School of Podcasting - Learn To Podcast » same day music

Podcast Equipment Recommendations

Dave Jackson — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:56:57 +0000

People always ask me all the time on hardware recommendations, and what I use etc. With this in mind here are my suggestions.

Scenario 1 – The Solo Podcaster Setup

In this scenario you are the host and you are recording just you.

Microphone and Mixer Recommendations:

If you are in a quiet area, I like the Audio Technica 2020 microphone. This is a condenser microphone, and it will pick up everything (which is why you need a quiet area). If you have kids, etc (noise from other rooms) you should consider a dynamic microphone such as the Sure SM58. Both microphones are around $99. If you have an endless budget the Heil Pr40 is the holy grail of Dynamic Microphones (It’s also 350 bucks). This is a great microphone but not quiet as sensitive. I recommend using a mixer as it supplies “phantom power” (which you need if you are using the Audio Technica 2020), and it gives the ability to add bass and treble to your voice. Also in the event you ever DO have an extra person in the studio you can add an additional microphone. The Behringer Xenyx 802 Mixer is small, but flexible enough to give you everything you need for only 60 bucks.

I order my stuff from Same Day Music as they do not charge tax (unless you live in NJ). If Same Day Music doesn’t have it BSW will (they carry everything).

You will need headphones. For me I don’t think you need “super headphones.” You just need something to hear yourself. These Audio Technica Headphones will do the trick for a little over 30 bucks. I plug mine into my computer headphone jacks. Some people prefer to plug the headphones into the mixer.

To plug your mixer into your computer I use a Dual RCA Cable to 1/8″ cable and plug it from the Tape Out of the mixer to the Line In of the computer. You will need a mic cord to plug the microphone into the mixer. If its just you and a desk, you might get away with a 5 foot cord, or if needed a 10 foot cord.

You need microphone stand. You can get a little desktop stand, but many times these are not flexible enough (and you end up hurting your back leaning over all the time. I originally used what’s called a “boom stand” but the base of this stands is very wide and got in my way. I eventually put out the money for a Studio Boom Mic. Which has a spring that allows you to pull out the microphone stand.

Probably one of the most important pieces of equipment is the “pop filter” which stops you from having words like BoB, and Peanut Butter bust your listeners ears. These run you around $25

Microphone – $99
Mic Stand – $20
Mic Cable – $9
Mixer – $60
RCA Cable – $9
Pop Filter – $25
Headphones – $30

Total $252 for “Hardware”

Scenario 2 – Host and CoHost(s) Podcaster Setup

In this scenario you and you cohosts are all in the same room. If you are in a quiet area, I like the Audio Technica 2020 microphone. This is a condenser microphone, and it will pick up everything. If you have kids, etc noise from other rooms you should consider a dynamic microphone such as the Sure SM58. If you are not going to have more than 2 feet separating people you might want to go with the Sure SM58 to stop your microphone from picking up other people. This is a great microphone but not quiet as sensitive. I recommend using a mixer as it supplies “phantom power” (which you need if you are using the Audio Technica 2020), and it gives the ability to add bass and treble to your voice. Also in the event you ever DO have an extra person in the studio you can add an additional microphone. The Behringer Xenyx 802 Mixer is small, but flexible enough if you only have two people to give you everything you need for only 60 bucks. If you have more 3-4 people you will need the Behringer XENYX 1202 Mixer which has four microphone inputs.

So everyone can hear everyone, you will need a headphone amplifier ($30). Also when it comes to purchasing headphones, as you need more than one, I would use BSW as they have deals on multiple headphones (click on the headphones link on the left hand side).

To plug you mixer into your computer I use a Dual RCA Cable to 1/8″ cable and plug it from the Tape Out of the mixer to the Line In of the computer.

You need microphone stands. You can get a little desktop stand, but many times these are not flexible enough. I originally used what’s called a “boom stand” but the base of this stands can be a pain with many people in a small room. I eventually put out the money for a Studio Boom Mic. Which has a spring that allows you to pull out the microphone stand. Search Studio Mic Boom at BSW

Start up Cost of Two Person Podcast

Microphone – $198
Mic Stand – $40
Mic Cable – $18
Mixer – $60
RCA Cable – $9
Pop Filter – $50
Headphone Amplifier – $30
Headphones – $60

Total $465

Podcasting Software

Many podcasters use Audacity to record their podcast. Its available on both the Mac and PC. It’s Free You can do some basic editing, and there are some podcasters that only use Audacity. I prefer Mixcraft by Acoustica (download a free trial). Another fine (stable) choice for the PC is Sony Acid Lite (free). For years I used Mixcraft from Acoustica ($67 – probably my favorite in the “under $100 category) or Sony Acid ($59). If you’re doing more of a “live” show where you want to have sound effects and music cued up to play when you press a button you might check out Pod Producer (PC Only)

For editing out “Ums and ya knows” and adjusting audio levels etc. I use Sony Sound Forge ($70). There is “Wav Pad” software for free.

Podcast Hosting

For your website I HIGHLY recommend WordPress (free). This will create your website and your RSS feed. You need a host for your website. For that I highly recommend Host Gator. When you call you actually get a person. That will run you anywhere from $5 – $9 a month. With Host Gator you can install WordPress in a few clicks.

You will also need a place to host your media (audio of video files). I’ve used Libsyn ($15/Month) for years as I love their affordability and statistics (All in one place – so convenient). I also use blubrry.com for one of my sites ($12 with good stats). I tried using Amazon S3 for a podcast. While it was cheaper at first, it ended up costing me more in the long run and I no longer tell people to try Amazon S3.

iTunes Tags

While there are plugins for wordpress that will add these “iTunes only” tags, I prefer to use Feedburner.

Audio Plugin

While I originally used Podpress, I quit when the developer left the project to die. I then switched to Powerpress as it was simple and did everything that I wanted Podpress to do (and not complicate things with a bunch of things you don’t need). They have since added bunch of things (I feel) you don’t need. So if you are doing an audio only podcast, I would use the plugin called “Audio Player” by one pixle out. (Look for it in the WordPress Plugin Directory).

Video Plugin

Again, I love PowerPress.

Selling Your Podcast

There are some plugins that will turn your site into a membership site. There are some tools that allow you to sell downloads. There is only one service that does it all: Premiumcast is a great service. Another great service (that I use) to create a premium version of your podcast (and member site) is Digital Access Pass. While not as robust as premiumcast, it does a lot (without the monthly fee).

Portable Recorder (optional)

First of all you don’t need a portable recorder, but there are people who now record a podcast on their way to work, or if they travel to get interviews and such. Also, some times recording into the computer is not a great choice (fan noise from the computer, poor sound cards in the computer create “so-so” recordings). This is a toss up. I love both the Zoom H2 and the Zoom H4. The Zoom H2 allows you to record from a line input. The H4 allows you to plug to external microphones. Both are great buys. The H2 is around $180 and the H4 is around $269. They just came out with a new H4n which has a few more options and goes for about $350.

Putting All the Pieces Together

Now this may sound like a lot of pieces parts. If you need help putting all this together the School of Podcasting will walk you through the whole process and have you podcasting to the world in no time. Sign up today

What Do I Use?

I get this question all the time.

Microphone: I use to use a Sure SM58. I now use an EV RE320 microphone.
Mixer: Behringer Xenyx 802 Mixer
Stand: Studio Boom Mic
Software: Adobe Audition
Hardware: DBX 286 Preamp

Zoom H2 Reviewed and Back To School Special

Dave Jackson — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:22:26 +0000

It’s Back to School of and you can save 20% off your membership at the School of Podcasting (thorugh 10/1) when you use the coupon “ bts ” (short for back to school). Membership has its privledges as we will give away a Podcast Studio USB from Behringer to a member in October.

Special thanks for Dave Gardner of www.ratcastradio.com and www.inlinehockeypodcast.com for the review of the Zoom H2 ($199 at Same Day Music and no TAX). Dave gives it 5 hockey pucks out of 5.

Also Members of the School of Podcasting we are having some great times at our roundtables. Recently Fred from www.strugglingentrepreneur.com interviewed Tim from www.sleddogpodcast.com so we are doing more than just Q&A

Reviewing the Behringer USB Podcast Studio

Dave Jackson — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 20:29:42 +0000

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

Never Lose Your Voicemail Number

Dave Jackson — Mon, 07 May 2007 03:36:09 +0000

Did you know that if you don’t use your k7.net phone number in 30 days it will go away? Well here is a way to never worry about losing your voicemail. Check out www.trykall8.com where you can get a toll free number for $2 a month (plus .06 a call for each minute). No matter if people call or not, you will not lose your phone number.

Always looking for shw intros “This is __ from the ___ and you’re listneing to the School of Podcasting’s morning announcements.

Looking for a cheap hosting? Check out http://www.coolerwebpages.com/ (SOP members get %25 off the already low price).

Dave talks about a poll he was doing on another non-podcast related site. The results:

Have you listened to a Podcast?
Yes 27 percent
No 61 Percent
What is a podcast? 12 percent

Comments from Laura of www.mbaworkinggirl.com really liked the tutorial at www.learntosubscribe.com (You can link to this at this page http://www.learntosubscribe.com/linktous.htm )

Podcast Reviews Websites
Podcast Fanatic
http://podcastfanatic.wordpress.com/
Podcast Reviews
http://podcastreviews.net/
Audio Addicts
http://societyfans.blogspot.com/
For Further Review
http://www.furtherreview.net/
Podcast Reviews
http://www.podcastrev.com/

New Portable Recorder Coming the Zoom H2
Check it out at Same Day Music $199

Other Sites Mentioned
Today in iPhone www.todayiniphone.com
Dancing With Elephants www.dwith3.com

Podcasting Can Boost Your Business – I’ve Got Proof

Dave Jackson — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 23:00:14 +0000

This podcast episdoe #120 originates at http://www.shownotes.schoolofpodcasting.com
One of the benefits of being a member of the School of Podcasting is our weekly roundtable / live Question and anser sessions (typical 60 – 120 minutes long). In the last session one of the members talk about how his business is growing due to podcasting. Podcasting is:

Enabling him to reach a global market
Helping qualify his leads
Enabling him to reach customers in a “no pressure” format
Enabling customer to “try before they buy.”

Also in this podcast I talk about how you can save money buying a collapsable microphone (sometimes called “Scissors, or Broadcast”) boom stand

To See Rich’s business in action go to www.dearaddie.com

Other podcasters involved in the roundtable snippet Tim from www.sleddogpodcast.com )

The Rode PSA1 Swivel Mount Arm Microphone costs $90 (and the cool thing about Same Day Music is there is no tax most of the time)

The Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom goes for about $125 bucks.

If you look on ebay. You can find “microphone arms” for $29 CLICK HERE
For now at

or one with three bases for $39. at CLICK HERE

I currently have the $29 model and I love not having a stand next to my desk and the ability to move my microphone out of the way. I did have some issues as the stand holds the microphone in place, but when I first added a pop filter, the stand couldn’t handle the weight. After really, really tightening the screws it seems to be working. I will get the $39 model later in the week and let you know how it goes.

If you would like to participate in the Podcaster Roundtables go sign up at the School of Podcastint www.schoolofpodcasting.com