How To Gain Podcast Powers – Part 1

Have you ever listened to a podcast on your second generation iPod Touch or iPhone 3G?
You’re not alone!

But have you ever tried to record one on your Touch or iPhone? Probably not, right?

Everyone seems to have a blog and now a podcast of their own. And you can too.  I recently had a chance to catch-up with fellow blogger and podcaster Graham Scharf in New York City to tap his experiences in searching high and low for the perfect mic for the job.

In this series of posts, Graham will go over key fundamental things you need to know about getting the hardware ready for your podcast-with-personality:

Until now your recording option was the built-in mic in the iPhone, or an external headset or lapel mic from Apple or a third-party vendor.

As a podcaster, I was shocked that there wasn’t a good way to capture high quality audio on top-of-the-line devices like the iPod Touch or iPhone 3G. (There are great recording options for the classic Ipod, but nothing for the Touch and iPhone.)

I was particularly frustrated that to record a face-to-face interview for a podcast, the app store had plenty of good options, but there wasn’t a good external mic to use with the apps.

Well, I wasn’t the only one who noticed the need. . . The good folks at TouchMic saw the same need and have just released a brilliant new area mic, the MityMic, perfect for recording podcasts  including face-to-face interviews.

As a podcaster, why do I like the MityMic so much?

1. It travels. I have my Touch virtually everywhere I go. With this small, lightweight mic, I can do a spur-of-the-moment interview anywhere  without having to purchase and carry a digital audio recorder with me.
2. It delivers. The MityMic is designed with sound in mind.
   1. It is designed as to extend away from the iPod Touch just enough as to not to pick up vibrations interference from base of the Touch.
   2. A professional grade windscreen foam (included) helps to eliminate pops and noise at high volumes and windy environments.
   3. The gold plated 3.5mm jack allows for top-of-the-line signal transmission.
   4. The design allows for a full 360 degree adjustment into any position  perfect for setting on a table to record an interview.
3. It plays nice with others. I can take my pick of audio recording apps like VoxiePro or iTalk.
4. It turns my Touch into a $2.95/month wifi iPhone. I can even use the MityMic with my Skype app! ($2.95/month for unlimited domestic calling means my iPod Touch turns into an iPhone whenever I’m in a wifi zone.)

In Part 2, we’ll talk with Graham about the top 6 things you need to know before you buy an area mic for your iPod or iPhone. . .

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Graham Scharf is a father of two, and co-founder of Tumblon.com.  He blogs on parenting, education and social change at Essential Questions and produces a podcast series for parents of young children. You can follow him on Twitter @tumblondad.