Tag Archive for: microphone

676 – Spotlight on LWMS

On this week’s WELSTech we talk with Beth Taticek from Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) about the tech that makes LWMS tick. Sallie’s under the weather so Martin flies solo and shares his pick of the week as well as events, resources, and community recommendations and questions.

The discussion

LWMS – Martin and Sallie welcome Beth Taticek, Administrator of Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS), to WELSTech. Beth’s career with LWMS spans 25+ years. During that time, she’s had a front row seat to the technology revolution and its impact on LWMS administration and communication. This includes the introduction and recent update of the LWMS website, lwms.org.

Pick of the week

Community news & feedback

Get involved

Getting Into Vlogging – Part 2

In Part One of the series on vlogging I shared a recommendation for a camera: the Sony ZV-1. Obviously this is the centerpiece of any vlogging configuration. Getting good clear video is important. However, a great case could be made that the audio of a vlog is of equal importance…perhaps even more important. Viewers will quickly move on from a video they can’t hear clearly. While the Sony ZV-1 has a good microphone, it will vary depending on conditions (wind, background noise, ventilation, etc.). The best way to insure the cleanest audio capture is through a dedicated microphone, and in the world of vlogging, that means a wireless microphone. The good news is there are a lot of excellent choices out there at various price points.

Microphone Kit

Goal

To have a microphone setup that is easy to use, captures audio at the source (i.e. very close to the speakers mouth), and is wireless to allow disconnected movement. The battery life should be sufficient for at least an hour of uninterrupted use, send audio to the video source, but also record it as a standalone mp3 file.

RODE Wireless Go II (my recommendation)

The RODE Wireless Go II is a dual channel wireless microphone system. It comes with one receiver that can be attached to the hot/cold shoe mount on the Sony ZV-1, and two transmitters with wind screens which can be clipped to a shirt collar. It’s key features (from their website) include:

  • Dual channel wireless microphone system for recording two sound sources simultaneously
  • Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission, 128-bit encryption – crystal-clear audio at up to 200m (line of sight), optimized for extremely stable operation in dense RF environments
  • 3.5mm TRS analog output, USB-C and iOS digital output – universal compatibility with cameras, mobile devices and computers
  • On-board recording – over 40 hours of internal memory
  • Option to record each channel separately or combine them for ultimate flexibility in post-production
  • In-built rechargeable lithium-ion battery – up to 7 hours battery life

After using the product for a little while now, I’d note the following pluses and minuses:

Positives:
  1. Very small and compact. It can be carried in a pocket or purse.
  2. Great audio quality, especially when paired with a Lavalier mic. I’d suggest the RODE SmartLav
  3. Having the audio sent back to receiver and recorded on the transmitter as well is a real life saver and allows you to get out of range of the receiver and still capture audio.
  4. There is a “safety channel” which records at -20dB in case you main audio clips, so you have a usable recording despite the wrong gain on capture.
  5. Can be used with most cameras and even smart phones with the write adapters.
Negatives:
  1. A little pricey. Currently about $300 on Adorama.
  2. When clipping on a shirt collar it is very obvious, especially with the windscreen. It also has rather bright status lights on the front, making it even more obvious.
  3. Uses micro usb to charge. A small nit pick, but it would be nice it if had USB-C.

All in all, this is an excellent solution for anybody who wants to regularly vlog and capture consistently great audio.

Watch for a video review soon.

Next time we’ll address post production video software options.

460 – Audio Publishing

This week we put the finishing touches on the WELSTech self-publishing summer series with a discussion of the technical requirements to turn a book into an audio book suitable for Audible and other distribution channels. Martin finally settles on a personal, cloud-based storage solution that is easy on the pocketbook, and the WELSTech Google Group is a happening place!

The discussion:

MicrophoneSpoken book – Martin and Sallie explore audio book creation in this last installment of the summer Self-Publishing series. The Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX) provides several paths for turning your book into an audio book including hiring voice talent to read your book or recording the audio yourself.

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

Episode 461 – Join Martin, Sallie and WELSTech Photo Challenge star Naomi Green as we kick off a new podcasting season with a discussion of photography. Release date: Wednesday, September 7

Get involved:

156 – Microphones, Janet Jackson, and Milk

This week the WELSTech Podcast discussion includes congregation tech topics such as wireless microphones, projection solutions, electronic signs, online social media presence and more.

The discussion:

New Tech in Sleepy Eye – Martin and Sallie review the newest techie additions in Sallie’s congregation, St. John’s in Sleepy Eye, MN.

Rear Projection Screen

Tech Planning – Mark Salzwedel, a member of Christ in Eden Prairie, WI, wrote WELSTech because his congregation was looking for direction and contacts to assist with some technology planning they are undertaking.

Ministry resources:

News in tech:

Picks of the week:

Of interest:

(32:15) View the live video stream of WELS Regional Choral Fest from Manitowoc Lutheran High School at wels.net/streams/live

  • Pops Concert – Friday, November 12 at 7 p.m. CST
  • Sacred Concert – Sunday, November 14 at 2 p.m. CST

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(44:55) Episode 157 – WELSTech hits the books as we look at chapter 3 of Leading 21st Century Schools.  (Release date 11/10/10)

The featured artist:

(46:05) This week we feature the music of Crosswalk Lutheran Ministries (http://www.crosswalkphoenix.com/worship/music.aspx) – You Are My World from their CD titled ”Crosswalk Lutheran Ministries”

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