Devices for taping Field Interviews to be used in podcasts?

PCOSGurl · Apr 25th, 2005, 12:40 PM

I just listened to the RadioKitchen podcast, and the addition of the field intervews was nice.

What type of devices can be used for this?

I found one here: http://podcastgear.com/ (see at the bottom of the page).

Are there any alternatives?

Thanks, in advance!

mental-escher · Apr 25th, 2005, 12:58 PM

Quote:

What type of devices can be used for this?

iRiver flash mp3 player/recorder (stereo) works really really well (and is small enough to easilly fit in shirt pocket) and only costs ~ $100 (256mb). Add another $30-40 for a mono or stereo lapel mic (I got this and it works great: SP-CMC-19 from SOUND PROFESSIONALS) and you're all set for field recording!

cb

PCOSGurl · Apr 25th, 2005, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mental-escher

Quote:

What type of devices can be used for this?

iRiver flash mp3 player/recorder (stereo) works really really well (and is small enough to easilly fit in shirt pocket) and only costs ~ $100 (256mb). Add another $30-40 for a mono or stereo lapel mic (I got this and it works great: SP-CMC-19 from SOUND PROFESSIONALS) and you're all set for field recording!

cb

Thanks CB!

Do you have any links to your individual shows where you've used this? I'd like to hear it in action!

bazookajoeshow · Apr 25th, 2005, 01:26 PM

I started off using a beat up Sony handheld tape recorder just out of necessity. As soon as I could I switched over to handheld digital recorder used for dictation, which sucked. It sounded like I was recording the interviews with a sock in my mouth. I've since switched over to the iRiver iFP-899 which I use only as a redocrding device.

Here's what I've found that's interesting. When I was using a traditional microphone it really effected the outcome fo the interviews I was doing. If I used the mic people would either become shy or adopt the mannerisms of people they see on television. Since I've been using the built-in mic on the iRiver I've noticed that people are more comfortable and informal during the interviews. Something to keep on mind.

I purchased one of those Lavalier lapel mics a week ago but the **** thing doesn't work so I'm taking it back to Best Buy. I might exchange it for another or just get my money back and get one of those Greiffen stereo lapel mics that Adam Curry has been playing around with.

I'll let you know.

Bazooka Joe

PCOSGurl · Apr 25th, 2005, 01:31 PM

Thanks, Bazooka!!

What is the soundquality of the built-in mic?

jeffoest · Apr 25th, 2005, 06:10 PM

The built-in mic? It's actually not bad. Fairly sensitive. I found it works better at a lower kbps setting - I found that it clipped a bunch at the highest settings when speaking close to it at a normal voice volume. Both Ferg and I concluded that it was probably designed to be a lecture hall type of mic for students.

I would look at it this way. If your podcast consists of a $20 mic and no preamps for your studio work, chances are the internal mic on the iRiver will meet your needs in the field. If you are used to a bit more quality, you probably won't be happy with it. The good news is that you can get pretty decent field-enabled mics from folks like Sound Professionals ranging from $30-$150 that are dramatically better than the internal mic. Then again, in a pinch, it's nice to have the ok quality of the internal vs. nothing at all!

On a side note, for what they pack into these iRiver's, they are a true bargain.

bazookajoeshow · Apr 25th, 2005, 06:28 PM

The sound quality is a lot better than I would have expected. I haven't noticed anything being clipped off but there's always a first time.

Like I said, I'm probably going to return my Lavalier lapel mic and get the Griffen lapel mic instead.

Bazooka Joe

Quote:

Originally Posted by PCOSGurl

Thanks, Bazooka!!

What is the soundquality of the built-in mic?

Craig · Apr 25th, 2005, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PCOSGurl

What is the soundquality of the built-in mic?

The built-in mic is good for a built-in mic. This is much better if you want to stay low-budget ($25 + $4 shipping) and high-portability:

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

Craig

Craig · Apr 25th, 2005, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bazookajoeshow

Like I said, I'm probably going to return my Lavalier lapel mic and get the Griffen lapel mic instead.

Before you do that, listen to the first sample recording on the following page, a live concert recorded with $40 stereo lapel mics into an iRiver:

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cg...tegory/samples

The difference between the $15 Griffin and these is huge. If you can afford it, go with these. If not, the Griffin is at least a step up from built-ins and cheaper lavs.

Craig

F7sound · Apr 26th, 2005, 06:55 AM

I've also got to chime in on the iRiver and SoundProfessionals combination. The iRiver kicks *** and is perfect for podcasting. Mine is the 899, but others in the series work great also. I've used the iRiver built-in mic too and it works fine. Not the best fidelity, but more than suitable for podcasting.

Other devices to try if you're into experimenting: minidisc, microcassette, digital voice recorder. Hey, anything that grabs an audio signal will work and each adds it's own "footprint" to the audio.

Michael Oster
F7 Sound and Vision
http://www.F7sound.com
my podcasts - http://www.F7sound.com/podcasts.htm
my blog - http://michaeloster.blogspot.com

Apr 25th, 2005, 01:26 PM	#4
bazookajoeshow Senior Member I Eat, Sleep and Drink PodcastAlley.com Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,124	I started off using a beat up Sony handheld tape recorder just out of necessity. As soon as I could I switched over to handheld digital recorder used for dictation, which sucked. It sounded like I was recording the interviews with a sock in my mouth. I've since switched over to the iRiver iFP-899 which I use only as a redocrding device. Here's what I've found that's interesting. When I was using a traditional microphone it really effected the outcome fo the interviews I was doing. If I used the mic people would either become shy or adopt the mannerisms of people they see on television. Since I've been using the built-in mic on the iRiver I've noticed that people are more comfortable and informal during the interviews. Something to keep on mind. I purchased one of those Lavalier lapel mics a week ago but the **** thing doesn't work so I'm taking it back to Best Buy. I might exchange it for another or just get my money back and get one of those Greiffen stereo lapel mics that Adam Curry has been playing around with. I'll let you know. Bazooka Joe __________________ small WORLD www.smallworldpodcast.com http://feeds.feedburner.com/smallworld

Apr 25th, 2005, 06:10 PM	#6
jeffoest Senior Member I Eat, Sleep and Drink PodcastAlley.com Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 1,081	The built-in mic? It's actually not bad. Fairly sensitive. I found it works better at a lower kbps setting - I found that it clipped a bunch at the highest settings when speaking close to it at a normal voice volume. Both Ferg and I concluded that it was probably designed to be a lecture hall type of mic for students. I would look at it this way. If your podcast consists of a $20 mic and no preamps for your studio work, chances are the internal mic on the iRiver will meet your needs in the field. If you are used to a bit more quality, you probably won't be happy with it. The good news is that you can get pretty decent field-enabled mics from folks like Sound Professionals ranging from $30-$150 that are dramatically better than the internal mic. Then again, in a pinch, it's nice to have the ok quality of the internal vs. nothing at all! On a side note, for what they pack into these iRiver's, they are a true bargain. __________________ Jeff Oestreich This and That Podcast

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Apr 25th, 2005, 12:40 PM	#1
PCOSGurl Senior Member I love the Alley Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 141	I just listened to the RadioKitchen podcast, and the addition of the field intervews was nice. What type of devices can be used for this? I found one here: http://podcastgear.com/ (see at the bottom of the page). Are there any alternatives? Thanks, in advance!

Apr 25th, 2005, 01:31 PM	#5
PCOSGurl Senior Member I love the Alley Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 141	Thanks, Bazooka!! What is the soundquality of the built-in mic?

Apr 26th, 2005, 06:55 AM	#10
F7sound Senior Member I love the Alley Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Tampa, FL - USA Posts: 102	I've also got to chime in on the iRiver and SoundProfessionals combination. The iRiver kicks *** and is perfect for podcasting. Mine is the 899, but others in the series work great also. I've used the iRiver built-in mic too and it works fine. Not the best fidelity, but more than suitable for podcasting. Other devices to try if you're into experimenting: minidisc, microcassette, digital voice recorder. Hey, anything that grabs an audio signal will work and each adds it's own "footprint" to the audio. Michael Oster F7 Sound and Vision http://www.F7sound.com my podcasts - http://www.F7sound.com/podcasts.htm my blog - http://michaeloster.blogspot.com