Thank you for visiting the next section of our series on podcasting for newbies. Here are all 5 parts of the show:
Purchasing equipment for podcasting is an area that may be extremely annoying. Numerous podcasters recommend poor gear, computer software, and set-ups.
Exactly what equipment you decide to buy is determined by your technical comfort and ease plus budget. But’s crucial that you comprehend all your valuable choices before deciding.
Your 2 Recording Choices
There are 2 major ways you can capture. Either straight to your computer or laptop or through outside devices like an electronic digital recorder and a mixer. The manner in which you record also determine your pre-production (that which you do before recording) and post-production (everything you do after the recording) work. I suggest tracking into an external unit like an electronic recorder rather than into your computer system.
Digital recorders are dependable. They record via a microphone input right onto an SD card. Computers are much prone to have corrupt files, mistakes, or any other technical problems. The following tips depend on making use of an external recording product like a digital recorder as they are all pieces you’ll would you like to give consideration to before starting your podcast.
Picking a Microphone
One aspect you have to know is the difference between powerful and condenser mics. Vibrant mics tend to be more inexpensive, rugged, and direct. Condenser mics are typically higher priced, delicate and painful and sensitive. Many people suggest condenser mics over dynamic mics, but I disagree with this specific for a couple factors. The main reason becoming that condenser mics grab ANYTHING. Unless your recording area is a professional noise booth, a condenser mic will pick-up your room sound- creaky chairs, computer system fan hum, vehicles driving by outside- you name it.
Vibrant mics having said that are ideal for recording in a small area or basement environment. They provide high quality sound with a greater amount of control over room sound.
These are the lower-end and higher-end mics i might consider buying:
Choosing a Mixer
This decision depends on a number of the points resolved previously- selected podcast format, convenience with technology, and quantity of post manufacturing work you should do. No matter what the responses, there's one brand you’ll want to pay attention to: Mackie. Mackie mixers are hands down best. Save yourself the full time and stress and choose the after Mackie mixers:
Again, if you plan on recording into an electronic digital recorder, the attributes of a mixer like Mackie PROFX12 12-Channel Compact Effects Mixer with USB tend to be pointless. USB is unneeded because you won’t be tracking in to the computer system while the effects aren’t helpful as it’s not likely you’d ever before utilize the results while podcasting. it is something which gets modified in post-production.
Form quality and reliability, all of these have actually at least one AUX station. Exactly why is having an AUX channel significant. It permits you to definitely run a Mix/Minus setup for Skype calls/ or Google Hangout interviews. Fundamentally, Mix/Minus is a way for you to deliver the visitor you’re interviewing the audio from all of the mixer channels you’re utilizing except his or her own, therefore getting rid of any comments looping. Physically, i might choose the Mackie 1202VLZ4, 12-channel mixer because having extra networks to record into constantly is available in handy. Discover how-to create a Mix/Minus setup:
Picking an electronic digital Recorder
Thankfully, many excellent and comparable recorders occur. When purchasing a recorder, you’ll desire to give consideration to such things as how will you be using it (on the go, when you look at the studio, or both) and what type of functions are "must-haves." A good thing to complete is ask others who have actually experience with certain designs, nevertheless the following two products is an excellent starting point for.
- Roland R-05 Studio WAVE/MP3 Recorder. Roland makes exceptional items while the R-05 is one of all of them. My two preferred popular features of this recorder are its size (slightly bigger than a pack of cigarettes) and also the record/pause function (enables you to pause a recording in the place of completely stopping and starting a fresh one). The disadvantage will it be doesn’t have actually an XLR mic feedback.
- TASCAM DR-100mkIwe 2-Channel Portable Digital Recorder .This design can be used by Alex Blumberg in recording their podcast ‘StartUp’. The Tascam provides a durable construction, 2 XLR inputs, and two sets of microphones for cardioid or omni-directional pickup.
Selecting Cables
This choice will be dependent upon your mixer and put up. Overall, there aren't any "bad" alternatives in cable however are obviously more advanced than the remainder. When you have the funds to expend, Mogami Gold Studio cables tend to be among the best. Monster cables are another great option since they have actually a lifetime guarantee. You will probably need a mix of cables similar to this:
- ⅛" to ¼" audio cable
- RCA to 3.5mm sound cable
- XLR mic cables
- ¼" presenter cable
- ¼" Y cable
Choosing Other Gear
The next equipment tend to be recommendations according to your setup and needs.
Choosing Headphones
You need to wear headsets whenever recording and modifying your podcast. The kind you usually look for within emporium most likely aren’t sufficient. Try to look for a set of headsets that are used for monitoring such as the Sony MDR7506 expert big Diaphragm Headphone.
Various other gear like equalizers and preamps occur but their used in your expert podcast set up is dependent on a number of the elements we've already talked about.