Blogger Audio
Jenna has put her seal of approval on our audio program. You can hear it here:
Content
"Intro"
Single file
The intro was recorded second, and you might be able to tell because of some of the content. Listen to it however you like, though.
We want to try and do this once every week or so. The technical aspect might change that, though. We used an internet voice chat program to connect, which is why Jenna's voice becomes a little funny at times. On her end, she needs to run her laptop off its battery because the power adapter makes too much noise. We recorded this in two pieces because her battery gave out in the middle. We needed the break anyway, to collect ourselves.
We're going to work on content and quality over time. We walked into this one without any notes or prep work, just to get our "hello" out there. She's going to be collecting material, while I try and figure out a way to do this without recording the audio onto tape and transferring it back again. And, I'd like to see if we can pod-cast these programs.
By the way, Patrick: thanks for the offer to help! I did run some audio filtering software to eliminate clicks and hiss. The finished product is considerably better than what I started with. And, thanks for hosting the files!!!
Jenna: Thanks for doing this. I tried to make everything go smoothly, because I thought any hiccup might scare you off. But, you stuck through our three nights of technical difficulties and even gave me a push once in a while! And just think... Your mother always said NOT to talk to strangers.
Content
"Intro"
Single file
The intro was recorded second, and you might be able to tell because of some of the content. Listen to it however you like, though.
We want to try and do this once every week or so. The technical aspect might change that, though. We used an internet voice chat program to connect, which is why Jenna's voice becomes a little funny at times. On her end, she needs to run her laptop off its battery because the power adapter makes too much noise. We recorded this in two pieces because her battery gave out in the middle. We needed the break anyway, to collect ourselves.
We're going to work on content and quality over time. We walked into this one without any notes or prep work, just to get our "hello" out there. She's going to be collecting material, while I try and figure out a way to do this without recording the audio onto tape and transferring it back again. And, I'd like to see if we can pod-cast these programs.
By the way, Patrick: thanks for the offer to help! I did run some audio filtering software to eliminate clicks and hiss. The finished product is considerably better than what I started with. And, thanks for hosting the files!!!
Jenna: Thanks for doing this. I tried to make everything go smoothly, because I thought any hiccup might scare you off. But, you stuck through our three nights of technical difficulties and even gave me a push once in a while! And just think... Your mother always said NOT to talk to strangers.
15 Amendments:
What voice chat did you guys use I don't think it was Skype, it sounded like one of the instant messenger chats (Yahoo, MSN Google Talk etc.), also what type of microphones?
Since I play a little with audio and editing on the computer, I might have a suggestion or two. I have friends that asked when I was going to start my own podcast, that's not going to happen, but I do like the editing and background work.
Another thing about using a laptop, you can usually get rid of some of the mechanical noise by turning off the fan, but of course, depending on the laptop, that can cause it's own problems.
It was Google Messenger. I know we should be able to do better.
I've done audio work for community theater, and I've got a pretty good set of tools. But, I'd be perfectly happy to offload the editing on you, if we can find a way to do it.
The laptop thing is going to be our biggest problem. Jenna can run it for about 20 minutes on battery. If we can find a power supply that doesn't hum, it would work just fine. My laptop does the same thing, so I'm going to check and see if proper grounding helps. Otherwise, we'll need to get Jenna a linear (non-switching) power supply. :)
The microphone thing also needs to be taken care of eventually. The standard PC microphone picks up fleas farting.
You are best to get a decent headset/microphone combo, you can get them from WalMart type stores for as little as $10, but if you step up to the $25 range you will notice the quality. I have used a Plantronics headset/mic for a few years, the sound quality has been great. Now I use a Logitech headset/mic, paid about $25 for it and it seems as good as my $50 Plantronics A few of us host a chat on Sunday afternoons and 3 to 5 of us do an audio chat, with music, and broadcast a live audio stream while others chat in the chatroom. Over the years we have tested the different types of microphones and audio chat programs, and the headset is the biggest help we have found.
Next time you do this, try using Skype it is free and the best voice chat program out there. You can even make calls to land line phones using a pre-paid account. The audio quality, as long as both users are on DSL or cable, is close to phone quality.
The headset/mic combo is a good idea. It would keep the sound level predictable.
I'll have to give up my Koss headphones, though... :(
Good luck, guys.
Unlike many, I don't think audio and video "blogs" are the wave of the future.
There are some very good audio and video podcasts out there (I'm a big fan of Tikibar TV and TWIT), but I can't think of a single audio or video "blog" that works.
I think listening to an audio stream is too much a commitment for the blogging audience in general.
On the other hand, what do I know? I once told someone that bulletin boards were the future. The internet was just too complicated for most people.
Plus, I'm a fictional character. So take my opinion for what it's worth.
I think listening to an audio stream is too much a commitment for the blogging audience in general.
I agree. But, Ipod may be changing that. I can understand not wanting to be tied to a computer. Podcasts change that.
If anyone can make it work, I'm betting on you and Jenna.
And someone must be listening to Althouse's.
She does them often enough.
;)
I download and listen to podcasts at work all the time, just load it onto my mp3 player and I use a cassette adapter so I can play it right through the speakers in my van at work.
The Cheddarsphere's techno-geek is discussing the merits of a good cassette adapter?
Seriously, though, you need to find a good adapter. Many cars are too "smart" to take a cheap model. You want to find one that will apply pressure to defeat the car's broken tape detection. The one that Patrick selected looks OK.
That isn't the exact one I have, but there are probably people that didn't understand what I was talking about. I also have one that transmits an FM radio signal, but that one really sucked bad LOL.
The one I have plays pretty good music, but I rarely use it for music, but it is excellent for podcasts and audio books.
I listened to the audio files when I got a special "sneak-peek" a couple days ago.
It was interesting (oh, and thanks for ripping on me so much). ;-)
I wish you both the best of luck!
(oh, and thanks for ripping on me so much)
See? Conservative-liberal WOULD be boring.
Interesting
I don't think the U.S. will ever be ready for a geeky President though.
Al Gore invented the internet... and look where that got him.
I remember the talkstar thing, and you definitely do better with a sidekick.
See if you can find somebody who doesn't want to annihilate my state.
Nice work.
Sorry about that ;)
See? Conservative-liberal WOULD be boring.
All in good fun, all in good fun...
I can't help but mention that it's funny how you guys were talking about how overdone/mundane the conservative/liberal debate is...when a conservative-conservative dialogue is rather monotonous/mundane. lol
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