Here are the results from our brainstorming session about our usage of audio.
(And it goes without saying, but we should say it anyway: without communicating with the Lord in prayer, we won’t be able to share him online. Â (Can’t give what you don’t got!))
Audio (General)
- Examples of people doing audio well:
- The PianoGuys (also YouTube!) – Mormons showing how being authentic and joyful while sharing talents and allowing one’s beliefs to come through is a powerful witness. Â NEED MORE CATHOLICS DOING THIS!
- Greg & Jennifer Willits:Â The Catholics Next Door
- (Does thesportsfathers.com count? ;-)
- Question to ponder: What is my primary, target audience for audio production/sharing?
- Can listen on a web page. Â Handy for talks/music.
- Can “podcast” or “netcast” the audio so that podcasting software downloads it automatically (e.g. iTunes). Â Bit more like a radio show.
- If it’s episodic in nature, consider podcasting.
- For music, consider something like Soundcloud or iCompositions.
Production (recording/editing)
- Check out podcastanswerman.com for more in-depth answers.
- See Life is a Prayer for some good reviews.
- Depending on what you’re going for, the iPhone’s recording app (or equivalent for any smartphone/tablet) might be good enough!
- Software for editing/recording ranges from free to pricey.
- Free:
- Audacity (Windows/Mac)
- Garageband (Mac)
- Pay:
- Logic Express (Mac; lower cost; fewer features)
- Logic Pro/Studio (Mac; higher cost, tons of features and included sounds)
- Pro Tools (Windows/Mac; industry standard)
- Ableton Live (Windows/Mac)
- Microphones
- USB microphones, such as Samson C01U should be available for under $100
- Headset USB mics made for gaming can sometimes work well.
- For an iPhone/iPad: iRig makes mics designed for these.
- Best quality: regular microphone and audio interface (likely also need a mic stand).
- Shure SM58 – very popular mic. Â Can eBay for under $100.
- Shure SM7B – this is what I use. Â Heavy, great for voice. Â Also used by CBC Radio. Â Approx. $350.
- Electrovoice RE20 – used by major studios, including SiriusXM satellite radio. Â Approx. $450.
- Higher end mics can cost much more….
- Audio interfaces:
- M-Audio, PreSonus, Apogee, Motu, etc. etc.
- Price generally goes up as features/quality increase.
- Look online for reviews.
- I use: PreSonus Firepod/FP10 at home (8 inputs). M-Audio FastTrack Pro on the road (2 inputs).
- Can also investigate preamps, compressors, equalizers… the list is endless. Â And so is the cost…!
- Biggest investment: Time!
Sharing (storage/podcasting)
- Check out podcastanswerman.com for more in-depth answers.
- Â Free services:
- Soundcloud – can also pay for more features/file space
- iCompositions – mainly for music
- Paid: