How to add live sound effects and prerecorded interviews to your TalkShoe show

(Bonus: How to make a studio quality recording)

(Note: Works for Mac-only; Cost is roughly $80)

Up front, I must admit that this was hellishly frustrating to figure out. But after roughly half-a-day plus a visit to the Genius Bar at my Shadyside Apple Store here in the Pittsburgh area (what an awesome concept — the first and last reason you’ll ever need to become an Apple fanatic; seriously, have you ever tried to visit Dell or Microsoft for help?), I’ve finally cracked the code. Equipped with this knowledge, you’ll find it to be amazingly easy to master this (after initial set-up that is — do read the following instructions very carefully).

As Stephen R. Covey (of “Seven Habits” fame) once said, begin with the end in mind. Here’s a video showing just how easy and elegant it will be for you:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKfltvC3fCw&w=700&rel=0]

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Start by downloading (and installing) your free software: X-Lite for VoIP connection (voice-over-internet-protocol) of your Mac to TalkShoe. Be sure to pick Version 4 (or later) for Mac (still in beta as I write this): http://www.counterpath.net/x-lite.html&active=4

Next, it’s time to commit by purchasing & downloading the Ubercaster software at http://www.ubercaster.com/store.shtml (cost $80). After downloading and installing it, return to the DMG folder (AKA the downloaded “master file”), click on “Extras”, and install the “PleasantConnect” program too (VERY IMPORTANT).

When finished installing Ubercaster AND PleasantConnect, plug in your USB or analog (1/8″ connector) headset(s) with mic(s) and/or headphone(s) and microphone(s). All variations will work. Now you’re ready to start configuring and testing.

Next, click on the Apple logo in the upper left screen area, then select “System Preferences” and click “Sound” (in the “Hardware” category). Select the tab for “Input”. Click on your chosen audio input device name which should look something like this (but with your specific mic choices shown instead):

Click on “Internal microphone” if you have no other option. For most people this will NOT yield satisfactory quality audio. Or choose “Line in” if you have an analog mic / headset with a 1/8″ connector. Otherwise, find and click on your mic / headset among the USB choices. Start talking to verify that the “Input Level” meter is responding. Some very important notes:

1. I discovered the hard way that some PC mics do not work with Macs. No one knows why but I got hung-up for hours with a non-functional mic that worked perfectly on my PC. Do not proceed further until you see that the input level meter is responding.
2. If you want to use multiple analog mics, you’ll need a 1/8″ splitter. If you want to use multiple USB mics (or a mix of types) we’ll get to that later during Ubercaster configuration. Just make sure that they’re all plugged in now.
   

Next, select the tab for “Output”. Click on your chosen audio output device name which should look something like this (but with your specific headset choices shown instead):

Choose “Internal Speakers” if you use ear buds or a headset that has a 1/8″ connector. Otherwise, find and click on your headset model among the USB choices.

At this point, test your output by playing an audio file (from iTunes or anywhere else) to confirm that you can hear. Some very important notes:

1. You must use ear buds or headphones regardless of your mic choice. Do not rely on your Mac’s built-in speakers because that audio will be picked up on your mic, creating echo and feedback. (To avoid confusion, allow me to repeat that you may use the setting labeled “Internal Speakers | Built-in Output” but not with your internal speakers. Instead you’ll plug ear buds or headphones into the 1/8″ jack when using this setting.)

DO NOT GO FURTHER if these steps are not working for all of your mics and headphones.

So far, so good? Cool! Onwards to…

Configuring Ubercaster

Start the program. It should open a blank untitled window with only a mic panel. It should automatically recognize the mic you selected in the previous step (Mac Sound panel). Next, populate the other controls you’ll need by clicking the blue “+” button labeled “Panels” (in the lower left). To add multiple mics, select “Microphone”. I recommend placing a Level Meter next to each one. Next, select “Clips” to add your intro and outro and any sound effects. Finally, select “Audiochat Recorder” (if this option is grayed out, you did not install “PleasantConnect” during Ubercaster installation – see above). This is for your TalkShoe connection. Optionally, add another Level Meter or two to monitor Audiochat level (AKA TalkShoe callers) and your “master” level.

Configure each panel by highlighting it and then picking the relevant target from the “Inspect” pick list (bottom center). For more help with Ubercaster, see the product details page at: http://www.ubercaster.com/details.shtml  Lots of good stuff there.

There’s also one key setting to confirm under the main menu: “Ubercaster” -> “Preferences” -> “Advanced” -> “Audio output”. Be sure to set this to your desired headset. Pick “Built in output – internal speakers” if you’re using anything with a 1/8″ connector, otherwise pick the item that matches your USB headset. A minor note here. If you plan to have two or more participants connected locally to your Mac, I recommend using analog headphones (not USB) along with a 1/8″ splitter as Ubercaster does not appear to support multiple audio outputs (inputs yes, but not outputs). An analog splitter gets around this issue. There is no comparable solution that I know of for USB. Maybe you can now understand how it took me so long to crack the code? Just follow these directions carefully and the garden of podcasting Eden will be yours.

When you get everything set up as you like it, save this file under the name “Talkcast Template”. You can then use it as a starting point each time by clicking the “File” menu and selecting “New With Recent Template”. It should look something like this:

• In orange, I’ve got a high quality version of the TalkShoe intro (download yours here: to be provided).
• In light blue, I’ve got my Talkcast intro and outro music.
• In purple, I have four different sound effects.
• In blue, green, and yellow, I’ve got two mics and the TalkShoe connection (AKA Audiochat Recorder), with a level meter next to each.
• And finally, in black, I’ve got my Master Out meter.

Onwards to…

Configuring X-Lite (AAAKKK, I’m already forgetting how I did this)

First, make sure that Ubercaster is running. Next, start X-Lite. Click the menu item labeled “X-Lite” (or “X-Lite Beta”) -> “Preferences” -> “Accounts” and fill it out as pictured below, paying special attention to the highlighted areas:

Click “Apply” and then click the “Topology” choice on this same screen and configure as below:

Click “Apply” to save changes. Thanks to “randulo” and his blog post for those last two steps (please read it if you’ve encountered any difficulties here): http://mediaminutes.net/TalkShoe/

Still on the same screen, click on the “Devices” icon and configure as below:

Just to make sure things are solid at this point, click the “Test Devices” button, select “Headset Output” and then “Play” to verify that you’ve got audio. You may now close the two open “Devices” screens by clicking the red X.

Now, you’re ready to call TalkShoe using X-Lite. Make sure you have an episode scheduled at www.talkshoe.com. Here’s the “soft phone” address: [email protected]  For future convenience, add it to the X-Lite contacts list as “TalkShoe”; then you can simply right-click and select “Call”. When you hear the TalkShoe voice prompts on your headphones, enter your Call ID # and then your 10-digit host PIN # by clicking the numbers on the keypad.

You can do a full test at this point by also calling into TalkShoe AS A GUEST (or having a friend join) using a land line or mobile phone. Enter your Call ID # and then 1 # to join as a guest.

That’s the long and the short of it. Everything runs from your Mac, you can play music and sound effects, and even record in studio quality using Ubercaster.

Summary

Once you’ve configured everything and it’s time for your next Talkcast, here’s my recommended sequence of events:

1. Open Ubercaster, click the “File” menu and select “New With Recent Template” to open the file called “Talkcast Template”
2. Open X-Lite and call into TalkShoe, entering your Call ID and host PIN.
3. Start the TalkShoe recording so that you have a backup
4. Turn the Ubercaster dial from “Prepare” to “Record” and start recording
5. Play the high quality TalkShoe audio logo and then your own intro
6. Do your show; have a blast! Ubercaster makes it easy to sound professional
7. Use Ubercaster to “Cut” (AKA edit) and “Release” your show
8. Upload the resulting MP3 in place of the episode recorded on TalkShoe

One closing tip: I’m loving my Snowball mics; highly recommended if you’ve got a few extra bucks: http://www.bluemic.com/snowball/ By the way, everything in this post is a clean link and honest recommendation; no affiliate codes, money, or products changing hands…

If you’ve got comments, questions, or suggestions on this article, please post a comment on this blog (below) for all to see. Thanks!