Here's my setup. This is how I roll.

[bjason.com]

I use a Shure KSM27 mic, my wife uses a Nady wireless lav. Not a great wireless, but okay for the price.

The computer (iMac G4) I use as a source only.

I run it all into a Eurorack MX 1604A mixer, and run the mixed program to a Harmon/Kardon CD recorder.

That way I have a high-quality CD master of the show, that I then downsample to MP3-96 using iTunes.

The file gets FTP'd to libsyn.com, and there you go.

I would like a mobile setup, though. Anyone got a suggestion?

First one to mention any product by Griffin Tech gets bitchslapped.

[jeffoest]

The simple and cost-effective route for mobile that seems to get a lot of thumbs up is the combination of iRiver 7xx or 8xx / Sound Professionals microphone (many types to choose from depending on your needs).

I'm picky yet stunned by the quality for the price - the whole setup for between $100-$200... It was so cheap I made my podcast partner Pat get one too.... ;-)

[ferg]

If you want to go mobile, I recommend recording on an iRiver 700 or 800 series. This allows you to record at 320KBps. The sound is not going to be as good as your cd recorder, but once compressed, I doubt you'll be able to tell much difference. With the 512MB model, you can record about 3 1/2 hours at 320KBPs stereo, and it runs about $130 or so.

As for microphones, it depends on what you want to do. I have one of these:

http://www.reactivesounds.com/rp1.php

Which is awesome, because you pop it into the iRiver, switch to hold, and you have a very small handheld mic/recorder all in one.

I also have one of these for more covert stuff:

http://www.reactivesounds.com/am1.php

I believe the mic elements are basically the same. Very good quality for the price. If you need 2, they offer a stereo version of the lav mic.

There's also some people who posted on here regarding similar mics from soundprofessionals.com.

[bjason.com]

Wow, people just love those iRiver units.

I wish there was a high-qual solution for the iPod.

Those mics are great, too. I was thinking of looking for a better mic to use in Lisa's lav pack.

[jeffoest]

Funny, Ferg and I wrote at the same time I think...

You just can't do much better than the iRiver's. I'm amazed at the amount of functionality they put into this little unit. The interface is kid of a headache (but with all the functionality in the small space I'm doubtful I could have come up with something better) but the software is simple and good. I was considering the Edirol R-1 for awhile because I tend to think that one MUSt record at 24bit 44.1MHZ. I still believe that for real music production - but then the A/D converters on the Edirol unit become your weakest link so what's the point? And for podcast-quality, you just don't need that kind of precision.

No, recording at 320Kkpbs and converting down to 64kpbs (or whatever) is just fine for podcasts. Sound Professionals or Reactive Sounds - pick your poison - they both sell similar mics in all kinds of configurations from mono to stereo, from omni to cardoid, from single-point to dual-point, from powered to not and they sell portable power units and/or pre-amps for demanding conditions. All fitting the 1/8" mini-plug 'consumer' paradigm of equipment.

Perfect.

[Craig]

Ditto here on the iRivers...I think I was the second podcaster to get one after Adam and would replace it with another in a heartbeat if I lost it. Last night at the San Diego Podcasters meetup there were as many iRivers at the table as there were podcasters!

Craig

[jeffoest]

Craig,

What type of mics seemed to me most popular? Or were they 'all over the map'?

[bjason.com]

With microphones, it seems like people can be very brand-loyal.

I know folks who ONLY buy Shure.

I know others who swear by AKG.

Then there's the Neumann nuts.

And the Sennheiser fans.

Frankly, I'll get whatever's on sale, as long as it's a brand I've heard of.

[jeffoest]

I might must caution you on this one a bit. Your sound will carry the characteristic of the microphone much more than say the recording device (a/d converters, compression scheme, etc..). I say find a sale on the recorder and get some recommendations on mics from those you trust once you've narrowed down the 'style'. (screw what's on sale - your most likely going to have it for awhile) Just my .02 so what if you save $50... And you're right - don't go by brands....



Frankly, I'll get whatever's on sale, as long as it's a brand I've heard of.

[Craig]

What type of mics seemed to me most popular? Or were they 'all over the map'?
Everyone was just using the built-in mic except me...I had my Sony ECM-MS907 and was doing interviews for the next BTS.

Craig

[jeffoest]

Wow - using the internal mic - too funny!

Because of your work on BTS, I ordered two of the ECM-MS907's (one for me and one for Pat) for interviews. I like the fact that it picks up a stereo signal yet is also directional.... The in-ear binaurals from Sound Professionals are very very nice sounding but not the best for interviews.... in fact while I love 'em I'm not sure how I'll use them in podcasts....

[Craig]

Because of your work on BTS, I ordered two of the ECM-MS907's (one for me and one for Pat) for interviews. I like the fact that it picks up a stereo signal yet is also directional.... The in-ear binaurals from Sound Professionals are very very nice sounding but not the best for interviews.... in fact while I love 'em I'm not sure how I'll use them in podcasts....

Cool...I love the 907. I know what you mean about the binaurals though; I haven't figured out how to use them yet either. I was thinking about combining them with the 907 for those times when I want more ambient sound than the 907 provides (or more of my voice than the binaurals provide) but I haven't had time to experiment with that yet to see how well it will work.

Craig

[jeffoest]

LOL - I've thought about the same thing - by gut says the results would be not so great since you'd have two stereo signals coming from two potentially different orientations. May sound really weird. I was also thinking maybe a mono mike for the interview with the binaurals as ambience.

I guess it's one of those things that we'd have to test to see....

[bazookajoeshow]

I was going to get a new iPod and a iTalk or something but when I saw all the options the iRiver offered and how cheap it was the decision was made for me. I still ise my iPod for music and podcasts and the iRiver just for recording interviews.

Bazooka Joe


Wow, people just love those iRiver units.

I wish there was a high-qual solution for the iPod.

Those mics are great, too. I was thinking of looking for a better mic to use in Lisa's lav pack.

[bazookajoeshow]

We are such nerds.

Hey, thanks fo turning me on to the split mics for interviews. I'm totally sold!

Bazooka Joe


Ditto here on the iRivers...I think I was the second podcaster to get one after Adam and would replace it with another in a heartbeat if I lost it. Last night at the San Diego Podcasters meetup there were as many iRivers at the table as there were podcasters!

Craig

[paul]

I like to give it the rec.pro.audio test. If you get the stuff those guys like, then you will end up with a great-sounding studio.

[Craig]

We are such nerds.
Yes, but audio nerds are so much cooler than computer nerds. Of course, i'm both, so it cancels out.

Hey, thanks fo turning me on to the split mics for interviews. I'm totally sold!
No problem. We'll have to compare notes on technique once you start using them.

Craig

[PCOSGurl]

Hey, thanks fo turning me on to the split mics for interviews. I'm totally sold!
No problem. We'll have to compare notes on technique once you start using them.


Is this what you mean by split mics?
http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-CMC-20

[yaz]

there are nerds that are cool? personally i like the grape ones...

and "this is the way i roll" c'mon, i hate the ghetto references...

[bjason.com]

there are nerds that are cool? personally i like the grape ones...

and "this is the way i roll" c'mon, i hate the ghetto references...

Hey, you're here too. You must find something compelling about all this nerd-speak. As for my particular choice of colloquialism: eat me.

That too ghetto for ya?

[johnandwayneshow]

Oh snap!

[yaz]

maybe you're too busy practicing your ebonics to notice that my posts aren't really nerdy, i do a show, this is the better forum for podcasts so i come here and talk **** to silly people like you...by the way, stop trying to get yaz on yaz...dumbass...

[bjason.com]

Still not nearly as concise or catchy as "eat me."

[yaz]

id rather, "step off, bitch *** trick"

[bjason.com]

To-MAY-to, to-MAH-to.

I could give half a rat's ***.

[johnandwayneshow]

To-MAY-to, to-MAH-to.

I could give half a rat's ***.I prefer the entire rat if you're offering. Sorry to interjectulate here, but nothing like a good rat meat samich to get me hot and bothered....

[bjason.com]

To-MAY-to, to-MAH-to.

I could give half a rat's ***.I prefer the entire rat if you're offering. Sorry to interjectulate here, but nothing like a good rat meat samich to get me hot and bothered....

I find myself partial to the rat tenderion, seared quickly and then slow-roasted, perhaps finished with a nice demi-glace.

[yaz]

man, you people will eat anything out in the sticks...

[Jellicle]

I'm looking at this mic:

http://www.studioprojectsusa.com/b1.html

...but I'm not sure I can run that into a Griffin iMic, or if I also need a pre-amp/mixer thingie.

Can someone with a clue help me?

[ferg]

I'm looking at this mic:

http://www.studioprojectsusa.com/b1.html

...but I'm not sure I can run that into a Griffin iMic, or if I also need a pre-amp/mixer thingie.

Can someone with a clue help me?

That mic requires phantom power, so, if you wish to run it into the iMic, you'll need to go through a phantom power supply (or a mixer that provices phantom power) first.

Question: I presume that since you're using the Griffin, your doing some sort of "mobile" podcasting, so why go with such a big mic?

[Jellicle]

Question: I presume that since you're using the Griffin, your doing some sort of "mobile" podcasting, so why go with such a big mic?

No I'm not - I just happen to have one hanging around :) Thanks for your answer :)

[feastoffools]

Rivercast

It's kind of funny (funny irony, not funny ha ha) that so many 'POD' casters are using iRivers to do a lot of their recording work.

I've always felt uncomfortable with the term 'podcast' because it unfairly cements Apple's iPod an advantage it doesnt seem to care too much about. A lot of people listen to our shows on other mp3 players (some even burn the to CD, belive it or not.) So far it doesnt appear that Apple is too interested in podcasting as a whole.

Such as, why arent RSS audio feeds tied into iTunes? Why cant you subscribe to a podcast from Safari, and have it pop up into iTunes automatically? You don't even see Apple caring too much about having podcasters inside their stores (they actually are threatened by it, whereas someone with a camera taking picture is ok)

Apple is such a quirkly little computer company in California, sometimes doesn't comprehend the power or influence it has. Am I wrong in thinking this?

[Jellicle]

I'll not be surprised to see iTunes become a podcast client; in fact I think you can pretty much depend on it if the medium reaches it's potential. If I was in the business of building podcast client software (particulaly on the Mac) I'd be looking for another job.

[bjason.com]

Rivercast

It's kind of funny (funny irony, not funny ha ha) that so many 'POD' casters are using iRivers to do a lot of their recording work.

I've always felt uncomfortable with the term 'podcast' because it unfairly cements Apple's iPod an advantage it doesnt seem to care too much about. A lot of people listen to our shows on other mp3 players (some even burn the to CD, belive it or not.) So far it doesnt appear that Apple is too interested in podcasting as a whole.

Apple is such a quirkly little computer company in California, sometimes doesn't comprehend the power or influence it has. Am I wrong in thinking this?

This argument has been beaten to death by Slusher. He maintains (and I quite agree) that if anyone can come up with a similarly catchy, sexy, pop-culture buzzterm like "podcast," yet brand ambiguous, to describe what it is that we do, then he (and I) will adopt it and do his best to force-feed it into the common vernacular.

Jimbob at Whole Wheat Radio likes "audio magazine." That, my friends, sucks hard. "Audioblog" is similarly derivative and, well, dumb. I couldn't possibly come up with a better word than "podcast." Anyone else?

[bazookajoeshow]

I feel the same way.

I hate the phrase podcasting because it's a pain in the neck explaining it to people but, hey, if I was one of the people who developed it I'd jump on the name to. Everyone knows what an iPod is, at least.

Bazooka Joe

[yaz]

yea, our society tends to associate something, be it podcast or "rollerblading", with the first and foremost company involved in that field, we do it all the time, with almost everything, as for podcasting, i think it is a bit too late to change the name now with out causing a major rift in what is established...