Podcasting at a Convention

[countessmary]

I'm looking for help in podcasting at a con. I'm helping run a track at a fairly large fandom convention and we'd like to podcast our panels. The small rooms have a simple mixer set up with four mics attached. I was wondering if there was a way to simply set up the mixer to my computer and record it that way with Audacity or a similar freeware program.

The larger panels have more complicated set ups but I would think there would still be an output setting that I could work around.

Thanks.

[kurt_eh]

Check out Dragon*Pod, the official podcasting track's website for Dragon*Con:

http://www.dragon-pod.com/

There's lots of helpful people at the forums there.

[WyethDigital]

I'm looking for help in podcasting at a con. I'm helping run a track at a fairly large fandom convention and we'd like to podcast our panels. The small rooms have a simple mixer set up with four mics attached. I was wondering if there was a way to simply set up the mixer to my computer and record it that way with Audacity or a similar freeware program.

Most mixers generally have more than one output. If nothing else, hook up to the earphone jack.

Of course, that's assuming it actually is a mixer and not some sort of PA system. You may want to check with whoever is supplying the equipment, which would be either the convention facility, or convention volunteers.

Eric

[countessmary]

I've emailed them a few times, I'm just waiting for a response. :-/ Will have to have a few back up plans, me thinks.

[WyethDigital]

If you end up having to hook into the sound system (rather than at the mixer), look to see if the speakers are external (vs mounted in fixtures within the room). If they're external, there's a good chance they have extra outputs themselves (for daisy-chaining to other speakers). If they do, you may need your own mixer to control the levels into your system.

Or you could just use a good mic and record from the speakers. A videographer buddy I know uses that method for an ambient sound channel at some dance and music recitals he tapes. In an ideal world you wouldn't want that as your master sound track, but in a pinch it will work better than pointing your own (solo) mic at four panelists and praying they all speak up.

Eric

PS -- If they don't respond to your emails after the third try, CALL them! Seriously. When I video taped weddings and wanted info about churches, emails never worked! Call them and make a polite but persistent pest of yourself!

[countessmary]

Thanks, man. I'm hoping that I'll get feedback from the podcasting guy at con or the tech guy. That would help a lot.

[morvenwestfield]

Unfortunately I don't know, but I'd love to hear the answer. I've been on panels and had my own personal audio recorder in front of me so I can critique my participation, but I've always wondered if there was a way I could record the whole thing (assuming, of course, that I had the permission of the other panelists).

Oooops. Just realized that there were responses to your original post, after the graphic (ad?).

I'll definitely have to start looking at the sound equipment at cons.

Morven

[niaz10]

have a problem that outputs themselves (for daisy-chaining to other speakers). If they do, you may need your own mixer to control the levels into your system.

say me in details.