Mac vs PC for podcasting?

[PCOSGurl]

I've been a PC user my whole [computer] life, but now that I'm looking into podcasting, I'm thinking that a MAC might make things easier.

What are your thoughts on this?

Is the podcasting software better? Is it easier to use?

My show will be based on phone interviews, so I definitely need a system (and software) that makes phone interviews easy (and clear.)

Thanks in advance! :)

[awaretek]

Hello\,

I think that the Mac is easier to use, in that iTunes and especially GrageBand are such good apps; but having said that, I am certain that you can suceed just as well using Windows. While I most heartily recommend you to try a Mac if you can afford it, I certainly wouldn't want you to feel any pressure to do so just becuase you are podcasting.

[PCOSGurl]

Hello\,

I think that the Mac is easier to use, in that iTunes and especially GrageBand are such good apps; but having said that, I am certain that you can suceed just as well using Windows. While I most heartily recommend you to try a Mac if you can afford it, I certainly wouldn't want you to feel any pressure to do so just becuase you are podcasting.
Thank you for your response!

I'm a bit confused about the iTunes and GarageBand references :oops: .

Generally speaking, why would I need to use these apps in my podcast, and how would using a MAC make this easier than PC? (sorry if this is a dumb question...I'm just trying to get this podcasting 'thing' right the first time :) )

[Marius]

It's almost certainly not that much easier on a mac, if at all. But you have to remember that podcasting has grown out of the ipod using community, which happens to contain alot of mac users. This gives the podcasting community a mac user bias, and you know how fanatical mac users can be about how great macs and mac apps are. :P

There are plenty of fine alternatives on the pc. Like Audacity.

[theFerf]

There are plenty of fine alternatives on the pc. Like Audacity.
It should be noted that audacity is developed for Mac, Windows and Linux. So if you were to start podcasting on a Windows machine with Audacity, the transition to a Mac would prolly be easy b/c the app is for both platforms.

[PCOSGurl]

Thank you for your responses!

It sounds like MAC might be 'somewhat' easier, but if I already use PC, I can stick with that. (good :) )

BTW, this is a great site! Lots of good information!

[mental-escher]

My show will be based on phone interviews, so I definitely need a system (and software) that makes phone interviews easy (and clear.)


I have used a stereo lapel mic for phone interview recording- crude but very effective (you get each person in a different channel, so you can independently adjust levels afterwards if needed). What I have done is put the phone a speaker phone, and hold one of the mics near the speakerphone (records caller), and the other on my lapel (records me). Works amazingly well and very simple. Independent of mac/PC too- any recording software or device (ie, iRiver) will do!

Pod on!

cb[/quote]

[mental-escher]

you might also want to check out Acid xPress from sony (http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/download/freestuff.asp)- very cool (mac-like) PC software for recording and mixing and adding loops and one shot sounds/effects/jingles. Its also FREE!

[Marius]

If you want to use normal phone calls and have them sound good, i think you need a sound board. Alternatively, you could get a phone number in skype and have your interviewees skype you (they can call you from a regular phone). I think it is easier to integrate skype calls into a podcast than regular phone calls.

[dcolanduno]

You could also invest in a Telos One unit. Might be a bit pricey, but if you are basing your whole show around telephone calls, you should get something that sounds good.

http://www.telos-systems.com/?/one/default.htm

There are several models, but you can get a desktop version from them for under $500.

D.

[Ifthensoft]

I have to vote for the Mac--with Audio Hijack Pro (new version) it makes it even easier to mix all of your sources, ESPECIALLY Skype. You don't even need "Soundflower" anymore. They have it nailed--though, it's not a "Castblaster," but since we are never going to have that on the Mac, I think it's still a no-brainer.


~X

[ultimatepodcasting]

Industrial Audio Software is the only company I'm aware of that's announced a Mac product. They mention it here:

http://www.industrialaudiosoftware.com/products/ipodcastproducer.html

Not many details, but no one else has announced anything at all.

[Ifthensoft]

I looked at that iPodproducer thing--not too promising--very confusing and very overpriced. Audio Hijack Pro is much cheaper, has been around for ages and is starting to include more Podcasting features.

[PCOSGurl]

I looked at that iPodproducer thing--not too promising--very confusing and very overpriced.
It looked confusing to me, too.

I'm ended up purchasing ProTools - it's like recording for dummies (but with tons of bells and whistles.)

[DVDTalk]

One of the great things about Podcasting is that it is truly cross platform. There are a good number of Podcasters out there with Macs, and even more who have iPods, so I think the advice in the forums often can be Mac heavy. But you can do good audio work on both Macs and PCs. So I'd say start off on whatever platform you own. And if things really take off and you find that there are things you'd like to do which aren't redily available on the platform you have, then look around.

Also keep in mind the sheer number of Podcasting related applications which will be coming in the months ahead. By the end of the year there will be TONS of apps on ALL platforms to chose between.

[Craig]

I've been a PC user my whole [computer] life, but now that I'm looking into podcasting, I'm thinking that a MAC might make things easier.
I've been a Mac user for 21 years (since they first came out) and a Windows user for 10 (for work). While I would definitely encourage anyone to consider switching to the Mac if they can, I don't necessarily think you'll find it any easier for basic podcasting, especially if you're that familiar with Windows already.

On the other hand, remember that you can switch now for as little as $499 for a Mac mini using your current monitor and keyboard/mouse!

Craig

[JesusGeek]

I have to vote for the Mac--with Audio Hijack Pro (new version) it makes it even easier to mix all of your sources, ESPECIALLY Skype. You don't even need "Soundflower" anymore. They have it nailed--though, it's not a "Castblaster," but since we are never going to have that on the Mac, I think it's still a no-brainer.


~X

wow, looks good and only costs $32... can't beat that with a stick!

So would a 12" powerbook (connected to an 18" monitor and external keyboard/mouse) make a decent podcast unit? I need to buy a new laptop soon and liked the portablity of the little powerbook, and if it will also help with podcasting, I'm sold.

Otherwise I'll stick with recording on my ultra-loud P4 box.

[cpjolicoeur]

the powerbook with Audio Hijack Pro would work fine. I'm using Audio Hijack Pro on a mac mini and have no problems. The new version of AHP with the built-in Application Mixer makes podcasting on the mac so easy.