Erk Pod audio problem solved!

Photos: Erk (top), Drue (middle), Squeak (bottom)


You may remember that Drue joined me as a host from Erk Pod episode 65. I was using an XLR mic and Drue was using an ordinary mic that I purchased during the week. At the time I was using the original mixer which only has one XLR input. Needless to say, Drue's audio wasn't as good as mine for episode 65 but it was still passable.


One of the things that we both noticed was that Drue was moving the mic around as he isn't used to handling one and I didn't think to bring a mic stand. The mic stand that came with the kit was tiny and lightweight.


So between episodes 65 and 66, I went out and got a new mixer with a second XLR mic input and got a new XLR mic for Drue. I also got a heavy desktop mic stand which Drue used. I wanted to get one for me as well but they only had one in stock.




So Saturday came and we recorded Erk Pod episode 66. The new mixer, mic and mic stand really helped (EXCELLENT!) and Drue's sounding even better than he did in episode 65. I've had some good feedback about my new co-host and you wouldn't know that he's had no podcasting or radio experience prior to Erk Pod.


While we were recording on Saturday, Squeak was over at Drue's as well so I gave him a headset and a mic which was the mic that Drue used the previous week. We tested and everything was OK but after we started recording, Squeak's audio went pear shaped so while he contributed, he probably didn't speak as much as he maybe wanted to. Then I thought that maybe I could fix the problem in post-production and while it sounded a bit better, Squeak's audio wasn't as good as Drue's or mine.


I thought that we have to fix the problem now because we may indeed have a third person on from time to time and I'd prefer them to have their own mic rather than sharing Drue's or mine. Then I thought about the new mixer and my original mixer and between then, they have 3 XLR inputs! So last night (Thursday) I did some testing after linking the two mixers together and it worked well. Obviously I'll test it with Drue and whoever the third person is and test levels before the show but I know that it is possible. All I need is another XLR mic and a couple of mic stands and we are set to go!


I continually am learning stuff about the whole process and I hope that you can notice improvements. Obviously I can notice heaps of differences between early episodes and now. I can even notice a lot of changes (and I need to do a lot less post-production!) since recording episode 49 at Squeak's place a couple of months ago.