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Podcasting Equipment - Microphone Recommendation

By Nathan Hartman

Services for Real Estate Pros with Realt-eTransAct

August 08, 2007 11:29 AM

Logitech USB Microphone I've seen many different recommendations for podcast microphones floating around the internet. I was wondering, what are ActiveRain podcasters using and what are the pros and cons of their selection?

I use a Logitech USB Desktop Microphone

Pros:

clear audio signal
mute button
swivel base for better directional placement
plug & play - it was extremely easy to start recording

Cons:

pop filter - for really strong voices, this one is still vulnerable at a close distance

Overall, this microphone works great and it was inexpensive. So, what is everyone else using??

Comments(11)

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William J. Archambault, Jr.

The Real Estate Investment Institute - Houston, TX

Nathon,

I've had good luck with an Inland headset I got at Fry's a couple years ago.

I'm writing to ask for suggestions about sound editing software, I've tried a couple and I not happy with either. Any suggestions?

Bill

William J Archambault Jr

The Real Estate Investment Institute

First National Mortgage Sources

Aug 08, 2007 12:16 PM

Lori Kratochvil

HomeStar Photography & Virtual Tours - Powder Springs, GA

I use that very same microphone. I just started narrating my videos with it. I'm glad to know you like it too! It's great about blocking background noise.

Aug 08, 2007 02:14 PM

Nathan Hartman

Realt-eTransAct - Morgan Hill, CA

Realt-eTransAct

Bill,

I've used two programs for sound editing, Live, and Audacity.

Live is a great program for sound creation, sequencing and music production. The latest version supports video integration, although I haven't tried it. This is used by some heavyweights in the Recording Industry, such as Paul Oakenfold and Nine Inch Nails. It's pricey so I wouldn't suggest using it just for podcasts.

Audacity is a great program as well, and it's free. It's an open-source program that can record multiple tracks and has some limited effects as well (I use amplify quite a bit for the soft-spoken podcasters I work with) This is perfect for recording podcasts and its relatively simple to use.

Lori

Yes, the reduction in background noise was a great selling point for me before I bought it. Now, if only FedEx and the leaf-blowing landscapers would go away....

Aug 09, 2007 06:07 AM

William J. Archambault, Jr.

The Real Estate Investment Institute - Houston, TX

Thanks Nathan. I'll check them out.

Bill

Aug 09, 2007 07:04 AM

William J. Archambault, Jr.

The Real Estate Investment Institute - Houston, TX

Nathan,

It worked, thank you.

Bill

I Dit It, I Did It! / Thanks Nathan Hartman

Aug 15, 2007 07:50 AM

Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL

Joe Manausa Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL

Tallahassee Real Estate

Nice post. I'd like to hear more about what you are doing with your podcasts and the results that they generate. Thanks.

Aug 15, 2007 11:18 PM

Ski Zielinski

AAA Realty Group, Inc. - Davie, FL

For about $100.00 this microphone is claimed (and does sound) to be recording studio quality. It is sold by Guitar Center stores nationwide along with BHPhotovideo online.

The microphone is called the Snow Ball, check it out.

Aug 16, 2007 05:26 PM

Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL

Joe Manausa Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL

Tallahassee Real Estate

Does anyone have a recommended site to learn about "learning about podcasting." Also, what is a good "starter kit?" I have a new computer running VISTA and want to set up for this (I think).

Aug 16, 2007 10:49 PM

Doug Lindstrom

eXp Realty - Loveland, CO

The Blue Snowball is awesome but it is not yet compatible with Vista.

Aug 17, 2007 08:37 AM

Vicente A. Martinez

Prudential Douglas Elliman Licensed Real Estate Salesperson - Woodhaven, NY

Realtor, Brooklyn - Long Island - Queens Homes

I'm going to give it a shot. I guess it was the extremely easy to operate part that had me sold on this microphone.

Thanks.

Aug 19, 2007 04:46 AM

Nathan Hartman

Realt-eTransAct - Morgan Hill, CA

Realt-eTransAct

Joe,

To get started, all you need is a microphone, good software to record your programs and a web-host to store and distribute your material. I don't know if my microphone and Audacity are compatible with VISTA, if they are I would suggest giving them a shot. Regarding hosting, there are a lot to choose from. This site has a list of podcast hosting options, you can probably find one that is right for you.

Here are the two podcasts I produce:

Realt-eTransAct Update

John V. Pinto - Real Estate Broker

We use these to get information to our clients and leads. It's very convenient because you can say what you want to say ONCE and refer people to your content indefinitely.

Aug 21, 2007 06:51 AM

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