My October column on podcasts generated e-mail from readers wanting to know to create a podcast with a notebook or portable recording device. It's a long topic and this is a short newsletter, so I'll just offer some pointers to get you started.
Bypass Your Notebook's Microphone Input
The built-in sound in the majority of notebooks is of average to below-average quality. As a result, audio recorded using the typical notebook's microphone input may sound fuzzy and, well, computer-ish.
One way to improve audio input on notebooks is to record with a USB microphone. The USB port helps isolate the audio signal from the whirr of electronics inside your computer. Also, using a digital input provides better-quality audio than the analog sound processor in your notebook. Using Griffin Technology's LapelMic ($15) coupled with its IMic ($40) is a worthwhile option.
The LapelMic records in stereo and can be used with a notebook or other recording device, such as your third-generation or newer Apple iPod (excluding the Shuffle and Nano). The IMic feeds the audio input through your notebook's USB port, providing better sound quality. It has a line-level input, extending your recording options even further. For example, you can connect your record player to the IMic's line input to create audio files from your old albums. Both devices are available from Griffin Technology.
Another option is to use a microphone/headset that has its own audio processing chip. For example, Plantronics' DSP-400 Foldable PC Headset (pricing starts at $37) connects to your notebook via USB and includes its own sound processor. I've used the headset for years for speech recognition, and I recommend it.
Start Off With Inexpensive Equipment
You can make audio recordings with more professional gear than the LapelMic or DSP-400 headset, of course. For example, low-end condenser microphones cost $55 and up. These mikes require their own power source, called a preamp, which adds to the cost. Bottom line: You can end up spending hundreds of dollars quickly. Instead, start your podcasting career simply, with the LapelMic/IMic or other inexpensive gear, then graduate to the higher-level toys when you're ready.
Use Free Software
How's this for inexpensive? The software program often recommended for beginning podcasters, Audacity, is free. Audacity lets you record, edit, and enhance stereo audio tracks, and with the help of a free plug-in, convert WAV audio files to MP3. (Most podcasters distribute their programs in MP3 format, since it's the most commonly used audio file format on the Internet.)
Audacity's interface and tools take some getting used to, particularly if you've never used an audio editing program. You can download version 1.2 from us.
Buy Multipurpose Gear
If you're investing in a microphone or other audio equipment for podcasting, make sure you can use it for other things, too, to get your money's worth. As I mentioned earlier, Plantronics' DSP-400 Foldable PC Headset is ideal for speech recognition on a notebook, plus you can use it for creating podcasts and listening to audio. And it folds for easy transport.
Get Educated
Recording a podcast is just the beginning. From there, you have to post your podcasts on a Web server and create a podcast news feed. Peachpit Press's Secrets of Podcasting ($20) is a good hand-holding guide to all aspects of podcasting. You can read a sample chapter at the Peachpit site; The book's available from Amazon.com.
For information about recording audio on an iPod, see "iPod Voice Memos"; read "Portable Podcasts" for a roundup of my favorite podcasts.
Ad Choices