Centrance MicPort Pro 2 for Podcasting

The new Centrance MicPort Pro 2 USB microphone preamp is something that all podcasters should consider. It will take the best broadcast condenser or dynamic microphones and make them instantly accessible to podcasters. In podcasting, no longer are you limited to using a USB microphone. This device effectively takes all microphones with an XLR output and converts them for use with a computer, tablet, or phone.

We’ve already discussed in this blog how to choose the best USB microphone for podcasting. But what if you want to go one step further and use a tried-and-true broadcast microphone for your podcast? The MicPort Pro 2 is the way to do that. Just plug your XLR microphone into the top of the unit, choose whether to add 48v of phantom power (if your mic requires it), and add the right amount of gain.

MicPort Pro 2 Features

It has a built-in, rechargeable battery that is purported to last longer than the competitors. It charges from any standard USB charger or a laptop.

This is an upgrade from the original MicPort Pro Classic that didn’t work with a phone. Centrance has added that feature to the MicPort Pro 2.

Per Centrance, the MicPort Pro 2 has been successfully tested with the following apps. But keep in mind that these apps are from third parties and may require their support.

• Audio Evolution (iOS/Android)
• Auria Pro (iOS)
• BandLab (iOS/Android)
• BeatMaker 3 (iOS)
• Cubasis (iOS)
• Field Recorder (Android)
• FL Studio Mobile (iOS)
• Garage Band (iOS)
• N-Track (iOS/Android)
• Twisted Wave (iOS)

The input to the MicPort Pro 2 is a Neutrik combo XLR jack and will accept mic, line or instrument sources. There is a headphone amp for monitoring.

Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac are all supported, and there is a high pass filter to cut wind noise or other low frequencies when recording.

Versions

Lastly, the Centrance MicPort Pro 2 comes in two versions. The upgraded version has a soft-knee limiter and clipping protection for an additional $30. For the non-pro and professional alike, I recommend springing for the upgrade as the extra features can save some time later during editing, and just might save an entire podcast from unwanted distortion and clipping.

The standard version is currently $249.99, while the upgraded version is $279.99. Go to the Centrance website for more info.

The post Centrance MicPort Pro 2 USB Microphone Preamp for Podcasting appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

Centrance MicPort Pro Review:

Listen to the best quality podcast recordings today and you will find that they are usually programs produced by established radio personalities—Glenn Beck, Imus, etc.  One reason that their audio quality is so good is that they are using the microphone that is best for their voice.  Producers spend hours testing multiple microphones with their talent/host and their equipment (mic pres, compressors, limiters, EQ, etc.).  The final microphone choice is determined by sound quality, not cost or connectivity.

All to often, amateur podcasters resort to using the mics that are designed for easy connectivity, such as a USB connection to their PC or MAC.  It makes sense, why spend the time, effort and expense in creating a more professional set-up when the equipment manufacturers have made it so easy.  Ultimately, it comes down to sound quality.  There are so many more choices when you open yourself up to the world of XLR connectivity, not just USB.  The solution, a XLR to USB converter.

There are several XLR to USB converters on the market today; Use Google to search “XLR to USB Microphone Converter” for the most up-to-date list.  The CEntrance MicPort Pro is one of them and a review from The Gamer Access is below.  Also see RecordingHacks.com review of four XLR to USB converters here.

Begin Review
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Whether you are recording a podcast, conducting an interview, or recording vocals for an upcoming audio track, a quality microphone is the most essential tool in order to produce a quality experience for the listener. With that said, most professional and studio microphones do not use your standard 3.5mm or USB connector, but instead utilize XLR making it somewhat of a challenge for those who record to a computer. That’s at least what I thought until I had the opportunity to check out CEntrance’s MicPort Pro. Read more to discover how to utilize your professional or studio microphone on any device supporting audio through a USB input!

As the only portable microphone preamp supporting 24bit/96kHz, the MicPort Pro delivers true studio sound from your XLR microphone to any device with a USB input in lossless quality. Simply connect your microphone’s XLR connector to the female XLR input on the MicPort Pro and connect the included USB cable from the MicPort Pro to your USB device, and you are all ready to go! Not to be confused for a simple XLR to USB converter, the MicPort Pro contains its very own preamp for high quality audio recordings using not only basic dynamic microphones, but those who require phantom power. If you are unaware, what phantom power is, it is the method in which DC electric power is transmitted through microphones that require active electronic circuitry. Phantom power is required for a majority of the professional and studio microphones used today.  … continue reading the full article here: A Must-Have Professional Audio Device: CEntrance MicPort Pro (Review) . (Editors note: this legacy link is no longer active)

The post Podcasting Equipment Review: Podcast Recording with the CEntrance MicPort Pro appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

What is the best USB Microphone for podcasting?

Is the best USB microphone for podcasting a condenser or dynamic Mic? Is there one that sounds better than another, or do they all sound the same?

There is a disturbing trend in podcast production that I feel the need to address.  Podcasters have been sold a bill of goods that says, “record with a condenser mic, it sounds superior”.  Without knowing any better, and because 90% of USB microphones on the market are condensers, they wind up purchasing a condenser instead of the “inferior” dynamic mic.

Well, the problem is, condensers—as a general rule—pick up a lot of unwanted lip smacks, saliva and other noise from the human speaking voice.  While they tend to sound great on the singing voice, the speaking voice is a whole ‘nother matter.  Hearing the saliva roll around in someone’s mouth during a podcast is not pretty and may just encourage the listener to turn it—YOU—off.

Very few of us get to try out a microphone before buying it, but it is the only way to tell if a particular mic sounds good on YOUR voice.  Yes, for some people a condenser will sound better than a dynamic, but I would wager that the opposite is more likely.

There are two routes you can go here. Spend a little extra time and find the USB dynamic mics that are hiding among all the condensers out there. A few of the best are the Studio Projects LSM and the Audio-Technica AT2005USB.

Or, if you have a bigger budget and want to get the very best, get a dedicated broadcast dynamic microphone; they have been used for years in radio and voiceover production.

Try out the Beyerdynamic M99, Electro-Voice RE-320 or a Heil PR 40—all dynamics.  If these are good enough for NPR, Rush Limbaugh and Leo Laporte, they are good enough for you too.  They may be a bit more expensive than you originally wanted to pay, but the expense will be worth it.  Or, use eBay to find a used one at a more reasonable price.

A USB converter such as the Blue ICICLE or Centrance Micport Pro 2 can connect these broadcast mics to your computer if you don’t already have a recording interface. I know, it’s yet another piece of equipment to add to your buy-list.  But it is the one piece that connects you to the listener, so make your decision wisely.

So what is the best USB microphone for podcasting?

Well, as we discussed, it’s not that simple. Until you’ve tried one or the other on YOUR voice, the question is still open.

The post Best USB Microphone for Podcasting appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

Begin Press Release
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Sony Unveils Vegas Pro 10 Software Featuring Native Stereoscopic 3D Video Editing Workflow

New Version of Award-Winning NLE Offers Flexible Tools and Updates Including New Features that Simplify 3D Content Creation and Delivery

AMSTERDAM, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ — [IBC Trade Show Stand 12.A10] — Sony Creative Software, a leading provider of professional video and audio editing applications, today announced Vegas(TM) Pro 10 software. The most recent upgrade to Sony’s award-winning nonlinear HD video and audio editing (NLE) application provides broad audio and video support for media ingest, editing and delivery workflows for a wide variety of production professionals.

New features in the native 32- and 64-bit versions of Vegas Pro 10 include powerful stereoscopic 3D editing tools, enhanced closed captioning features, broadened video effect support and new event level audio effects, as well as workflow and user interface enhancements. These updates enable media creators to quickly produce and deliver compelling content for broadcast and broadband distribution, theatrical releases, YouTube(TM) 3D, and prepare content for DVD and 3D Blu-ray(TM) titles.

“As the market leader in developing 3D technologies, Sony is focused on providing integrated professional 3D hardware and software products built for everyone from innovative broadcasters to inspired filmmakers,” said Dave Chaimson, Sony Creative Software vice president of global marketing. “With the upcoming launch of Vegas Pro 10, Sony now provides one of the industry’s most intuitive applications for natively editing 3D. In addition to providing tools that simplify professional 3D production, Vegas Pro 10 continues to innovate unique solutions for closed captioning, 5.1 surround sound, and widespread content distribution support to offer the most intuitive and progressive workflows for media production.”

Vegas Pro 10 Feature Highlights

—  Stereoscopic 3D Editing: Vegas Pro 10 facilitates the creation of 3D
projects by enabling users to import, adjust, edit, preview and export
stereoscopic 3D projects natively without any additional tools or
plug-ins. These new features and workflow updates make working in 3D
as seamless as working in 2D.  While fully compatible with the latest
3D screen technology, anaglyphic viewing is also supported, making it
possible to preview 3D on any monitor.

—  Improved Closed Captioning: Improved support for closed captions
enables broadcasters to preview captions in the Video Preview and
Trimmer windows for increased accuracy and ease of editing. Other
improvements include increased support for line 21 closed captions, HD
SDI closed captions, multiple closed captioning file types, as well as
the ability to export captions for Sony DVD Architect(TM),
YouTube(TM), RealPlayer®, QuickTime(TM), and Windows Media Player®.

—  Workflow Tools and Enhancements: Sony has also introduced the
following updates to Vegas Pro 10:
—  Expanded Multicam Functionality: Updated multicam features provide
a more robust editing and preview experience by offering the
ability to view the multicam source clips and the full-screen
edited program output simultaneously
—  Improved support for DSLR video: Performance improvements make
editing video from popular DSLR cameras faster and easier
—  Track Grouping: This update offers a quick and easy way to
organize and manage complex projects by grouping related sections
of video/audio for a cleaner working environment
—  Advanced Transport Controls: UI modifications offer efficient
access to important editing tools, providing a more intuitive
workflow while improving overall productivity

—  Image Stabilization: New stabilization tools greatly reduce jittery or
shaky video sometimes caused by hand held recording.

—  Video Plug-in SDK: Video Effects Plug-in Architecture: Vegas Pro 10
now offers a completely new video effects plug-in architecture based
on the Open Effects Association standard. This industry-leading
standard was created from the combined experience of the leading
companies in the visual effects industry. The new architecture is
accessed by a new software development kit (SDK), which reduces the
developer’s workload by automating UI integration. These features will
benefit editors by greatly expanding the available visual effects
plug-ins available for Vegas Pro 10.

—  Enhanced Audio Tools: In addition to the Dolby Digital
Professional(TM) 5.1 surround sound production capabilities of Vegas
Pro, the upcoming version includes the following new features:
—  Audio Event FX: For more precise control over the placement of
audio effects, Vegas Pro 10 allows editors to assign audio effects
at the master output, bus level, track level and now at the event
level for greater flexibility when working with multitrack
projects.
—  Input Busses: Input Busses now enable editors to record, mix and
monitor audio from external hardware devices.
—  VU meters: The Vegas Pro Mixing Console view becomes even more
powerful with the addition of new VU meters.
—  Track Meters: Track Meters provide direct feedback and a faster
editing workflow throughout the record, edit and mix process.

—  GPU Accelerated AVC Encoding: Users with CUDA-enabled nVidia video
cards are now able to encode to the Sony AVC format with improved
rendering performance and speed.

—  Device Support: Sony continues to add expanded device support with
each new version including HD-SDI adapters, Sony NXCAM cameras, and
broader support for DVD and Blu-ray Disc(TM) drives.

Once a project is ready for delivery, Vegas Pro 10 features broad support for industry leading media formats. From DVD and Blu-ray Disc authoring to integrated tape, file, and SDI I/O options, Vegas Pro makes it easy to encode and deliver content in an extensive range of popular formats.

“Vegas Pro 10 provides powerful features that are crucial for 3D editing,” said filmmaker Jean-Jacques Mantello, director of the acclaimed IMAX theatre films “Dolphins and Whales 3D”, “Sharks 3D” and “Ocean Wonderland” distributed by 3D Entertainment Distribution. “Creating quality 3D projects can be a complex challenge, but Vegas Pro presents a solution that allows editors to intuitively work with footage for results that put audiences into the heart of the action, whether on land, in the air or under the sea.”

Price and Availability

Vegas Pro 10 software is scheduled to be available on October 11, 2010 at retailers worldwide and for purchase online at www.sonycreativesoftware.com. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for Vegas Pro 10 software is U.S. $699.95. Upgrades from previous versions of Vegas Pro are available for U.S.$249.95 from www.sonycreativesoftware.com. Localized French, German, Spanish, and Japanese versions will be available on October 11, 2010.

About Sony Creative Software

Sony Creative Software inspires artistic expression with its award-winning line of products for digital video, music, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, and audio production. The company develops applications that integrate with and enhance use of Sony cameras and other hardware devices. Sony Creative Software customers span the globe and include seasoned professionals in the film, television, video game, and recording industries, as well as students, educators, hobbyists, and enthusiasts. For more information about professional and consumer products, visit www.sonycreativesoftware.com.

Vegas is a trademark or registered trademark of Sony Creative Software Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

Source: Sony Media Software

CONTACT: Shannon McPhee, Shannon_mcphee@bhimpact.com, or Jessie
Comstock, Jessie_comstock@bhimpact.com, both of Bender/Helper Impact,
+1-310-473-4147

Web Site: http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/

The post New Release of Professional Audio Video Editing Tool appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

KORG SOUND on SOUND Unlimited Track Recorder

• Pocket-sized, portable, and battery powered, the SOUND on SOUND multitrack recorder provides on-board rhythms, effects, and an infinite number of overdubs for truly creative recordings
• With the built-in speaker and an internal high-quality stereo mic, you can capture and review your recordings instantly, without the need for any additional equipment
• Record and save in WAV format (PCM audio format, WAV format (extension: .wav), BWF compliant, 44.1 kHz@16-bit).
• Records up to ten hours on a pair of AA batteries
• Wedge-shaped design is easy to use as a hand-held recorder or on a desktop
• KORG AUDIO UTILITY software provides format conversion and audio CD creation. Downloadable free from Korg.com

Tannoy Reveal 501A Podcast Speakers / Monitors

Tannoy makes great sounding monitors—period.  Not only will this speaker accurately reproduce your voice-over, but it will allow you to “hear” the music you mix behind your voice as well.  Add a subwoofer and the possibilities are endless…

• Integrated 60W total power amp unit
• 5” (130mm) LF/MF driver and 1” (30mm) soft dome tweeter delivering wide frequency response   of 64Hz – 30kHz
• Sculpted and rigid front baffle design to minimise diffraction
• Response has been optimised for quarter space near-field operation, such as on a meter bridge   or on a table either side of your control surface.
• Front firing reflex bass port to negate boundary-coupling
• Bass unit development using to minimise offsets and linearise the suspension components.
• Wideband tweeter design extending the amplitude response beyond 20kHz audibility to 30kHz to improve the phase response from within the audible band.
• LED indicator shows power status
• + 1.5 / 0 / -1.5dB HF trim switch for custom room adjustment
• Rear mounted volume control for convenient Home Studio and PC/MAC laptop/desktop use.
• Balanced XLR and unbalanced jack connectors.

Tascam DR-100 Portable Podcast Recorder w/ XLR

With XLR inputs, this field recorder—while not new—still occupies a tasty position among low-cost solid-state recorders.  Perfect for recording podcast interviews with an external microphone.

• Four microphones – Stereo Cardioid and Omni Condenser Mics
• 44.1k to 96k sampling rates for WAV file recording
• MP3 and WAV file Recording and Playback
• XLR Mic Inputs with Phantom Power
• High-performance microphone preamp with 60dB of gain
• Premium AKM Audio4Pro™ A/D converters with over 100dB signal to noise ratio
• 3.5mm Line Inputs and Outputs
• Low Cut Filter, Analog Limiter and Auto Gain Control
• Built-in Speaker
• Integrated microphone stand mount
• Runs on Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery or AA Batteries
• Optional PS-P520 AC power adapter
• Dimensions: 3.2″ W x 1.4″ H x 6″ D (80.5mm x 35mm x 151mm)

Mogami Quality Studio Cable — Snake

When building a podcast recording studio, the last thing you want to do is use cheap interconnects and cabling.  While I am not a proponent of ultra expensive cables for podcast purposes, I strongly recommend using solid interconnects that won’t wear down and create noise at their joints.  This is a common problem today because many modern mixers have the Mic and Line inputs on the top of the mixer.  This means that when connected to any equipment that is positioned lower than the mixer chassis, the cable will have to bend 180 degrees on it’s way to the other piece of equipment.  This is a challenge for any cable.

• Famous for neutral tone, remarkable detail and noise-free background
• Channels are individually shielded with numbered, Techflex™ protected jackets
• Assembled with top quality gold contact TRS and XLR connectors
• Super-flexible handling ease
• Lifetime warranty

Check back with us often as we will continue to gather our choices for best new podcasting equipment.  Thanks for visiting.

The post Top New Equipment for Your Podcast Recording Studio appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

I recently came across this SynthGear blog post that contains an old advertisement for a Sony TC-377: 1973 Ad for Sony Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck. (Editor: we are sorry, this link no longer works.)  Some of the text reads: This could be the tape deck you’ll leave your great-grandson.  This is a classic ad because, indeed, I think many people have done just that; not just with the TC-377, but with all different types of analog reel-to-reel tape recorders.

A customer recently sent us this picture of her Sony TC-558.

Here’s a picture of one of our own: a Teac X-3R.

Why are these passed down from generation to generation, and say, cassette decks are not?  Is it purely looks, frequency response or some tactile fascination?  I hope you will help us answer this question in our comments below.

If you have an old reel-to-reel tape machine, feel free to post a picture of it to our Facebook Wall.  We’d love to see it and hear how you came into possession of it.  Or send it to us via Twitter.

If you are interested in our nationwide reel-to-reel format conversion services in Colorado Springs and Denver, please see our website for more info.

The post Old Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorders — Do You Have One? appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

What Hardware do You Need?
Microphones, headphones and computers are discussed.

Software?
Professional or Consumer?

Recording, Editing and Production in Garageband
How to use tracks, effects and sharing features.

If you liked this screencast Intro to Recording a Podcast from TechUniversity, please let us know.  Also check out our podcast recording and production services page.

The post Introduction to Podcast Recording and Production appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

Sanyo Xacti — Remote Interview Podcast Recording Tool

The Sanyo Xacti could be a great solution to record a podcast interview remotely.

• Linear PCM & MP3 recording function that allows you to select the appropriate recording option
• Easy expansion thanks to the convenience of microSD card!
• Scene select function that allows anyone to make simple and clear recordings
• Various advanced features for beautiful podcast recording

DACport — Headphone Port (DAC) That Could Vastly Improve your PC/MAC Audio Playback During Podcast Recording Sessions

• Audiophile-grade D/A converter plays 24-bit/96 kHz HD music with bit-for-bit accuracy.
• Headphone amp designed for listening without fatigue, offers clarity, soundstage and detail.
• No drivers needed. Plug ‘n play operation with most laptops, nettops and music servers.
• 1/4-inch headphone jack is perfect for the most advanced headphones on the market.

Yeti — A Podcast Recording Microphone on Steroids

• Master Volume
• Mute Button
• USB Mini Jack
• Custom Base with Cable Management
• 4 Polar Patterns

VoxGuard — Acoustic Treatment for Your Podcast Recording Microphone

• Easily mounts on microphone stand for podcast recording
• Lightweight and unobtrusive
• Minimizes room reflections at the microphone
• High-impact ABS plastic/high density open-cell acoustic foam construction

Check back with us often as we will continue to gather our choices for best new podcasting equipment.  Thanks for visiting.

The post Top 4 Equipment Choices to Improve Your Podcast Recordings appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

For instance, how many people know what the progressive scan feature does on their DVD player, or the difference between the IDE and SATA cable in a computer? On one hand, not knowing a DVD player’s video setting might leave you with a less than pleasurable viewing experience. But more seriously, not having the basic knowledge of the inside of a computer during a breakdown could leave you with a non-functioning pile of circuits and hardware—costing you hours of lost productivity.

At AudioFile Solutions, we certainly don’t want to add to the myriad of people blogging about the everyday functionality of the iPhone, or about any product that people are using in their consumer lives. But, we can help you with techniques and technology that can improve your professional life, and hopefully help you relieve that recurring itch on your forehead.

Our Plan: We couldn’t be more excited to announce our new blog on the techniques and technology of the things we know best—podcast production, telephone recording, and even our transcription services.

Our Customers: Our customers often ask for our thoughts on ways they can improve their podcasts, telephone interviews, etc. Questions like:

• Why is the quality of my conference call so poor? Could using Skype be the cause?
• What is the best mobile recorder for an in-person interview in a noisy IT environment?
• For SEO purposes, should a podcast contain loads of keywords like a website does?

We will attempt to address many of these questions in future posts. Heck, we may even join the chorus and talk about the iPhone—the professional uses, that is—as long as we are not duplicating ground that has already been covered elsewhere. In fact, did you know there is a hardware plug-in that turns your iPhone into a mobile recorder! But we’ll talk about that later.

In the meantime, do you have a question of your own? What bit of audio or video technology leaves you scratching your head in your professional life? Is converting that 100 page PowerPoint presentation to video giving you fits?

Our Future Blog: Please leave your questions in the comments section of this post; even if you find this several years after the initial posting. We look forward to a conversation with you on these often overlooked topics.

The post What Does an iPhone, DVD Player and a Computer Have In Common? appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.