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 Reloop Terminal Mix 8 DJ Controller to play MP3 files and to trigger jingles and drops using Serato DJ software.  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. I switched to the Reloop controller after my old favourite, the Novation Twitch, went out of support.

 

Mixer

The Reloop Terminal Mix 8 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 controller 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 Reloop Terminal Mix 8.

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 can 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

Heil PR-40 This is a professional level dynamic microphone that produces amazing sound for all vocal applications and is ideal for podcasting. Many top podcasters choose the Heil PR40 and it is now my microphone of choice for studio use.

 

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.