[bohdanz]

I'm hoping to use Nicecast to stream chapters of an ongoing story/drama.

Which is the best way to make the smallest files; they'll be voice only.

Should I record on a regular tape deck and then process the file via the Onkyo audio box I have?

Or if I got one of those Olympus DSS models that records digitally would that work?

Or direct via iMic into the Mac using some app?

I really need help....
Thanks.

[Mark E]

if you're just doing voice reading (no music), then you should be able to stream a low-bitrate MP3 stream without much noticable quality loss.

it really depends on how low you feel is acceptable. i've got some MP3 speech files that are mono, 24kbps, 11khz (a 110-second file is about 350k).

so record as an AIFF with your imic, then convert to MP3 once your AIFFs are edited to your satisfaction.

try out a few low-bitrate combinations and decide what you feel is an acceptable compromise between file size and quality.

-Mark

[bohdanz]

Mark,
I will try your suggestion and see how it sounds.

What app would you use to input the audio.
I want to make this as simple as possible (for now) while I'm experimenting - and I may have to do some editing. Quicktime?
Or use Final Cut Pro?

Thanks again.

[Mark E]

if you're working solely with audio, you'll have no need for final cut.

it is possible to edit with quicktime, but it's rather finicky.

you need a dedicated audio editor. there are tons around (search this forum for "audio editor", you will get a lot of recommendations - also try versiontracker).

my personal favourite is sound studio, which came installed on my mac. you may already have it.

all you'll need to do is set up your imic correctly, make sure your mic levels aren't too high, and hit "record" in whatever audio editor you choose. then once the recording is done, hit "stop", save and edit the file, and then convert to mp3!

-Mark