Hollywood Squares Gone ActiveRain Wild | Zooming With Ken Jones

Hollywood Squares Gone ActiveRain Wild | Zooming With Ken Jones

Ken Jones was the presenter at the ActiveRain Zoom Meeting today.  The topic of discussion, sharing, and learning ... there were 39 participants today!

Ken started his podcast in 2015. When buying equipment ... think about the future. People may download for years to come! 

How to Create a Podcast

Step 1: Planning

• Identify Target Audience
• Decide How & Where to Reach Your Audience
• Decide the Frequency of Your Show
• Decide the day and time to Post Your Show
• Select a Series of topics – avoid being monotone, boring, or a “salesperson”.

Audio Recording/Playback Process

Ken shared a cool graphic that depicts the conversion process from analog to digital and back to analog.

Step 2:  Audio Recording Software – Mac or PC

MAC             Garageband – and it is FREE

                      Logic Pro X – NOT FREE

PC/MAC        Audacity – and it is FREE

Step 3. Microphone

• Wireless is a problem … too much distortion
• Do not use the computer microphone

The best types of microphones are

• Dynamic
• Condensor with a cardioid pattern

Types of microphone connections to the computer

• XLR – Requires an A/D converter

• An Audio/Digital ("A/D") Converter converts an analog signal to digital

• USB – Plugs directly into the computer

Ken made recommendations for various microphones and explained why.

Step 4. Microphone Shock Mount & Stand

A stand is needed to avoid creating noise from hitting the table or knocking a knee on the desk. Ken showed a few recommendations followed by a disclaimer that he is not an affiliate - no money is made on his recommendations. 

He shared a photo of his home setup.  Photos are not shown here due to Ken's copyright.

Step 5. Headphones

• Headphones are necessary to prevent audio feedback.
• Do not use wireless headphones.

Two recommendations were shared.  I happen to have a pair of Sony Headphones (over $200) and I love them. Well worth the price. Ken talked about ensuring the headphones are comfortable.  My Sony headphones are comfortable. 

Step 6. Pop Filter / Wind Screen

• They are foam and designed to prevent Plosives. When air hits it the air is diverted.

Three (3) brands were shared.  Do not need to spend a lot of money on them. The El Cheapo works just fine.

Step 7. Recording the Podcast

• Ken shared several screens recording on Garageband
• We do not need to reinvent the wheel either.  The first podcast can be saved as a template. Each podcast is saved as its own file. Simply copy a file and save it as an upcoming podcast.  
• He walked us through what each element is and how to navigate the software – where each of the control functions is located.

Most recording software is very similar. 

Step 8. Hosting & distributing the Podcast

• Libsyn
• Blubrry.com
• PodBean

Ken uses Libsyn. It is what he started with and it is affordable. 

Wrapping up the Zoom Meeting with Ken Jones

Ken played an intro to one of his Podcasts.

Very impressive and professional! 

Podcasting Tips from Ken Jones

The key thing is to relax and have fun with it … just be you.  Do not try to pretend to be someone else. We can all tell a phony. Talk like we are talking to a friend.

A great thing about Podcasts is they are not live! If we make a mistake we can edit it out. 

Thank you Ken Jones for sharing your knowledge and equipment recommendations with us.  We all greatly appreciate you! 

Thank you, Debe Maxwell, CRS for hosting the meeting - the Hostess with the Mostess. 

Thank you, George Souto for your weekly reminder posts regarding upcoming Zoom Meetings. 

ACTIVERAIN