Package Contents
With Behringer's XENYX502 5-channel mixer with built-in preamp, a XM8500 dynamic microphone, an XLR cable, high quality 2-band "British" EQ isolation headphones, and a USB audio interface, you are all set to podcast and record straight to your Mac or PC, and just a step away from publishing and sharing your insights with the world. The package also includes comprehensive DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and podcasting software. If you want to use the package for other applications, like music production, it works perfectly with any of the free or expensive digital music recording software packages out there, like Garageband and Logic for Mac, or Audacity for Mac and PC.
Getting Started
If you're new at using your computer to record and produce audio files, this package is right for you. It comes with all of the pieces you need in one package.
Interfacing
Connecting and installing all of this equipment is easier than it looks. The first thing to do is to connect your USB interface.
Every digital recording set-up requires either a USB or Firewire interface. This basically takes the analog signals that come from microphones and instruments and translates them into a digital form that a computer can analyse, use, and store. Plug this included interface (with ruggedized USB cable) into your computer. If your computer does not recognize the device, run the included driver off the CD.
Mixing
The next step is to connect the mixer to the interface with the included RCA cables. This mixer is as basic as it gets for mixers, and so is perfect for podcasting. It includes 5 channels (which limits your speakers and interviews to include a maximum 5 people). The mixer includes dials to control high and low EQ levels, panning, track levels, and master levels.
Adjusting levels is pretty straight forward. you want to remember that with podcasts you will be creating low-quality light-weight audio file that people will easily be able to quickly download. Often times when these audio files are compressed into files that take up less disk space, the audio quality is compromised.
Panning so that all of the speakers have their own place on the right-left spectrum is important so they seem like seperate people to the listener. Using the high/low EQ controls to make the speakers more clear is also a good practice. You usually want them on the high frequency side for the most clarity.
Microphones
This kit comes with one mic but you can connect more of your own; up to 5 total. This mic comes with an XLR cable (typical mic cable) to plug straight into the mixer. A convenient table-top mic stand is also included.
Remember to place the microphone so that it is directly facing the speaker's mouth. The number one rule to good recording is that the sound will be only as good as the source. You can't fix poor audio quality in post production.
Production
This kit comes with software known as a DAW in the digital recording business (Digital Audio Workstation). This software is based on the Audacity engine. It is a comprehensive application that allows you to edit tracks and stems to polish off your podcast. This includes compression, ducking, EQ levels, automatic vocal improvement, and more. It also features the software you need to publish your podcast in any mainstream music codec (such as MP3, a nice light-weight codec).
