Recording

Audio interfaces
An audio interface does two things:
1.It converts analog signals created by a mics\/headsets into digital streams suitable for recording.
2.It converts digital streams sent by computers or mobile devices into analog signals suitable for headphones\/headsets and speakers.
If you have a USB mic or headset, the audio interface is built in.
If you have XLR mics, you'll need to buy an audio interface.
Input
Price
Inputs
Interface Type
Phantom Power
​Mackie Oynx BlackJack​
$100
2 XLR
USB
Yes
Mixers
I'm Team Audio Interface (or recorder, although you can't do a mix-minus Skype setups with a Zoom H6). But in an attempt to be fair and balanced:
Mixer
☑︎ Physical knobs and sliders are cool and fun
☑︎ If compressor/limiter, useful for live/live-to-tape scenarios
☒ Built-in USB output typically only 2 channels
☒ Built-in A2D hardware typically offers mid-range quality
Audio interface
☑︎ Captures one track per input (easier to process, edit)
☑︎ Typically better A2D hardware
☑︎ Typically supports better sample rates/resolutions
☑︎ Allows for a far more compact setup, easier to store/transport
☒ Clumsier for live/live-to-tape scenarios
Software
iOS
​Capture for iPad​
​Spire: Multitrack Music Recorder by iZotope (free)
​MultiTrack DAW by Harmonicdog ($10)
Mixers
Mixer
Price
Inputs
Interface Type
Phantom Power
​Mackie ProFX8v2 8-Channel​
$230
4 XLR
USB
Yes
Single-enders vs. multi-enders
Example scenarios
One person + USB mic
Traditionally, podcast recording setups included a mixer, whose job is to mix several audio inputs — for example, multiple mics — into a stereo output suitable for recording.
Lately, "mixer-free" setups are becoming more popular.
Processing
(TBD)
Tips & Tricks
DO record and save and edit on your primary drive (vs. an external or network drive). You can always copy or move files after.

Gear - Previous

Music

Next - Remote Guests & Co-Hosts

Overview

Last modified 1yr ago

Copy link

Contents

Single-enders vs. multi-enders