The U on iTunes - Hardware
Before you start creating content for iTunes U, you'll want
to select the recording hardware that is appropriate for
your needs & environment. You may be doing all your recording
from the classroom, office, studio, or you may need to
be more mobile. Consider what type of podcasting, like audio-only,
enhanced or video, you'd plan on doing as you read through
this list of hardware recommendations.
Depending on your needs, the nature of your project, and
if you are a student, staff or faulty member, you can check
out, use, or rent hardware on campus from departments
like Instructional
Media Services, Marriott
Library Multimedia Center, Technology
Assisted Curriculum Center and others.
Audio Hardware:
Multi-Person Studio
If you plan to have two or more people participating
in your podcast, like an interview or round-table discussion,
this option might be for you. You get two studio-quality
microphones, USB computer audio interface/preamp, microphone
cables, and recording software.
M-Audio
Classroom Studio ˜ $260
Desktop Microphone Stand ˜ $10 |
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Single-Person Studio
This setup offers studeo-quality recording with a
minimum of equipment. The single microphone plugs directly
into your computer's USB port, and the spider mount
will reduce any noise caused by vibrations.
Samson USB Condenser Mic ˜ $79
Samson Audio Spider Mount ˜ $30
Desktop Microphone Stand ˜ $10
M-Audio Podcast Factory ˜ $150 |
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Basic
This microphone/stereo headset is a very affordable
solution for situations where pro-quality isn't necessary,
and you just need something basic for your personal
podcasting needs. This headset is also useful if you're
conducting interviews via online audio chat or using
iChat, Marratech,
or Adobe
Connect, etc.
Note, the Marriott
Library Multimedia Center, TACC and
others have USB headsets with mic's for checkout.
Plantronics
USB Headset with Mic ˜ $45
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Wireless
If you need to move around while you're recording,
like lecturing or giving a presentation, this solution
provides quality, mobility, and hands-free operation.
Just plug the base into your computer, clip the microphone
on your shirt, drop the transmitter in your pocket,
and you're ready to go.
Note, the Marriott
Library Multimedia Center, TACC and
others have wireless setups, so, you might contact the
them before purchasing a wireless setup.
Gemini
UX16L Wireless Lavalier System ˜ $90 |
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Mobile
The following options are small and doesn't require
a computer, which makes them ideal for working in the
field, whether you want to capture a conversation on-the-fly
at a remote location.
Note, the IMS, Marriott
Library Multimedia Center and
others have mobile audio hardware, so, you might contact
the them before purchasing a mobile setup.
Zoom
H4 ˜ $300
Olympus
DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder ˜ $150
MicroMemo ˜ $40 (iPod Accessory) |
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Video Hardware:
In regards to video equipment for creating video podcasts, you
should primarily focus on the audio first, then the video. No matter
how good your camera is, no matter how pretty you are, no matter
how great your script, it’s the audio that will make or break your
video podcast.
When selecting a video camera, look for one that offers professional
sound capabilities. Usually, this means working with a camera that
either has XLR mic inputs or that can be easily modified to accept
XLR mic inputs via an adapter.
Shotgun Mounted Microphone
If you can’t afford a video camera with XLR audio inputs
and don’t want to make your own, try to find a video camera that
offers a shotgun mounted microphone. Depending on the distance
from your camera to subject and the level of ambient noise, you
may be able to get an acceptable quality audio track using this
method.
Monitor Sound via Headphone Jack
Make sure your video camera offers a way to separately monitor
the audio coming into the camera via a headphone jack. Believe
it or not, many of the lower-end camcorders and digital video
cameras don’t have headphone jacks. You really need to be able
to listen to the sound you’re recording onto your video camera.
16-bit, 44.1 kHz Sound
Make sure that you buy a video camera capable of recording
16-bit, 44.1 kHz sound. Some of the low-end cameras capture sound
at 12-bits. Some offer a choice between 12-bits and 16-bits.
If you’re buying a camera that offers a choice, set it at 16-bits
and forget it.
Low-End
On the low-end, you could use built-in camera's like Apple's iSight external
camera's you can attach to the USB or Firewire port of your computer like
the Logitech QuickCam. You can get camera's that are built for a desktop
or portable, depending on your needs.
Logitech
QuickCam ˜ $50-100
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Note, IMS, TACC and
others have video equipment available for checkout. The Marriott
Library Multimedia Center has video equipment that can be
used in the lab. |
