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Since I managed to squeeze out information about Jason's personal cockpit organizing setup, let's see if I can do the same for his ground-based "cockpit" - his podcast recording studio.

Jason, what are you using for recording and mixing software, for microphone, etc. And also, how do you record your (airplane) cockpit communications?

I've been recording narration recently for some e-learning content using the M-Audio podcast factory (really just a bundling of M-Audio hardware with tools like Audacity, Ableton Live Lite, etc.)

If you can think straight after you come back from the honeymoon I'd love to hear about your setup.

Hi Scot,

I'm happy to share ... although I may not be thinking straight ... yet

For TFP - I use ProTools to record with a mid-level Rhode condenser mic. I have EQ presets that I have created to add some thickness and boost the signal a little bit. I record close to the mic in a homemade isolation booth. I have learned from music that it's always best to get the signal right from the start ... there will be no "fixing in the mix".

In flight I use a Clarity Aloft or Bose headset with a Sony minidisc recorder inline with the headset. I then dump that into ProTools.

For the video products I am developing I have been using Soundtrack Pro because it interfaces easily with Final Cut. I can see phasing out ProTools in the future.

I have been very disappointed with the dynamic mic recordings I have used on some field interviews (SM-57 and SM-58). I am still looking for a solution to on location recording in a high noise environment.

Oops ... now you know all my secrets

Jason

_________________
"To Live is To Fly" - Townes VanZandt
www.thefinerpoints.net
jason@thefinerpoints.net

Jason,

What did you use to connect the headset to the MiniDisc recorder? This would be great to record the ATC conversations for later review with students.

Hi all. I can weigh in here with some useful information. 1st Jason, for the loud back ground recording you are correct the sm57 series is not very good. They are too omni directional. You will need more of a shotgun mike. That's one that is unidirectional: straight in front of the mic is hot, the more to the side the sound the less it is picked up. There are two considerations when using a shotgun mic. One, you have to point it at the sound source you want to record in this case the lips of the one talking. Two, make sure the background behind is clear of noise. Meaning if a plane is starting up or a loud crowd is in the path of the line of direction for the mic you will pic it up as well. They are called shotgun mics because they reach out for the sound. Ever watch a tv host interview someone in a loud crowd? Watch how they sway and tilt the mic to point at the lips of the talker. They also point it up because the sky is usually quieter.

For capturing the sound of communication in cockpit? Will from the Student Pilot Podcast reports using a digital recorder with a small mic placed in the earcup of his headset. This method you can hear a bit of the sounds of a cockpit. Wind level, Rpm changes etc. That would not work with the aloft headset though.

Beauregard

Jason,

I'm interested in the interface device or wire setup you've got that allows you to "go inline" between the headset jacks and the input plugs of your headset.

_________________
Inst: "So how far out so we make our initial call-up?"
Student: "10 miles"
Inst: "OK, let's make that call"
Student: "Airport Traffic, Cessna 172, 3 miles east..."

You can plug your recording device into the intercom outlet, e.g. headphone output 3 or 4. This works fine with my old Sharp MD recorder. You capture ATC, instructor and yourself and whatever noise your microphones grab from the plane.

Rolf-Rainer

Hi all,

Rolf's suggestion is the best technique I've found. There is a special adapter I purchased from an avionics shop that allows you to do exactly that; put your recorder inline with your headset. I'm not sure of the brand name but it consists of the two male connections we are commonly used to in airplanes ... and a third male 1/8 inch to go to your recorder ... and an additional female for you the audio side of your headset headset.

hope that helps,
jason

_________________
"To Live is To Fly" - Townes VanZandt
www.thefinerpoints.net
jason@thefinerpoints.net