Have you thought about getting the *Shure SM7B? Does it seem like every podcaster is using this microphone or saving up to buy one? On this episode you’ll hear the SM7B, learn some of its history and why it’s an industry standard and a podcasting favorite. Why did I buy this microphone and should you get one? Let’s dive into the SM7B and find out why I think it’s the most used microphone in podcasting.
[Read more…] about 103: THE SM7B – Popularity, Noise, & First Micsmicrophone
102: Preamps, Noise, Preamp Noise!
Do you have more noise in your podcast audio than you’d like? Do you know what is causing that noise? Is it your mic? How about your studio or maybe it’s your preamp…if you use one. I’m talking with Julian Krause all about the latter but of course we dive into many related topics surrounding preamps and noise, including: [Read more…] about 102: Preamps, Noise, Preamp Noise!
Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 Audio Interface Review and Demo
Why did I buy the Focusrite?
I bought the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4* (2i4 on B&H | 2i4 on Amazon) after my beloved Griffin iMic died on me after a few years of hearty service. The iMic is a simple, small audio interface that accepts both line and mic. level sources with a 3.5mm connector and it does its job really well. So why not just buy another one? I was going to but I’m a gear junky so upgrading is common place.
The iMic is a little pricey for what it does ($35-$40) but again it’s well worth it. The price of the iMic led me to see what I could get if I invested a little more and I’ve been wanting to try the Focusrite series of audio interfaces for a very long time. This was my chance and a better justification for finally getting one. If I tripled my investment in a new iMic (give or take), I could get a lot more capability and power from the 2i4.
First Impressions and Test
In the audio (above) you heard my very first recordings using the 2i4. I plugged in my ATR2100 and recorded using Adobe Audition. The first same is raw (as recorded) and the second was lightly processed and loudness normalized. [Read more…] about Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 Audio Interface Review and Demo
TPS091: Gain Staging Any Mixer
Setting up a mixer can be a difficult task. Even on the smallest mixers there are numerous buttons and knobs that all affect the audio you put into it. Knowing exactly which knobs to turn and when can be confusing at best and can wreck your audio at worst. In this episode I talk about how to gain stage (setup your microphone for proper audio levels) any mixer you might use as a podcaster.
Because beginning podcasters often start with a very limited budget, we tend to purchase mixers that don’t feature all the tools that some higher end mixers have such as PFL/Solo buttons for easier gain staging of your microphones. But even the cheapest mixers have the minimum controls to setup your levels properly. I talk about how to use both a channel’s peak light and/or the main mix meters to get your mixer operating a level that the manufacture intended it to be used at.
[Read more…] about TPS091: Gain Staging Any Mixer
How to Setup Any Mixer – Gain Staging without PFL or Solo Buttons
For many podcasters, mixers do not include Pre Fader Listen (PFL) or Solo buttons which are commonly used on more expensive mixers for properly setting audio levels.
Gain staging is the process of setting proper audio levels through your entire audio chain. On a mixer this starts with the gain knob (located at the top of each channel strip) which controls the sensitivity of your microphone or input and finishes at the output, your main mix. [Read more…] about How to Setup Any Mixer – Gain Staging without PFL or Solo Buttons
TPS088: Compression for Podcasts with Randy Coppinger
Ever wonder when, how or why to use compression when post-processing your podcast? If the answer is yes then this is your episode. Randy Coppinger, professional audio engineer, talks with me about using compression for your spoken word podcast and just as importantly, when not to.
We talk about what compression can do for your audio, how it can damage it and all the factors that go into the results you’ll get from a compressor including your microphone.
After that we dive into how you might want to set up a compressor or at least where to start. If you feel lost when you look at a compressor, don’t worry, we all were at some point.
The key element is practice. You just need to start turning the knobs. This episode will help you understand what to listen for when using compression and how to improve your post processing techniques for your podcast.
[Read more…] about TPS088: Compression for Podcasts with Randy Coppinger