podcast - next, buy equipement, hire pro?

[eroticworldweekly]

So, I have a podcast that my wife and I do weekly, Erotic Awakening (http://www.bluecatservices.org/home/eroticawakening/) (http://www.bluecatservices.org/home/eroticawakening/)

I am happy with what I have accomplished so far - format and 'on the air' and I am working on consistency and such.

Next, though, I want to raise the bar on the tech aspect.

Is there a determinative guide to microphones, mixers, or better yet, kits that include such?

Or is the solution to hire someone who can lead me?

Thanks,
Dan

[iampaulie]

I'd be willing to help you in choosing gear in any way I can. I've been podcasting since 02/2006, and have been a live and studio sound guy for 20 years.

There really isn't a definitive answer for gear choices, it all eventually boils down to personal situations and choice. I'll try to help though...

[eroticworldweekly]

Great!

So, let me start with what I have right now.

Equipment - I currently have a Windows laptop with Audacity 1.3 installed, a cheap USB microphone, and a digital recorder, an Olympus WS-210S (http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1322)

Hosting and posting - I host via Libsys, that feeds to Feedburner and a blog.

Content - My wife and I travel to a lot of events that have people we can interview, and those interviews lead to more content, so no problem there.

Now, although I will never turn down the idea of improvement, I am happy with Hosting and posting and content aspects.

[eroticworldweekly]

As I said, the equipment I currently have is a Windows laptop with Audacity 1.3 installed, a cheap USB microphone, and a digital recorder, an Olympus WS-210S (http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1322)

And the sound quality is what I want to address now. I have two people talking into one mic when I record at home, and three or more into the Olympus when I record on the road.

I have a budget of about $300 bucks. I just don't know where to apply it. People on here talk about a mixed, or ultra mics, or ... well, where should I put this limited cash for the best band for the buck?

Because I know that when I listen to a podcast, if it is poor sound, I'm likely to skip it regardless of content.

[iampaulie]

From the looks of it, you can get the most bang for your buck by investing in a good microphone or two. That is what I see as the weakest link in your audio chain. You're not going to get a much better portable recorder than what you already have unless you spend at least 300-400 dollars. Audacity is ok for what you're trying to produce, and what you host/post with is just fine too.

There are a wide variety of microphones out there that will suit your purposes. It's all a mater of taste and your own ergonomic preferences. Since you already have a routine established in your production, I suggest that you not buy any of those "podcast packages" you see advertised. You'd be buying a lot of stuff you already have, and the gear, especially the microphones aren't all that great anyway. You just need a new mic.

Before I start throwing model #'s at you, I want to stress that you should always try out a mic before you buy it. A mic that sounds good reproducing one person's voice may not sound good reproducing another person's voice. Don't go off blindly on someone's recommendation, not even mine. :) Always try before you buy.

I am a huge fan of Rode Microphones. My all time favorite is the nt1-a (http://www.rodemic.com/microphone.php?product=NT1-A). Rode even makes a USB driven mic called The Podcaster (http://www.rodemic.com/microphone.php?product=NT1-A). Rode makes the quietest mics in the world. They sound better than anything else I've heard up to ten times their price. But at $229, that will pretty much use up your budget, especially when you add on the mic stand and the pop-filter (yes, they're necessary) You will be amazed at how a good mic picks up everything in the room, things you never noticed before: The air conditioning and heater, traffic outside, your own breath and lips smacking, a mouse fartiing in the attic. It may take some getting used to, but it's worth it.

If you don't want to spend that much money, or you need two mics, then try the Samson C01U (http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1810). Amazon.com has them for $99, which includes a table stand and shock mount and includes a copy of Sonar LE (http://www.cakewalk.com/OEM/SONAR_LE.asp), which would probably be better than Audacity. Oh yeah, don't forget the stylish aluminum carrying case! :)

Whatever you decide to buy, may I ask you a favor? Check out amazon.com prices by searching for the products using the amazon.com search box on my website (http://www.digivegas.com)? I'm an affiliate advertiser with them. It doesn't cost you an extra penny, but I would get a few cents for the sale.

Hope this all helps you. Happy podcasting!

[eroticworldweekly]

Thank you fore the advise, purchase made through your store on Amazon.

Now, how to get the cat to shut up while I record....

:)

[iampaulie]

Happy to help. And thanks for the "gratuity".

Which one did you decide to buy?

[eroticworldweekly]

Samson C01U (http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1810) and a shield thingy :)

[iampaulie]

A shield thingy..LOL! Yep, they are very important, and are much better than the foam socks people place over microphones. The pop shield will not color the sound, as the foam wind sock will. The foam is for windy conditions, not for plosive control.

I think you'll like the new Audio software too. I've only used Sonar a couple times, but it's a lot better than Audacity. You'll want to start using compression on your vocals now, and there is a channel insert function where you can add one with Sonar. I'd be happy to help you set that up as well. Let me know when you're up and running.

Since Sonar has VST insert capablity, get this program. It's an old-school style VU meter. It's much easier to work with this than the digital on-board meters that come stock with programs like Sonar. It makes a world of difference in your level control.

http://www.pspaudioware.com/indexen.html?url=http://www.pspaudioware.com/plugins/vmeter.html; (http://www.pspaudioware.com/indexen.html?url=http://www.pspaudioware.com/plugins/vmeter.html;)

[eroticworldweekly]

Very cool.

(Hey, seriously, you should let me drop a promo of your podcast onto mine
"Technical assistance provided by..." )