Portable Podcasting Options for Archeological Field Trip in Italy
Bittersweet
equipment for a laptop (PC and Mac) and a mp3 recorder like the iRiver
IFP899.
We have a team of students and professors that are going to Italy for
the entire month of June to do an archeological excavation of a Roman
villa. They are going to be blogging about their experiences as well as
doing some audio and video podcasts several times per week during June.
I need to purchase some very affordable equipment for the podcasting
and was considering using a paid Web service as well for recording and
storing the podcasts (Odeo or Hipcast). I also woul like to purchase an
inexpensive audio recorder like an iRiver 899, so they have that as a
back up in the event recording through their laptop doesn't work well,
they need to record in the field and don't want to lug around a laptop,
or they record to the iRiver, upload to their computer and then to
podcast site.
They will have a fast Internet connection (T1) in Italy, since they
will be near a university. They will be bringing with them a Mac laptop
and a PC laptop. I was planning to install Audacity on both the Mac and
the PC so they can continue to record to the laptop when they don't
have an Internet connection.
Understanding that I'm on a tight budget, I'm not sure if I should
purchase mics with XLR/RCA connectors, buy a couple USB mics (e.g.,
Samson C01U USB mics) for recording directly through the laptop, or a
variety of mics (USB or condensor/dynamic mics).
Ideally, I'd like to purchase two mics that I can easily switch between
recording through the laptops (Mac and PC) or for using with an mp3
recorder like the iRiver IFP899. I'd like to be able to switch back and
forth using a couple RCA-USB / USB-RCA converters. There will be times
when both Mics will need to be used in tandem, for recording an
interview or passing around a group discussion. I'd be happy if I can
just record in mono (stereo is a plus), since recordings will be done
in the field.
For the video podcasts, we will have a digital video camera and it
would be nice if the mics work with that as well.
At any rate, does anyone have an suggestions regarding equipment,
configurations, or other advice.
Sorry for the long post. I really appreciate any suggestions.
Pauline
for under 100 dollars. It was a factory refurbished item (like new
condition) and has been working fine. I work with both Mac and PC so
that model's double compatability was important.
So far I'm really impressed with the quality. To my beginner podcasting
ear it sounds great. So far I have used only the built-in mic, which is
very convenient. I had planned to use an external mic, expecting to
hear a huge difference but the built-in sounded fine to me (again, my
untrained ear). Unfortunately with the built-in you can only record in
mono, so eventually I may try with the mic I have, a Sony ECM MS907,
after it gets back from the shop.
I've been getting aquainted with Audacity too and am liking using it
more and more.
And of course, before going to Italy you'll have to hook everyone up to
www.learnitalianpod.com!
Have fun. :-)