet right now."
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» All Man InterviewsI review things. I explain things. I talk about things. Anything with an on button is game. You can check out what I do here: http://youtube.com/MKBHD
I’m also a business student & Ultimate frisbee player.
My Nexus 6 review just went live, and I answered a LOT of questions over on r/Android.
Here I'll answer questions about YouTube, tech, or anything else!
I’ll try to be here all day. Because Reddit is more important than class... right?
https://twitter.com/MKBHD/status/534721392487727104 <- Proof
Update: That... was a LOT of questions. I answered a few hundred today - hope it was fun! See you around the internet.
Oh my god hahaha
Hello Marques, really fond of your work. From your twitter account, “Fun fact: I've never accepted money to alter any video I've ever made in any way.”.
Can you name some companies that did offer you money? Is that common?
I won't name any, but yeah it happens all the time. Check out almost any other channel doing videos consistently. There's always sponsorships, interruptions, ad-reads, etc.
I don't do those because I'm not a fan of watching them. My #1 goal is to make videos that I'd want to watch.
Hey Marques, I'm always wondering if you're kind of a celebrity at your university. And has your fame ever helped you to pick up a girl?
Nope haha. Internet notoriety doesn't get essays done either :/
This may be a stupid question, but how do you get all the gadgets which you review? Do you buy them or are they sent out to you? I've never understood how it works. Your videos are great by the way!
Most of the devices that show up on video are purchased by me. Occasionally that's not realistic (or possible)... looking at you, Nexus 6... so manufacturers reach out and offer to send devices to get them on video.
Nice. I'm excited for your TV remote reviews.
Heck yes.
Build quality: C+
Feel in the hand: A
Button layout: B
Ecosystem: A
Overall: B+ would recommend.
She's a beauty.
She's blushing.
Are you able to support yourself and actually make a living off of your YouTube videos?
Yep. Which is awesome and blows my mind constantly. As a student, though, I don't have a lot of expenses. I buy food. I play a sport. But that's about it.
Hey man, love your videos. You continue to be one of the more unbiased reviewers out there today, and countless people thank you for it.
I have a couple questions, feel free to answer any/all:
Where do you see the mobile computing world moving in the next 2-3 years? We all know how prevalent smartphones are in today's culture, but seeing projects like the Sharp Aquos Crystal, Yotaphone 2, and Ubuntu Edge get me excited about overall phone design, innovation, and the prospect of mobile and desktop computing in one device. Any ideas on what the more immediate future might hold?
The move to higher-res displays seem to have divided the tech community. Some argue that the negatives (specifically the hit to battery life) greatly outweigh the positives. Another argument is that they're pointless on anything smaller than a ~5.7ish" screen (which is considered a large phone). What do you think? Are 2K/4K screens worth it?
I would argue that the introduction of the Moto G and the Moto E have done wonders for Android adoption (at least in the US). These are great phones, especially considering the price. Where would you like to see Moto headed next, especially considering the transfer in ownership to Lenovo?
With the recent releases of both Android 5.0 and iOS 8, what's the one thing that Google still needs to introduce into Android to really "stick it" to iOS, and vice-versa?
Thanks again for the AMA, and keep doing what you're doing!
/r/android says hi!
Glad you've enjoyed the videos!
Mobile has been making phones bigger and bigger over the past few years, and I think in the next 2-3 years that finally halts. Phones can't get much bigger. We say this every year, but... for real this time.
We see a similar polarization every time a new standard comes around in tech. I don't think this one is any different - we didn't "need" 1080p displays in phones 2 years ago, and we certainly don't "need" QHD displays in phones now. But they're still better, and past this first generation of devices, I think it'll be worth it.
Yep, Moto G and Moto E are some of Moto's best selling phones ever. I don't want to speak for their future, but they're kinda killing it right now and I hope they don't lose their swagger.
Hey Marques, is there a Miss. MKBHD?
My camera?
Here's my attempt:
4-Bank of Lights (Fluorescent) x2: $500
Canon C100.......................: $4,375
Panasonic GH4....................: $1,999
13-inch Retina Macbook Pro.......: $1,899
Epson Artisan 730 Printer........: $375
Nexus 10 Tablet..................: $349
Sony RX100 Camera................: $410
Manfroto Monopod.................: $75
Manfroto 504HD with Tripod.......: $750
Manfroto 502HD x2................: $380
iFootage Shark Slider............: $730
RED Scarlett.....................: $14,000
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 x2............: $1,600
Anton Bauer Battery Pack x2......: $700
Canon 17-55mm F2.8...............: $880
Canon Tokina 11-16mm.............: $500
Canon 70-200mm F2.8..............: $1,430
Philips Hue LED x6...............: $180
BlueLounge SUMO..................: $18
Various Phones x9................: $5,400
Hi-hat Tripod....................: $280
iPad Mini 128GB..................: $660
Nexus 5 Wireless Charger.........: $50
Fuji X100S.......................: $1,200
Colorware Apple Keyboard.........: $175
Magic Trackpad...................: $75
Logitech Performance MX..........: $100
Perixx Mousepad..................: $12
OFC Express Stands...............: $100
Asus PQ321Q x2...................: $3,000
iKey-Audio M505V2 x2.............: $330
FocusRight Scarlett 2i2..........: $160
Audio-Technica ATH-M50...........: $180
Sennheiser MKH416................: $1,000
Zoom H4N.........................: $200
Mac Pro..........................: $8,099
BlueLounge Cable Box x3..........: $90
Various Battery Chargers.........: $100
====================================================
Total............................: $52,361
Range (+-5% to account for error): $50,000-$55,262
I'm shooting with the RED Epic Dragon (CF) - upgraded from the Scarlet a few weeks ago. Either way, this chart is insane haha.
Have you ever been approached by Honey Nut Cheerios to advertise for them?
I wish. I actually approached General Mills last year just to give them a heads up about what was happening, and got a generic canned response.
"Thanks for using our products"
mkay
Do you safely remove your USB devices?
Every time, actually.
I'm deeply curious, what are your thoughts on Linus Tech Tips?
Linus is the man. Met him at CES last year and we've been in touch since. He cranks out videos like no tomorrow, which is awesome.
He's the only one that makes me honestly consider the merits of having a crew or partner working alongside to make videos.
Do you call your car your daily driver?
I would if I drive daily.
Hey, Marques! I’m a huge fan of your videos, you’ve definetly got some of the best tech reviews out there. Every product I’ve purchased after one of your reviews has more than lived up to expectation, so thanks for that.
I’m curious to know what your plans or expectations are once you graduate college. With your current position you no doubt have a few more open doors than most college grads, so I guess this is kind of a “Where do you see yourself in five years?” question. On a related note, what is the state of MKBHD in five years? Will it always be just you, or will you expand?
That's awesome! Graduating will only open up more time for me to make videos & talk tech. I have 3 papers due in the next week, and I'm not even close to done with any of them.
I get asked a lot if I'll "expand" or bring in more people, and that's a tricky thing to change. I enjoy doing everything now, but there's a pretty good chance I won't be able to keep up with everything I want to cover forever.
Do you plan to stick with mainly phones and accessories or do you have any other fields you'd like to get into?
Anything with an on button is game.
Hey man,
I've played against you numerous times, most recently at High Tide. What's your favorite college/club tournament to attend?
Sick! I hope it was fun ha. High Tide is almost always my favorite tournament. DIII Nationals has also been awesome each year I've gone.
What car are you driving now and when are you going to get a Tesla?
Red Toyota. Red Tesla: In the works.
Hi Marques!
You started out reviewing things you happened to have or you bought for yourself. How and when did you decide to buy something just (or especially) to review it? How did your parents react to that, assuming you were still pretty young?
The thing is - I didn't start out going out of my way to buy things to review. I bought things that I was going to use anyway, then decided to do a review on them after the fact.
It started with a laptop that I bought. I bought it for myself for school, then made about 40 videos on it!
cheerios
cheerios
IOS
dammit.
Hi MKB!
You shoot your vidoes in 4K these days.
Thanks!
I'm actually shooting in 6K, but yeah finishing in 4K means much larger video files. 6K raw at 8:1 compression from the RED Epic Dragon comes out to about 20MB per frame.
My Nexus 6 review, rendered out was just 8GB though.
Hey, how's your hand? is it better now? does it affect the way you make videos?
anyway, what's your initial impression of the Nokia N1, would you be doing a video about it?
Love your videos!
The hand is healing fast! It no longer affects making videos (thank gawd I don't have to edit lefty anymore) but I'm still strengthening and doing physical therapy every week.
Nokia N1 looks ... interesting. I'll definitely try to get my hands on it.
How much do you think your whole setup (cameras, software, phones, etc.) is worth alltogether?
Oh geez I probably couldn't put a value on it. You can try to tally it if you want? :o
You tweeted that you got an email from the Beats by Dre people after the video you made about their headphones.
Are you allowed to talk about the conversation you had? Pleasant? Unpleasant? Informative? Propaganda-like?
It's been radio silence since that tweet haha
Hey Marques! Long time fan. I was always curious, what are you planning to do with your degree after you gradute? Are you just going to continue making youtube videos and keep the degree on the side just in case?
P.S I've been uncontrollably saying "dope" ever since your collab video.
I don't have any plans with my degree when I graduate, but I know it's something I'll be glad to have in my back pocket. So yeah, more videos. But now with a degree. So dope.
Hey, what does the "K" in MKBHD stands for? :D
My middle name :P
What class are you answering these questions in right now?
Corporate Finance
Hey Marques, love your channel.
Just 2 questions: What is the phone you're currently using as your daily driver and what's your all time favorite phone?
Thanks for doing this AMA and keep up the great work.
My "daily driver" is different every week, so not sure if it counts. I have a Nexus 6 in my right pocket and a Droid Turbo (review incoming) in my left.
I was asked for my favorite phone of ALL TIME the other day, and I went with the original Moto DROID. Something about its timing, with the ad campaign and the new OS... Exciting stuff! I'll never forget that unboxing.
What is your favourite keyboard?
Don't hurt me for this. I love my Apple keyboard. It's actually a Colorware model, so it's jet black with white letters.
I've tried mechanical keyboards (red and brown switches) but never stayed more than a few months. I just type (essays) way faster on the chicklet keys with barely any travel. Plus it's super compact and I can move it off the desk when I need to shoot a video there.
What is the video you are most proud of?
Ooh, tough call. There are a few special ones, but I think the relatively "not-so-special" RX100 MKIII review (http://youtu.be/9HtGhNUtW-E) is tops because it's the first video I shot with my current camera, and I got a lot of interesting shots, and I think it unlocked a lot of creative stuff that I've been trying in videos since.
In terms of pure visuals? iPhone 6 Plus Review: http://youtu.be/Wwp9eaVVW_8
Does your family understand the magnitude of your success/popularity? How do they feel about it and are they as passionate about tech as you?
Yep, and they're awesome and supportive of every step.
Do you ever root your phones, and what is the reasoning behind your decision?
I stopped rooting phones about a year ago, because all the things I'd root for are now included in these Android devices. Higher clock speeds, data backup, etc.
What computer do you use now?
8-core Mac Pro. http://i.imgur.com/g6GfYhW.png
What are your career goals?
Make better videos. Short and sweet.
Hey Marques! What was the weirdest fan encounter you've had?
Alright so I went to an ultimate tournament with my college team a couple of weeks ago in another state. We're having a team dinner at some random diner we found, and I'm checking Twitter as we wait for our food.
I see a tweet that says something like "Oh, I didn't know you were on this campus. Cool." from a name I don't recognize. I assume it's someone who saw me while we were playing Ultimate. Neat. I reply that he should've said hi.
I get a reply minutes later - "didn't want to disturb you, seems like you're with a big group"
Wait what? Now? Right now? Did this person just see me?
Long story short, 5 minutes later I'm shaking hands with this dude in the diner because he saw us walking in. Not even a weird encounter, just a weird way for it to happen haha
MKBHD Reveals The Mystery of The Cheerios!: http://youtu.be/Vp8a7OMsZ6Y
It has something to do with his camera when he first started.
Beat me to it haha. I guess it qualifies as an "inside joke" at this point :]
What do you usually keep in your backpack?
My laptop, 1 5-subject notebook, a couple folders and my Jaybird Bluebuds.
Hey Marques! Any particular reason you didn't review the Xperia Z3?
Working with the Xperia Z3 at the moment. I mentioned before, but there are about 12 videos I could upload RIGHT NOW and be on time. That's one of them. Working on a bunch of stuff for the end of this year!
Today you teased us with an awesome MKBHD logo shirt. Will you be selling any merchandise or apparel? When can we buy one?
Yep by the end of 2014, a bunch of new stuff like that will be revealed. Including a site. Big things coming.
What is your typical workout for Ultimate Frisbee? I am in amateur and looking to get better!
Legs legs legs. Leg speed. Foot speed. Cutting drills. Running laps. Squats, lunges. Vertical. Repeat.
You seem so non-biased. So, which is it, iOS, Android, or Windows Phone?
If I can only pick one, it's stock Android 5.0.
Hey Marques!
What do you think about the Z3 compact? I kind of want to get a decent phone that'll fit in my pocket, but is a decent phone. Should I keep on looking for something in the Sony line or is there anything better available from LG/Samsung/ etc?
Z3 Compact is definitely the best compact phone of 2014. I've had one for more than a month, but there are so many videos I could upload RIGHT NOW and be on time with. That review is one of them. I'll be sharing my thoughts on it more soon!
What is your favorite spread to put on bread?
guac
Have you tried topre switches?
Nope. Should I?
Ever been addicted to a game? Also LOVE your videos man. Keep up the fantastic work. (This is the first time I'm early in an AMA omg)
I am absolutely addicted to NBA 2K15.
Your perfect phone video looked cool!
That was a lot of fun! Props to The Verge for the awesome animation work that really made the whole video. I'll be doing more stuff like that (I suck at animation) with them when we get the chance.
Any tech product you would love to review, but is too expensive or pointles?
Supercars.
Thanks for your great work. How will you maintain your sincerity and journalistic integrity as your popularity explodes? Have you given any thought to signing an ethics pledge?
I'll say "same way I have since the beginning." I talk about things from the perspective of the consumer - mostly because that's what I am. A guy going out and buying things and sharing that experience with the viewer. Nothing should change that, but if it ever does, I'll absolutely make it known.
I mostly just wanted to say thank you for the honesty, thoughtfulness and integrity.
No tech questions, it what is you long term plan? Do you see yourself doing reviews at 40? will you design tech?
Also what are you going to do with you business degree?
No problem! If I still like making reviews when I'm 40... hell yes. I've had thoughts about designing tech, but 2 things:
The "Dream smartphone" stuff and concepts like that are the closest I've come to designing tech. Stuff like that is fun.
Hey dude, dbrand here. Been intrigued by your MKBHD site for a while. Surely you can't reveal too much, so we'll keep it to something you might be able to leak.
As you imagine it right now, what would the navigation bar items be titled? Just trying to get an idea of the content types.
^^^if ^^^you ^^^can't ^^^say, ^^^it's ^^^cool. ^^^you're ^^^still ^^^a ^^^monster.
Home. Videos. Contact. Other mystery tabs.
Can't reveal too much ;)
Do you still recommend the Nexus 5?
And in your opinion, what's the closest phone to a Dream Smartphone?
Nexus 5 is an absolute steal right now.
What's preventing you from buying a Tesla? Affordability?
A place to charge it.
Hey MKBHD,
You are certainly well connected in the tech world; What are some of the future innovations that we could expect from the smartphone industry apart from the obvious slimmer and larger phones. And, do you think modular phones will take off?
A huge part of me hopes it's battery technology. Phones can stop getting so thin, thanks :]
I'm super pumped for modular smartphones and everything Project Ara is doing. Modular anything makes me excited.
Hey Marques! Huge fan of your videos.
How did the unmistakable "Hey whatisup guys" intro become a thing?
Slow evolution, actually. I started by trying to have something to say near the beginning of every video that reminded people that I'd done other videos.
So it started with something much longer like "Hey what's up guys, Marques Brownlee here back with another MKBHD video"
That shortened over time :]
Is OVERWERK your favorite producer? :)
Top 5 for sure. In no particular order:
Wolfgang Gartner
Daft Punk
OVERWERK
Deadmau5
Holy shit. How long did it take to upload and process the whole video? And also time it took to render lol
Processing takes waaaaay longer than uploading ha.
Rendering can take 2-4 hours, depending on what VFX / plugins look like for that project.
Hey Marques!
Love your videos.
Was wondering, what's your favorite disc to throw?
Ultrastar. Classic. Never quite got used to the Innova, but I'm working on it.
Where can we get the MKBHD accessories ? (Shirt)
Soon! Before the end of 2014.
If you had to choose only one, would you choose doing tech reviews or Ultimate Frisbee?
Nope. lol
Hey Marques, what's the biggest reason you prefer android over iOS?
Google service integration; Customizable UI
Smart watches. Are they worth it right now, and which one is best?
Video upcoming on exactly that :]
Any reason why you seem to prefer mac over PC?
Mostly UI preference at this point. I switched to see what it was like (while building a Hackintosh for a video project) and have gotten used to OSX since then.
Do you purchase all the hardware you review?
What was the most disappointing gadget / piece of tech you have ever bought?
I know you are graduating in business. Have you heard of dogecoins? What is you opinion on digital currencies and it's promises for the tech world?
Almost all of it is purchased by me, yeah.
Most disappointing piece of tech I've ever bought? Geez. I don't remember any because I've blocked them all out of my mind haha.
I've heard of dogecoins and bitcoins and all these other virtual currencies. I haven't had a reason to use any of them yet, but I'm all ears.
Could you explain more about your video setup? What type of camera do you use? What software do you use for editing? Is it just you shooting or do you have help?
I'm shooting with a RED Epic Dragon (CF) and 90% of the time I'm rocking the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8. That glass is one of my favorite pieces of tech in a long time.
I edit with the Adobe suite - Premiere for most of the editing & coloring, and After Effects once in a while for some motion tracking or vfx.
I'm the camera man, lighting, set design... everything :]
Do you have any plans if the YouTube career ends?
The day YouTube ends is the day I start uploading my videos to... whatever is the next best thing. Vimeo?
Hey MKBHD! Love your videos, I hope your success continues to skyrocket!
If YouTube didnt catch on for you, what would you be doing after school?
That's a tough question! I was thinking about it recently and I honestly have no idea. I watch so much YouTube that I can't imagine NOT making videos.
Hey man. I remember seeing you first time when Lamarr Wilson had you on a google hangout with him. Seeing your channel that time, I would never have known you'd grow this big. But here you are, and I'm a fan.
Making reviews and constantly trying to update yourself about the latest in tech, do you ever feel its getting monotonous? I remember a video in which Jonathan from TechnoBuffalo spoke about how things have started getting monotonous and its only human to feel that way.
Secondly, do you plan to expand MKBHD to a company of sorts (Again, like TechnoBuffalo)?
Thankyou for your videos and keep it up.
As long as tech continues to change, it keeps my interest. I think making tech videos can get monotonous if you keep making the same video over and over again. Gotta mix it up!
Dude, love your channel. What helped you get into doing this? How much editing time does it take to produce the high-quality videos you put up?
The average 8-minute review video, from the time I press the record button to the time the video is uploaded could take anywhere from 6 - 20 hours of work.
I've never actually timed it, but the workflow has certainly changed a lot over the years! Shooting RAW changed a lot.
