[MadDoc]

Hi,

I am interested in producing podcasts and screencasts. For podcasting I am hoping to use GarageBand 3 (which seems to be worth the upgrade to '06 IMO) and for screecasting I will probably use Snapz Pro X.

I need a hands free setup.

I tried recording a simple PodCast (just my voice) using the internal mic on the iMac G5. To put it bluntly - it sounded pants no matter how much I fiddled with the settings - the internal mic continues to pick up a high pitch whine (which I think is the iMac fan).

I need help working out what I need buy to get 'good' quality voice into my Mac. I have between £50 - £100 to spend (am in the UK). Do I need both a mic and some sort of 'box' in between the mic and my Mac (since my iMac only has a line-in port).

Any help would be greatly appreciated (links would be good too!!)

MadDoc,

[aberdeenwriter]

If you intend to use Garageband and are adept at using it, then great. Otherwise I would try WireTap Pro through Ambrosia Software (moki is the president of Ambrosia Software and he's a member and regular visitor to MacNN)

Or, you might look into QuickTime Broadcaster. I upgraded to QT Pro and so I'm not sure if QT Broadcaster is free or if it's only part of the Pro upgrade. Anyway, by clicking on the QT Player logo, then...file > New Audio Recording and then record whatever your computer 'hears.'

As for the Mic setup, the more expensive way is to get some kind of amplifier/mixer that has a USB computer interface.

So, in that case you'd plug your mic into the amp/mixer and from it you'd plug a USB cord into your computer.

However, it's been several months and I believe there are new developments on the scene.

If you get a powered USB hub that MIGHT give you the power boost you need for your mic to successfully transmit sound into the computer.

Griffin has different pieces but I've not used them so I can't tell you.

Then there's a really interesting item I recall only seeing once before I was no longer following the industry, it was a mic which had it's own built in amp that had a USB cord and it was a stand alone desk mic and it was PRECISELY what a podcaster would need.

I've pretty much spilled my guts on this matter and now you know almost everything I know about it.

For what it's worth.

Good Luck!

EDIT: Here's an decent looking set up for Appx $250 US.

http://www.podcastrigs.com/pcrig4.html

Although I would search around to see what else exists for the same or less bread.

EDIT 2: Ok, here is the complete mic thing. It's called the MXL Desktop Recording Kit.

MXL Desktop Recording Kit for Mac
August 13th, 2005
MXL Microphones announces that its Desktop Recording Kit (DRK)—a professional cardioid condenser microphone , complete with a desktop microphone stand, microphone clip, XLR cable, XLR to Mini-Plug adapter cable, 3.5mm Mini-Plug to ¼ inch adapter, and power source—is now compatible with Macintosh personal computers.




By adding MXL’s new iBooster Signal Compatibility Interface, which raises the low level output signals of cardioid condenser microphones to the line operating level of Macintosh computers, the Desktop Recording Kit makes it easy to record vocal dialog for presentations, or for creating podcasts. MSRP $149 US.

http://www.podcastrigs.com/

http://www.mxlmics.com/Comp_Recordin...ord_index.html

The MXL i.booster raises any low level input signal, such as those of microphones and electric guitar, to the audio input level of Apple personal computers. This compact, affordable interface is an essential tool for Apple home recording and multimedia enthusiasts. The electric guitar and cardioid condenser microphones (the microphone type used in professional recording environments) output a relatively low level signal. They need to be amplified to a higher level to be used effectively with Apple Macintosh computers—both the iMac™ and the larger Power Mac™ tower systems. The MXL iboost is an inexpensive alternative to using expensive mic-preamplifiers and guitar input devices. (Appx. $40)

A reviewer said he had trouble with the iboost but with the iMic the connections were perfect every time.

The Griffin iMic is also about $40 US.
http://www.griffintechnology.com/pro...mic2/index.php

Desktop Recording Kit
Company: MXL (Marshall Electronics)
Price: $149.95
http://www.mxlmics.com

The MyMac.com podcast has been running for over a year now, and as the popularity of the podcasting medium in general grows, those wanting to create their own podcasts increase. So it should come as no surprise that many of the questions I get about the podcast focus on what equipment we use to record our shows. Not on the software side, but about hardware. Specifically, the emails ask the same question: what microphone should they get?

Visiting Podcastrigs.com, I came upon the Desktop Recording Kit (DRK) from MXL Microphones. Intrigued, I contacted the company and asked to review the kit, and after a month of using it, I’m quite impressed.

The DRK consists of a self-powered professional cardioid condenser XLR microphone, a desktop microphone stand, a XLR microphone cable, a XLR to Mini-Plug Adapter Cable, a 3.5mm Mini-Plug to 1/4-inch adapter, iBooster, and a foam-filled, hard plastic case. That’s a lot in one package, and for most podcasters, it will likely be more than enough.

Vocal quality is really what most wanna-be podcasters are looking for when they ask about microphones. Sure, you can pick up a cheap USB microphone or, if you are using a PowerBook, utilize the built-in Mic but neither will sound very good. A lapel mic will sound better, but if you really want that “Pro” sound, you really want a cardioid condenser microphone. All the “big” podcasters use them, from Leo Laporte to Adam Curry. They deliver a deep, rich, natural sound quality to bring that professional sound that we all want and strive for. The problem is picking a good one in your price-range, as well as understanding the tools you will need to get a phantom-power Microphone to work with your Mac.

The microphone that ships with the DRK is a full-sized professional looking microphone, white in color to match the white Macintosh computers, such as an iMac. The sound quality of this microphone is simply fantastic, especially when you look at the price. Cardioid condenser microphones require power to operate, called Phantom Power. The microphone draws its power from the XLR connection, usually from the amplifier it’s plugged into. (Thus the XLR cable both draws power (DC) and sends the audio signal back to the amplifier)

The problem for Macintosh (or PC) users is that you cannot plug an XLR microphone directly into your Macintosh as the Mac (or PC) does not have the ability to deliver the Phantom Power the cardioid condenser microphone requires. For our own podcasts, then, we turned to the M-Audio MobilePre USB to both power the microphones and send the audio signal back to the Macintosh via USB. It works great, but it does make for a cluttered desktop. The microphone that ships as part of the DRK is a little different in that you can also use a MobilePre USB to power it, but hidden inside the microphone is a 9-Volt battery that will deliver the required Phantom Power.

There is an on/off switch on the microphone itself, so that when you are not using it, you can conserve the battery life. To change the battery, it’s a simple matter of unscrewing the body of the microphone and snapping a replacement 9-Volt in.

Even with the 9-Volt battery supplying the needed power, and the included XML to Mic input cable, the input signal is still not great enough for the audio to reach or be used on the Macintosh. Thus the inclusion of the iBooster, a small audio amplifier that sits between the microphone and your Macintosh. Plug the microphone into the iBooster (via mini-plug) and the iBooster to the audio input mini-plug on your Mac, and you’re all set. (Sorta)

On three of the four Macs I tested the DRK on, the microphone (using the iBooster) was not “seen” by the Mac at all. There is no software with this bundle, thus no drivers for the iBooster. (Again, it plugs into your audio jack, not USB, so no drivers are needed) After hours of trying to get the setup working on Chad Perry’s G5, as well as my own G5 and PowerBook, the only system that it actually worked with was an older G4 of mine. I don’t know if there is a software problem of some sort or what, but nothing I tried worked and no application could “see” the audio input. In an effort to get it working with these machines, I tried plugging the iBooster into a Griffin Technology iMic (which accepts an audio mini-plug and converts it to USB) and it worked perfectly on all four machines.

The small desktop tripod microphone stand works quite well. It does fold up nicely so that you can store and carry it around in the included plastic hard case. The case itself feels very durable, and will hold not only the Microphone and stand, but also the needed wires and adapters. Unfortunately, the iBooster does not fit in the case.

On the weekly MyMac.com Podcast, we had been using one of two cardioid condenser microphones for months. We are happy with these mics, and had no thoughts about using anything else in the near future. We did, however, switch to the DRK cardioid condenser microphone for a few podcasts, and if anything, I think the audio quality for those shows was a little better. I am very impressed with the audio recordings we captured with this microphone.

If you are looking to offer much better vocal quality in your podcast, and don’t want to spend a ton of money, this is definitely the product you want. Cheap only in price and not quality, the Desktop Recording Kit is a real winner. I’m unsure why it didn’t work on some of my Macs, but with the iMic, the problem was solved. Thus I don’t blame the problem on the DRK itself.

MyMac.com rating; 4 out of 5

http://www.mymac.com/showarticle.php?id=2188

In Review: MXL Desktop Recording Kit
MXL Desktop Recording Kit

Professional recording studios rely on large-diaphragm condenser microphones to properly capture the human voice. Unfortunately, these mics are expensive and require a special phantom power supply. They won't work with the typical desktop- or laptop-computer sound card. But now there's a solution: the battery-powered, plugs-right-in Desktop Recording Kit (DRK) from MXL.

Unlike mics that ship with or are built into your computer, the DRK is a quality package that produces superior sound, and it costs less than $100. Because it's self-powered, you can record anything, anywhere, and use the great-sounding results for any project, including video and slideshow narration, Web-based presentations and podcasts.

For both storage and transport, the DRK includes a molded plastic case with custom cutouts to protect the package contents. Here's what's inside:
MXL DRK large-diaphragm condenser microphone.
Nine-volt battery.
Desktop tripod stand and threaded clip for holding or attaching the mic.
XLR cable.
XLR-to-1/8-inch-mini adapter cable, for typical sound-card connectivity, and a corresponding 1/8-inch-mini-to-1/4-inch adapter, for added flexibility.
A users manual that explains how to install the battery and connect the microphone, and a Getting the Best Results With Your MXL Microphone booklet, chock-full of useful tips.

For Macintosh users, MXL offers a DRK-Mac package that comes with an additional component, the iBooster, which increases the level of the DRK mic sufficiently for plugging into the computer. The DRK-Mac (and the iBooster) should be available by the time you read this.

The DRK microphone uses a side-address cardioid design, which is far more sensitive in the direction facing the speaker, making it optimal for intimate-sounding voice recording. This arrangement also rejects a lot of background noise that many mics pick up.

The DRK captures sound clearly and cleanly with less noise interference. I tested the mic in voice-over sessions using male, female and child talent. The DRK produces a warm, detailed, accurate and tight character — perfect for narration. Its self-noise was low — your computer will probably add more noise to your recording than this mic will. There was sufficient gain to pick up even the most soft-spoken voice, and it didn't break up when the talent spoke loudly. Also, female voices didn't suffer from excessive sibilance, those popping "S" sounds that some mics unfortunately boost.

The DRK worked well on location to grab sound effects, too. It was convenient to plug the battery-powered mic into my laptop and record for as long as my computer's battery held out. The mic does allow you to bypass the battery so you can use a standard 48-volt phantom power source; in fact, to my ears, it sounds even better when powered this way.

If you're dissatisfied with what you get from your current microphone setup, make the leap to a genuine professional mic. The DRK is light years ahead of what passes for computer mics these days. And it outperforms many industry stalwarts as well. With its self-power and diverse connection options, you'll be pleased with this complete package. It sounds as good as it looks.(Jeffrey P. Fisher)

Prices: Marshall MXL Desktop Recording Kit, $150 (list), $100 (street); DRK-Mac, $130 (street); iBooster alone, $30 (street).
Contact: Marshall Electronics Inc., 800.800.6608, www.mxlmics.com.

RATING
PROS: Easy setup. Great for recording voices.
CONS: Full-size microphone a bit on the bulky side.
RATED: 8 (out of 10).

http://www.presentations.com/present..._id=1001264226

[aberdeenwriter]

Originally Posted by MadDoc

Hi,

I am interested in producing podcasts and screencasts. For podcasting I am hoping to use GarageBand 3 (which seems to be worth the upgrade to '06 IMO) and for screecasting I will probably use Snapz Pro X.

I need a hands free setup.

I tried recording a simple PodCast (just my voice) using the internal mic on the iMac G5. To put it bluntly - it sounded pants no matter how much I fiddled with the settings - the internal mic continues to pick up a high pitch whine (which I think is the iMac fan).

I need help working out what I need buy to get 'good' quality voice into my Mac. I have between £50 - £100 to spend (am in the UK). Do I need both a mic and some sort of 'box' in between the mic and my Mac (since my iMac only has a line-in port).

Any help would be greatly appreciated (links would be good too!!)

MadDoc,

This might be of interest, too.

http://freevlog.org/

[MadDoc]

Wow!

Thanks for the well thought out reply! The links provided were really useful. It would transpire that my friend had a 'old' (2 months) condensor microphone that he was happy to part with for free so I took that. That meant I could spend £80 on a mixer to plug it into - I got the AMX-100FX. It seems pretty good and now I am able to record crystal clear audio! Look out for podcasts from me coming your way!

MadDoc,