What you need to start podcasting
Some say that humans are “wired for sound” and “the brain never stops listening” or, for those capturing audio for video, that “audio makes up 70% of the video quality”. So it’s no wonder why good sound is so important, but also why it’s a little daunting and complex for many, as there is a lot to know, and a tidal wave of product choices. So how do you cut through all the noise?
At Vistek we understand the importance of great sound, and offer a wide lineup of audio products, at an assortment of price points, ideally suited to a very broad range of audio applications.
We’ve built these pages as a simple guide to popular product choices, for many common applications, as well as to provide you with links to various articles and videos, so you can learn about core audio fundamentals and techniques, as well as tips and tricks, to both help broaden both your knowledge and your skill set with audio.
So no matter whether you are just getting started with sound, or you just want to further improve your audio expertise, you can trust Vistek to help you understand how good, better and the best audio is captured, recorded, processed and delivered.
At Vistek we know that it’s not just the image, but also the sound that matters!
If you have any tips, tricks or fun at home projects to share, please reach out to us on social to share.
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Audio for Podcasting: 10 important things you need to get started
Podcasting has become a very hot topic over the last few years, but how do you get started?
In this blog post, we’ve put together a list of 10 important things we think you need to get started podcasting:
Go direct with USB microphones for quality podcasting
Headset microphones for podcasting
Understanding audio – Part 1 The basics
Some say that humans are “wired for sound” and “the brain never stops listening” or, for those capturing audio for video, that “audio makes up 70% of the video quality”. So it’s no wonder why good sound is so important, but also why it’s a little daunting and complex for many, as there is a lot to know, and a tidal wave of product choices. So how do you cut through all the noise?
READ THE POST HEREMicrophones for podcasting that require a mixer or interface card
For connecting to an external system or mixer or audio interface you may want to consider an XLR large diaphragm desktop type for its excellent vocal characteristics, or if you are connecting to a portable system perhaps Lavalier type is most suitable.
Wired lav microphones for podcasting
Wondering which microphone would be best for your shoot?
So you can figure out the type of mic best suited for what you're recording, in this video, RocketJump Film School covers how a microphone actually works, the difference between mic and line levels, XLR cables, pre-amps, phantom power, transducer types, and mic polar patterns.
Desktop microphones for podcasting
Understanding Audio – Part 2: Balanced vs. Unbalanced Audio Levels, Cables & Connections
In our Understanding Audio – Part 1: The basic things you need to know post, we discuss the dynamics of sound, terminology and what you need to achieve great sound in your recordings. In Understanding Audio – Part 2, we go over balanced vs. unbalanced audio levels and the types of cables and connections you will need to work with both.
READ THE POST HEREWireless microphones for podcasting
Shotgun microphones for podcasting
Rode Microphones NTG-1 Condenser Microphone Shotgun Ultra Lightweight
The RODE NTG-1 is a lightweight condenser shotgun microphone, specifically designed for professional applications within the film, video, television, voice-over and ENG industries.
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Rode Microphones NTG-2 Condensor Microphone Shotgun Lightweight
A wide bandwidth and controlled polar response coupled with low noise SMT electronics, makes the NTG-2 the perfect choice for film, video engineering and voice-over work.
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Sennheiser MKE600 Shotgun Mic - Includes Foam Windshield & Shock Mount
The Sennheiser MKE 600 is a shotgun microphone designed for use with a camcorder or HDSLR. Building on the company's extensive expertise in designing shotgun microphones, it is able to take on even the toughest video sound challenges
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Sony ECM-VG1 Electret Condenser Microphone
The Sony ECM-VG1 Electret Condenser Microphone is a rugged, all-metal shotgun microphone with a supercardioid polar pattern, making it a well suited choice for camcorder-mounted and boom pole operation alike.
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Roland UVC-02 USB Video Capture
The user-friendly UVC-02 Web Presentation Dock is an all-in-one connection hub for crystal-clear audio and video, using an HDMI camera and professional microphone, without the hassle of a complicated set-up.
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Audio mixers for podcasting
There’s a large selection of mixers and systems available to consider: ease of operation is key. The purpose of an external device is to make things easier and more logical to operate in a live environment, sliding faders make it quick and easy to adjust levels, but even a knob is easier than clicking on something in a software interface. Ease of connectivity is also important! Does it support XLRs, jacks line levels, etc. that make it easy to connect all the sources you need. Remember to consider the amount of total sources you need to control both for today, and if your system is to grow for tomorrow. Then consider if you want something that connects directly to a computer via a built in interface or how you plan to interface with an external device, how remote audio connections would work through the mixer. And also perhaps consider built-in playback of stingers, openings, closings or how you would handle those, and maybe even built-in recording capability.
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At Vistek, we firmly believe there’s no end to the learning process and we admire those who seek guidance with the goal to get better. In our ongoing series of seminars we showcase a roster of experienced lecturers, those whose expertise and enthusiasm make learning a most enjoyable experience.
Audio interface cards for podcasting
Most computers require a USB-style interface to connect external audio devices, and many computers still come with the mic/speaker 3.5mm connectors or a single combo TRRS for audio, but for more professional use like with most mixers, and if you want to use better mics it’s best to come through a USB. USB 2 or 3 are most common, and if your computer is newer and only supports USB-C you will likely have to buy an adapter to support USB 2-3 connectivity, or some new mics and interfaces designed primarily for smartphones and tablets can also directly connect. Many beginner podcasting mics have a USB interface built right in so they can connect directly and some smaller mixers also have a USB interface built in. Or you can simply utilize an external interface box that typically has analogue connectors on it and a USB output. This interface box can simply sit between the mic or mixer depending on its capability. The USB is discoverable as a source in most common audio and collaboration apps.
Zoom U-22 2 Channel Portable USB Interface
The U-22 is the essential mobile recording and performance interface, with an innovative 2-in/2-out ultra-portable design that makes it easy to connect to a laptop or an iPhone/iPad and create great-sounding audio anywhere.
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Zoom USB 3.0 Audio Interface
There’s a whole new world of possibilities for Mac and PC Creators — high-speed, high-resolution, and low-latency. Upgrade your rig with the rackmountable UAC-8, and add 18 inputs and 20 outputs to your USB 3.0-equipped Mac or Windows computer.
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Focusrite Plc. Scarlett 18i8 USB 2.0 Audio Interface (3rd Generation)
With its high channel count, compact size and a huge selection of software in the box, 18i8 is ready to record your band wherever you are.
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PreSonus Audio AudioBox 96 USB 2.0 Audio Recording Interface
This simple, handy little audio/MIDI interface has just the right features for basic recording needs, allowing you to plug in and start recording up to 24-bit, 96 kHz audio right away.
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Audio Recorders for podcasting
There’s a huge range of audio recorders from portable handheld style, to compact professional mixers with built-in recording. Some mixing consoles also offer built-in recording. All will generally do a good job, while some have better or differing specs and operational features. Your choice in a recorder will likely come down to the type and amount of audio sources you need to connect and record, as well as what type of connections you therefore need to support.
Zoom H4n Pro All Black Handy Audio Recorder
Advanced X/Y microphones, incredibly natural-sounding preamps, and built-in cutting-edge effects make the H4n Pro the ultimate portable 4 track recorder for musicians.
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Zoom H6 Handy Recorder All Black
Four interchangeable input capsules—X/Y, MS, Shotgun, and Dual XLR/TRS Combo—make the H6 the ultimate chameleon of the audio world, and its advanced preamps make it the best-sounding one too.
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Zoom H8 Handy Recorder
Whether you’re capturing audio on location, recording and tracking music, or producing a podcast, with 3 distinct application-driven interface options, the H8 instantly adapts to the feature set required for your job.
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Zoom F6 Field Recorder
With 6 inputs, Zoom’s solid time code, multiple power options and wireless control, the F6 is poised to be a filmmaker's new secret weapon.
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Zoom F8nPRO MultiTrack Field Recorder with 32-BIT Float Recording
Take control of your hectic and complex productions, eliminate the need to adjust gain and monitor each track, and use the highest quality sound that will enable you to make magic in post.
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Tascam DR-70D Linear PCM Recorder
The DR-70D is a compact audio recorder that allows the aspiring DSLR user to create audio recordings in very high quality in parallel to their film or video shots. The recorder can be mounted directly between a tripod and the camera or on top of the camera, resulting in a compact package.
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Tascam DR-60DMKII 4-Channel Portable Recorder for DSLR
TASCAM's DR-60DmkII, an update of the award winning DR-60D, is the audio recording solution for on-set filmmakers and videographers. The streamlined design fits perfectly under a DSLR camera rig, without relying on bulky recorders or the limited audio quality of the camera’s microphone in.
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Zoom F3 MultiTrack Field Recorder
With 32- bit float recording, the F3 effortlessly captures the quietest raindrops and the loudest explosions.
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Headphones for podcasting
Great accessories to help your podcasting
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