Podcast Academy

Back in the early days of producing/engineering audio programs for IT Conversations, things were very different in terms of the specific work-flow. For example, audio production engineers manually assembled content and segments using their favorite multi-track editor, mixed down the project, and subsequently preformed additional processing stages prior to uploading the finished program to our server.

We were required to upload two variations, or file formats: AAC [m4a] and MP3. Eventually we phased out AAC distribution. These days, thanks to our internal component show assembly system, all manual aspects of show assembly and MP3 encoding are no longer necessary. [read about GigaVox Audio Lite, our component assembly system ... soon to be available to the public].

Prior to the discontinuation of AAC distribution, I set out to find an alternative method or application that would do one thing and do it well: focus on AAC audio encoding for assignments. Why not use iTunes? I support iTunes whole heartedly. However to me, this is a media player and niche` content management system. I never use iTunes for file conversions or encoding.

The purpose of this post in to reintroduce AAChoo, my favorite AAC encoder, and how this encoder may come in handy for you if you produce Enhanced Podcasts using Podcast Maker or something similar.

AAChoo is a simple drag and drop encoder that offers full customization options to suit your needs. This tool also retains the last group of settings and does not require repetitive calibration. It’s fast, easy to use, and the results are excellent.

In my opinion, Podcast Maker is one of the most well designed and useful applications for podcasters. This application will accept: mp3, m4a, mov, mp4, and m4v media files for possible enhanced podcast management. In most cases the production source file that is saved out by the producer is in the WAV or AIFF file format. This needs to be converted to .m4a in order to prepare it for Podcast Maker. A quick drag and drop on to AAChoo and your new source file is ready to be incorporated into the enhanced podcast work-flow. Chapters and art work can be added, and so on …

The underlying concept is as follows: uncompressed source file to m4a –> done. Using AAChoo for the primary conversion, you can take advantage of the wonderful features that are available in Podcast Maker, and at the same time maintain a high level of audio quality.

I’m aware that Quicktime is an option for the encoding stage. However integration is tedious compared to the drag - drop and encode efficiency offered by AAChoo.

Links:

Potion Factory
Ovolab

I’m anxiously awaiting news this week [NAMM] about the long awaited update to DSP Quattro, the 2-channel editing/mastering application for Mac OSX. In fact, it has been over a year since the last update. According to Stefano and his staff out of Rome Italy, they have been busy moving the application over from CodeWarrior to Xcode in order to finally build a Universal Binary.

If you are not familiar with DSP Quattro, I suggest that to head over to the site and have a look. This application supports 2-channel editing, batch processing, advanced CD burning/project management, VST/AU plugins, and live recording.

Currently priced at $150 US, DSP Quattro is a solid consideration if you are looking for an affordable tool that offers professional features and results.

-ptfigg.

The new and improved Levelator™ is available for immediate download. This is a stand alone processor designed to help correct variations in levels in your audio files.

Besides a brand new look, the processing algorithm has been improved. This includes improved handeling of background noise and a reduction in ‘breathing’ and ‘pumping’ artifacts in the processed files. This is a must have tool for producers. Best of all … it’s free.

-ptfigg.

This is my second formal endorsement of an application that I promise will impress you in terms of Podcasting and your production work-flow management. I am referring to AudioFinder, by Iced Audio.

Let me stress that I support the entire iTunes concept. However in my honest opinion iTunes is not structured to function as an advanced audio media management tool, or something that is required within a professional production environment. Personally, I need something that will offer: advanced searches and management, batch processing, various aspects of media conversion [sample rate, bit depth, file format, etc], plugin auditioning, basic cutting with subsequent export, and analysis tools. If you share similar requirements, I highly suggest that you check out AudioFinder.

Besides the features noted above that meet my personal requirements, this application offers a host of additional processing and management utilities that create a seamless experience. This translates into a high level of efficiency. I am particularly fond of the Meta Editor module. This provides a super fast method of extracting and exporting ’slices’ of a referenced clip.

Also, due to the embedded plugin support, auditioning clips, as well as processing clips through your favorite plugins is accomplished with ease. The site describes the application perfectly: ‘AudioFinder is an audio asset management system housed in a single [and let me stress beautifully designed] application’ … and it is highly recommended.A few final thoughts: The user forum is active, and the developer is accessible on the forum and on a personal basis [email]. Lastly, this is not your typical $20 piece of Mac shareware. AudioFinder sells for $69 US, and in my opinion, it’s worth every penny …

-ptfigg.

This post was inspired by the latest episode of MacBreak Weekly.

I have been thinking about building a page for the site that references my recommended Podcast Work Flow Management Tools. The MacBreak crew discussed a handful of applications that are supposedly ‘must have applications for every new Mac user’. Nothing specific in terms of podcasting, production, distribution, etc. However the issue of preferred FTP clients was discussed, and I thought I’d formally make reference to, and endorse the client that I use daily as part of my production work flow. In fact, I think it is safe to say that this application gets more use than any other application that is currently installed on my main system. And it’s Yummy.

I didn’t think it would be possible to be lured away from the sort of high-end FTP client that *most* Mac users prefer. Yummy has. Besides the absolutely gorgeous design in terms of aesthetics, this full featured client provides just about everything a power user can possible ask for.

This page link showcases most of the fantastic features available. My favorite feature is, and let me stress that this is in no way unique to this specific application: the implementation of FTP Aliases. These are essentially droplets that generate a direct connection and subsequent upload to specific locations. The concept works flawlessly. File previewing and editing with your application of choice is also part of the mix.

In terms of support, there is an associated user forum on the site. The developer participates regularly. It’s just about the best 25 bucks I have ever spent …

-ptfigg.