podcasting on the move/outside...

[radioclash]

I've been looking into devices that will let me do short podcasts on the move (15-30mins)?

Anybody got recommendation/suggestions for MP3 or recording devices (like the iRiver or innoPod etc.) that will allow recording outside, and I can attach a handsfree microphone (you know like a mobile one?)

Having real trouble finding something fairly cheap - ie. this side of 100 UKP - does it exist? I really only want to record MP3 or WAV and short podcasts so don't need masses of HD/memory but all the ones I'm finding only have internal microphones or line inputs - I want microphone input (or suggestions for line-level headset/hands free microphones, if they exist!)

I see mobilepodcast.org uses a Treo mobile - is that the way to go? PDA/mobile? Still *ouch expensive* tho, but a PDA would be cool for other stuff too, been half thinking of getting one of the cheaper ones as an organiser...

hugs

Tim

[camilian]

I would also like some options... right now I have a mini-disc for remote studio work

[PodcastExpo]

I've had my Archos GMini 120 for about 3 months now and love it.

http://www.archos.com/products/overview/gmini_120.html

The built in microphone works very well and you can record straight to mp3 at very high bitrate.

[Craig]

I'm using a Tascam PortaStudio 5 that I had from my music days. Has anyone considered using an older iPod with podzilla for recording at high quality bitrates? See http://www.ipodlinux.org/index.php/Main_Page

Craig

[radioclash]

Yes the iRiver IPT890 is the best for the price; and despite NO information at all unlike others that just do line in it actually does power external mics with the line in too (no not phantom power but you don't need to use powered mics, ie what I would call a normal mic).

I'm sure the other ones in the range do same - 880 is the same with different stylings...so I am the proud owner of a red 256Mb IPT890 which can record upto 320Kbs 44Khz and down to 8Kbps 11khz and all speeds/rates inbetween pretty much (yes also 24Khz, 32Khz etc)...you heard Adam's cast, it's nifty.

Internal microphone is OK - condenser dictaphone quality tho.

I used it to record Show9 of Radio Clash live from the 'desk' (LOL) at high rate then edited the result - the lower rates are good for a simple quick cast but a little watery compared to MP3 Fraunhofer codec (but much better than LAME etc.) but that's me being finnikety.

The other options if you want fancy/pro are the black iRiver (does Photos) or the rather nifty Neuros which is not available here...

Three tips to remember if you do buy the iRiver:

1) don't upgrade the firmware ATM as it will make it a flash-disk UMS device but will cripple the record rates to 96 and 32Kbps ONLY - until they sort it out (it's crippled due to recording problems reported although I suspect they are chickening out over DRM issues) stick to 1.29 (Manager version)

2) Their 'DRM' is suffix based (yes exactly :roll:) so if you know you want to transfer files back to you computer name them .REC - they play fine on the iRiver as that's it workaround for transferring recorded files. Cue laughter...and of course it DOES do direct encoding as the front says, the 'conversion' in the Music Manager Software seems to consist of renaming the files .MP3 :roll: They play fine in Winamp anyway as is.

3) Doesn't support MS DRM in .wma or Perfect Play or whatever that shite is called. Ogg playing is a bit touchy -not got it to work, and high rate MP3s won't play (?) - 48Khz sample rate and above I assume...

But if you want to record out and about I don't know anything that does good external mic and line in recording straight to MP3 for around 100 UKP (probably cheaper in the US). Recommended for that. highly.

[Ifthensoft]

I use the iPod with a Belkin line-in gadget and a cheap headset/microphone and it does work pretty well while driving (and doing "The Morning Commute with Mr. X"). There's obviously not a lot of equipment to lay out, since you will probably have the iPod with you anyway! I just ordered a lavalier microphone from Griffin Technology (in iPod white!) to replace the bulky headset microphone.

Using Linux to do the recording *did not* work reliably and it actually ate up some other recordings I had on there, so Linux is no more on the iPod. The quality was a lot better, but it would skip at the end and do all sorts of crazy things--not worth it to me.

[Dailysonic_Adam]

Don't forget about the Edirol R-1, thought its pretty hard to get your hands on one these days. http://edirol.com/products/info/r1.html

listen to the audio samples... the thing is awesome.

i've got mine backordered, in the meantime i've been using minidisc recorders i got on ebay... they do the job very well... beware of newer minidisc machines, many don't have mic inputs or anything...

[Craig]

1) don't upgrade the firmware ATM as it will make it a flash-disk UMS device but will cripple the record rates to 96 and 32Kbps ONLY - until they sort it out (it's crippled due to recording problems reported although I suspect they are chickening out over DRM issues) stick to 1.29 (Manager version)
When I upgraded from 1.25 to 1.29 I found that there was a significant increase in noise (as in white) on the mic-in. Have you noticed that? I ended up switching back to 1.25.

Craig

[audiocollective]

I just got an iRiver ifp-895 today and am super geeked! It seems to work and record well. The joystick selector is kinda hard to use but I will get use to it. I also got a cheep omni directional lavaliere mic from radio shack and that has an ok should quality although it only records the left channel. If anyone knows of any tips or tricks to make the should quality better just let me know. You can hear my Podcast at www.audiocollective.net
thanks

[pacopv]

I just got an iRiver ifp-895 today and am super geeked! It seems to work and record well. The joystick selector is kinda hard to use but I will get use to it. I also got a cheep omni directional lavaliere mic from radio shack and that has an ok should quality although it only records the left channel. If anyone knows of any tips or tricks to make the should quality better just let me know. You can hear my Podcast at www.audiocollective.net
thanks

My hunch is that you are attempting to connect a mono mic into a stereo input. Radio Shack should be able to sell you a mono-to-stereo adaptor. Alternatively, depending on how you're going about to producing your podcast (i.e. software) you might be able to fix that in audacity, for example.

That's what I do.

Cheers,

Paco Ojeda