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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Listen to the sounds of someone just standing silently via Boing Boing

 

Field Recordings is a podcast produced by BBC radio producer Eleanor McDowall who solicits short recordings of sounds in fields — or pretty much anywhere someone would like to stand silently for sometime. They are meditative and immersive and strangely comforting. 

You can find Field Recordings on whatever platform you use to stream podcasts, as well as Instagram. 

Read Listen to the sounds of someone just standing silently via Boing Boing


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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.

WelchWrite Productions: The Mentoris Project Podcasts: Harvesting the American Dream: A Novel Based on the Life of Ernest Gallo

Under the name of WelchWrite Productions, We (Douglas And Rosanne) took on the hosting and technical production for The Mentoris Project Podcast — a collection of interviews of Mentoris book authors who take important Italian and Italian-American figures as their subjects. We just published our 23rd podcast and all are available on the Mentoris Project Web Site. This is one example. — Douglas

Ww mentoris 1

Listen to he Mentoris Project Podcasts: Harvesting the American Dream: A Novel Based on the Life of Ernest Gallo

Interesting Podcasts: Palaces for the People via 99% Invisible

 
Eric Klinenberg is the author of a book called Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life. The phrase “palaces for the people” actually comes from Andrew Carnegie who was known as a titan of the Gilded Age and one of the wealthiest people in the world when he lived.
 

 


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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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Recently Listened: 99% Invisible: Palaces for the People [Audio]

I fondly remember the time spent in the Carnegie Library in my own hometown. The smell of the books, the wood floors and the feeling of the large, wooden Windsor chairs around the big tables. As a young kid, though, I found the larger-than-life busts of Lincoln and Washington a bit frightening, though. I would climb the outdoor steps, come through the double foyer doors (which were so heavy I could barely open them) and then up another rather grand set of steps with the librarian’s desk looking formidable above you. (SMILE). — Douglas

New London Public Library, Ohio

Recently Listened: 99% Invisible: Palaces for the People [Audio]

99% Invisible Logo

99% Invisible: Palaces for the People

Eric Klinenberg is the author of a book called Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life. The phrase “palaces for the people” actually comes from Andrew Carnegie who was known as a titan of the Gilded Age and one of the wealthiest people in the world when he lived.

Carnegie was a ruthless capitalist, famous for strike-breaking and doing things that promoted inequality in many parts of the world, but he was also an immigrant, and was committed to the idea that the US was a country where people could get ahead in life. Carnegie wanted to help build a social institution that would facilitate that.

Over the course of his life, Carnegie helped to fund more than 2,500 libraries around the world—about 1,700 of which were in the United States. He called greatest of them “palaces for the people.” The great Carnegie libraries had high ceilings, big windows, and spacious rooms where a person could read, think, and achieve something that they felt proud of. Although it should be noted that these palaces were not always for everyone. Many of the great Carnegie libraries remained racially segregated throughout the early 20th century, and they later became battlegrounds in the civil rights movement. 

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** Many of these books may be available from your local library. Check it out!
† Available from the LA Public Library

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

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

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



* A portion of each sale from Amazon.com directly supports our blogs
** Many of these books may be available from your local library. Check it out!


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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.



* A portion of each sale from Amazon.com directly supports our blogs
** Many of these books may be available from your local library. Check it out!
† Available from the LA Public Library

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.


* A portion of each sale from Amazon.com directly supports our blogs
** Many of these books may be available from your local library. Check it out!
† Available from the LA Public Library

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.

* A portion of each sale from Amazon.com directly supports our blogs

 


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.