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Hopefully the holidays find you healthy…and looking forward to some possible podcasting gear purchases. Today’s show is a bit long at 37:29, but its focus is on the why’s and wherefore’s you should consider when picking out a quality gear base. (FYI, I use BSW as my supplier, and if you go to them through our sister podcast, PodSqod, you can get a discount coupon code that refreshes monthly.)
Three conceptual points:
1) For a pro sound, you won’t need to spend a ton, but you’ll have to spend some. I use the Podcast Solutions Starter package from BSW as my base - very modest in price - but it contains what I’ve concluded after 6+ months of research is the minimum level of gear providing sufficient flexibility and quality sound. Adding the DBX 286A mic processor gives me the capacity to “set and forget” technology that automatically gives the loudness, clarity, and background noise muting that your professional podcasts deserve. I’ll be getting into specifics on use in future shows, with Mark Jensen from PodSqod.
2) No need to dither about gear choices - it’s all modular, and these aren’t computers. If you’re committed to podcasting, there isn’t any upside to waiting for the “perfect” gear review, or searching for that “just right” mic; like writing, you get better at podcasting by podcasting, and some things aren’t going to change very much. Get some decent gear, and wade into the show process. As you progress, your ear will refine, and you may decide to upgrade your mic, or your mic processor, or your headphones (I’m using the Audio Technica ATHM 40fs) - no worries, keep your original equipment to record quality interviews. I’m eyeballing the Heil PR-40 mic and the Aphex 230 mic processor, myself.
3) Don’t forget the little human touches. These choices can make a surprising difference in both your sound and how much you look forward to your podcasting sessions. Two examples: a good pop filter to screen out plosives from your mic (I use the Sterling PF1, similar to the Stedman 101), and a rack to mount your gear in one place, all cables and power cords connected and ready to go - no assembly/disassembly required with every session, no gear on the floor (I’m using the SKB84DJ).
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