Hi Everyone,

I am one of the hosts on a wargaming Podcast called Deepstrike Radio. There are three of us, and we all record over Skype due to differing locations across Australia and America. We started around six months ago, and have recorded up until now with just headset mics (I know, it's bad of me).

So, now that I have paid off my Wedding I am looking to invest in a laptop and some decent quality recording equipment, and thus, I have a few questions for you all:

1) From an editing/recording perspective, does a Macbook provide a distinct advantage over a regular pc?

2) Given we only have one person per computer, and are recording over skype, is it really worth investing in an XLR and mixer set up, or would I be better off looking at a USB Mic?

3) My budget for a full set up for myself is around 400 pounds, and perhaps 200 for each other member of my cast. Can you suggest any mics within these parameters?

Cheers,

Sladie

hi
there are lots of arguments for and against macs and pc's....macs come pre-installed with garageband and other software that will enable you to do podcasts straight away, pcs are generally cheaper but without that software, which you'll have to pay for - and macs are better computers full stop! - i wont go further into that argument - i'm in the 'for mac' camp - good people like ELF are 'for pc' - we all have our crosses to bear, huh elf....so thats an argument for thousands of threads.

easier is the podcasting mic....samson, shure, akg and others have all released USB mics (they connect directly to your USB port) that are specifically designed for podcasting - and they would definitely fit in all of your budgets....i suppose the real issue is what's available in each of your area's of the world....the austrailian should find rhode mic's cheaper (they are made there after all) the american might find a good deal with delivery through national websites (i've used audiomidi.com - so i'll recommend them, cause their prices seem very good IMHO) - who i've brought from before, and it depends where you are in the uk.....the uk price for a decent usb mic is around £150 - GAK, Andertons and digital village all have good prices and deals on good gear, which is what all of you should expect to pay for a worthwhile podcast mic (and stand possibly) which will last for a good few years!

look through the local stores, look at rhode, akg, shure and you'll find suitable mics...i think you'll be ok

Edited by Wease (11/04/11 08:09 PM)