Just another guy who needs help

[Dan Ortego]

Thanks Mike for the sanity check. The recommendations I received were directly from the sales and engineering folks. In fact, it was back before I joined this forum so I’m clearly still on training wheels. Still, I figured there had to be a reason why nobody here was using the Apogee, so I now understand its intended market.

[andrewzarian]

Hey Dan.

Im not a big fan of USB mixers. I have never used one that didn't have some sort of issue. With that said there are plenty of people out there who use USB mixers and have no issues

[Dan Ortego]

Hello Andrew,
As a true newbie’ I’m simply following the pack of whatever the current trend is with respect to creating content that I may broadcast. Since I’ve been using Mac computers for decades I’m pretty much set on that platform of which, USB and thunderbolt is the current formats. However, if there is a better mousetrap then I’m certainly open to learning more.

Apparently, choosing a microphone and support system was the easy part.

[mcphillips]

Macs will work fine for what you want to do. Andrew and I disagree over USB mixers, but that's cool. The design of the system you're asking about is tried and true. With an understanding of the fundamentals (when to use balanced audio cables), you can be up and going in short order.

[Dan Ortego]

Okay, it's been a while since I posted anything so I'll share some of the trouble I've been getting into. Taking cues from some of you guys and others’ I ultimately returned the 286s and started looking more closely at the Allen-Heath XB-14 MkII, other external processors, and sound panels. By some measure I got carried away with the gingerbread. I mean, if I knew then what I know now I would have stopped after the mic and shifted to room acoustics. As it is, I still have a few boxes laying around that I could have really done without, or at least waited until later.

Also, I noticed that some folks who enter this fray, start out with zeal and enthusiasm and then peter-out quickly. Realizing this, I'm trying to approach things a bit differently. Podcasting will not be where I start, but will hopefully be where I end up. Currently, I spend several hours a day on the computer with Skype, recording, voice dictation and more. The sound panels will always provide a more pleasant experience while producing good vocals, and that's just plain fun!

Anyway, I'm quite happy with the RE20 coupled to the shock mount and OC White boom arm even though I'm simply running it through a Shure USB converter into the Mac/DAW. Frankly, it took a good mic with flat recording for me to recognize the need for room treatment, though I'm sure I'm not the first guy who got the cart in front of the horse.

[mcphillips]

Well, Dan, I don't know what to tell you. The 286s is one of the best pieces of equipment you can use for podcasting. I just bought my fourth one.

Good luck.