Chris Pirillo » microphone http://chris.pirillo.com News and Reviews! Geek, Internet Entrepreneur, Hardware Addict, Software Junkie, Book Author, Once TV Show Host, Technology Enthusiast, Shameless Self-Promoter, Tech Conference Coordinator, Early Adopter, Idea Evangelist, Tech Support Blogger, Bootstrapper, Media Personality, Technology Consultant, Thicker Quicker Picker Upper. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:35:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 © chris@pirillo.com () chris@pirillo.com() Geek, Internet Entrepreneur, Hardware Addict, Software Junkie, Book Author, Once TV Show Host, Technology Enthusiast, Shameless Self-Promoter, Tech Conference Coordinator, Early Adopter, Idea Evangelist, Tech Support Blogger, Bootstrapper, Media Personality, Technology Consultant, Thicker Quicker Picker Upper. chris@pirillo.com No no http://chris.pirillo.com/wp-content/plugins/podpress/images/powered_by_podpress.jpgChris Pirillohttp://chris.pirillo.com 144 144 Audio Technica AT2020USB Condenser USB Microphone Couponshttp://chris.pirillo.com/audio-technica-at2020usb-condenser-usb-microphone-coupons/ http://chris.pirillo.com/audio-technica-at2020usb-condenser-usb-microphone-coupons/#comments Sat, 13 Dec 2008 08:07:09 +0000 coupons http://chris.pirillo.com/?p=11123 Audio Technica AT2020USB Condenser USB Microphone Coupons is a post from Chris Pirillo

From: T-Rave
Date: December 12, 2008 11:54:34 AM PST
To: Chris Pirillo
Subject: Audio Technica USB Microphone Coupon

I was wondering if I could get a coupon for the Audio Technica AT2020 USB mic. Looks and sounds fantastic. Thanks.

T-Rave

Here are the best deals on the Audio Technica AT2020USB Condenser USB Microphone:

Find More Coupons

]]> Audio Technica AT2020USB Condenser USB Microphone Coupons is a post from Chris Pirillo

From: T-Rave
Date: December 12, 2008 11:54:34 AM PST
To: Chris Pirillo
Subject: Audio Technica USB Microphone Coupon

I was wondering if I could get a coupon for the Audio Technica AT2020 USB mic. Looks and sounds fantastic. Thanks.

T-Rave

Here are the best deals on the Audio Technica AT2020USB Condenser USB Microphone:

Find More Coupons

]]> http://chris.pirillo.com/audio-technica-at2020usb-condenser-usb-microphone-coupons/feed/ 5 How to Produce a Successful Video Shoothttp://chris.pirillo.com/how-to-produce-a-successful-video-shoot/ http://chris.pirillo.com/how-to-produce-a-successful-video-shoot/#comments Mon, 08 Dec 2008 05:49:11 +0000 Chris http://chris.pirillo.com/?p=10846 How to Produce a Successful Video Shoot is a post from Chris Pirillo

Geek!This is Keegan Blackshear’s submission for the HP Magic Giveaway. Feel free to leave comments for this article as you see fit – your feedback is certainly welcomed! If you’d like to submit your own how-to, what-is, or top-five list, you can send it to me. Views and opinions of this writer are not necessarily my own:

Whether it is a live video stream, or a video that you are going to put on YouTube, there are many things that you have to keep in mind. Through my trial and errors in making videos, I have found many important items that need to be addressed to make an all-around decent video. I have arranged them according to what I think is the most important first, to the tip that affects you the least.

  • Video Quality – Good video quality is a must for almost every type of video that you may plan to shoot. In the case of showing small items, you need to make sure that the audience can see what you are holding or showcasing. If you appear as a blur on the screen, you should adjust the video quality. This can be achieved by adjusting the focus. Good video quality is a goal that you need to work towards each and every time you shoot video. Try finding out what quality your device has, and attempt to use it to its fullest. If you can use a video camera or photography camera that can record video, then try to use that. If possible, stay away from webcams as they can have a lower quality picture than that of a video camera. If you must use a web camera, purchase one that is of higher quality instead of one that is less expensive.
  • Lighting – Lighting, along with video quality, is important. If you do not have good lighting for your video, then your audience will not be able to see what you are trying to show them. Placement of lighting is important so the viewer can see what you are showcasing. For example, if you place a lamp to the side of you with the shade taken off, then the viewer will typically be able to see only half of your face. If you can move the lamp in front of you as much as possible, it should cut down on the shadowing of your face. Another example of this is if you are standing in front of a window that is open. The light coming in from a window can darken the things in front of and around it. A simple solution would be to close it, or put a sheet, towel, or a curtain over it. If it is necessary for the window to remain open, then you can brighten the area in front of the window with some artificial light from a lamp or ceiling lights. If there is a brighter window behind the camera, then you could let light in from that window to combat the light in front of the camera. Remember, too much light can be a bad thing. The video can become washed out, where it is hard to see what is on the screen.
  • Sound – Sound is another key item that you need to take into consideration when you are setting up, recording, or streaming video. The placement and surroundings can effect your decision greatly. If you have a microphone on the device that you are using to record or stream video, then you may want to think about getting another microphone. The most convenient spot to place your microphone may not always be the place that you should put it. If the easiest place to put the microphone is behind you, you should automatically think about a different place. If you can not find another spot for the microphone, then you can attempt to make the best of the original microphone on your video recording or streaming device.
  • Information – The information that you give in the recorded or live video is an important factor, because it will help you express your message to the audience. You have to be able to convey what you’re saying to your audience properly, or they may not be able to understand what you are trying to get across to them. You will want to take some time to plan out what you will say ahead of time to prevent the need to redo the shot. Before you stream live video, take some time to look at the material that you will present… rehearse it, then shoot it.
  • Editing – Editing is important mainly to recorded video, as it is difficult to edit a live feed. However, you can record the live video that you streamed, to edit later. Some people prefer to upload raw footage and do nothing with it. That is understandable, because it can be a hassle to edit video. However, it is a good idea to edit video in the event that you made mistakes. Editing may also come in handy if you are unable to get the same camera angle again, because of the time of day, position, or equipment change.

These are the five tips I find most important for beginners to have a successful video shoot. It is easy to incorporate these tips into your video-making routine. If you have any other suggestions that you find helpful, you can find me on Geeks, or leave a comment here.

]]> How to Produce a Successful Video Shoot is a post from Chris Pirillo

Geek!This is Keegan Blackshear’s submission for the HP Magic Giveaway. Feel free to leave comments for this article as you see fit – your feedback is certainly welcomed! If you’d like to submit your own how-to, what-is, or top-five list, you can send it to me. Views and opinions of this writer are not necessarily my own:

Whether it is a live video stream, or a video that you are going to put on YouTube, there are many things that you have to keep in mind. Through my trial and errors in making videos, I have found many important items that need to be addressed to make an all-around decent video. I have arranged them according to what I think is the most important first, to the tip that affects you the least.

  • Video Quality – Good video quality is a must for almost every type of video that you may plan to shoot. In the case of showing small items, you need to make sure that the audience can see what you are holding or showcasing. If you appear as a blur on the screen, you should adjust the video quality. This can be achieved by adjusting the focus. Good video quality is a goal that you need to work towards each and every time you shoot video. Try finding out what quality your device has, and attempt to use it to its fullest. If you can use a video camera or photography camera that can record video, then try to use that. If possible, stay away from webcams as they can have a lower quality picture than that of a video camera. If you must use a web camera, purchase one that is of higher quality instead of one that is less expensive.
  • Lighting – Lighting, along with video quality, is important. If you do not have good lighting for your video, then your audience will not be able to see what you are trying to show them. Placement of lighting is important so the viewer can see what you are showcasing. For example, if you place a lamp to the side of you with the shade taken off, then the viewer will typically be able to see only half of your face. If you can move the lamp in front of you as much as possible, it should cut down on the shadowing of your face. Another example of this is if you are standing in front of a window that is open. The light coming in from a window can darken the things in front of and around it. A simple solution would be to close it, or put a sheet, towel, or a curtain over it. If it is necessary for the window to remain open, then you can brighten the area in front of the window with some artificial light from a lamp or ceiling lights. If there is a brighter window behind the camera, then you could let light in from that window to combat the light in front of the camera. Remember, too much light can be a bad thing. The video can become washed out, where it is hard to see what is on the screen.
  • Sound – Sound is another key item that you need to take into consideration when you are setting up, recording, or streaming video. The placement and surroundings can effect your decision greatly. If you have a microphone on the device that you are using to record or stream video, then you may want to think about getting another microphone. The most convenient spot to place your microphone may not always be the place that you should put it. If the easiest place to put the microphone is behind you, you should automatically think about a different place. If you can not find another spot for the microphone, then you can attempt to make the best of the original microphone on your video recording or streaming device.
  • Information – The information that you give in the recorded or live video is an important factor, because it will help you express your message to the audience. You have to be able to convey what you’re saying to your audience properly, or they may not be able to understand what you are trying to get across to them. You will want to take some time to plan out what you will say ahead of time to prevent the need to redo the shot. Before you stream live video, take some time to look at the material that you will present… rehearse it, then shoot it.
  • Editing – Editing is important mainly to recorded video, as it is difficult to edit a live feed. However, you can record the live video that you streamed, to edit later. Some people prefer to upload raw footage and do nothing with it. That is understandable, because it can be a hassle to edit video. However, it is a good idea to edit video in the event that you made mistakes. Editing may also come in handy if you are unable to get the same camera angle again, because of the time of day, position, or equipment change.

These are the five tips I find most important for beginners to have a successful video shoot. It is easy to incorporate these tips into your video-making routine. If you have any other suggestions that you find helpful, you can find me on Geeks, or leave a comment here.

]]> http://chris.pirillo.com/how-to-produce-a-successful-video-shoot/feed/ 8 What USB Microphone are You Using to Record Audio?http://chris.pirillo.com/what-usb-microphone-are-you-using-to-record-audio/ http://chris.pirillo.com/what-usb-microphone-are-you-using-to-record-audio/#comments Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:54:21 +0000 Chris http://chris.pirillo.com/?p=10232 What USB Microphone are You Using to Record Audio? is a post from Chris Pirillo

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

What microphone do you use if you’re recording audio or video? If you’re looking for a mic, I have a new recommendation for you. Right now, I’m using the Samson CO1U, but I’ve picked up something that’s smaller. The Snowflake USB Microphone by Blue is very compact and lightweight.

Whether you’re recording your newest podcast, talking business on the web, or just narrating your latest great family movie, the Snowflake can capture it with amazing clarity and depth that’s head and shoulders above any comparable portable USB on the market!

The Snowflake works on both Mac and PC with no complicated drivers to install: just connect it to your computer’s USB port, follow the prompts and you’ll have high-fidelity sound in no time. It’s perfect for podcasting, voice recognition software, iChat, and VoIP software such as Skype and Vonage. Or use it for dictation, field recording, lecture recording, and narration for slideshows and PowerPoint presentations. The sky’s the limit. It’s even great for recording music via GarageBand and other multitrack recording software.

The Snowflake has its own digital converter. It’s extremely portable. It’s just this little mic that sits in the square, or you can pop it out. It kinda looks like an eyeball! You can have it sitting on your desk, or hang it off the back of a laptop or monitor. The mic head pivots around 360 degrees!

The sound quality is pretty nice. It records up to 44k 16-bit audio, which is more than enough if you are recording your voice for a podcast or something. You really only want to record at about 22k for voice. Anything more is overkill. You’d want 44k if you’re recording music.

Again, this is the Snowflake mic from Blue. I expect this will be the microphone that I will be using from now on!

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

]]> What USB Microphone are You Using to Record Audio? is a post from Chris Pirillo

Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

What microphone do you use if you’re recording audio or video? If you’re looking for a mic, I have a new recommendation for you. Right now, I’m using the Samson CO1U, but I’ve picked up something that’s smaller. The Snowflake USB Microphone by Blue is very compact and lightweight.

Whether you’re recording your newest podcast, talking business on the web, or just narrating your latest great family movie, the Snowflake can capture it with amazing clarity and depth that’s head and shoulders above any comparable portable USB on the market!

The Snowflake works on both Mac and PC with no complicated drivers to install: just connect it to your computer’s USB port, follow the prompts and you’ll have high-fidelity sound in no time. It’s perfect for podcasting, voice recognition software, iChat, and VoIP software such as Skype and Vonage. Or use it for dictation, field recording, lecture recording, and narration for slideshows and PowerPoint presentations. The sky’s the limit. It’s even great for recording music via GarageBand and other multitrack recording software.

The Snowflake has its own digital converter. It’s extremely portable. It’s just this little mic that sits in the square, or you can pop it out. It kinda looks like an eyeball! You can have it sitting on your desk, or hang it off the back of a laptop or monitor. The mic head pivots around 360 degrees!

The sound quality is pretty nice. It records up to 44k 16-bit audio, which is more than enough if you are recording your voice for a podcast or something. You really only want to record at about 22k for voice. Anything more is overkill. You’d want 44k if you’re recording music.

Again, this is the Snowflake mic from Blue. I expect this will be the microphone that I will be using from now on!

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

]]> http://chris.pirillo.com/what-usb-microphone-are-you-using-to-record-audio/feed/ 6 Where are all the PC Gizmos?http://chris.pirillo.com/where-are-all-the-pc-gizmos/ http://chris.pirillo.com/where-are-all-the-pc-gizmos/#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:56:14 +0000 Chris http://chris.pirillo.com/?p=9040 Where are all the PC Gizmos? is a post from Chris Pirillo

br>
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How cool are all of my new toys? When the people at miJam asked me if I wanted to review a few of their newest toys, I jumped at the chance. I may be 35, but I still love toys! Seriously, who wouldn’t love things like this?

The miJam Pro Air Drummer allows you to play drums without wires. It simulates a full drum set with a pair of wireless drumsticks, a bass drum foot pedal and a speaker unit. You can jam along with any songs in your music player. The wireless speaker has 6 built-in rhythms, volume and tempo control, audio in cable and audio out jack. Wireless foot pedal can play bass drum sound. And with the wireless drumsticks, you can perform snare drum, tom tom, floor tom, crash cymbal, hi-hat cymbal and ride cymbal sound easily. Drum roll can also be done with the “follow” buttons.

The miJam Studio Mike is an easy-to-use microphone that will allow young people to experience the fun of jamming by masking out or temporarily removing the original vocals of their favorite tunes. In this way, they can sing with their voice blended into the original background music – whether it is a band or a symphony. To work with Studio Mike, all you need is an iPod® or a MP3 player. Studio Mike will do the rest for you. Studio Mike is perhaps the most simple and portable vocals jamming instrument you can find on the market.

PC Gizmo is a perfect companion to kids and teenagers who use computers. PC Gizmo is not only easy and fun to play with, it is also very useful as it helps you to manage your communication applications on your computer such as email, instant messengers, and Skype call.

The best part is that not only are these toys fun… they’re insanely inexpensive! Pick up one or all three for holiday gifts this year. Heck, buy some for yourself! Bring out the kid in you.

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

]]> Where are all the PC Gizmos? is a post from Chris Pirillo

br>
Add to iTunes | Add to YouTube | Add to Google | RSS Feed

How cool are all of my new toys? When the people at miJam asked me if I wanted to review a few of their newest toys, I jumped at the chance. I may be 35, but I still love toys! Seriously, who wouldn’t love things like this?

The miJam Pro Air Drummer allows you to play drums without wires. It simulates a full drum set with a pair of wireless drumsticks, a bass drum foot pedal and a speaker unit. You can jam along with any songs in your music player. The wireless speaker has 6 built-in rhythms, volume and tempo control, audio in cable and audio out jack. Wireless foot pedal can play bass drum sound. And with the wireless drumsticks, you can perform snare drum, tom tom, floor tom, crash cymbal, hi-hat cymbal and ride cymbal sound easily. Drum roll can also be done with the “follow” buttons.

The miJam Studio Mike is an easy-to-use microphone that will allow young people to experience the fun of jamming by masking out or temporarily removing the original vocals of their favorite tunes. In this way, they can sing with their voice blended into the original background music – whether it is a band or a symphony. To work with Studio Mike, all you need is an iPod® or a MP3 player. Studio Mike will do the rest for you. Studio Mike is perhaps the most simple and portable vocals jamming instrument you can find on the market.

PC Gizmo is a perfect companion to kids and teenagers who use computers. PC Gizmo is not only easy and fun to play with, it is also very useful as it helps you to manage your communication applications on your computer such as email, instant messengers, and Skype call.

The best part is that not only are these toys fun… they’re insanely inexpensive! Pick up one or all three for holiday gifts this year. Heck, buy some for yourself! Bring out the kid in you.

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

]]> http://chris.pirillo.com/where-are-all-the-pc-gizmos/feed/ 1 How to Handle Remote Tech Support <em>Using <a href="http://www.gotoassist.com/chris">GoToAssist</a> is the easiest way to view and control another person's computer online. Use it to provide instant technical support to family, friends and customers. Start a session with just one click, and instantly connect with the other party. </em> chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) Partner Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:30:00 GMThttp://gotoassist.com/chris/ http://gotoassist.com/chris/ Network Tools for Windows You need these network tools, no matter which operating systems and networks you have to support. <a href="http://support.solarwinds.com/updates/New-Customer.cfm?ProdID=568&campaign=ipmon_DL_lockergnome&CMP=BAC-ipmonDL_lockergnome">SolarWinds ipMonitor</a>: Affordable Network Monitoring for SMBs. Get turnkey network, server and application availability monitoring with SolarWinds ipMonitor v9.0. This easy-to-use, reliable solution for SMBs delivers out-of-the-box availability monitoring so you always know exactly what's up with Active Directory, DNS, Exchange, FTP, Web, IMAP, MS SQL Server, and SMTP. <a href="http://support.solarwinds.com/updates/New-Customer.cfm?ProdID=568&campaign=ipmon_DL_lockergnome&CMP=BAC-ipmonDL_lockergnome">Download your free trial today</a>. Or, try their <a href="http://www.solarwinds.com/products/freetools/">totally free tools</a>! And, through 2/29, save 20% when you purchase <a href="http://store.solarwinds.com/s.nl/sc.16/.f">ipMonitor 9.0</a>. chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) Partner Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMThttp://support.solarwinds.com/updates/New-Customer.cfm?ProdID=568&campaign=ipmon_DL_lockergnome&CMP=BAC-ipmonDL_lockergnome http://support.solarwinds.com/updates/New-Customer.cfm?ProdID=568&campaign=ipmon_DL_lockergnome&CMP=BAC-ipmonDL_lockergnome Get Your Own Web Site Starting at just $3.99/month, web hosting from <a href="http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/default.asp?isc=cp2">GoDaddy</a> includes 99.9% uptime, 24/7 support and free access to GoDaddy Hosting Connection, THE place to install over 30 FREE applications sure to help you get the most from your hosting plan and Web site. Enter <a href="http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/default.asp?isc=cp2">code CP2</a> at checkout, and save an additional 10% on any order. <p>Plus, as a friend of Chris Pirillo, enter code <a href="http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/default.asp?isc=chris7">CHRIS7</a>, that's C-H-R-I-S and the number 7, when you check out, and save an additional 10% on any order. Get your piece of the internet at <a href="http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/default.asp?isc=chris7">GoDaddy.com</a>.</p> chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) Partner Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMThttp://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/default.asp?isc=cp1 http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/default.asp?isc=cp1 VMware and Parallels for Virtual Machines It doesn't matter if you're running on Windows or Mac OS X - every power user needs either <a href="http://send.onenetworkdirect.net/z/13766/rn_a32755/">Parallels</a> or <a href="http://send.onenetworkdirect.net/z/17081/rn_a32755/">VMware</a> (or both). There's never been an easier way to test software without destroying your primary operating system's stability. Think of how many times you wish you could press a 'reverse' button on your computer. Plus, there's no easier way to try new Linux distributions - see what all the fuss is about. Run Windows in OS X, run Linux in Windows, but the best way to do either is with <a href="http://send.onenetworkdirect.net/z/17081/rn_a32755/">VMware</a> and/or <a href="http://send.onenetworkdirect.net/z/13766/rn_a32755/">Parallels</a>. chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) Partner Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMThttp://chris.pirillo.com/2008/02/19/parallels-or-vmware/ http://chris.pirillo.com/2008/02/19/parallels-or-vmware/ Coupons for Online Shopping <p style="color: red">This feed is fueled by Lockergnome <a href="http://www.lockergnome.com/buy/">Online Shopping and Coupon Codes</a></p> <p> Before you shop next time, see if we have <a href="http://coupons.lockergnome.com/">a coupon</a> first. </p> chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) Partner Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:56:13 GMThttp://coupons.lockergnome.com/ http://coupons.lockergnome.com/