Podcast Academy

Pixel Corps has announced open registration for the Gear Media Tech Conference. This will take place at the Zeum Theater (Moscone Center, San Francisco) March 28-30, 2007.

The GMT Conference is dedicated to the skills (technical and artistic) required to produce compelling online content. Whether you are producing audio or video, for phone, web, or mobile device…GMT is a guide to doing this effectively. Lead by some of the industry leaders: Leo Laporte, Scott Bourne, and Alex Lindsay - GMT covers both production techniques and show designs that are key to navigating the next revolution in media.

Scott Bourne suggests … “Due to the extremely limited space, it is doubtful that seats will be available for more than a few weeks. So act fast.”

The CME U2MIC is a USB 2.0 audio interface that will support high quality XLR microphone interfacing directly to a computer. The control module includes an internal preamp that provides switchable 48v phantom power as well as I/O level and muting controls.

Additional features and specs include: a mini stereo output jack suitable for headphones, amps, or powered speakers. In this case you can monitor your dry signal directly with zero latency. Processed audio can be monitored with the lowest latency available. Audio A/D - D/A specs: 16Bit, 48/44.1kHz sample rates. This device equally supports Mac and PC.

The CME site states that the U2MIC will be available in the spring of 2007 at an “unbelievable low price.” I have not been able to locate any specific MSRP references.

Tapco has announced what looks to be an attractive, affordable firewire audio interface. The Link.FireWire 4×6 supports 24-bit/96kHz digital audio, along with driver support for both Mac and PC.

The interface has four inputs and six ouputs, including S/PDIF I/O, two mic/line inputs, balanced monitor outputs, and headphone outs. 48v Phantom Power is provided as well.

The Link.FireWire will be avaialable in Q2 2007 for a MSRP of $249 US.

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Grape Radio is one of the premiere independent podcasts currently available. Live production takes place in a high end, custom built/dedicated podcasting facility that incorporates excellent broadcast quality gear. The facility is capable of supporting as many as four personalities at any given time. I’m very familiar with the studio and the entire production work-flow. In fact, the audio post production is performed right here in NYC on my workstation on a weekly basis.

The studio utilizes four Ev RE-20 mics, and two dbx 1066 dual channel dynamics processors [compressor/limiter/gates]. Four channel processing is available and intended to provide flexibility in terms of independent ‘on-air’ mic processing.

Mackie continues to impress me, and they have released a new digital dynamics processor that I believe warrants serious consideration for producers that share similar requirements. I’m referring to the QUADCOMP/GATE - four channel, 24-Bit digital dynamics processor. This single piece of gear offers processing algorithms custom designed by Acuma Labs.

I’m particularly fond of the design aspects of the processor. For example: there is only one single set of controls located on the front of the processor that is used to customize each individual channel. You simply select a specific channel by way of a switch and make your adjustments. It’s important to note that individual gain reduction and output metering references are available at all times for each channel. Processing includes compression, limiting, gating and expansion.

The best feature of all? Snapshots. You have the capability to store and recall saved settings. This is as intuitive as it gets in my opinion. The design and function concept simplifies what would otherwise be a potential nightmare to manage efficiently.

After researching the processor, I assumed two things: cool and expensive. I was wrong. Definitely cool, however not nearly as expensive as I anticipated. The Mackie QUADCOMP/GATE retails for $799 US. Impressive …

High-Res. Image

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In most cases I recommend the Mackie Onyx 1220 mixer to those interested in a high quality, small footprint device that offers excellent quality preamps and firewire I/O compatibility. This of course is based on budget considerations as well. In my opinion, Mackie quality is unsurpassed.

If you are in the market for a high quality, low-noise mixer option that costs less than the Onyx 1220, and firewire I/O is not a requirement, let’s not forget the Mackie VLZ Pro line. In fact, the classic 1202 VLZ Pro has been revised recently. The new model - 1202 VLZ3 has improved XDR2 preamps, improved equalization circuitry, and improved headroom.

Besides these enhancements, the build quality of this piece provides extreme durability. There is nothing else like it. It is for this reason the 1202 VLZ is one of the most popular and widely used pieces of affordable, high quality audio gear available.

The mixer retails for $299 US. This is an excellent choice for a high end podcast/new media production studio.

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The DN-C640 CD Player by Denon Professional has some unique features that I find particularly interesting. Besides typical playback support including MP3, this player is capable of decoding MP2 audio files, and supports uncompressed PCM [WAV] files. You have the option of using standard CD Media or DATA DVD for extended playback options.

Due to an internal web server and ethernet support, the player can be controlled remotely from any workstation on a network by accessing a web based GUI control center, similar in concept to ethernet router configuration and management. Full remote transport control and playlist configuration is possible as well.

Finally, the 25 pin GPIO port will provide an important option in terms of connectivity support if the player is to be installed in a professional broadcasting or internet radio environment. Cool piece …

$699 US [Available January 2007].

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Apogee Electronics has announced a price drop for the Mini•Me, their high end award winning portable A/D Converter. At first glance you will notice that the Mini•Me offers some unique features that are worth mentioning.

Notice the Sample Rate/Bit Depth control parameter located on the front of this device. This is handy in my opinion. The D/A converters output 24 bit audio at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88kHz and 96kHz. You also have the option of selecting 16bit or 20bit resolution at 44.1kHz and 48khz. In addition to this, the Mini•Me offers a three curve soft-knee compressor/limiter, referred to as Push-It™. You have the option of disengaging the compressor in order to utilize independent limiting.The Mini•Me is in fact a USB device. It’s interesting to note that this device is priced without the USB interface at $795 US. The USB upgrade will set you back an additional $195, and to the best of my knowledge there is no software included. Two mic/line inputs are available with high-quality preamps, as well as S/PDIF•AES/EBU digital outputs, and Direct Return mix-monitoring.Apogee Electronics also brings us the ultra-sleek Ensemble firewire interface that is endorsed by Apple Computer, and is described as a ‘natural extension of Logic Pro.’

If you are considering a high-end interface that is functional as a stationary or portable device, the Mini• Me is worth looking into in my opinion, based on the stellar workmanship and reputation of Apogee Electronics. The company offers a nice selection of additional high-end components.-ptfigg.