View Full Version : Looking to start basic
Podcastanet
Apr 8th, 2005, 12:56 PM
So, I love new gadgets and all, so all the references to high end track mixers and all sounds fun. :)
However, any reason I can't just take a cheapish microphone (Shure 8900 for $32), run it into a sound "card" (I have an M-audio transit USB), hook that up to my notebook and run it into Audacity? From Audacity I can convert from PCM to whatever MP3 quality I need.
Podcasts are typically 64kbps or so affairs anyway, right? I've had good luck with that setup converting from vinyl to mp3s for my iPod, and except for the source being spoken voice through a microphone, it seems like its all I really need.
Thoughts?
Craig
Apr 8th, 2005, 01:08 PM
No reason at all. In fact the majority of podcasts are done this way. If you want to step up on the mic slightly you may want to take a look at this:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C01usb/
It's a condenser mic that connects directly to the USB port on your computer, no interface required. For $80 (shipping included) it's a great deal.
Craig
bigee
Apr 8th, 2005, 01:19 PM
does that mic draw its power through the USB? or does it need an external (phantom) power source?
Craig
Apr 8th, 2005, 01:24 PM
It draws its power through the USB. One mic, one USB cable. That's it.
Craig
percent20
Apr 8th, 2005, 02:13 PM
What is a condenser Mic?
Craig
Apr 8th, 2005, 02:33 PM
Watch the video here:
http://www.acousticplayermagazine.com/apm001/techtalk001/homerecordvideo1_001.html
Or read here (no disrespect intended!):
http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/id-2509.html
Craig
percent20
Apr 8th, 2005, 02:41 PM
None takin, i know absolutly nothing and don't even know what to type into google to do a search to learn.
yaz
Apr 8th, 2005, 03:09 PM
ha! sounds like im not the only one that's computer stupid...
percent20
Apr 8th, 2005, 03:11 PM
beleive me i am not computer stupid just sound and audio mixing stupid.
Podcastanet
Apr 9th, 2005, 04:28 PM
Thanks Craig, I appreciate the advice.
yaz
Apr 9th, 2005, 06:17 PM
ok, so im computer, audio and sound stupid...you're one up on me...
halfandhalf
Feb 26th, 2007, 08:14 AM
Just wondering ... is this set-up still recommended. I have a spoken podcast (no music) and the Apple store recently sold me the Shure 8900 (which seems to no longer be made). We're running everything into Garageband when we record, put we get quite a hiss in the background, though we've played with levels extensively.
This is for an educational institution, so budget really isn't too much of an issue. Podcasts are mostly interviews, so a two mic set up is desirable. Is there such a thing as a splitter for mic inputs, or do we need to run through a mixer?
Any recommendations for an upgrade? Suggestions are greatly apprecated.