PoducateMe: Practical Solutions for Podcasting in Education
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FireWire 800 port and get FireWire 400 speeds. Likewise, you can plug a FireWire 800
device into a FireWire 400 port and get FireWire 400 speeds.
FireWire was developed by Apple and has been included with Macs beginning with the
Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White) model. However, if your Mac or PC doesn’t have a
FireWire port and you’d like to add one, some good options to consider include LaCie’s
FireWire ports).
While more expensive than USB, FireWire’s speed, reliability and connection advantages
are quickly making it the preferred method of connecting audio and video equipment to a
computer.
Optical Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
S/PDIF or S/P-DIF, for Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format, accepts TosLink
(Toshiba Link) fiber optic cable connectors, which carry digital audio data in the form of
light pulses, rather than using electricity. Since the signal is carried optically rather than
electronically, TosLink cables are virtually impervious to magnetic or electrical
interference. These connections are typically found on CD players, DVD players and
some game systems. S/PDIF signals may also be transmitted through an RCA cable.
TosLink cable
Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)
The Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) protocol is a standardized specification
that enables you to connect electronic instruments such as a keyboard, sampler,
sequencer, or drum machine from any manufacturer to a computer’s MIDI port.
MIDI cable
Adapters
Fortunately, you needn’t be limited by your equipment’s connection standards. Adapters
exist to solve virtually any connection compatibility issue. Have an XLR microphone,
you’d like to plug into a 1/8” jack? Check out Griffin Technology’s GarageBand
Microphone Cable ($20). Want to plug a mic with a 1/8” end into a USB port? Griffin’s
iMic ($30) to the rescue! Whatever your needs, there are often adapters
