Rode Podcaser USB Microphone & Podcasting.. What is it?

Broadcast Quality USB Microphone
Seamless integration was the idea, and it was obtained by creating a studio dynamic microphone with unparalleled A/D converters, so that the microphone can be plugged into any computer with no in/out boxes, no expensive computer pre-amps, just a USB cable.

The Podcaster offers an end-address configuration, the clarity of RØDE’s tailored-for-voice frequency response, an ‘ON’ L.E.D, a direct headphone amp, and of course very low self noise.

The Podcaster opens up possibilities for anyone who records audio – from podcasters, journalists and students to business people adding audio files to websites and multimedia presentations.

* Broadcast Sound Quality
* 28mm dynamic capsule
* 18-bit resolution, 8-48kHz sampling
* Windows and Mac compatible
* Powered by USB bus
* Internal capsule shock mounting
* 3.5mm stereo headphone output with volume control built-in to body
* Ideal for voice recognition software

Podcasting is creating your own content (mp3 or video for example ) with intent for users to download using one of several programs that have been created to retrieve your audio file automatically, like iTunes or Google reader etc.

Podcasting is simply distributing audio content using RSS. The process is suprisingly simple, and by making audio content available using RSS, podcasters give listeners more control over what they listen to and when. Also, many podcasts are available for syndication, which increases a broadcasters exposure.

For more infomation on RSS check our article here

Here is a breakdown of what you will need and need to know to be able to Podcast:

Skills you may need….

1. How to record your audio and save it to an .mp3 file. (Video is of course also allowed)

2. How to upload the .mp3 file to a website or hosting service

3. How to upload the RSS “feed”  burner service.

After creating your material using an audio editing program of your choice you’ll need somwhere to store it online. if you have a sever upload it here, if your lost at the word ’server’ …get a blog like ‘WordPress’ or ‘Blogger’.

The majority of things you will have to master in order to Podcast are online and if your new to Blogging, Podcasting is an ideal  reason to start. Your ‘Blog’ will allow to to upload you MP3’s and store them within your Blog enabling users to visit your site and download or even better ‘Subscribe’!

There are many different ways to create/ store your Podcasts, you just need to find the server and Feedburner that works for you, the videos here all do things a little different so dont worry if you do things different also!

An RSS feed is the final step in transforming your collection of audio/video files into a bona fide podcast! With FeedBurner’s SmartCast service, you can use any blogging tool that creates a feed to publish your podcast. Here’s how it works: If your blog post contains a link (<a href=””></a>) to an audio/video file, we’ll convert it to an RSS enclosure — a special link found only in your feed — that programs like iPodder, iTunes and NetNewsWire recognize. Google Reader and several other online readers also recognize enclosures and offer a playback link or audio control when they encounter them.

Equipment you may need…

1. Audio Editing Software

2. A Microphone

3. A Sound Card

The Rode NT1-A say NO To Noise!!

Say No To Noise!!

The RODE NT1-A is one of the most quiet microphones in its class.

For a long time standing it hs been known that Rode make some of the best microphones around. The NT1-A is no exception

Sound On Sound said this about the NT1 A

“Despite its low cost, the NT1A delivers professional performance, both for vocal recording and for general instrument use. The lack of any heavy-handed presence boost makes the sound well suited for use with a range of singers and vocal styles and makes it’s also easy to fine-tune using modest amounts of EQ. At the same time, the high end is as open and detailed as you could wish for, so if you like a vocal sound with a modern breathy quality, you can achieve it using little or no EQ.”

Why is this important?

Light and dark, hot and cold, loud and quiet! These are examples of the contrasts found in nature. A low noise recording will give your work it’s dynamics. It will give you the impact you dream of. Adding noise from any device, especially at the source, only degrades your performance.

The RODE NT1-A has a self-noise of only 5 dBA!

Low Noise is only half the story

• Multi award winning, and one of the world’s biggest selling studio microphones, the NT1 original is now a legend. The NT1-A continues this tradition while improving specifications and tonal qualities.
• Using cutting edge technology for the electronics, RODE has implemented a computer controlled manufacturing line. Unlike many leading brands, all electronic boards are made without human hands assuring high specifications, tight tolerances and unsurpassed consistency.
• Built to last with a new computer controlled matching process. The body is then satin nickel-plated. The NT1-A is designed to last a lifetime.
• No PAD or Filters. Some microphone manufacturers include these in their budget products, but at what cost? The NT1-A can be used with very high sound pressure levels without perceptible distortion. Most people never use a high ppass filter on their microphones. Why pay for features you don’t want or need at the cost of what is really important, true performance!
• Complete solution: The NT1-A comes complete with a dedicated shock mount and zip pouch. No optional extras to buy.

Specifications

• Acoustic Principle: Externally polarised 25 mm (1″) condenser
• Active Electronics: JFET impedance converter with bipolar output buffer
• Pickup Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz
• Output Impedance: 100 ohms
• Sensitivity: -31.9 dB re 1volt/pascal (25 mV @ 94 dB SPL) +/- 2 dB
• Equivalent Noise: 5 dBA SPL (per IEC651, IEC268-15)
• Maximum Output: + 13.7dBu (@ 1% THD into 1k ohms)
• Dynamic Range: 132 dB (per IEC651, IEC268-15)
• Maximum SPL: 137 dB (@ 1% THD into 1 K ohms)
• Signal/Noise: > 88 dB (1kHz rel 1 Pa; per IEC651, IEC268-15)
• Power Requirements: Phantom P48, P24