Recently I added a Podcast to my weblog and with a few tools you can do the same. Here are the items that I put together before making my Podcast.

Hardware:

I use a Tascam US-122 connected via USB to act as an external sound card. This unit is simple and easy to setup and it has the option for phantom power, so that you can hook a "real" mic into it. If your on a budget, you won't need to purchase a mixer because this functionality is built in. This unit costs about $199 and it works with Windows/Mac.

For mixing and post production I use a Yamaha MG10/2 mixer. This board is compact, but very powerful. With four mic channels and two other inputs for other devices, it's a really good mixing unit. This unit costs about $100 at most well-known music stores across the country.

You can't choose just any old mic for recording a Podcast. While professional style studio mics can cost a fortune, I found a great mic for a great price...

The Audio-Technica ATM27HE is a great mic for recording a Podcast. This mic is a Hypercardioid Dynamic Mic, which basically means it produces a much tighter sound field around the mic, reducing background noise if your not using a sound proof room for recording. It costs about $69-$99

The next two items are not necessary, but they will help in post production.

Roland MA-12 Studio Monitors:

And...Bose Triport Headphones:

Both of these items aren't cheep (about $150 each), but they will help you hear your production with great clarity, and they're great for listening to music, etc. on your computer.

Last, but not least, we have to talk about your computer. You will need a more recent computer (1-2 years old) with a nice size hard drive. (80 gigs min.) You're going to be recording large audio files so, the more storage space and faster your computer, the better. I use a 12" Powerbook G4 (Mac)

Software:

Since I own a Mac, I have some great built in software that I use for recording my Podcast, Garageband 2. What's that you say? Why? Because I wanted to spend more money on hardware for now and buy better software later. The better your hardware, the better your Podcast recording will be. Eventually I will be using Logic Express 7 from Apple, but at $299 you're better off spending that on hardware. If you don't have a Mac, don't worry! You can download Audacity - http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/ - which is a free audio recording tool that is easy to use and produces good quality material. It runs on Mac, Windows, & Linux.

Another item that you'll need in Musical Intro Tracks/Loops. I found some great "Royalty Free" loops on the iTunes Music Store (NetLoopz by McCartney.com). They offer three volumes to choose from.

Caution: If you use Garageband 2 you will need to unlock the DRM (Copy Protection) used by the music industry. Since these loops are Royalty Free you're not breaking any laws using them in your Podcast. To do this, simply download JHymn, a DRM removing tool at http://www.hymn-project.org/


Follow the instruction carefully and you should then be able to use your loops.

Finally, as I mention in my Podcast this week, go to http://revision3.com/systm and download the Podcasting video by Kevin Rose and Dan Huard. This video will walk you thru the process of combining your hardware and software and give step-by-step instruction on how to post your Podcast on the iTunes music store. With the right Hardware and Software and a little bit of patience, you will be able to produce a great Podcast for all of us to enjoy.

Article submitted via Creative Reporter

About the author:

With an electronic ocean out there called the "internet", it's easy to see why so many people find themselves drowning in a sea of useless technology news. That's where I come in. At T. Rob Reviews my goal is to show you the best sites the net has to offer in Tech, Travel, Gadgets, & Entertainment.