PodCasting is quite the popular medium at the moment… Why not start your own to let your voice be heard?
Well, you’ll need to start thinking about how to record these conversations…
Recording Software
There’s a whole bunch of different software out there that you can record audio with, some with more options than others. Some cost, some don’t.
Here’s some basic software that is free or close to it. All of these offer recording, editing, and multiple tracks (record voices separately, include music or other audio clips)
Garage Band: Mac only, Free with new Macs or Available with Apple iLife ’08
Audacity: Mac/Windows/Linux. Open Source.
This is not an all inclusive list, only a few recommendations.
This is the low end, simpler end of the spectrum as far as software. On the more complicated side there is Logic, Pro Tools, Cakewalk, ect, ect…
Microphone
There are a plethora of different options as far as microphones go. As well as a huge selection of microphones, there are also different types.
Built-In Mic
Quite a few computers come with built in microphones. These can definately be used, but generally have the worst sound, and also pick up a greater amount of background noises.
Headset Mic
Headset Mic’s for PodCasting are generally small microphones that plug into your computer’s 1.8″ Mic Input. Quality is quite varied amongst these types of microphones, but mostly inhabit the low end. Almost all headset microphones also include attached headphones.
Examples: Sennheiser PC151
USB Mic
These Microphones plug into a computer’s USB Port (Mac/PC Compatibility dictated by Manufacturer’s drivers)
Typically, these Microphones provide a higher quality than headset mics. Many manufacturers sell Large Diaphragm Condenser USB Mics, as well as small diaphragm condensers and dynamic microphones.
You can get pretty amazing quality with some of these microphones. But not all. I’d stick to professional brands for these.
Examples: Samson CO1U
Microphone and Audio Interface
This option not only requires a microphone (professional microphones), but also an audio interface to bring these microphones into your computer.
With most audio interfaces you can get higher quality recording (48k, 24bit+) as well as switch/upgrade the microphone.
This method has the highest guarantee for quality, but is also the most complicated.
The Rest
That’ll get you started with podcasting!
Now all you have to worry about is what kind of great content and great conversations you can capture with this podcasting setup!
After you do the recording, how do you get it on a website?
We’ll be doing a write up on that soon… have any suggestions? let me know. email me!.
Why do you show the Alesis Podcasting mic at the top of the post and not mention it under USB mics? It’s a great mic with headphones for under $100.
Mostly because i haven’t personally used and or heard it. On a recommendation i suppose i’ll add it in there though ;)