Equipment

Internet Radio Setup – Equipment

This is my current equipment setup for Internet Radio broadcasting:

Click on the image for a larger view.

 

Controller

I use a Novation Twitch to play MP3 files and to trigger jingles and drops using Serato DJ software.  The Novation Twitch is a great controller and is ideal for broadcasting online radio as long as you can manage without platters for mixing.  Personally, I find the touch-strips are a great alternative to platters and the small size of the Twitch controller is perfect for my use.  Unfortunately availability of this controller seems to be limited.

If you are looking for a controller with platters so that you can practice your “scratching” skills or just prefer this kind of device then I recommend the Reloop Terminal Mix 8.  I have used this controller to improve my mixing skills and it has helped me when needing to use CDJs in club situations.  DigitalDJTips also recommend the Reloop Terminal Mix 8  for their DJ controller scratching course.  This is a big heavy controller but has a huge amount of functionality.  It works particularly well with Serato DJ but is also compatible with Traktor and other DJ software.

 

Mixer

The Novation Twitch is connected to a Behringer 1204USB Mixer.  I also connect my mic (a Behringer XM8500 Ultravoice Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone) and monitor speakers to the mixer.   This allows me to balance the volume of the Twitch and mic as well as meaning that I can run the mic through a compressor/limiter and have control of the bass/treble independently of the Novation Twitch.

Compressor/Limiter

The compressor/limiter I use is an Behringer MDX1600 Proxl Autocom.  This device allows me to have more control of the mic.  For example, I have a ‘gate’ set that keeps the mic silent unless it pickups up a certain volume of sound.  This allows me to have the mic channel open all the time – no need to fade it up/down or switch off the mic – which means one less thing to deal with during a show.

Audio Interface

I take an output from the mixer into a Behringer UCA202 audio interface.  This simple device allows the output to be fed into a computer via a USB port.  The Behringer UCA-202 is definitely at the low end of audio interfaces but it came with the mixer and I find the quality to be quite adequate for broadcasting.

Computers / Laptops

I will cover how I use software in a separate post.

Podcasting Equipment

These is what I use to produce my own podcast:

Microphones

Samson Q2U USB/XLR Microphone with HP20 Headphones (this is the same as the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB)  This is a great quality but reasonably priced microphone that cannot connect directly to a computer via USB but also supports connecting to a mixer using the included XLR cable.  For a useful description and review of the Samson Q2U, including a video, visit bestpodcastmicrophone.com

Samson SAGOMIC Go Mic Clip On USB Microphone – White  I purchased this tiny microphone to allow me to record my podcast while travelling.  It connects to a laptop via USB and comes in a travelling pouch.