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Massdrop Staff Picks: Meet Mike

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To help you get to know the people behind our Staff Picks collection, we asked each team member a little about themselves, how they got interested in their favorite community, and what else they’re doing these days. Read the Q&A, check out their picks, and use the comment section to ask questions or just say hello.

Meet Mike, who’s all about the Audiophile Community.

Q: What do you do at Massdrop?
A: A little bit of everything. Currently, I work on the Communities Team at Massdrop where I try to be your voice to our team and Massdrop as a whole. Partnering with you I hope to make Massdrop THE place for enthusiasts like us to hang out. Some of you and I have partnered together on drop launches, new site features, executing meetups, and even just geeking out about our respective hobbies.
Q: What do you like most about working at Massdrop?
A: You, the community! I have a feeling you will be reading that response to this question many times...because it's true. I have learned so much from so many of you. There have even been a few instances where I have been lucky enough to meet a few of you at audio meet-ups, or one of many mech keys meet-ups or the SF pen show, photo walks, the list is endless. Even more so, I have been proud to be able to call some of you a true friend. From sharing a beer to late night texts, and even receiving handwritten, physical cards in the mail to celebrate a special occasion. So, thank you all for being awesome members of your respective communities and the larger Massdrop family!
Q: How did you get into Audiophile?
A: Many moons ago I was actually the assistant buyer for the audiophile community for a little over a year before taking on other roles at Massdrop. During my time on Audiophile, I learned a ton from going to shows, listening to countless setups, gear that costs more than a car, and of course from you the community. It also helps I've had a general passion for music my entire life having played piano, trumpet, and guitar. ;)
Q: What are some of your favorite products in that community?
A: This may not be a surprise for those of you that follow me, but I can't get enough of the Fostex TH-X00 (Mahogany) and Grace Design m9XX. Bought both of these the second they were available and that pairing still crushes! Another little-known piece of hardware I'm super fond of is the Creative Sound Blaster E3. This little guy comes with me on every single flight. The versatility it offers is unparalleled given its cost, size, and the fact it can still power "serious" cans. (Pro-Tip: it is the perfect way to watch a movie with your travel buddy due to its built in dual headphone outputs.)
Q: What are some of your other hobbies/interests?
A: Writing is also a community that takes a ton of my $$$. I love trying out different papers and I've been experimenting with tons of different pencils the last few months (WAY more exciting than it sounds I promise). Photography is also a passion, although more film based photography. I have 2 Nikon F3s, an F4, an F100, and would love to get my hands on a Nikonos V at some point!


Check out Mike’s picks: TEAC AI-101DA Integrated Amplifier with USB DAC
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/ai-101da-integrated-amplifier-with-usb-dac
Dekoni Premium Ear Pads for Fostex
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/dekoni-premium-earpads-for-fostex-th-x00
▶ TFZ King IEMs
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tfz-king-iems
HeadAmp Pico Slim Headphone Amp & Pico DAC/Amp
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/headamp-pico-portable-dac-amp

Follow Mike to see what he's up to:
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WRITING: J9 AUTO: Nelson
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Elzizo
520
Aug 30, 2017
I think you missed a spot while shaving...
Not to make this sound like a LinkedIn profile, but Mike *is* a community asset. He reached out to me when I was a "nobody" making a lot of Audiophile posts, and I can tell he does that for others. Mike is interested in encouraging the community dialogue and encouraging more voices within the community. It also just so happens he is a relateable and nice guy, so I look forward to posts or messages from him.
MikeMD
1100
Aug 21, 2017
EvshrugThank you, these words are too kind! (insert blush emoji here) You're a true gentleman.
payodpanda
958
Aug 19, 2017
I was going to write something, but then Andy expressed how I feel so why bother. Read Andy's comment above ^^^
Edit. Omg @MikeMD we're upvote buddies (673 each)
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payodpandaAnd you're my buddy IRL!
Next time I'm back in town we MUST go get beers again!
payodpanda
958
Sep 2, 2017
livingspeedbumpHell yea buddy IRL!
I attended a cookout earlier today, it was raining like CRAZY, we had a tarp up and a fire going and grillin' and chillin' and it was awesome. Come back soon, the town misses you!
One of my favorite humans, ever.
Could write a paper about how great Mike is to work with, hang out with, talk to.
10/10 human.
MikeMD
1100
Aug 18, 2017
livingspeedbumphahahah Thanks buddy! <3 you too :)
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