So, you want a free XML compiler instead of paying for Feeder or FeedForAll, as recommended in the PoducateMe Podcasting Guide? Check out 10101 Software’s Podcast Assistant. While not as fully featured as the commercial applications, this Mac and PC compatible program will help you create and maintain a podcast feed on the cheap.

I recently upgraded my Powerbook to a MacBook Pro and installed Roger Nichols Digital’s excellent and free Inspector Plugin. When I tried to select the plugin from within Audio Hijack Pro, however, Inspector would not launch. I contacted Rogue Amoeba, developers of AHP about the problem, and this is the response I received:

For some odd reason, these plugin seems to add itself to Audio Hijack Pro twice. If you select Inspector from the VST Effect submenu, it just shows black corners in a square of the grid. However, under the AudioUnit Effect sub menu, you’ll find Roger Nichols Digital -> Inspector. Selecting this should add the proper effect to the grid and launch the Editor.  

I tested Rogue Amoeba’s fix and Inspector does indeed reveal itself under the Audio Unit Effect sub menu. More information about Inspector can be found in the PoducateMe Podcasting Guide.

“Podcasting Made Easy” is a 3-part webinar series intended to show you how to get started podcasting and how to make your efforts really count. Sessions include “Podcasting 101: How to record and produce your podcasts with ease,” featuring the author of the PoducateMe podcasting guide (me, Micah Ovadia); “Give voice to your recruiting efforts: how to engage prospective students and their parents with podcast,” by Dennis Miller, director of marketing and public relations at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania; and “To be or not to be an iTunes U(niversity)? Get the scoop from an insider,” by Ken Ronkowitz, Web Manager at NJIT. Each session is 60 minutes in length, and all three can be heard for $150.

If you’re on a Mac and planning to run Leopard, Apple’s new operating system, remember to verify that the software you’re currently using or are planning to purchase is compatible with the new OS. Audio Hijack Pro and SoundSource, for example, are not yet compatible with Leopard.

With the new version of iTunes (iTunes 7.0.2 >), the iTunes-Lame Encoder extension recommended in the PoducateMe Podcasting Guide no longer works. In it’s place, try using Stephen Booth’s Max, a free Mac download at http://sbooth.org/Max/ to convert your AIFF files to MP3. Alternatively, you could use iTunes’ built-in MP3 encoder, which is generally regarded as inferior to LAME.

We’ve posted a new episode of CareerChat with a different format. Instead of recording a straight interview with our guest, LisaMarie Luccioni, an etiquette/image expert, we removed the voice of the interviewer and used sound clips and intros to break up Luccioni’s answers. We believe the result is certainly a lot more “fun” and engaging for listeners. We’re still experimenting with the format, but thus far we’re pleased with the new direction the podcast has taken. Give it a listen at the CareerChat podcast page and let us know what you think.

I’ve been informed that new episodes of CareerChat are on hold until June. Craig and Leslie are swamped with work right now and are unable to update the podcast with new content. The project will definitely continue, it’s just a busy time of year. In addition, Leslie and Craig are taking steps to correct some of the technical and format issues  heard in their first episode on nonprofits.

I recently had a situation in which I attended and recorded a meeting in a conference room. I used a hand-held tape recorder with a built-in mic for recording, as that’s all I had on hand. Unfortunately, those furthest from the mic were difficult to hear, and the room’s ambient noise proved more distracting than I had anticipated.

I applied some EQ to the recording, used Bias SoundSoap to reduce the ambient noise, then ran the audio through GigaVox Media’s free The Levelator (Mac/PC) to see what it could do to bring those faraway voices in line with those closest to the mic. With pretty incredible results, The Levelator performed as advertised. Voices furthest from the mic were indeed boosted, while the voices closest to the recorder were left untouched.

Today, I launch the PoducateMe Web site. Tomorrow, I do nothing. The day after that, I might do something, but it won’t be anything strenuous or noteworthy. Hey, cut me some slack. After spending more than a year working on the PoducateMe Podcasting Guide, I think I deserve a little bit of nothing doing. Anyway, stay tuned to this page for information concerning updates to the PoducateMe Podcasting Guide, the PoducateMe Web site and other related topics.