- Building Robust Applications with Customized Exception Management
- Continuous Integration with DUnit and FinalBuilder
What I used in the past and will still use to monitor broadcast audio |
One of the things I observed in my past recordings was my audio quality was not what I wanted it to be. I also don't have a huge budget to turn my office office into a studio, but I did make some investments to try to improve the quality of the sound. About $280 later this this is what i have:
The New setup |
- A new microphone
- Nady MPF-6 6-Inch Clamp On Microphone Pop Filter
- Samson C01 Large Diaphragm Vocal Condenser Microphone
- On Stage DS7200B Adjustable Desk Microphone Stand, Black
- Samson SP01 Shockmount Spider Mount for Condenser Mics
- A new mixer and headphones
- Behringer Xenyx 802 Premium 8-Input 2-Bus Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamps and British EQs
- Audio Technica ATHM40FS Precision Studio Headphones
- USB Audio Interface
- And the cables needed to hook it all up.
I have now done some test recordings, and I really pleased with the quality of my voice. If I were only doing an audio podcast I would have a near perfect setup. But with a good microphone comes some problems, related to the acoustics of the room, I now can hear the keyboard, mouse, the squeaky chair, the fan on the computer, and a slight echo. I also can hear the kids if they are talking in the room next door. To get the audio in my office where I would want it would be another $400-$700 not something I am going to spend any time soon.
So some tricks I have learned: A laptop keyboard is much quieter than my desktop keyboard so I most likely will be presenting on it instead of my desktop. Strategic placement of hung blankets helps with the Echo of room which reduces other noises. I suspect some WD-40 on the chair will help with the squeak or I will just switch chairs. If I am recording noise reduction will remove most of the noise from the computer fan. This but it won't help with the live presentations, so I might pull out the longer cables I have. to isolate the computer, as I still need it even if I am not typing 100% of the time on it.
Overall I hope that future live and recorded sessions of mine will have better audio for everyone. Even if I am the only one that may notice the difference in the end .
When are you going to stop all this airy fairy programming malarky and go back to university so you can get a real job in the theatre? ;-)
ReplyDeleteNote that getting rid of all these background noises, also takes away a lot of the "atmosphere" that set IT-sessions apart.
ReplyDeleteI probably would get seriously bored when all CodeRage sessions were becoming studio quality audio.
--jeroen
LachlanG: I am back at university but for Programming this time :-)
ReplyDeleteJeroen:
That is a good point, I am quiet typing long enough many times that the keyboard sound is needed. But right now, the keyboard is loud enough to be down right annoying.
No sample audio posting? #disappointed! :) Looks like some good setup. Do you pass your old equipment to guests on the show or does that create an uneven audio quality?
ReplyDeleteIf someone was in my office with me I have other Mics I could run through the board. If they are remote (Skype) they could send them through the mixer to keep levels good, and maybe adjust a little EQ if really needed.
ReplyDeleteBut most of the time the audio of guests is controlled by GotoMeeting/LiveMeeting and I don't get to control any of it.