Behind the Scenes #31: PPME Interviews & Zoom H4

[Craig]

Behind the Scenes #31 is up and features interviews from the 2006 Podcast Expo with Dave Slusher of Evil Genius Chronicles, Charley and Carol Warady of Israelisms, and Fr. Roderick of The Catholic Insider. Enjoy!

Note: All the audio between interviews was recorded with the new Zoom H4 using the built-in mics. If you're curious about how the H4 sounds, check it out!

Craig

[frankmcma]

Sounds great Craig! Do you have any environmental interview examples? Or know a place that does? We do a weekly roundtable podcast with 3 of us at a bar chatting, and I have been looking for something that we could place inbetween us to pick up mainly us with minimal background noise.

Frank

P.S. Is there stereo seperation? Looks like the mics are pointing right at each other...

[Craig]

Hey Frank, thanks! I don't have any environmental examples yet and haven't seen any posted. I can tell you, however, that the built-in mics are very sensitive and therefore aren't going to do a very good job of knocking out background noise unless you're speaking right into them. The only way you're going to pull that off is with individual cardioid lapel mics, or with a handheld like I used in show #30 (which was recorded in a VERY loud bar with a Sennheiser MD46).

The mics produce a very nice stereo image...they're arranged in a classic XY stereo pattern which puts the mic elements at a 90-degree angle to each other. Ideally you want the elements on top of each other to minimize phasing but this is the next best thing.

I would definitely say at this point that the H4 is the best field recorder in the $300-500 category (it sells for $299). The only reason I'd go for something else (the Marantz PMD660) is if you want something that looks more professional.

Craig

[frankmcma]

Ah cool..I will have to check out that mic. I have been looking for individual cardioid lapel mics, but since I need 4 or 5, looking for good sound at a decent price.

Frank