The new RØDECaster Pro update makes the best podcast production studio even better via The Next Web

To put it bluntly, RØDE gear is great. The Australian audio company is one of the best producers of microphones around, especially for podcasters. 

This attention on the voice-loving amongst us has led to what I believe is the best self-contained podcast production studio around: the RØDECaster Pro.


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Hands on: Insta360’s GO camera packs a lot of features in a tiny, wearable package via The Next Web

Insta360 today launched its GO camera, a wearable shooter that’s about as big as your thumb. I’ve had my mitts on one for a couple of weeks and I’m simply twitterpated with its clever engineering and thoughtful trough of accessories.

The GO’s meant to be worn or stuck somewhere. Its back is magnetic so it’ll stick to metal surfaces, it also comes with a sticky mount, magnetic tether, magnetic tripod mount, and a charging case that holds about two and a half full charges.


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Tracktion Waveform Pro 11 & Free Now Available For Linux, Mac & Windows via Synthtopia

 

Tracktion Software has released Waveform Pro 11, the latest version of their multi-platform Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

Highlights include a new Arranger Track, Plugin Sandboxing, new MIDI Tools and more.

They shared this video series to highlight the new features:

In addition to the commercial Waveform Pro 11, Tracktion has also has a free version available, Waveform Free.

The Roland R07 is a versatile portable recorder with handy Bluetooth skills via Plugged | The Next Web

 

There is no shortage of portable recorders on the market, but the Roland R-07 caught my eye with its unique looks. Add to that the fact that it’s one of the only such recorders with Bluetooth, and it makes for a compelling package that stands out in the market.

At $199, It’s somewhat of a midrange recorder – not as expensive as the flagship Zooms and Tascams of the word, but able to provide a more-than-obvious improvement over what you can capture on your smartphone.

This Magical Device Just Killed Action Cams via MakeUseOf [Video]

Our verdict of the Insta360 One X: 10/10 – It’s rare that I’m so impressed by a piece of technology, but there’s just something magical about the Insta360 One X. Just don’t buy one if your target output is VR: there’s a new model that shoots in 180-degree stereoscopic format for that.
 


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Rodecaster Pro review: a podcast studio you can carry on your back via The Verge

Rode is one of those brands that I can’t seem to get away from at trade shows like CES and MWC. The company makes some extremely popular directional microphones, which I see mounted atop video producers’ cameras with big and bold RØDE lettering adorning their sides. As a result, I had grown to associate Rode with pro audio recording even before I’d tried any of its gear for myself, trusting the collective wisdom of the professional content creator crowd. Having spent the past few weeks reviewing the Rodecaster Pro, I’d say that wisdom is spot on.
Read Rodecaster Pro review: a podcast studio you can carry on your back via The Verge



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The best microphones to start podcasting with via The Verge

A decent microphone is one of the first — and most critical — pieces of equipment you need. Sounding good, though, is relatively easy and cheap with a wide variety of mics on the market. Here are 6 to choose from. — Douglas
 
As the resident audio engineer at The Verge, I am occasionally asked what microphone one should get if they wanted to start a podcast. For professional use, the answer is complicated. You can’t just plug any microphone into your computer and start recording. But for a hobbyist or someone starting out in the field, there are now more options than ever to get your show up and running for a fairly low price.
Read The best microphones to start podcasting with via The Verge



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IK Multimedia’s iRig Mic HD records audio right to your iPhone or Mac via 9to5Toys

 
IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD Microphone features:

  • Handheld USB Condenser Microphone
  • Mobile Recording on iPhone and iPad
  • Studio Recording on Mac and Windows
  • 24-Bit/48 kHz Audio
  • Onboard Gain Control Adjusts Input Level
  • Multicolor LED Level Indicator
  • Detachable Lightning and USB Cables
  • Includes App/Software Bundle

Roland introduces $1,500 camera-mixing deck for pro livestreamers via The Verge

As your Twitch career starts to take off, you’re likely to find yourself with increasing amounts of disposable income and the desire to elevate the quality of your broadcasts. That’s where Roland, the company best known for crafting highly renowned electronic music equipment, has a new product to help you out. The VR-1HD is a mixing deck with a difference: it does a few familiar audio modulation bits, like adding reverb or music jingles, but its claim to fame is the ability to also manage up to three cameras on the fly, allowing you to put out professional-looking, multicamera live broadcasts.

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DJI Osmo Pocket – A 3-month-in REVIEW via Techmoan

Read DJI Osmo Pocket – A 3-month-in REVIEW via Techmoan



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Blue’s new XLR mic will help podcasters and YouTubers step up their set-up via The Next Web

Blue’s new XLR mic will help podcasters and YouTubers step up their set-up via The Next Web
 

If you’ve ever created a podcast – or looked into doing so – I bet you’ll know Blue. Whether it’s the Yeti or its Nano counterpart, the company is famous for building USB microphones that make recording audio easy.

Well, Blue is expanding its ambitions. Today at CES, it announced the launch of a new XLR condenser microphone: the Ember.



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DJI’s brand-new Osmo Pocket 4K Handheld Camera drops to $296.50 (Reg. $349) via 9to5Toys

This looks to be an excellent tool for travel and sports videography. — Douglas
 
Today only, the official DJI eBay storefront is offering its Osmo Pocket 4K Handheld Camera for $296.65 shipped when you use code POPUPSAVINGS at checkout. Normally $349, this is the first direct discount we’ve tracked on it and is the best available. The Osmo Pocket is a great handheld device that features 3-axis stabilization and 4K video capabilities, giving you the best footage that you can get from something that slips into your pocket or purse. Rated 3.9/5 stars at B&H, and you can learn more in our announcement coverage.


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The [Ultimate] 5-Step Sound Guide for Great Sound via Stage 32

 During my filmmaking career, I’ve run the gambit on all different sides of production. Back in Baltimore, I worked with skeleton crews writing, directing, and doing sound on my own productions. Since moving to Los Angeles I’ve found a lot of work on set sound mixing, and I wanted to give some easy, actionable steps that can help all filmmakers, at every budget level, get the best sound possible.

 
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New Media Gear: HyperX QuadCast – USB Condenser Gaming Microphone, for PC, PS4 and Mac

I was introduced to the HyperX Quadcast by my college-aged son (Overwatching the Competition) who also happens to be a big gamer. He regularly reviews HyperX products and, while he hadn’t laid hands upon the mic, he thought it looked like a good product. While I am posting this as simply a way of introducing you to the mic, I am hoping to get one in for review and give you some more information

HyperX QuadCast – USB Condenser Gaming Microphone, for PC, PS4 and Mac, Anti-Vibration Shock Mount, Four Polar Patterns, Pop Filter, Gain Control, Podcasts, Twitch, YouTube, Discord, Red LED – Black

New Media Gear: HyperX QuadCast - USB Condenser Gaming Microphone, for PC, PS4 and Mac

Firstly, it is nice to see that they include a shock mount for the mic. Too many companies make this an optional add-on even though using a mic without one is going to lead to sub-par results and lots of noise. Also included is a mount for a standard mic stand if you want to attach to a boom arm or other stand. Including a matching pop filter would have been nice too, but they are available for $10. The specs say it includes a built-in pop filter, but I wonder how much that can suppress the hard plosives (t’s, p’s, b’s) that so often show up on podcast and game play recordings.

New Media Gear: HyperX QuadCast - USB Condenser Gaming Microphone, for PC, PS4 and Mac

The has 4 selectable pickup patterns so it can be used for a wide variety of recording situations and a integrated headphone jack so you can have lag-free monitoring when you are recording.

While less important than the technical specs, I do like the overall design. I am also a lover of red and black contrast on devices. Perhaps that goes back to my school colors being the same. You never know how your childhood memories are going to manifest themselves.

Overall, this looks like a mic worth investigating further if you are looking for a starter mic for podcasting, streaming and gaming videos.

Check out the HyperX QuadCast – USB Condenser Gaming Microphone, for PC, PS4 and Mac on HyperX Gaming.

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Advice on using drones for video via Tom Antos

Drones are becoming such an important part of nearly any video shoot. So here are some tips for getting great footage without destroying your expensive investment. — Douglas
 
 

More drones on Amazon


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New Media Gear: Parrot Teleprompter

A teleprompter can greatly increase the quality of your videos by giving you a professional look and tone when presenting. Past teleprompter devices have been quite expense, while this one is more in line with the prices YouTubers and other video makers can afford. — Douglas

Parrot Teleprompter

Telepromter 2

Teleprompter

 

  • Professional quality 30r/70t teleprompter glass
  • Sets up faster than any other teleprompter in less than a minute
  • Compact so you can take it anywhere your videos take you
  • Works with the most common camcorders and slr cameras
  • Easy to use free parrot teleprompter app works with all major smartphones.Compatible with Camcorders and DSLR cameras with standard lens sizes.

Similar Gear

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DaVinci Resolve 15 is a free, Hollywood-grade video editor via Engadget

Free software is usually worth looking at, even if it might not meet all your needs. Download this video editor software available for both Windows and Macintosh. — Douglas
 
With the latest release of DaVinci Resolve 15, Blackmagic Design has radically made over its editing suite to create one of the best video-editing systems at any price — even against mainstream options like Premiere Pro CC and Apple’s Final Cut Pro X. It now comes with Fusion, a powerful visual effects (VFX) app used in Hollywood films, along with an excellent color corrector and audio editor. Despite doing more than most editors will ever need, the full studio release costs just $300, and you can get a stripped-down version with most features for a grand total of zero dollars.

SiOnyx Aurora is an Action Camera that ‘Turns Night Into Full-Color Daylight’ via PetaPixel

SiOnyx Aurora is a new action camera that claims to be the world’s first day/night camera for consumers. It’s ultra-light sensitive, allowing you to shoot full-color images in low-light conditions.

The Aurora is “the only HD action video camera with true day and night color imaging,” SiOnyx says, noting that it has received over 40 patents related to the camera. SiOnyx was founded back in 2006 by Professor Eric Mazur and Dr. James Carey of Harvard University.

Tips for Building DIY Lighting Setups for Under $100 via The Beat: A Blog by PremiumBeat

Here are some great ideas for upping  your photography and videography lighting quality on the (relatively) cheap using off-the-shelf materials and products. See my link below for an inexpensive lighting kit I purchased a few years ago, too. — Douglas
 

Don’t have enough funds to purchase high-priced lighting kits? Try out using some of these cheaper methods to get your lighting right.

One of the core principles of a skillful shot is the use of good lighting. Here’s the problem, though – lighting equipment can be pretty expensive. When you set up a typical interview shot, you’ll probably use 3 different lights to set your key, back, and fill. Each of those lights can cost around $200 each, which will stretch your budget to more than some people can afford.

Not to worry, though, my wonderful penny pinchers. The folks over at ShareGrid have a few ways to incorporate everyday lighting systems to achieve quality light production by using cheap work lights, foam board, and even Christmas lights.

My inexpensive lighting kit from Amazon


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Samson Go Mic Mobile Review: Wireless Microphones for All! via SomeGadgetGuy

What wireless microphones do you use for your podcasting and video production? Share your gear in the comments!

Oddly enough, I was struggling with some older wireless mics today as I was recording a presentation by my wife. Sometimes this hand-me-down set works well and at other times the audio fades in and out as the presenter moves about the room. It is long beyond time to get a “real” set of wireless mics so I will take a look at this Samson unit as one possibility for replacement? — Douglas