Podcasting is the latest wave in multimedia production as audio and video programs can be downloaded onto your computer or MP3 player. Now, nearly anyone with the right equipment can do “radio” quality broadcasts of news, music or educational lessons which can be accessed later by others either online or by download.

One pod cast producer, Laurel Moglen of Los Angeles started her new career in 2005 after working for years in public radio. She took that experience and upgraded it to start LA Podsquad, a company that creates highly polished custom pod casts. These include both audio and video programs meant to be downloaded onto your computer or MP3 player. Moglen’s clients include top companies like Travelocity and PBS Kids.

ESSENTIAL GEAR:

Besides a laptop, there are two main pieces of equipment every pod caster must have. Headphones and a microphone. Looking first at which headphones to choose, The ATH-M50 model is perfect for online listening for long periods of time. Circumaural earpieces swivel 180° for easy one-ear monitoring on the fly. These are essential to pod casting as they are extremely comfortable and effectively block distracting background noise. The ATH-M50’s are richly padded and comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time, a major bonus when doing a long pod cast with a lot of content. Not only that, they are collapsible and come with its own leatherette pouch for easy storage and transport.

Exceptional audio quality for professional monitoring and mixing

Collapsible design ideal for easy portability and convenient storage Proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with neodymium magnet systems

Closed-back cushioned earcup design creates an outstanding seal for maximum isolation Adjustable padded headband for comfort during long mixing/recording sessions

Single-sided coiled cable terminates to gold-plated mini plug with screw-on ¼" adapter

THE MIC PLEASE.....

NEW Audio-Technica’s AT2020 USB Side Address Condenser Microphone

The next essential is a good microphone specifcally suited for podcasting.

Most broadcasters favor a side address microphone which carries an USB connector. Introduced at this year's NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, the new AT2020 USB is the perfect solution. Ready to go, it plugs directly into your computer without the need for any additional adaptors.  The tripod stand allows it to be placed on any desk or table for handsfree broadcasting which essentially eliminates handling noise.