Podcasting is basically digital audio editing and recording that is then formatted for consumption a website or for download onto a portable music device or computer. As verbose as the definition may be, podcasting is really quite simple. Get the right mic, download some free software and your in business.
Below is a guide to my favorite free software as well as recommendations for the best mic for your given purpose. Feel free to comment and ask a question if your specific question is not made clear.
Top free podcasting software:
- WavePad Sound Editor (free version) or Pro — for basic recording, cleaning up audio, and cutting.
- Audacity– This open source music program has lots of great features and plenty of tutorials on YouTube to get you going but is a bit harder to use than wavepad. I find it overkill for most of my appilcations.
- Reaper — A basic mixing program for multiple tracks. Take your recorded wavepad files and insert them into here to mix multiple tracks or sound. Great for creating audio dramas or for looping electronic tracks. Reaper is a free full version but nags you to buy it.
- Sony Acid XPress — free version of Sony Acid (another track mixing software) only allows you to mix 10 tracks.
- Celtix– Celtix is a script specific word processer. It basically helps you format a audio drama easily and quickly (free)
Mics
- I find the Blue SnowBall mics to be the best for the price. They have various models ranging in price from under $50 (snowflake) to over $300. The basic white snowball is just under $100. The $20 popfilter is especially helpful if you tend to pop the mic a lot.
- The Samsung GM1U G-Track mic comes out on the top from my research and music pals but I haven’t specifically tried it.
- If you want clearer vocals and you’re not content with the performance of your mic you might just need to get a decent preamp. They can cost more than good microphone so you may want to see if you can buy it from a local dealer that has a good return policy if you don’t like it.
Last links
Additional resources in .pdf
If you have any questions or find a great preamp or mic for a good price please add a comment and let us all know how you like them.
Wed, Apr 8, 2009
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