Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Equipment Options For Under $200
My primary focus with Podcast Answer Man is to help people create amazing sounding and extremely well produced shows. However, I am often asked what is available to those who want to record their audio on a very limited budget. In this episode, Steve called in to ask what the minimum requirements were to record a podcast and what I would recommend if someone had $199 to put toward equipment purchases.
In the episode, I explain that there are a large number of options out there. However, I chose to focus on six options. Have a listen to hear my full explanation of each of the following:
- Option 1: Any Telephone using a service like TalkShoe.com.
- Option 2: Built In Microphone
- Option 3: Smart phone with recording app like Griffin’s iTalk.
- Option 4: A USB Headset.
- Option 5: The Shure X2U SM58 Combo.
- Option 6: The Roland R-05. See Podcast Answer Man Episode 228
What file format should I use for my podcast?
Technically, an audio podcast can be made up of any digital audio file, regardless of which file format you use, that is made available through an rss feed. Trinity called in to say that she has been producing an audio podcast where some folks are complaining that they are unable to play the episodes on their media player of choice. In the episode, I explain why I feel that every audio podcaster should be producing their show as an .mp3 audio file.
What do I need to bring multiple guests and audio clips into my show?
Every day, I get emails that contain the phrase “quick question.” One of the reasons that I produce this show each week is to answer the more frequently asked questions so that I can have a resource to point people to when the same question comes up again in the future.
Kelsey originally wrote me such an email and I asked if he would be willing to call in the question so that I could answer it in the show. He wants to create a variety show with a cohost and wants to also be able to bring a 3rd party on, as a guest, and wants to be able to play audio clips so that all three of them can hear each other and the audio clips, and have all of the above recorded.
He asked if it was possible to do all of this simply using hardware on a single computer. If not, he wanted to know a list of equipment that he might need to pull this off.
During my answer, I referred to this PDF Diagram.
This type of question typically takes a bit more of a one on one approach. It is best answered with the use of visual aide, via screen sharing, and getting feedback from the other person to make sure they are following along.
I’d like to think that I would get an A for effort for attempting to answer this question via an audio podcast. However, by the end, I was almost certain that I’d got a bit too technical and that what I was explaining may simply be too much to answer via an audio response. Have a listen and let me know what you think about the answer I gave in the comments section below.
Personal Plug of The Week
This week’s personal plug of the week goes out to the Social Media Marketing Podcast by Michael Stelzner. If you check out his show and like it, please be sure to let him know you heard about the show from The Podcast Answer Man!
Taking My Public Speaking To The Next Level!
I signed up for Kent Julian’s Speak It Forward Bootcamp that will take place in Georgia on October 25-27, 2012. I’ve been doing a lot of public speaking over the past few years and I’m going to be delivering my first Keynote speech at the end of this month. I’ll do a decent job with my talk. However, I’m ready to take my public speaking to the NEXT LEVEL! Maybe you will consider joining me.
I’m Coming To Dallas/Fort Worth
I’m so excited to announce that I am going to be speaking at the Catholic New Media Conference. The conference is going to be held in the Dallas/Fort Worth Texas area on August 29th-31st. I’m very honored to be the Keynote speaker that will open up the event on the 29th. I’ll be talking about “How To Market Your Message To The World.” If you are in the area, or willing to travel there, I would love to meet you in Dallas next month. I’ll be there for the whole conference.
Shop With B&H Photo & Support Podcast Answer Man
I am thrilled about the relationship that I have formed with the folks at B&H Photo, Video, & Pro Audio. They have amazing prices on podcast equipment and so much more. Best of all, their customer service is almost as good as my own.
When placing an order through my affiliate link, you end up paying the same low price and I earn a generous commission. If you have used my affiliate link to make a purchase with B&H, please leave me a comment with your name and a link to your website in the comments section below.
Blue Host Affiliate Signup
I want to send out a special word of thanks to the folks behind the following domains that were used to create a new hosting account with BlueHost with my Blue Host affiliate link recently. As you know, I earn a commission each time someone clicks through my link to sign up with Blue Host. So thank you!
Accounts that were created recently:
- http://remarkablechatter.org
- http://EliWoods.org
- http://BrianHolmes.tv
Note: The fact that I have linked to these accounts is only to acknowledge that these folks have used my affiliate link to create a hosting account with BlueHost. These links are not an endorsement of any content that may be posted to these sites. If you ever recognize content blatantly offensive at any of these links, please let me know and I will be sure to evaluate and consider if the link should be removed from this post. These accounts are all brand new and may not be active yet. Also, it is possible that some of these domains were previously owned and my not have been transfered to BlueHost just yet.
The Podcast Mastermind
One of the reasons that I love working with podcasters so much is due to the fact that they are influencing someone every single time they produce a podcast episode. The world needs great leaders! I believe that podcasters who take their leadership position seriously can make a positive difference in the lives of others. The world needs you and your message! They need you to be a leader!
Many people ask me how to grow the audience of their podcast. I believe that one of the best things you can do is to BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! To take yourself seriously! To consider yourself to be a professional!
Are you willing to invest in your future success?
Are you willing to be the greatest leader you can be?
Are you wiling to commit to your personal and professional growth?
If so, please consider joining The Podcast Mastermind!
Free Month of Media Hosting With Libsyn!
Because of all the years of sending clients to sign up for accounts with Libsyn, they have created an affilate programs only given to a hand selected group of podcasting experts. I’m delighted that I am now able to offer your ONE MONTH FREE when you sign up for a new account with Libsyn. Simply use promo code GSPN when you sign up! For my complete thoughts on podcast hosting, click here.
PODCAST VIDEO TUTORIALS:
I have a growing list of video tutorials that I have created based up on the the top things my clients have hired me to help them with. See the full list of tutorials by clicking here.
I Appreciate Your iTunes Reviews!
If you have ever read my blog post about how iTunes podcast ratings work, then you know just how valuable leaving a 5 star rating and/or a written review can be to a content producer.
I am so incredibly thankful to those who have recently gone into my listing in iTunes to provide a five start rating and a written review of Podcast Answer Man.
Subscribe To The Podcast Answer Man Podcast:
