PoducateMe: Practical Solutions for Podcasting in Education
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Among other features, Marshall Electronics’ iBooster
contains a built-in preamp that will boost your mic’s
signal to line-level.
If you’d like to connect an XLR mic directly to your computer’s USB port, DVForge’s
MicPlug ($37) is an adapter that will convert any XLR mic to USB (a USB cable will be
required for you to connect the MicPlugged device to your computer). You might also
to connect any XLR mic to the iMic, which can then be plugged into your computer’s USB
port.
Keep in mind that the microphone connection options discussed thus far are limited to a
simple, single mic setup that should produce acceptable recordings. However, if you want
better quality and/or have a need to record the output of multiple microphones (such as a
two-mic setup for a sit-down interview) or a combination of devices (such as a mic, a
guitar and a CD player), you will need to purchase an audio interface or mixer.
Audio Interfaces
Generally, a consumer-level computer’s stock audio card utilizes low-quality A/D (Analog-
to-Digital) and D/A (Digital-to-Analog) converters (called ADC and DAC) that are not
optimized for serious recording applications. These converters are directly responsible for
transforming analog signals into digital information for recording and editing on the
computer, as well as transforming digital information into sounds we can hear. A
professional interface is equipped with superior audio converters and is used to
circumvent the computer’s lesser-quality audio processors. Another important benefit an
interface provides is isolation of the audio signal from the computer’s busy, electrically-
charged inner-workings. This is critical because the inside of a computer produces a
tremendous amount of electrical noise that could easily find its way into your podcast.
In addition to featuring superior audio converters and electrical shielding, interfaces
provide an effective and convenient way to connect multiple microphones, instruments
and/or effects to a computer for recording. Remember, if you take a condenser
microphone and simply plug it directly into your Mac’s 1/8” line-level jack (if it has one),
you’re not likely to find it very useful. The mic doesn’t have enough power to be “heard”
