Today I am looking at the Behringer USB Podcast Studio. This retails for $100 and it comes with everything you need to start podcasting (cables, mic, software, etc).
This is geared towards the (in my opinion) single podcaster. You can connect more than one microphone to this, but there is only one XLR input (so you will need quarter inch cable converters, etc for mic number 2 – if you have more than one person “in studio”).
Here is what I liked about it:
The box comes with a handle making it every easy and convenient to take with you.
It's small and doesn't take up your entire desk.
The USB interface connected to both my computers without a hitch. I didn't even need to touch the driver CD.
The manual is in a bunch of languages.
The Price. If you purchased these separately you would be put out $158.
What I wish would change about the product.
Add an ON/OFF switch.
Other Things to Consider:
If you want to use a condensor microphone late, you will need to purchase a separate phantom power
With ANY USB device you may need to switch back and forth in the control panel to set the input to USB. (However if this is the only itme you use as an input, you won't have to change this).
Bottom Line on Unit:
As expected, a dynamic microphone is not quiet as clear as a condensor microphone (but it still sounds fine). However, the slight lack of high end could be compensated with a tweak of the EQ. If you're in a hurry, these items produce audio that is just as good (if not better) than many of the podcasts out there.
Check out the Podcaststudio an SAME DAY MUSIC or they have a Firewire version (built a bit more for two people, and has a condensor microphone).
If you are interested in what I'm using check out www.schoolofpodcasting.com/equipment
Brian Mundy from www.dimacast.com asked if Dave is ready for the Expo. (I'm not, but I do have my business cards ready). He mentioned how people “Podpause” and this can annoy listeners. Why not make a show that says “I'm working on it” to keep people involved. I've sent an email to Geoff Smith saying he should write a song saying “I'll be back” and we all could play it when we need to podpause. If you're involved with marketing and/or digital imaging check out www.dimacast.com
i am trying to find out if this works with windows 7?? can you help?
Tony,
I will see what I can find out.
Dave
According to their website, “High-resolution 2 In/2 Out USB audio interface with plug-and-play for Windows XP (or higher) and Mac OS X operating systems” I’m assuming “Or higher” means Windows 7.
hi thank you for your reply,
i missed out a bit in that,
also what i was meaning to ask is, can you use the firewire version,( and have a usb to firewire adaptor), and use it with win 7 on a pc that only has usb,(i dont have fire wire and can find an adaptor)
Hmmmm…. I dunno. Will have to find out.
Hi. I’m checking reviews of this as I saw it in a local shop and wondered if it would be the answer i was looking for to do some home recording. I currently use Garage Band on my Macbook and just connect my guitar and electric drum kit separately straight into the computer’s input with a Jack to mini-Jack cable and record track by track. This sort of works but was wondering if I could get better quality and better control of eq and levels using something like this. Does it come with a recording software or could I use it with Garage Band? Although its a dynamic mic, with the right eq-ing, in your opinion, would it be better for vocals than the built in mic on my mac that I currently use?
Thanks
Jon
Anything is better than the built in microphone on any computer. This would give you much better quality.
-Dave
Hi
before i buy this podcast studio usb is it compatible with Windows 8?
Donald,
Great question. I’m not sure. It appears the USB device that comes with the unit has drivers at http://www.behringer.com/EN/Support/U-Control-Downloads.aspx
Dave
How many microphone they accept?
I believe this mixer accepts two. For more mixers see http://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/amazon
Can you post a link of where I could find that quarter inch cable convertor to add another microphone please.
Jason,
This should work for you . http://amzn.to/1Stet0Z (aff link)
Thanks for the in-depth review. Does this allow you to play clips (youtube, TV news websites, etc) off the computer and comment on them through the mic for podcasting? In the same vein, how would one take skype calls via this studio?
Benny,
You typically run the audio out of the computer and into the mixer. The bad news is you can’t run the sound of the YouTube back into the computer. It creates a loop. You need two devices (play the sound on an ipad into the mixer and then into the computer to record, or into a portable recorder).
Page titled: Open Arms Bible study & Fellowship on http://www.unitedtalentswithchrist.com
We have a Behringer Europower PMX 2000 mixer and a laptop computer & a desk top computer both with Windows 7 Professional.
Can we use our PMX 2000 with our Windows 7 computers for Podcasting?
If Yes, then, what software & micorphones would you suggest to go with these above mentioned items, so that 2 people could be speaking during the podcast?
We’re totally new at this and we want to sound professional with our new Bible Study podcasts.
Sincerely, Arlene Masters & Ralph Lawson
Arlene,
It would be best to contact Behringer Tech suport with this question. Thanks for listening. -Dave