Making podcasts can be a lot of fun. Whether you want to make podcasts for your business, as a fun side project, or as an entrepreneurial venture, you’ll want the best equipment for recording your show. That’s where the PM-21 comes in. It’s got a great mixer, mic, and headphones for you to record your show, plus great software and tips so your recording will be nothing but professional.

Includes mixer, microphone, headphones, and software; Required computer sold seperately.

Make your dreams come true

In the movie Mr. Deeds, Longfellow Deeds tells a story of how his media mogul uncle, Preston Blake, had always wanted to be a DJ growing up. After he was a billionaire, he would go into one of the radio stations he owned in the wee hours of the morning and DJ. Luckily for you, though, you don’t need to own a radio station to make your own programs. In this digital age, you can create your own podcast at home and broadcast it for the world to hear. This lets you create programming anyone in the world can listen to about anything you want. Maybe you want to play your favorite country songs with jokes interlaced between them. Or perhaps you’d rather broadcast your opinions on current legislation. Maybe you’d rather create how-to podcasts about topics you’re an expert on. Whatever you’re of a bent to share with the world, you can with podcasts. But you don’t want your fifteen minutes of fame to sound like amateur hour. You need some top-quality recording equipment. But unlike Mr. Blake, you don’t have $40 billion to spend on your setup. That’s where the PM-21 comes in.

What it is

The PM-21 is the ideal kit for creating your own podcasts. Whether you’ve never even listened to a podcast before, or you’ve published thousands of podcasts, this kit is a great solution for you. It comes with a mixer, a microphone, and a set of headphones. All of these are pro-grade with exceptional quality and high-end features like gold-plated microphone inputs. It also includes all the needed accessories, like an AC/DC power adapter and microphone connection adapter, plus some handy extras like tutorials and tips. But despite the fact you can make professional-quality podcasts with this set, you won’t have to spend hundreds to get it.

Start off slowly

If you’re looking at the PM-21 thinking that it’s a very nice set, but you don’t know the first thing about creating podcasts, don’t sweat it. This kit includes tons of information to help take you from a first-time host to a podcast legend. When you’re initially getting started, you’ll need to get familiar with your equipment. So, there is an included tutorial that takes you through all the steps necessary to set up and use the hardware and software included with the PM-21. This way you can make sure all of the equipment is hooked up correctly, then record and edit your podcast with no prior experience. But being able to use the equipment is not the only important element of a good podcast. So, there are also tips on scripting, content, websites, and even promotion of your podcast. If you’re new to recording podcasts, don’t shy away from the PM-21 — it’s with you every step of the way.

Old hat

Don’t think that this kit is only for people new to making podcasts. Sure it’s a great option for first-time podcasters. But the high quality ensures that this is far from a “My First Podcast Kit.” Aside from the professional-grade components, there’s some pretty powerful software bundled with the PM-21. So this is a great option for the experienced podcaster in the market for an inexpensive kit. It’s also a great option as an on-the road kit if you’ve already got a good home set-up, since its portability makes it great for bringing to interviews or on-site events.

A heaping cup of spice

It’s been said that variety is the spice of life. In this spirit, sound from a variety of sources is essential to a great podcast. You’ll need music at some points, dialogue at others, and maybe even some zany effects depending on the spirit of your podcast. The PM-21 lets you incorporate all of these. It has two gold-plated 1/4″ microphone inputs for the voice content of your show. There is another 1/8″ mini-pin input for sources like MP3 players, or anything with a headphone output. There’s even a male-to-male mini-pin cable included to make connecting your external sources easy. Finally, there is an input for L/R RCA audio cables. This allows any components like CD players or even DVD players to have their audio put into your podcasts. Each of these four tracks has its own volume controls plus bass and treble balance controls. This makes it easy to make an amazing podcast with perfect sound from a wide variety of external sources.

From here to there

But how will you know the mix in your podcast is right? Once you’ve got your sound sources hooked up, you’ll need a way to hear them yourself. Not only will you need them to be connected to your computer so you can edit and upload them, it’s also handy to listen while you’re recording. Again, the PM-21 delivers. It has four separate output tracks. First, there is a line-level output with L/R output jacks. There is also a USB port for easy computer connection. Finally, two 1/8″ headphone ports let you listen to your recording as it progresses.

Comparison Specifications

• Includes mixer, microphone, headphone set, microphone set, and software
• Mixer features 4 inputs: 2 gold-plated 1/4″ microphone inputs, 1 input for iPod/MP3 (1/8″), and 1 stereo line level input (RCA L/R)
• Each input channel features bass/treble equalization and volume controls
• USB output, stereo line level output (RCA L/R), and 2 headphone (1/8″) outputs
• Master output volume controls plus level adjust for headphone outputs
• Metal cabinet for mixer
• Mixer can be powered by included AC/DC adapter or 9V battery
• Mixer noise characteristics: S/N -86dB; 0.09% THD; 10Hz to 100kHz frequency response
• Pro-grade microphone includes adjustable, weighted-base desktop stand
• Die-cast microphone body has on/off switch and XLR connection

Additional Specifications

• 10′ microphone cable with 1/4″ plug
• Microphone sensitivity: -56.5dB
• Microphone frequency response: 80Hz to 15kHz, 600 ohms impedance
• Circumnaural headphone design (Full-size)
• Headphones have “Super Bass Drivers”
• 10′ headphone cord length with 3.5mm stereo plug
• Headphone sensitivity is 107dB ± 3dB
• Headphone frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
• PODCASTER package with required software
• Includes numerous tutorials and tips for creating, publishing, and promoting your podcasts

Technical Pro introduces the first affordable all in 1 box Podcast Solution. Anyone can create a podcast but to make it sound exceptional you need more than a microphone and buying pro-quality recording equipment is beyond the budget of most amateur podcasters.

Technical Pro’s Podcaster could make the difference between listeners taking your podcasts seriously and subscribing to them or passing them by for lack of professional quality.

For experienced professionals making podcasts is a fairly simple process. However for the first timer, the process can be daunting. The Podcaster package includes all the required software and a step-by-step tutorial developed by Podbean. This tutorial covers everything from scripting, podcast content community websites and tips on how to promote your podcasts. Also included is a CD of Audacity audio editor for PC and Mac. Audacity is a very capable open source package for recording, editing and exporting podcasts. Finally, the Podcaster package also includes an easy step –by-step setup guide covering the technical aspects of the hardware and software.

[Thanks Vann's] on sale for $89

Baseball Podcast

The Dunk Mug

The problem: How on earth will we carry our cookies, coffee, and stack of magazines all to the couch?
The solution: The Dunk Mug ($21). Stash your cookies for easy carrying or snacking on the go. In a stroke of true brilliance, it’s also available in a left handed model, so lefties won’t end up with a lap full of cookies!

If you own one of Apple’s “magical and revolutionary” iPads, chances are you’ve already utilized the device’s glorious 9.7″ HD screen to do a variety of things – including reading the news.

Indeed, users are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a decent news reading app for the iPad. Steve gave Pulse News Reader a bit of special attention at this year’s WWDC keynote – an RSS reader app that exists along scores of others, including Reeder for iPad; a sleek, feature-packed Google Reader app that is my own personal favorite.

In addition to these, some might prefer actual newspaper apps – and by this I mean iPad apps like NYT Editors’ Choice or The Times of London: applications that offer newspaper content in a newspaper form.

However, if you’re looking for an app that bridges these two realms, look no further: The Daily Digg – an app recently discovered by MacStories - does this by presenting a variety of Digg categories in a newspaper-style setting.

Tapping on an article opens it up for you to read, and running along the bottom of the screen is a bar highlighting the different sections of Digg. Touching a section brings up the relevant articles in a flash.

Additionally, the application makes use of the iPad’s 9.7″ screen perfectly, not letting an ounce of space go to waste – which is a nice feature.

However, what’s even nicer about The Daily Digg is its price: the app is completely free, and is available now in the App Store. If you’re in the market for a simple-but-great Digg app for your iPad, be sure to check out The Daily Digg – and let us know what you think of the app in the comments box below!

The HDR7 features digital recording of anything from MP3s (in 3 different bit rates) to WAV files (up to 24-bit/96kHz); on-board high-quality condenser mics in X/Y configuration; an SD/SDHC slot that will accept up to a 32GB card; Mic Sensitivity switch (L/H); Adjustable record level with VU meter; mic & line input jacks; headphone and line out jack; Auto-Compression/ Limiter/AGC (Auto Gain Control); a USB port to connect the unit to your PC to transfer and edit files; and AA battery or AC operation.

Then, the HDR7 adds a color LCD screen; direct recording to USB Thumb Drive; recording of AIFF and AAC files; on-board conversion of existing files to other formats; an Input gain Switch with 3 levels; Auto-Record and Auto-Track Mark functions; mark or file timer mode with user adjustable times; date and time settings; noise gate function; 5 second pre-record buffer; and even a built-in Guitar or CHroMATIC Tuner.?

A nice list of accessories comes with the unit, including a Tripod Stand, AC Adaptor, Wind Screen, 4 x AA batteries, Cloth Carrying Case, USB Cable, and SD Card (1 GB), so you can start recording right away.

The iKey HDR7 will set you back $279.99 when it premiers this Fall. More information on the iKey HDR7 portable recorder.

Since my freshmen year in college, I’ve been fascinated with the idea of mixing two different records with similar beat structure in a seamless fashion. Before I was brought onto the staff at The Booth, I would spend a great amount of my spare time teaching myself basic DJ techniques on Virtual DJ. It’s my passion.

It just so happens that on the same day Kobe hit a fade away game winning bank shot on D. Wade and I inquired about my current position at The Booth, I was introduced to the Scratch DJ Academy. Good day right? I remember thinking to myself, “What a great idea” and “Where was this school 10 years ago?”. Scratch describes their DJ 101 course as the perfect starting point for anyone who wants to become a DJ. I couldn’t agree more.

While most courses are designed for students to attend once a week [100 minutes per day] for six weeks, the good folks at the Miami location were able to squeeze me into their schedule all in one private lesson.  After exchanging pleasantries with Miami’s Director and Head Instructor, DJ Immortal, we were right down to business.

Upon first glance, the standard DJ set-up [Serato, Two Turntables and a Mixer] can be intimidating. After a quick overview of the equipment, ranging from Serato Audio Interface to the various mixer controls, I felt right at home using the essential instruments needed for a professional DJ to Rock the Party.

After becoming familiar with the equipment, Immortal gave me a tutorial on the Principles of Mixing. The first step, described by Immortal, as the most indispensable skill for any DJ, was learning how to Drop on the One. Dropping on the one, can best be described as taking the first sound from a given record and releasing it with perfect timing into another beat matched record.

Following some intense practice, we moved on to basic Old School Beatmatching, where Immortal instructed me on how to use the turntable pitch controls and my trained ears and take two records with different tempos and match the kicks and snares so that they would hit at the same time when playing simultaneously. Along with Dropping on the One, Beatmatching is a essential element for any DJ who wishes to create a seamless mix.

So what’s next, now that I have the basic Principles of Mixing under my belt.  This is where the fun starts. Knowing when to bring in a certain record can seem like a daunting task, but Immortal was able to simplify basic Music Theory for me.  In DJing, careful phrasing allows the transition between two records to be seamless.  Lucky for me, I was able to get a decent handle on this at the same time one of the many stunning women that litter the South Beach area was checking out the school.  Yes, being able to smoothly transition Kanye West’s “Heard “Em Say” into Snoop Dogg’s Who Am I” not only makes you seem cool, it sounds really dope as well.

While were on the subject, the sound system set-up at Scratch is top of the line.  During the multiple hours of my free practice time, I was blasting music from Outkast to The Roots so loudly that I’m surprised the neighboring offices didn’t complain. To truly be considered a great DJ, practice is of the foremost importance. Luckily for enrolled students, Scratch has plenty of space, equipment and time slots to make this possible.

DJ 101 concludes with a rundown of the basic scratches needed to perform an above average mix. Many of the instructors at Scratch describe this portion of the course as the most fun because let’s be honest everyone relates scratching as the coolest part of being a DJ.  When it comes to cutting records on the 1’s and 2’s, both Immortal and fellow instructor DJ K-Razor are Ice Cold.  Don’t take my word for it though, check out the school for yourself at http://www.Scratch.com. 5 “Spins”.