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Christine Szeluga » Podcast Studio

Podcast Studio

  • RODECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio with a micro-SD card inserted for temporary storage during your session
  • Three instruction cards detailing every part of the RODE Caster
  • Two PCR-65 side-address microphones with cords
  • Two HPC-A30-MK2 closed-back headphones
  • Two AKG K52 closed-back headphones
  • Two RODECaster microphones
  • Four mic stands
  • One iMac, loaded with RODECaster Pro and Adobe Audition editing software 
**Reserve a space on the calendly to record your podcast. This will ensure there is no overlap between groups. 
Cranford High School Podcast Studio Reservation **
 
1. At the back of the RODECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio, you will find a red button on the far right. Hold down the button for a few seconds until you see the board light up.
 
2. On the small screen, you should see a row of numbers 1-4 followed by the USB connection symbol, a cell phone icon, the Bluetooth connection symbol, a musical note, and then the letters L R. If the board is powered on and you do not see this screen, touch the left-pointing arrow on the upper left side of the screen until you arrive at this home screen.
 
3. The microphones should be plugged into jacks 1, 2, and 3, as numbered on the microphone stands. If not, the cords may have been plugged into different outlets on the back left side of the soundboard. To test your microphone, just talk into it when on the home screen. Turn up the volume under buttons 1-4. Green lines will rise above the microphone jack that you are plugged into. If you cannot hear yourself in your headphones, the most likely solution is to turn up the volume on the soundboard for your numbered microphone.
 
4. Repeat this step for all participants on your podcast, making sure everyone can be heard in their headphones. There are two buttons under the volume controls. The green ear icon is the “Solo” button to listen to the source on its own. The red button is the mute button, muting that audio source.
 
5. The square colorful buttons provide sound effects as labeled. They have their own volume control. If you cannot hear them, try turning up the volume control to the left of the sound effects buttons.
 
6. Additional inputs, including phone-in guests, may be added by connecting your phone with either phone cable or Bluetooth or by connecting your USB device to the USB port.
 
7. The dials over the sound effects buttons control volume to the headphones provided and speakers (not provided).
 
8. When all participants have tested their microphones and headphones and all optional auxiliary sound input has been checked, press the green REC button. It will become red while you are recording. To add sound effects, tap the desired button once. Tap the button again to stop the sound effect.
 
9. To stop recording, tap the red REC button. It will turn green. 
1. Pull out the micro SD card from the back of the RODECaster Pro.
 
2.  Insert the micro SD card into one of the adaptors.
 
3. Insert the adaptor to your Chromebook, MacBook, or another device.
 
4. Copy the file to your computer and delete your recording from the micro SD Card.
 
5. Safely remove the adaptor from your computer and reinsert the micro SD card into the rear of the RODECaster. 
When finished, please restore the room to its previous condition and sanitize all of the equipment. 
Students try out the podcast equipment.
Students try out the podcast equipment

Favorite resources to start podcasting in the classroom:

​New York Times - Project Audio: Teaching Students How to Produce Their Own Podcasts​

I like this one because it has a clear breakdown of where to start and what steps to take from a production standpoint.

​NPR - Starting Your Own Podcast: a Guide for Students​

This is another great FREE resource, especially because it is written specifically for students and has some great supporting resources. I especially liked the segment about field recording. 
​

​WeVideo

Finally, this one has a paid version and a free version but is great for the Chromebook users out there who are looking for a way to record and MIX audio. I used to use Audacity, and that is my recommendation if you have laptops, but Chromebooks don’t have a desktop so I needed a web-based mixing tool.

Thanks to the Cranford Fund for Education Excellence for funding the Dr. Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe Library and Learning Commons Makerspace Grant.