first timer - technical setup questions

Hi everyone,

I have read a lot of the online articles in a bunch of places about how to start your podcast. I mainly have questions about the technical audio setup. Here's my situation:

* I want to do an interview-based podcast and already have a half dozen or so people (all personal friends) that I know I want to interview. Ideally I would travel to interview them in person since I like it better than doing it over Skype.

* I would like my setup to be portable. I have a MacBook Pro with Garageband so in an ideal world, I would just need the (one or two) mics.

* I would like the interviews I do to be organic, natural conversations with old friends, so ideally I would just be across the table from my guest (instead of shoving a mic in their face).

* I therefore need a mic (or two?) that will be able to pick this up. The audio quality doesn't need to be fantastic, just good enough to be clearly audible.

* What kind of mic? Would a mic that clips to my and the guest's shirt be sufficient? Or a big mic in the middle of the table that could pick us both up? Or unique mics for both of us? (Again, I worry the latter would make things seem more formal.)

* I don't really know how to do any editing at all and am generally bad at that kind of software. But I don't want to edit for content, only for audio quality really.

* I don't mind if some money has to be spent as long as it's reasonable. I also have no intent on doing this for profit; simply for fun and to develop my skills as a speaker/interviewer.

Couple of questions:

* What's the ideal mic for this kind of situation? As mentioned, I want to be as portable as possible, so I don't want to carry around a ton of equipment. However I'm sure the default microphone on my computer is probably not good enough. :)

* Do I need an audio mixer for this type of thing? I wouldn't even know how to start with that.

* Is simply using my smartphone to record the interviews, then converting them later an option? Or will this be absolutely atrocious sound quality?

Thank you all for your time.

Hello noobcast and welcome to the forum. Currently, a lot of us are participating in (http://www.computers2know.com) and will be done shortly. The show will end at 11a.m. EST and you will receive plenty of responses soon thereafter. By the way, you're welcome to join in!
Regards,

Hi noobcast,

Welcome to the IAIB forum. Do you have an iPad, laptop (PC or MAC), or any phone? One option is, you could potentially use two RODE smartLav+, RODE PinMic, HMNSound microlavs, or Giant Squid mics with a RODE SC6 Adapter to record 2 microphones. (I hope we will see lavalier cardioid microphones in this price range some day.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3E7z3xfeik

Quote:

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Originally Posted by noobcast

Hi everyone,

I have read a lot of the online articles in a bunch of places about how to start your podcast. I mainly have questions about the technical audio setup. Here's my situation:

* I want to do an interview-based podcast and already have a half dozen or so people (all personal friends) that I know I want to interview. Ideally I would travel to interview them in person since I like it better than doing it over Skype.

* I would like my setup to be portable. I have a MacBook Pro with Garageband so in an ideal world, I would just need the (one or two) mics.

* I would like the interviews I do to be organic, natural conversations with old friends, so ideally I would just be across the table from my guest (instead of shoving a mic in their face).

* I therefore need a mic (or two?) that will be able to pick this up. The audio quality doesn't need to be fantastic, just good enough to be clearly audible.

* What kind of mic? Would a mic that clips to my and the guest's shirt be sufficient? Or a big mic in the middle of the table that could pick us both up? Or unique mics for both of us? (Again, I worry the latter would make things seem more formal.)

* I don't really know how to do any editing at all and am generally bad at that kind of software. But I don't want to edit for content, only for audio quality really.

* I don't mind if some money has to be spent as long as it's reasonable. I also have no intent on doing this for profit; simply for fun and to develop my skills as a speaker/interviewer.

Couple of questions:

* What's the ideal mic for this kind of situation? As mentioned, I want to be as portable as possible, so I don't want to carry around a ton of equipment. However I'm sure the default microphone on my computer is probably not good enough. :)

* Do I need an audio mixer for this type of thing? I wouldn't even know how to start with that.

* Is simply using my smartphone to record the interviews, then converting them later an option? Or will this be absolutely atrocious sound quality?

Thank you all for your time.

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Good to have you aboard.

You need to read around on the forums. Many members have already answered everything you asked, many times in many ways.

I am not being negative. I mean it, if one person responds you get their opinion. I think most podcasters will agree there are many ways to do things, and many options for equipment and software.

The most important part, is to go in inexpensive as possible to get familiar with podcasting. The learning curve can be extensive.
It takes a lot of digging things out yourself to understand terms when they are discussed.

You will also find you do have to understand things. By that I mean, if you don't have the precise equipment and software of a podcaster you have watched on youtube...you may find, you are totally lost. You can have a wrong cable type, etc. Things can go wrong, and you won't be able to find an answer. You will have to "find out for yourself".

Morrissey, one of my favorite artists. Enjoy

http://youtu.be/t_Snd54c04Y

Welcome to the forum. The best advice that was given to me was to keep it simple.

I would suggest getting two AT2005 or ATR-2100 Mics. They are both USB and XLR so when the time comes you will be able to use them with a mixer.

If you need a mixer look into something like the Behringer XENYX X1204USB.