Here's a short video demonstrating how man, Tim
Corrimal, creates his podcasts. This brief overview (Part 1) lets
you see how simple it is to get started. If you find this helpful,
check out
Part 2 - "Recording on the Go"
As we have seen, little is needed to get started podcasting. A
computer capable of running Windows XP or a Mac with Garage Band, an
microphone, and an
Internet connection will do it. In fact, you can get started with
just your telephone and the FREE online podcasting service at
Gcast.
The key to all
multimedia is the quality of the audio. If it sounds good, it will
work. Television and movie producers learn to think in terms of
"radio with pictures."
For getting started with good sound at a minimum cost, we recommend
working with a personal computer,
Audacityfreeware audio software,
GameComPro1 PC Gaming Headset
(USB microphone with built-in soundcard & noise cancelation), and a Web host that supports streaming media (such
asReadyhosting).
Audio headsets are important - use the best ones you can afford -
creating quality audio requires accurately hearing what you are working
with.
Remember, podcasting is nothing more than distributing multimedia over
the Internet with a subscription (RSS feed). At the high-end of
production hardware and software, you could use professional-quality
microphones, mixers and preamps, digital recorders (or analog recorders,
converting to digital formats later), full studios, and a variety of professional
gear and toys.
It is not our purpose to cover this type of high-end setup.
Educational podcasts need to have good, crisp sound and reasonably
well done graphics or video. They do not need to meet professional
broadcasting standards. Content is king and the targeted
audience is fairly captive. It will be better to start creating
resources to help students with simple gear and setups than it will be
to wait until a "dream studio" is in place.
If you are looking at buying audio equipment like headphones, mic stands,
cables, and other equipment - check out
Musicians Friend. They have great prices and
maintain a huge, deep inventory. They are now carrying digital audio
equipment suitable for podcasts.
Let's look at some hardware and software that is commonly used to used
to enhance the podcasting experience. Remember, technology
changes and availability of any specific product changes.
These are not recommendations and our listing is not comprehensive -
just equipment and software that some podcasters are happy with.
Did we miss your favorite? Please email us at:
webmaster@clubtnt.org with your suggestions and comments.
We have added links to Amazon with our listing so that you can easily
get current information about product, pricing, and availability.
Microphone WindScreens. All microphones produce a "pop" when you
speak into them, especially when saying Ps and Bs. Use
windscreens/pop shields. You can get them at
Amazon (many options and price poinst - just use the
SEARCH BOX and enter windscreen).
Radio Shack has some low cost options:
USB Microphones (Dynamic). Rugged and resistant to
moisture and other forms of abuse, perfect choice onstage. They
work like a speaker in reverse. Dynamic microphones don't
require their own power supply like condenser microphones. Their
sound quality is generally not as accurate, however.
C01U Recording/ Podcasting Pak.
Comes bundled with Cakewalk's Sonar LE digital audio
workstation software and features a 19mm internal shock
mounted diaphragm, It includes mic clip, MD5 desktop mic
stand, SP01 shockmount and USB cable and comes in durable,
lightweight aluminum case. Great value.
USB Microphones (Condenser). These are "studio"
microphones with greater frequency response and transient
response, ability to reproduce the "speed" of an instrument or
voice. They also generally have a louder output, but are much
more sensitive to loud sounds. They require the use of a
power supply, generally 48 volt "phantom power", and that's
supplied very easily by most mixing boards or external power
supplies (look for a switch that says "P 48" or "48V" on the
channel strip or on the back of the mixer.) They're quite
a bit more fragile than their dynamic counterparts. When
you are serious about audio productions in a studio-setting, a
large "wide ribbon" diaphragm condenser microphone is the way to go.
Recording Phone Calls (Note: State laws may
require the consent of one or both parties - be sure people you
interview on the phone have consented to having interviews
recorded)
Audacity. Free,
open source software for recording and editing sounds. This
will work much better than the audio control that comes
bundled with Windows. It is available for Mac OS X,
Microsoft Windows, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems.
MPEG Streamclip. (Free
video converter, player, editor for Mac and Windows)
Videora iPod Converter.(Free iPod video converter that converts video files,
YouTube videos, movies and DVD's so you can play them on your
iPod)
Integrated Podcast Creation Software. There are package contains
everything you need to create, convert, and upload Webcasts/podcasts,
even making RSS feeds.
