Choosing the Right Hardware (mics, etc.)

Before you get started podcasting, you'll want to select the recording hardware that is appropriate for your needs. You may be doing all your recording from an office, or studio, or you may need to be more mobile. Consider what type of podcasting you'd like to do as you read through our list of recommended audio hardware.

Complete Studio
For those that want high production value, stereo recordings. If you plan to have two or more people participating in your podcast, ex. an interview or round-table discussion, this bundle is for you. You get two studio-quality microphones, USB computer audio interface/preamp, mic cables, and powerful recording software. Don't forget the desktop mic stands.

M-Audio Classroom Studio Bundle (w/ bonus mic stand) ($266)
Desktop Microphone Stand ($10)
Total Approximate Price: $276

Personal Studio
This setup offers studeo-quality recording with a minimum of equipment. The single microphone plugs directly into your computer's USB port, and the spider mount will reduce any noise caused by vibrations.

The Samson C01UK is a complete solution for desktop recording, voice overs and pod-casting with the C01U USB microphone. The package includes the C01U USB microphone, shock mount, and desktop stand. ($119)

Key features:
•The USB connection provides direct connection to computers without any additional hardware or preamplifier devices.
•The software driver provides control over input gain.
•The hyper-cardioid polar pattern is most effective in minimizing noise and off-axis audio signal.

Personal Basic
This microphone/stereo headset is a very affordable solution for situations where pro-quality isn't a necessity, and you just need something basic for your personal podcasting needs. This is also useful if you're conducting interviews via online audio chat or using Macromedia Breeze.

Precision PC Microphone/Stereo Headset ($19)

Wireless

If you need to move around while you're recording, i.e. lecturing or giving a presentation, this solution provides quality, mobility, and hands-free operation. Just plug the base into your computer, clip the microphone on your shirt, drop the transmitter in your pocket, and you're ready to go.

Gemini UX16L Wireless Lavalier System ($88)

Mobile "Field" Recording
The following options are small and computer-free, perfect for working in the field, whether you want to capture a conversation on-the-fly or a thought you had.

1) Inexpensive:Olympus WS-300M Digital Voice Recorder ($149)

2) iPod Accessory: MicroMemo ($41) MicroMemo for iPod Nanos ($40)

3) High-quality: Zoom H4 ($299)

4) Top-of-the-line: Marantz PMD660 ($519)

Choosing the Right Software

Audacity is a free, easy-to-use audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems. You can use Audacity to:

* Record live audio.
* Convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs.
* Edit Ogg Vorbis, MP3, and WAV sound files.
* Cut, copy, splice, and mix sounds together.
* Change the speed or pitch of a recording.
* And more

You can download it here.

LAME is a plug-in centered around the creation of MP3 content. It's useful for when you are done editing your sound files and you want to export them from Audacity to an .mp3 file. You can find out more about it and download it here.

Garageband is a Mac-Only application which is part of the iLife06 Suite of software. You can purchase it through the Penn States Microcomputer Order Center or the Apple Store website.

ProfCast is a Mac only application that creates 'enhanced podcasts' in the m4b format. These are audio files which contain chapter markers where you can include titles, images and web links. The images in these files can be viewed on an iPod with photo capabilities or video capabilities, through iTunes or even in QuickTime.

You can download a trial version of Profcast here.

Video: Choosing a Microphone for Podcasting

There are a variety of microphones to choose from - desktop mics, headphone mics, and wireless lavalier mics. Which type of microphone is right for your podcasting situation? This video review will describe each type and in what situation you might want to use it.

Enhance Your Podcast with Music Samples

You can easily jazz up your podcasts by adding music intros and outros, or by using music to segue between topics. Using an audio editing application like Audacity or Garageband, simply paste your music samples into the appropriate place in your audio file. Here's some quick tips:

• Smooth the transition to and from your podcast body by fading in or out the ends of the sample.



• Check your audio levels. You don't want your music to be too much louder or softer than the body of the podcast.
• Make sure not to violate any copyright restrictions. If you're not sure, study up on the basics of copyright law, fair use, and creative commons. There's a lot of music out there that you can use safely in your podcasts!

  To get you started, we've produced a series of music samples that anyone at Penn State can freely use in their podcasts. So download the .zip file below and have fun!

  To listen to and download the most recent music samples, visit the Penn State Assets Page on iTunesU.

Creating a Podcast with Audacity on a Macintosh

The staff at Studio 204 and the Faculty Multimedia Center recently completed a video podcast that provides a quick overview of how to create a podcast on a Macintosh using the free Audacity software. Please view the video below, or click this link:

http://podcasts.psu.edu/files/podcastaudacity.m4v

Resources

• Download Audacity
• Download the LAME encoder: Audacity can save audio files in the MP3 format used most often by podcasts, it requires that you download and install the LAME encoder.
• Audacity Tutorial (PDF)
• Additional Tutorial (SourceForge Web site)

NOTE on installing LAME for Audacity on MacOSX:
After you have downloaded LAME, uncompress the archive and move the contents to any folder on your computer. When you first run Audacity, you will be asked to locate the LAME encoder. Once you have done this, you will see an option to "Export to MP3" under the File menu of Audacity.

Creating a Podcast with Audacity on a Windows PC

The staff at Studio 204 and the Faculty Multimedia Center recently completed a video podcast that provides a quick overview of how to create a podcast on a Windows PC using the free Audacity software. Watch the video below, or download it from:

http://podcasts.psu.edu/files/podcastaudacity.m4v

If you attended any of our WinterFest Training sessions on Podcasting or would like another walk-through click on the link below. (*Requires a high-speed connection.)

http://podcasts.psu.edu/files/Audacity_Help1.mov

Resources

• Download Audacity
• Download the LAME encoder (this is required for exporting MP3's from Audacity)
• Additional Tutorial (SourceForge Web site)

Installation instructions for the LAME encoder for Audacity on Windows:

1. Go to the LAME download page.
2. Click on any link from the list of identical "lame-3.x.x" links.
3. When you have finished downloading LAME, unzip it and save the file lame_enc.dll anywhere on your computer (preferably in the audacity program folder).
4. The first time you use the "Export as MP3" command, Audacity will ask you where lame_enc.dll is saved. Point it to where you saved the .dll file and click ok.

Creating a Podcast with GarageBand on a Macintosh

GarageBand, part of Apple's iLife suite, puts you in the control room of your own digital full-featured radio station. You can add a podcast artwork track just by dragging in images to the timeline to correspond with your audio track. You can also add jingles and sound effects from the built-in library that comes with GarageBand. Automatic "ducking" decreases the audio level of the music when you begin talking so your audience can always hear you speak. You can use iChat as a source for recording interviews for your podcast even if your guest is on the other side of the world! This tutorial will get your up and running with GarageBand in no time. GarageBand is available on the Mac lab computers.

Please view the video below, or click this link:

http://podcasts.psu.edu/files/garageband.m4v

Here is a printable PDF tutorial:

http://podcasts.psu.edu/files/garageband.pdf

What Audio Settings Should I Use?

If you're new to recording audio, looking at all the audio settings can sometimes be intimidating. This audio primer will help you to make the right choices when it comes to format, channels, sample rate, and bit depth. The key is to get the best quality audio at a file size that's easy to download.

Podcasting Best Practices

Here you will find some general guidelines to consider as you begin to investigate podcasting. If you'd like help with learning to podcast, please contact us at podcasts@psu.edu today.

• Know your audience/target market.
• Be organized in the messaging that is to be delivered.
• Have notes and an outline to keep the show on topic.
• Edit podcast show appropriately for content, quality, and length.
• Deliver valuable, informative, engaging, and entertaining content to your listeners that they can't get from any other media.
• Provide show notes for listeners to review content of the show before and while they listen to the podcast.
• Use proper tagging of Metadata so that your podcast can be found and organized easily by podcasting software and directories. Metadata is additional information embedded in an object that assists software in storing and finding them.

Tips on Producing Podcasts

&tDepending on the type of podcast you would like to create, it can be a very simple process. This page will provide details on creating the following types of podcasts:

• Simple voice recording outside of the classroom
• Lecture-based podcast inside the classroom

Education Technology Services is now accepting proposals from faculty and students for podcasting assistance. Take a look at our call for participation and get started with podcasting today.

Creating a Simple Podcast Outside the Classroom

1. Plan What You Will Say

Although you may not need a verbatim script, it is helpful to have an outline of what you'll be saying.

2. Record the Audio

A good audio recording has both low background noise and a clearly audible, easily distinguishable recording of the subject. Check out our list of recommended hardware and software tools for creating podcasts. Here some basic tips:

• Choose a quiet location where you won't be interrupted.
• The built-in microphones of many computers, both desktop and laptop, generally do not give good results but are good enough for this type of podcast.
• Select hardware and software that meet your needs and are easy to use. For podcasts with spoken voice only, the quality does not need to be that high for effective podcasts.

3. Publish your Podcast

Publishing your podcasts is a simple process. All you have to do is contact us at podcasts@psu.edu to receive publishing access to the Podcasts at Penn State site. With an account at this site, you simply fill out a small form describing your podcast, attach the finished MP3, and submit it. The rest is done automatically -- from posting on the site to the updated RSS feed.

Creating a Lecture Based Podcast Inside the Classroom

Subscribing to Podcasts

There are several ways you can utilize this space. The content below discusses how to subscribe to both the overall RSS feed for the site and those specific to individual "Podcast Shows."

If you would like your content delivered from this space, please contact us today and talk to us about what your needs are. This is a pilot of a podcasting service and the more we hear from you, the better the service will be. If you would like to have your podcasts hosted from the Podcasts at Penn State space, please send us an email at podcasts@psu.edu.

Single Podcasts

To listen to a single podcast, you can simply download the attached file for each entry. You can find this by clicking the title of the entry and then clicking the podcast tile located at the bottom of each post at this site. Clicking this link will initiate a download of the associated podcast in your browser. Typically, you will be able to listen right in your web browser, without a need for any additional software. Podcasts can range in size from a few megabytes to over 100 MB, so pay attention to the file sizes as you are selecting a podcast.

Subscribing to Podcasts

There are several ways to subscribe to podcasts. One thing to note is that each "Podcast Show" is made up of "Podcast Episodes." You may subscribe to everything here at Podcasts at Penn State by subscribing to the site's overall RSS feed, or you may slectively subscribe to just the Shows you want. For example, if you are interested in receiving everything that gets listed on Podcasts at Penn State, you would subscribe to the following feed:

Subscribe to our standard RSS feed to receive updates from this site automatically.

Subscribe to the podcasts using Apple's iTunes software and automatically receive podcasts as they are updated.

If you are only interested in listening to the podcasts for a specific course, you would subscribe to the feed for that course only. You can find the feeds for indivdual podcast shows listed below. Selecting this option allows you to receive podcast episodes to only a select group of Podcast Shows.

Academic

IST 110: Spring 2006 Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes

Podcast Shows

ETS Talk Podcast Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes
Agricultural Radio Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes
ITS Podcasts Subscribe | Subscribe in iTunes

Podcatching Software

&&uotUsing a podcatching tool is the best way to subscribe to and receive podcasts automatically. Once you subscribe to a podcast feed, all episodes will be delivered to you via the podcatching software. Below you will find links to a small set of tools to use. Apple's iTunes software is a cross platform digital media management toolset that has a built-in podcast directory as well as podcatching features. Juice software is also cross platform. It allows a user to schedule podcast downloads and maintain subscriptions to their favorite podcasts. Fireant brings video content (vodcasts) to users in much the same way as Juice does for podcasts.

Other tools offer similar capabilities. Ultimately it is up to you to decide what software package works best for you.

• iTunes
• Juice
• Fireant

Platform specific applications

• Windows:
  • Doppler
  • Newzie
• Mac:
  • NewsfireXcast
  • NetNewsWire
• Linux/Unix:
  • amaroK
  • BPConf
  • gPodder

Recording Software on University Park Classroom Podium Computers

Teaching and Learning with Technology maintains a full suite of audio recording and editing software on all of the lab and classroom computers at University Park. We have our favorites here at Education Technology Services and even provide instruction on their use. All of the audio tools currently installed on Information Technology Services computers in labs and classrooms can record and edit audio. Some are more complex than others and we urge you to try a few before you make your final podcasting decision. We have designed support materials for the tools we have found to be best suited for podcasting.

Windows Computers

You can always find the most current list of software installed and maintained on computers running Microsoft Windows by Teaching and Leaning with Technology in University Park computer labs and classrooms here. Currently Education Technology Services provides instruction on how to podcast with Audacity.

Apple Macintosh Computers

You can always find the most current list of software installed and maintained on Apple Macintosh computers by Teaching and Leaning with Technology in University Park computer labs and classrooms here. Currently Education Technology Services provides instruction on how to podcast with GarageBand and Audacity.

University Park GPC Equipped for Podium Podcasting

The list below provides information on what general purpose classrooms (GPC) at University Park have been equipped with podium podcasting capabilities. These rooms have wireless microphones that are connected both to the podium audio visual system and the computer to enable easy podcasting. The following GPC are available for podium podcasting:

• Ag. Eng. 124
• Ag. Sci. 101
• Armsby 215
• Deike 22
• EES 114
• Ferguson 3
• Ferguson 5
• Ferguson 11
• Ferguson 103
• Ferguson 105
• Ferguson 202
• Ferguson 205
• Ferguson 210
• Forum 102
• Forum 105
• Forum 108
• Forum 111
• Hosler 26
• IST 113
• IST 203
• IST 210
• Osmond 117
• Osmond 119
• Rackley 104
• Sparks 10
• Sparks 121
• Thomas 101
• Thomas 102
• Thomas 104
• Thomas 201
• Wartik 108
• Willard 60
• Willard 158
• Willard 162
• Willard 258

iTunesU FAQ

Questions:

• How do I access Penn State on iTunesU?
• iTunesU doesn't launch when I click on the "Open Penn State on iTunesU" button. What should I do?
• I want to distribute a URL to something specific in iTunesU. Can I link directly to this content?
• I'm trying to view an [enhanced podcast/large video file] on iTunesU. Why can't I see all the slides when I double-click on some tracks?
• Can I edit my meta-data once my file has been uploaded into iTunesU?
• What file formats does iTunes U accept?

Submit your own questions to: podcasts@psu.edu

---

How do I access Penn State on iTunesU?

First, make sure you have iTunes installed. This is a free application.

Then browse to http://itunes.psu.edu and click on the "Open Penn State on iTunesU" button.

Since iTunesU exists within the iTunes application, *your browser must be instructed to launch iTunes and open the correct URL for Penn State's content.

iTunesU doesn't launch when I click on the "Open Penn State on iTunesU" button. What should I do?

First, make sure you have iTunes installed. This is a free application.

If you're using Firefox, sometimes the browser forgets how to handle iTunes links. Try the following:

Launch Firefox
In the URL location box type about:config" and tap the return key.
You will get a long list in the "filter" box type itms and tap the return key.
The list will be left with 1-2 things control/click OR right click on each item and choose RESET
Quit Firefox

Next, launch Firefox again and type the following in the URL "location box." itmss://deimos.apple.com/
Hit return. A drop down menu should appear. Check the box for "Remember my choice for all links of this type" and click on "Launch Application." iTunes will/should launch.

I want to distribute a URL to something specific in iTunesU. Can I link directly to this content?

Yes. Everything in iTunesU (Welcome Pages, courses, shows, tracks, tabs) has its own URL. Just right-click (Mac users control-click) on any item you want to link to, and you will see a menu that says "Copy iTunes Store URL". Once you copy the URL you can paste it into ANGEL, an email, etc.

I'm trying to view an [enhanced podcast/large video file] on iTunesU. Why can't I see all the slides when I double-click on some tracks?

Double-clicking on tracks in iTunesU opens a preview of that track. Usually this works ok for audio or short video files because your computer can grab enough of the file to start playing properly. But with enhanced podcasts (mp3 files that contain synchronized slides or pictures) or large video files, the entire file needs to be downloaded first. If you Subscibe or Get Track and wait for the file to download, it should play without any problems.

Can I edit my meta-data once my file has been uploaded into iTunesU?

Once your file has been uploaded into iTunesU you can NOT edit your meta-data. You must edit your meta-data before you upload your file.

What file formats does iTunes U accept?

iTunes U only accepts files for upload that are less than 500 megabytes (MB). Audio files must be either AAC or MP3 with appropriate file extensions (.m4a, .mp3). To use specific cover artwork with an audio track, use the AAC file type format (.m4a). Video files must be MPEG-4 with H.264 compression with appropriate file extensions (.mp4, .m4v, .mov). If you are using QuickTime to create and edit video content, export your videos by choosing Movie to iPod from the Export pop-up menu in QuickTime Pro..

4 Steps to Improving Your iTunes U Presence

1. Create a good description for your show.
2. Make sure you have quality metadata on each track.
3. Link back to PSU and your website.
4. Customize your badge.

 

1. Create a good description for your show.
Provide a few sentences describing your content. Aside from the obvious usefulness of this information, it will also improve search results.

To edit the description:

1. Navigate to your show.
2. Click "Edit Page" in the tools box in the upper-right corner of your show.
3. Under "Description" click the pencil icon.
4. Enter your description.
5. Click "End Editing" in the tools box.

2. Make sure you have quality metadata on each track.
Metadata is the descriptive information attached to every podcast. Is your metadata accurate and useful? Is it consistent?

Suggestions for metadata fields:
- NAME: Unique title or description for that individual show.
- ARTIST: Names of individuals or department who produced the podcast(s).
- ALBUM: Name of the show (consistent with the main title you chose)
- GENRE: This should always be "Penn State University". This will ensure that our audience knows where the podcast came from.

How to update your metadata:
NOTE: iTunes U does not allow you to change metadata once a track has been uploaded. You will need to fix locally and re-upload.

1. Navigate to your show.
2. Select 'Get Tracks' to download all tracks (or use existing local copies)
3. Once downloaded, locate them in your iTunes library and edit their metadata (Right-click/Option-click > Get Info > Info tab), using the suggestions above.



4. Re-upload to iTunes U.
5. Delete the old tracks.

Hint: Save time by selecting multiple tracks when fixing Artist and Album info.

3. Link back to PSU and your website.
As an editor, you can add links to relevant websites. Every show should have a link back to the main Penn State homepage, in addition to a department-specific link.

To add links:

1. Navigate to your show.
2. Click "Edit Page" in the tools box in the upper-right corner of your show.
3. In the links box (located under the tools box) click the '+' button.
4. Fill out the title and URL fields for your link.
5. Click "End Editing" from the tools box.

4. Customize your badge.
Customizing the badge allows you to brand your show and draws attention to it when people are navigating iTunes U.
The only requirements we have for badges is that they are square, and ideally 300 pixels by 300 pixels. They should also contain some sort of Penn State theme or branding, if possible.

To change your badge:

1. Navigate to your show.
2. Click "Edit Page" in the tools box in the upper-right corner of your show.
3. On the existing badge, find and click the up-arrow button.
4. On the upload screen, browse to the badge you want to use and upload it.
5. iTunes U will refresh with the new badge. Click "End Editing".

 

Miscellaneous Style and Usability Tips

• Read Apple's "Creating Content for iPod + iTunes" document.
• Visit Apple's Content Creators support forum.
• Don't create too many tabs. This makes content hard to navigate, and since subscriptions are tab-specific it makes the subscription process more difficult
• Make sure there's no missing values in the default metadata fields: Name, Artist, Album

iTunesU Video Walkthroughs

These screencasts demonstrate some of the basic tasks you should know when using iTunesU.

Using the Drop Box

In iTunesU, a Drop Box allows students to upload content (audio, video, or PDF) that only the instructor or course manager can see. This differs from a "Shared" space, where students who upload can access one another's content.

Instructors: Setting up a Drop Box

1. Open your course in iTunesU
2. Create a new tab and label it "Drop Box", then select the tab.
3. Click "Edit Page" in the link box in the upper-right corner of the screen
4. You'll see a new link box titled "Access for Drop Box". In that box will be a list of who has access to your course. Locate the "Student" entry, and select "Drop Box" from the drop-down menu.
5. This gives students access to upload into that specific tab. Your other tabs will continue to only allow you to upload.

Instructors: Viewing Content Uploaded to a Drop Box

1. Open your course in iTunesU
2. Select your Drop Box tab
3. In the iTunes application, select View > View Options.
4. Under "Show Columns", check the "Comments" box
5. The Comments field will now be visible in the tracks listed in your Drop Box tab. This field will contain the name and userID of whoever uploaded the file.

NOTE: Although you can always tell what students uploaded content into a drop box with the Comment field, you may still want to implement a naming convention for your students to use. For example, the filename should include Full Name and Lesson Number.

Students: Uploading Content to a Drop Box

1. Open your course in iTunesU
2. Select the Drop Box tab
3. Click on "Upload Files" in the link box in the upper-right corner of your screen. You r web browser will open to an upload form.
4. Click "Add Tracks". If you have multiple files you can queue them up by clicking on this button multiple times.
5. Browse for file you want to upload.
6. Your upload will begin. You should leave the browser window open until see a message that your upload is complete.
7. Click "Return to iTunes" to see your uploaded file.