Recording podcasts on Macbook Air

Question

Level 1

14 points

Recording podcasts on Macbook Air

Hi guys,

Quick computer question, I currently record my podcast on a Macbook Pro - 2010 model - 2.4Ghz intel core 2 duo processor, 8GB RAM, NVIDOA GeFore 320 256MB.

I've been offered a chance to upgrade to a current MacBook Air at work. I'd quite like an Air as I carry my computer around, etc. I record using Garageband and a USB microphone, but I've had some issues with the system crashing in the past.

Would a current MacBook Air be OK to record and edit podcasts on? If so, which current model would be best suited to this?

Sorry if this a really obvious question, I just want to make sure I make the right choice!

Podcast / iTunes

Posted on Feb 24, 2014 12:54 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 24, 2014 9:54 PM in response to sam_clements

you might consider making your own acoustic podcasting booth too like i did here below:

$25 vs. $300 for a commercial one

Spectral audio comparison I made below on Adobe Audition........left side of center marker is INSIDE the box, right side OUTSIDE

all variables identical other than the box

youll notice a lot of noise missing on the left, If I magnified it youd see a lot more noise on the right.

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Answer 2

LowLuster

Level 6

12,105 points

Feb 24, 2014 10:30 AM in response to sam_clements

Aside from whatever Mic you use a new current Air model, any of them, will do what you need it to do for your podcasts.

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Answer 3

Feb 24, 2014 1:00 AM in response to sam_clements

I Do a lot of podcasting.

what kind of microphone? most mics made FOR computers BY computer people are pure junk.

Best mics are professional mics that are retrofitted for computers / USB.

Yes, absolutely, tons of people are doing podcasts on their Air.

Any Air is fine for same, consider a better mic however, such as a AT2020 USB

Dont use Garageband, use something good for recording such as the APP Amadeus, Twisted Wave, or Adobe Audition, or Sound Forge etc.

depending on what you have now. 😊

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Answer 4

Feb 24, 2014 2:11 AM in response to sam_clements

Just an aside:

If you run out of free space on your HD (`20% empty is recomended for VMEM and temp files) it can cause crashing. Once you've crashed a few times without booting into repair and repairing your boot drive, more crashing occurs as the MBD gets thrashed. This is true of any operating system.

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Answer 5

sam_clements Author

Level 1

14 points

Feb 24, 2014 5:36 AM in response to PlotinusVeritas

Thanks for your help! Good to know.

I use a Blue Snowball mic and seems to do the job OK. What would be a good next step up from this?

Thank you for the software help too, we don't have a huge budget but always looking to do the best we can with limited resource. Which one of the above would you recommend?

Cheers,
Sam

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Answer 6

Feb 24, 2014 10:14 AM in response to sam_clements

Ouch, yes, I know all about that mic, its hideous at recording.

Without spending a lot, a professional Mic adapted for USB is the AT2020 USB

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-USB-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B001AS6O YC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393265631&sr=8-1&keywords=at2020+usb

$130

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