Recording Hardware

Recording Hardware

There are many ways to produce a podcast but they generally fall into two categories. 1) You can record directly onto your computer or 2) you can record onto some other digital recording devise and then move the resulting file(s) to your computer for compiling into a podcast. This article will describe hardware and software that can be used in creating a simple audio podcast using a personal computer. (Mac or PC)

Tip: Make sure that whatever you record with has the ability to easily transfer your audio to your computer. Typically the transfer can be accomplished through a USB port, a firewire port, or by using a removable card.

Microphones

You will need a microphone that has the correct connection that allows recording on your computer. Computer microphones will either connect through the computer’s line-in port or USB port. Many people may already have a basic microphone that came with their computer. This microphone will be sufficient to do a basic podcast. A head set with a microphone can be used to create a podcast, also. If you need to buy a headset with a microphone the Plantronics Audio 90 PC headset is a good headset for the money. It has a behind-the-head design which makes it comfortable to use.

The next level of quality beyond basic microphone or headset would be to choose a microphone that has an increased dynamic range and better frequency response. There are many microphones to choose from so what should you look for? Since MP3’s are compressed sound they are not designed to be the highest quality sound. So choosing a good microphone is important but spending too much money might be excessive.

Cardioid Microphones

• Sure SM-58 - is a one direction or unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic vocal microphone. This microphone has a built-in filter that helps prevent wind and breath noise also called pop noise. A cardioid is a type of pattern that helps reduce background noise and helps pick up the main source of sound.
• Audio-technica AT2020 – is a one direction or unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic vocal microphone.
• Nady SP3  - good low budget microphone

These three microphones require a mixer to get the sound into your computer.

Condenser Microphones

Another option is the Samson C01U USB Condenser microphone. It plugs directly into a USB port so no additional equipment is needed. This is a good option if you are on the move and are podcasting on a budget.

Mixers

If you are looking to add additional sound tracks like background sounds, increase overall sound quality or interview other people a mixer is needed. A mixer allows more than one channel at a time to be recorded and then produced as a single channel. Note: A software mixer can be substituted for a hardware mixer.

Many podcasters recommend the Behringer UB802 it has many features including two mic imputs, and a built in equalizer. This mixer can be connected to your computer using a 1/8th " cable adapter (Hosa RCA to 1/8th inch cable adaptor) and connecting it to an audio line-in on a soundcard. If the computer does not have an available audio line-in choose a mixer that has a USB enabled connection. The Alesis Multimix 8USB is a good USB enabled mixer. It offers has 8 channels and many different hookups.  The MobilePre USB has a built-in audio interface that’s made for laptop recording.

Portable Digital Recorders

If you are on the move or don’t have access to a computer you might want to invest in a portable digital recorder. These recording devices save recorded files onto removable cards or files can be transferred to your computer using a USB connection. There are several options for portable recorders. We have listed a few options below. We will offer reviews of several portable digital recorders on our web site, http://www.mtsu.edu/podcast.

Specific models that we are considering buying include:

• The MicroTrack: A 2-channel digital recorder that record either WAV or an MP3 files.
• Marantz PMD660. The Marantz comes with a direct connection for two XLR microphones and runs on 4 AA batteries.
• The Edirol R-1 is equipped with two omni-directional microphones that provide excellent recording capabilities.

Other Options

MP3 players: iRiver or Creative MP3 Players and older iPods: These are MP3 players that often come with a built-in microphone. You can record your podcast into the player and then transfer it to your computer later.

Digital Camcorders

Laptops: Laptops work well for recording meetings but not for recording on the run. Make sure you use a microphone that is not directional so that it picks up all participants in the meeting equally. You will also want to pack a headphone so that you can discretely listen to the recordings that you have made.

PDAs: Many Palms, Treos, Blackberrys have built-in microphones and record your voice as an MP3 file.

An mBox and ProTools software: If you already own an mBox and you don’t need to create podcasts on the run, using your mBox would be a good choice. It is portable and, with the addition of professional microphones, you can produce very high quality podcasts.

Computer requirements

Windows:

• Windows XP/2000
• Pentium 4 processor
• 512 MB of RAM
• 3 to 4 GB of free space on the hard drive
• Line Out/Line In - http://www.podcastingnews.com/articles/Producing_Podcast_Gear_Yo.html

Mac

Coming Soon!

Cables

You'll need cables to connect the mixer to the soundcard and the microphone to the computer.  Microphones require an XLR cable.

XLR microphone cables

You'll need an XLR cable to connect your microphone to your mixer.  (Both the mixers listed above have XLR inputs)  Choose from 10 to 30 foot long. http://www.acoustica.com/mixcraft/studio-gear.htm

Purchase the Hosa RCA to 1/8th inch cable  RCA to 1/8th " cable adapter

Connect this from an RCA cable into your computer's line in.  (You'll also need an RCA to RCA cable to connect this to your mixer.) http://www.acoustica.com/mixcraft/studio-gear.htm