Tech Mom Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 I'm a retired Academic. I have been giving guest lectures for years in Geography, History, Cultural Anthropology, and some other subjects. I'd like to be able to share the knowledge, get feedback, and interact with people that want to learn. As my Dear Husband says . . . I'm a compulsive educator. I'd also like to do this without traveling . . . the traveling is getting really old, really fast. My sons think I should start recording my lectures and combine that with online visual content in some way. I have no idea how to make this happen. My first question: Is is possible to set up a website where people can choose to sign up for a series of lectures on a subject and sign up for podcasts or some other form of broadcasting--without too much in the way of initial investment. I need a really good digital voice recorder, and it would be great if it had the ability to tune out surrounding noise if I like. I remember back in the day, we used ribbon microphones with a limited sensitivity area. My biggest question, what do I need to start making the recordings and making them available. For this type of project, what would you recommend? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eban Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 Podcast is a great way to share audio content, you can add your podcast to iTunes and have more and more listeners. You can create a website, link people to your podcast from your website. For the material part it depends what computer you have, PC or a Mac ? What is your budget? Do you want to make money with your project or is it just for pleasure ? Eban W26 Radio<< http://www.W26Radio.com iPhone/iPod radio apps developer - Jingle producer - Contact me! PayPal payment ONLY I'm not a VO but sometimes I give it a try Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tech Mom Posted January 28, 2009 Author Share Posted January 28, 2009 I have a PC and a Sun, It would be wonderful it the project could support itself and maybe even be in the black a bit. The initial budget--I don't know what I need, but I'd be willing to initially shell out as much as $500 to get a digital recorder, set up a site, and start with some initial podcasts. I do have lectures taped, but the recordings were made in auditoriums. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlwelden Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 Here is a link to a comparison list of features, prices, etc. of fourteen different models of digital recorders. Right now one of the best digital recorders for the money is the ZOOM H2. It is an ultra-portable combination microphone and recorder that "puts professional quality into the palm of your hand." I got to use one this past Fall in a non-studio environment with great results. http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h2/h2_16.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tech Mom Posted January 28, 2009 Author Share Posted January 28, 2009 That looks amazing. I could even use it with two people across a table. I love the idea of SD cards, partly because we have so many. Cameras, our Cybooks (ebook readers) and such all take them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eban Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 I didn't know that recorder but it seems to be really cool. Of course you can buy a microphone and plug it in you computer and use a recorder software. It depends if you want to record your content "on the road" or only at home. Eban W26 Radio<< http://www.W26Radio.com iPhone/iPod radio apps developer - Jingle producer - Contact me! PayPal payment ONLY I'm not a VO but sometimes I give it a try Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlwelden Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 The producers I worked with used it in a quieter room than the one their computer was in. It was nice to do a "parlor session" without having to run any cable, then dump the data onto their PC to edit later. What really surprised me on the Zoom H2 was the quality of the microphones and their pickup field. Bear in mind having grown up with hand held micro-cassette recorders that had a crappy button-sized condenser, but were good enough for dictation. We had it set up with me narrating on one side and a violinist playing on the other. There is also the ZOOM H4 which has two XLR inputs for external balanced mics, but it cost a bit more (again, see comparison chart). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tech Mom Posted January 29, 2009 Author Share Posted January 29, 2009 I wanted something portable so that I can record where the computer isn't. Also, I can do some back and forth with another lecturer. Not to mention . . it's so darned neato. Whenever I try plugging a mic into the computer it sounds sort of thin . . .of course I haven't actually owned a really good one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eban Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Well, I think Carl's solution might be the good solution for you I still offer you my help for the podcasts and oher things ;) Do not hesitate to contact me. Eban W26 Radio<< http://www.W26Radio.com iPhone/iPod radio apps developer - Jingle producer - Contact me! PayPal payment ONLY I'm not a VO but sometimes I give it a try Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlwelden Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Whenever I try plugging a mic into the computer it sounds sort of thin . . .of course I haven't actually owned a really good one. A microphone preamp between the mic and computer makes a big difference whether it's a good mic or not. Some standard mic jacks on home computers do not supply enough clean gain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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