C‑1U PODCAST QUICK-START GUIDE

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the BEHRINGER C‑1U. This large- diaphragm condenser microphone comes with an impressive software bundle which includes a variety of applications to creatively produce professional-sounding podcasts for the internet. Move up to the next step in the evolution of broadcasting, and free yourself and others from the limitations of conventional mass communication.

2. Podcasting basics

The following section gives you a quick insight into the terminology being used.

Podcasting is a term derived from combining the two words “iPod” and “broadcasting” and is defined as the distribution of audio or video files, such as radio programs or music clips, over the Internet.

This is accomplished by using one of two syndication techniques which allow users to listen and, of late, even view digital media on such portable media devices as iPod players and laptops.

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) and Atom are Web content syndication formats written in XML which provide either podcast content or summaries that link to content and additional file information.

Podcast is a feed of audio or video files placed on the Internet for public access. Anyone can subscribe to the feed and download the media files. This allows you to collect programs from a wide range of sources for listening or viewing media content, either online or offline with your computer or an appropriate portable device.

Podcatcher refers to a software application that enables the download of podcasts. Usually, it launches when the computer is started and runs then in the background, managing feeds that you add manually and downloading each at a specified interval.

3. Step-by-step installation

Now that you know the terminology and have all the gear you will need to produce high-quality audio podcasts, it’s about time you set up the equipment, install the software and get started.

1)Connect your new C‑1U USB mic to your computer by using the USB connector.

2)Connect any other sound source (CD/Tape) to the “Line In” connector of your computer’s sound card using a ⅛" TRS connector.

3)Hook up a set of headphones to the computer’s sound card phones connector using a ⅛" TRS connector.

After setting up the hardware, you are ready to install the audio software and podcasting applications provided on the software CD.

4)Then, install the Audacity software application, an easy-to- use audio editor, and Kristal Audio Engine, a powerful audio sequencer and mixer. Please note that the Audacity software is not ASIO capable, but runs on both Windows and Mac operating systems.

5)The Audacity software doesn’t include an MP3 codec to encode audio files. For this reason you will first need to download and install the LAME MP3 encoder (more infor- mation and download at http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ download/?lang=en).

6)Remember to choose the appropriate driver in the preferen- ces of Audacity and Kristal Audio Engine when using these programs with your USB audio interface.

7)Install the Podifier software. This application automates the making of podcasts and includes an FTP feature to upload your podcasts to a server.

8)Install the Juice or Podnova software. Both of these appli- cations are cross-platform podcast receivers which help you manage your podcast files.

9)Alternatively, install the Golden Ear software (works only on Windows operating systems). This program is a podcast recei- ver that enables you to look for and download podcasts.

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Step-by-step installation