167 Podcast Answer Man – Blog Talk Radio And The Audio Snob

Blog Talk Radio and the Audio Snob

If there was ever an episode that I was a little self conscious about releasing, it would be this episode of Podcast Answer Man. I’m not sure how many times I confessed that I’m an audio snob, but it was a lot. Please know that when I share my thoughts in my podcasts, I share the real me and my own thoughts and opinions. I have a strong desire to see people take their podcasts to the next level when it comes to content, quality, and engagement with their audience.

At times, I think I forget that I didn’t just start running in this arena. I started small, with horrible sounding audio, and I slowly added new pieces of audio equipment along the way to get to the level of audio quality where I am today. Heck, one only needs to go back into the archives of this very podcast to hear me talk about how excited I was about my MXL 990 condenser microphone back in the day. Today, when I hear someone get excited about their condenser microphone, I cringe. I don’t mean to place judgment on those podcasters, it’s just I have learned, from experience, that there are better ways to spend one’s money on new equipment.

Anyway, I share this episode with the world, as everything I said, is exactly what I truly feel about the subject matter discussed. I never have and never will subscribe to an audio podcast where the host of the show is in telephone audio quality and I’m not a fan of condenser microphones as the echo in the host’s voice is less appealing than the other content choices that are out there for me.

Please forgive me for being the audio snob that I am.

In this episode, I cover the following topics:
* How do I change the category for my podcast in iTunes?
* How do I feel about accepting payments via PayPal?
* How do I feel about Blog Talk Radio and other services like it?
* Be sure to check out the Adobe Audition 101 on the Products Page.

Be sure to tune in next week when I share some constructive criticism that I have received about this podcast.

Discuss podcasting with other listeners in the Podcast Answer Man section of the gspn.tv Community Forum.

PODCAST CONSULTING: I’m also available for one on one podcast consulting. Whether you want someone to get everything set up for you or you just need a little help along the way, I’d love to work with you. I’m able to demonstrate using screen sharing technology during our call which makes it just like I was there sitting next to you at the computer. If you are interested, email me at Cliff@Ravenscraft.org or call me at 859-757-1399.

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Bob B

I'm sure like many other starting podcasters (or folks like myself who support podcasters, ie faculty coursecasting), I started with a USB microphone (Snowball and G-Track) but ran into the same issues you and others have cited: Ambient noise picked up by USB-based condenser microphone, dependency on a computer and lack of control except through software mixer. (Only Macs can handle two USB mics at once). I'm in the process of switching to a dynamic microphone and mixer. For the times I would like the simplicity of a computer and USB microphone, I plan to use a XLR-USB preamp.

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Cliff Ravenscraft

All very good points indeed! Anything to keep them from using simply a USB only microphone.

Cliff, Appreciate your comments and the sample audio clips in the previous episode on the differences between a condenser microphone and a dynamic microphone. For the user comment about USB providing flexibility and portability, instead of a USB microphone, look at a XLR-USB preamp to go with the studio microphone. Shure X2u, Blue Icicle, MXL Mic Mate and Centrance MicPort Pro are some possible options. As another option, there are several analog to USB converters including the Griffin iMic to go from a mixer to USB on the computer.

Jon, thanks so much for your feedback. I can't wait to hear your thoughts about the Heil after you get a chance you use it. ;) Let me know how it goes. Perhaps as audio feedback for PAM?

Jon Buscall

Cliff, I appreciate the fact that you're an audio snob. No, really! After making four initial podcasts and three for clients I discovered your work. Since then I've gone through your entire catalogue, stunned at the sound quality you're getting.

As I tweeted on Friday, I've just ordered some great gear including a Heil. If I didn't live in Sweden (where we have to pay tax on imports from the USA) I would have come straight to you.

Listening to your work has SO inspired me to take my podcasting skills to the next level. I really appreciate what you do.