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.

However, starting a podcast does require some work, especially on the front end. Between purchasing your gear and setting it up at home, understanding how hosting works, and uploading your first show, there’s a lot to learn. It can be a lot, especially if you feel like you are ready to just start recording episodes!

In this guide, we’ll break down 7 things you need to know before starting a podcast. If you find yourself asking questions, you can contact us here anytime.

Let’s dive in!

1. Know Your Podcast – Inside And Out

The truth is, the podcasting medium is not for everyone. At the very least, it may not be for every project. If your goal is simply to occasionally get your message out to new people, you could start your podcast on YouTube instead. YouTube is free, but isn’t really a podcast platform.

This isn’t to deter you from podcasting; in fact, the opposite is true. The first step is to get very clear about why you want to podcast and what your show will be specifically about. Here are some brainstorming ideas to get started:

• How will your podcast relate to you, your business or brand (or is this just for fun)?
• What could the first 7 episodes of your podcast be about?
• What will the title of your podcast be?

If you find yourself struggling to detail 7 separate episodes right off the bat, this may be a sign that there’s a better medium for you. Think these things through before you start. It will save you time and money. Good old pen and paper are your friends for this first step.

If you decide podcasting is the way to go, keep reading!

2. Find The Right Equipment

When it comes to how to set up a podcast, you’ll want good equipment. People don’t want to listen to bad sound on a podcast, and it will make you sound unprofessional. Thankfully, affordable USB microphones that sound good do exist.

With the boom of home podcasting, two low-cost options have really emerged as the best.

The two most popular home podcasting microphones that won’t break the bank are the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB and the Rode Podcaster. This stereo mic might also be a good option for your show if you are recording remotely and need an iPad or iPhone solution.

For a new show, you only need a good USB microphone to start. Later, you can worry about mixers and all the additional pieces.

3. Pay For Good Artwork/Intro

Sure, you could design your podcast cover art on a website like Canva for free, but unless you have an eye for graphic design, it’s probably not a good idea.

Your podcast’s cover art and introduction music are the first things people will see and hear when listening to your show. If you want to give them a good impression, it’s important to invest a good amount here.

If you’re on a budget, you can get artwork done with Fiverr or Upwork. For something a little more comprehensive (but pricey), 99Designs can give you some great artwork, too.

For your intro, we provide royalty-free music and customized voiceovers to make your show shine right out of the box. Our voiceover artists are experienced in podcasting, professional radio, news reporting, multimedia production, video narration, church podcasting and more. It’s not a good idea to cut corners here, and we’ve been doing this for almost two decades!

4. Pick A Good Hosting Service

People asking, “what do you need to start a podcast?” would do well to find the right hosting service. You don’t want to upload audio directly to your website, as most website hosting servers aren’t designed for this and will slow down over time. Therefore, you should either find a free hosting solution or invest a small amount of money each month to let 3rd-party sites host your podcast episodes for you.

Websites like Soundcloud offer free hosting, while Libsyn starts at just $5/month.

5. Get Familiar With iTunes

Pat Flynn, one of the best resources available for building a podcast or online business, talks about iTunes as one giant search engine. iTunes is where most podcasts are, so it’s a spot you need to be.

Here’s how to start a podcast on iTunes.

6. How Will You Record?

What do you need to start a podcast? Something to record your episodes, of course. If you use Apple products, GarageBand is a free solution that many home podcasters use with a lot of success. You can even practice editing your show in the software too.

There are plenty of good free or low-cost recording options available, so don’t feel like you need expensive software for this.

Another option is to let us record your guests over the telephone like professional radio stations do. We pioneered this process for podcasting, and it starts for as little as $50/episode.

7. Write An Outline For Your First Show!

After setting up all of your equipment, choosing a hosting service, and getting your show in order, it’s time to start working on the first episode! At the very start, it will help to follow a rough outline. Don’t feel like you have to read off a script–don’t, in fact, because your listeners will know you are–but it will help you be comfortable and cover your key points.

In time, you may not need the outline anymore. But it’s a good resource to have initially, and will help you stick to the ideas you identified as important when you brainstormed during step 1.

Some podcasters, however, always follow an outline. The key to doing well with this medium is finding what works for you and sticking with it–refining your process over time.

How To Start A Podcast – Wrap-Up

Starting a podcast requires some work on the front end for sure, but it will be worth it if your goal is to connect with a new audience or build your brand. Even if you’re just doing it to have fun, a podcast is a good way to get your name out there and gain experience with speaking and having new tech skills under your belt.

Some things to do when you start: know what your show will be about, get a good USB mic, get nice artwork and intro audio done, pick a good hosting service, understand iTunes, pick the right recording software (or let us do it), and write a good outline for your first few episodes.

In addition, we are always here to help. Check out our podcast production services to learn more. Happy podcasting!

The post 7 Things You Need to Know About How to Start a Podcast appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

Rode has introduced the new iXY Stereo Mic for iPad and iPhone with a 30-pin connector that allows high quality recording at sampling rates up to 24-bit/96kHz.  It will be available soon, somewhere between January and March of 2013 at B&H by clicking here.

Podcasting does not always mean recording your own voice on a special mic in your home studio.  Sometimes, you may want to record an interview in the field, capture some ambience at a soccer game, or record your children singing in the bathroom.  This is where the Rode iXY will be best suited.

The “XY” in iXY means a coincident pair of directional microphones typically placed at a 90 degree angle to one another.  This technique records stereo sources nicely and generally means less hassle for the podcaster.  I won’t go into the other methods of recording stereo here, so you’ll have to trust me on this one.

A foam windscreen is provided for reducing wind in outdoor recordings, as well as a zip pocket for transport.

From the Rode website:

“I’m more excited about iXY than any other product in RØDE’s twenty year history,” commented Peter Freedman, RØDE’s Founder and President. “The audio quality of the iXY is breathtaking and really affirms RØDE’s commitment to providing the very best audio products available at a price that’s accessible to the general public.”

Released in conjunction with the iXY is RØDE Rec, an app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch designed to be the ultimate companion to RØDE’s new microphone. When used together the iXY and RØDE Rec transform an iOS device into a fully featured field recorder.

RØDE Rec allows for complete control of the iXY’s continuously adjustable input levels for recording in loud and quiet environments, as well as the high pass filter to cut out low frequency rumbling such as air conditioning or outdoor traffic noises.

The RØDE Rec App is available for purchase from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore. The app provides a full suite of features including multiple sampling rates up to 96kHz, equalization effects (compressor/expander, high-pass filter, low pass filter, parametric EQ), non-linear editing, geo and photo tagging, and one-touch publishing to SoundCloud, Dropbox, email, FTP and iTunes.

The post Podcasting Equipment: Rode iXY Stereo Mic for iPad & iPhone 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.

Looking for a way to use your iPod to cheaply record a podcast, record your company conference call, or transcribe an interview or lecture?  Recording with an iPod is easier than you might think.  In all cases, these audio files can be used for podcasting, archiving or uploading to a transcribing company.

Here are the top 4 articles we’ve found that will help you use your iPod for recording.

1. Recording a Podcast Using an iPod and a Micromemo
Author: academictechnology

In this YouTube video, Jason discusses using a standard iPod to record lectures or interviews with the Micromemo.  He demonstrates how to plug-in the device and how easy it is to record directly to the iPod Nano.

2. Recording Lectures with an iPod Touch
Author: Heather M. Whitney

This post on The Chronicle of Higher Education site is geared towards those wanting to use the second-and third-generation iPod Touch for recording audio.  This method can be used to record lectures, interviews or any other live source via the iPod Touch.

3. Recording Phone Calls with an iPod
Author: Jake Ludington

Conference call recording is typically best left to experts like, well … us.  Jake Ludington says as much in the introduction to this post.  But if you find yourself with no other choice, recording your next phone call using the iPod—while not perfect—is doable.

4. Using Your iPod to Record Audio and Podcasts
Author: Michael Miller

With the right equipment and accessories, you can use your iPod to record conversations and interviews, and even to record and mix podcasts for broadcasting over the Internet.  Read this article to learn more.

photo by Jay Riddle

The post Top 4 Articles on Recording Podcasts, Conference Calls, Interviews & Lectures with an iPod appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

Commitment to Quality
Our company believes in producing the best podcasts; this starts with the highest quality podcast recordings possible.  Whether that be in the studio or over a telephone conference call, our recordings are always going to be top notch.  Ok, you might be asking, “What makes you so special?”  The single largest differentiator between us and our competitors is a commitment to quality. 

Our equipment is designed to produce the best quality audio and video productions, but equipment hardly tells the whole story.  In fact, podcasting equipment is only as good as the person using it.  We’ve been recording and editing digital audio since 1996.  We are first and foremost professionals in this field, and our experience is hard to beat.

One area we pride ourselves in is our telephone recording.  All of the companies mentioned above automate their phone call recording service.  That is, there is no one there to fine tune the settings for each individual podcaster.  Again, while this one-size-fits-all method may have it’s place, we have a different view.

1. Our recording levels are set by hand.  There is no one-size-fits-all approach here.
2. Phone call/line quality is checked and problems are troubleshooted.
3. Pre-processing of the audio file is done by hand, not using any automation. Your recording will be precisely optimized for the internet or for CD.
4. The beginning and ending are trimmed of any irrelevant material such as on-hold music.
5. Professional audio editing is available.
6. Audio file encoding and conversion are done to our exact specifications.

While telephone and conference call recording is only one aspect of our business, the above serves as a key reason why recordings made with DIY services may not be the way to go, especially if you are a business protecting the quality of your brand.  Recordings made my DIY services typically sound inferior in many different ways:

1. Volume levels are low or, alternatively, much too loud.
2. Audio is heavily distorted because of number 1 above.
3. Audio sounds unnatural because of an inferior encoding process.
4. There is dead air at the beginning or end of the file.
5. The end of the audio contains loud pops and clicks when you hung up the phone.
6. Various drop-out and quality issues because of a poor VOIP connection. 

Commitment to Service
The second reason we’re different from DIY services is our commitment to service.  When we begin a project, our producer is with you hand-in-hand helping you decide which podcast production style is right for you.  Once the style is decided upon, he/she will walk you through the entire recording and production process—from beginning to end.  Whether that is to record a telephone interview with a content expert, produce a script for a professional voice-over, or discuss the best music to use for the introduction, we’re with you the entire time.

Commitment to Our Customer
We do not believe in producing expensive, extravagant podcasts when the situation calls for much less.  Our commitment to you is that we will give you our honest advice based on the needs of your company, not ours.  If your company is best served with a podcast production costing $100, we promise not to push you into producing the next version of Titanic—it’s that simple.

If you’d like more information on any of our audio and video production services, please contact us here.  We’d love to help.

The post Podcast Production Should Be a Team Effort, Not a DIY Project appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

Begin Press Release
—————————

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.