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

April 20, 2021 by Douglas E. Welch

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.

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

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

February 20, 2020 by Douglas E. Welch

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

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (20.6MB) | Embed

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

September 21, 2019 by Douglas E. Welch

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]

September 18, 2019 by Douglas E. Welch

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.

Read This Magical Device Just Killed Action Cams via MakeUseOf on YouTube

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

September 6, 2019 by Douglas E. Welch

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

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

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The best microphones to start podcasting with via The Verge

September 5, 2019 by Douglas E. Welch

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

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

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

September 2, 2019 by Douglas E. Welch

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

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

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

August 30, 2019 by Douglas E. Welch

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.

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

* A portion of each sale from Amazon.com directly supports our blogs
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DJI Osmo Pocket – A 3-month-in REVIEW via Techmoan

July 24, 2019 by Douglas E. Welch

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!

An interesting link found among my daily reading

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

July 9, 2019 by Douglas E. Welch

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.

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

An interesting link found among my daily reading

* 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

July 1, 2019 by Douglas E. Welch

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.

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

* 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

May 15, 2019 by Douglas E. Welch

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.

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

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

April 1, 2019 by Douglas E. Welch

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

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.

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

February 12, 2019 by Douglas E. Welch

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

Read Advice on using drones for video via Tom Antos

More drones on Amazon

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New Media Gear: Parrot Teleprompter

January 13, 2019 by Douglas E. Welch

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

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

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

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

December 13, 2018 by Douglas E. Welch

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.

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

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

October 28, 2018 by Douglas E. Welch

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.

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

My inexpensive lighting kit from Amazon

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

October 25, 2018 by Douglas E. Welch

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

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

An interesting link found among my daily reading

New Media Gear: Spire Studio is a recording studio that fits in your hand via The Verge

October 8, 2018 by Douglas E. Welch

iZotope is best known for creating mixing and mastering audio software, but a couple weeks ago, I got to check out Spire Studio, the company’s first piece of hardware. Spire Studio is a palm-sized device that musicians can carry with them to record professional-grade multitrack audio anywhere they are.

While there are lots of gadgets on the market for portable recording, most interfaces I’ve seen need to be plugged in to your phone, cater to recording a specific type of instrument, or need lots of dongles. Spire Studio, on the other hand, has a lot of use in a very small footprint, and connects to your phone wirelessly. On the front is a built-in mic and headphone jack, while the back has two XLR/TS combo jacks with Grace Design preamps, another headphone jack, and a 48V phantom power button for powering your own condenser mic. The top of the Spire Studio has recording control buttons, and the option to perform a soundcheck, where it will listen to the audio you’re playing for 10 seconds and then adjust the input levels accordingly. Of course, it all comes with an accompanying app.

Read Spire Studio is a recording studio that fits in your hand via The Verge

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New Media Gear: Roland R-07 Audio Recorder via Bless This Stuff

August 29, 2018 by Douglas E. Welch

With all the choices audio and video recorders these days, there really isn’t any exceed for getting your New Media project — be they audio podcast or full-fledged video shows — up and running at a level of quality only dreamed about in the past. This Roland R-07 is yet another excellent entry into the market and a great place to start recording whatever you do today! — Douglas

Your iPhone is pretty handy for making quick audio recordings, but unfortunately, the quality of the recordings isn’t good enough for actual music making. Roland´s new sleek and ultra-portable audio recorder works with iPhone and Apple Watch, allowing wireless listening and remote control. The Roland R-07 gives you the quality of a proper recorder with stereo mics, and the convenience of an iPhone app. But the best feature is that you can control the recorder from your Apple Watch. You can lay the recorder wherever you like, and trigger it from your wrist. For example a guitarist could place it next to an amp speaker, sit down on the other side of the room, and record interesting ideas at will using the remote.

Read ROLAND R-07 AUDIO RECORDER via Bless This Stuff

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

An interesting link found among my daily reading

Careers in New Media

Helping to Build New Careers in New Media

Category Archives: Production

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

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

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

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

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

The best microphones to start podcasting with via The Verge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advice on using drones for video via Tom Antos

New Media Gear: Parrot Teleprompter

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

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

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

New Media Gear: Spire Studio is a recording studio that fits in your hand via The Verge

New Media Gear: Roland R-07 Audio Recorder via Bless This Stuff