M-Audio debuts Podcast Factory

M-Audio today announced its new Podcast Factory professional podcasting solution. The Podcast Factory bundle includes all the hardware and software required to create broadcast-quality podcasts: the bundle includes the Podcast Factory audio interface with microphone preamp, a 2 x 2 mobile audio interface delivers professional audio fidelity up to 24-bit/48kHz. The first of two audio channels is a dedicated XLR input for the included dynamic microphone, complete with gain control and signal LEDs. The 3/4-inch input on the second channel toggles between instrument and line levels to accommodate a wide variety of signal sources. It will ship in November for $180.

"Podcasting is a major phenomenon, spurred in no small part by Apple's iTunes initiatives," says Adam Castillo, marketing director at M-Audio. "The Podcast Factory provides a comprehensive solution for producing professional podcasts for applications as diverse as personal broadcasts, music promotion, corporate training, virtual seminars, education and more. Podcast Factory allows anyone with a message to easily create podcasts that incorporate the production values of radio-quality broadcasts."

The device offers direct hardware monitoring, allowing for synchronized overdubs, with the In/PB knob determining the monitor balance between input and output signal. For additional monitoring flexibility, the Mono switch sends the input signal equally to the left and right channels, allowing the source to integrate in a more balanced way with other tracks while recording. It also features dual RCAs and a front-panel 1/8-inch stereo headphone jack audio inputs that share a common level control.

The Podcast Factory bundle includes software that lets users of any level record and edit program material such as speech, add music and sound effects, and post MP3s with RSS feeds to the Web. Users also get a collection of music loops in a wide variety of genres.

The Podcast Factory bundle is compatible with Macs via Core Audio technology. It requires Mac OS X 10.2.8 or greater and 128MB RAM. The Podcast Factory interface is 5.5" x 4.25" x 1.75" (14 x 10.8 x 4.5 cm) and weighs only 9.45 lbs (.2 kg).

Filed under: iPod