Podcast Academy

Today at the Podcast Academy, Ontario Ca., Marantz Professional introduced the brand new PMD620 Solid State Portable Recorder. This is the newest edition to their acclaimed line of professional recording devices. The PMD 620 sports a pocket size form factor, easy to use menu interface buttons, internal mics, and a convenient built in speaker. It is designed to be used in many markets, including podcasting and broadcasting.

The top of the PMD620 houses a pair of high quality omnidirectional condenser mics for convenient recording. This device also provides an 1/8″ input for external plugin mono or stereo microphones, with +5v phantom power for electret condensers. The PMD620 can record 16 or 24bit resolution audio [mono or stereo] direct to SD flash memory in the WAV or MP3 file formats. The display screen uses state of the art OLED technology resulting in sharp, bright references with low power consumption.

The PMD620 uses 2 x AA Alkaline or NiMH batteries for up to 5 hours of operation.

We have a number of announcements coming out this week. In addition to some of our own, Podcast Academy #6 promises to have a few announcements you will not want to miss. If you want to keep up to date on the latest in podcasting’s breaking news and be amongst the first to know, you can follow me on Twitter. I’ll also regularly post where I am am and upcoming events we’ll be attending during the New Media Expo weekend. The excitement starts Tuesday! Here is my twitter page: http://twitter.com/mwgblog

This last week I received my first advanced copy of our new book, Podcast Academy™: The Business Podcasting Book. This is one serious book. When I agreed to do the project, I did what any respectable “Editor-in-Chief” would do. I invited the smartest people I know to act as authors. They turned out an impressive 420 page tome that weighs in at a hefty 2.3 pounds! If you are involved in any sort of corporate or organizational podcast initiative this is the book for you. Should be on store shelves by the end of the week. Bravo once again to our impressive list of contributing authors: Greg Cangialosi, Ryan Irelan, Tim Bourquin, and Colette Vogele!

Only six days left until Podcast Academy #6. We have an amazing lineup of speakers for the corporate or professional audio/video podcast practitioner. This event is geared for those where the bottom line and results are both concerns. In addition to our spectacular lineup of instructors, we have also filled all our sponsorship slots. Marantz Professional is sponsoring all the refreshment breaks (and making a special announcement), Blue Sky Factory is sponsoring lunch and Intellipodcast is sponsoring the after event cocktail party. This looks to be another great Academy and promises to hold a number of special announcements relevant to all podcasters. We have a few spots are left. Don’t miss out. Register now!

I’m looking forward to checking out Logic tomorrow. Actually, I ordered Logic Express 8 instead of Logic Studio. My thinking is I already own Soundtrack Pro 2, and I have no real use for MainStage. In fact, I have no real use for Logic Express either. The Logic family is obviously skewed towards the pro musician/producer. Soundtrack Pro 2 supplies me with everything I need in terms of creating production beds and video sound production. I’m especially fond of the supported interaction between Final Cut Pro and Soundtrack Pro. Also, it has successfully replaced Motu’s Digital Performer as my tracking/recording tool.

So why Logic Express? Easy … the $100 refund supplied by Apple due to my early purchase and support of the iPhone. I thought about purchasing a new iPod Nano instead. All in due time.

By the way - I was entitled to the $99 upgrade price due to an old version of Logic Pro 6 that I have stored in my software closet. Originally developed and distributed by emagic, Logic was acquired by Apple, and they subsequently transformed it into an $1100+ suite that in my opinion was way over priced. I feel Apple did a tremendous job with improving the quality of the application. The point is - how could that selling price be viewed as fair if the entire Final Cut Studio suite was a tad more expensive on a relative basis? I’m not surprised Apple implemented a substantial price cut for Logic Studio. I think this will attract a wave of intermediate and professional producers who share my opinion.

Does Logic Express 8 possess the necessary attributes to create a productive environment for advanced podcast and new media production? Once I get the software installed and check things out, I’ll post my views.

Cool news from Apple this morning …

First, I was amazed when I read the press release: $499 for Logic Pro? Finally. And, get this - they have decided to bundle Soundtrack Pro with it. We now have a moderately priced, professional audio production suite available that warrants serious consideration.

I reviewed the quick tours for the new Logic Studio on the Apple site. Logic Pro 8 appears to have experienced a major facelift, and quite frankly it looks stunning. Keep in mind this bundle was priced somewhere around $1K prior to today This also creates an interesting option for those who were priced out of Soundtrack Pro due to it’s past restricted access.

Apple also announced Logic Express 8. This version lacks many of the advanced features of it’s big brother. However it is most certainly a few notches above Garageband in terms of professional support. In case you are wondering, Soundtrack Pro is not included with this version.

I think it is now safe to say Soundtrack Pro will never be available as a stand alone application. However at this point it is much more accessible, and you can take advantage of Logic Pro 8 as well, all for less than $500.

It looks like Samson is shipping a new mic that sports a few interesting features worth noting …

The G-track is a combination large diaphragm condenser USB mic, mixer, and audio interface. Features include: mic gain with clip LED, stereo line level inputs with variable gain control, and zero latency headphone monitoring - switchable for stereo, mono, or computer. My guess is this piece would be a handy portable podcasting option, especially if external source integration is a requirement. Samson includes Audio I/O and USB cables, as well as a desktop stand. An optional shockmount is available

I have a select group of mics that I consistently recommend. I don’t agree with the notion of spending a few hours at the local pro audio dealer auditioning a multitude of mics. Some may disagree, which is fine. My thinking is to go with the proven performers. On the other hand, with wide variations in budgets and requirements, many podcasters prefer the audition before purchase method. This is fine as well. In any case if you happen to be in the market for a mic, this new Samson may be worth checking out.

I think Samson manages to offer a decent product at very affordable price levels. This particular model provides diversity that in the end makes it a bit more intriguing.

Street price is $129 US.