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
