Los Angeles, Calif.-based Avid Technology subsidiary M-Audio on Thursday introduced Podcast Factory, a Mac and PC-compatible collection of hardware and software that helps facilitate the creation and distribution of broadcast-quality podcasts. It’s expected to ship this month and costs US$179.95.
Podcasting is the term applied to the publishing of audio files over the Internet. Private companies, broadcasters and individuals podcast audio files of every conceivable topic from music to news, technology analysis and much more.
Podcast Factory includes a 24-bit/48kHz USB-based audio interface with preamp, a broadcast microphone with desk stand, software that lets you record and edit speech, add music and sound effects and post MP3 files with RSS feeds to the Web. Also included is a collection of music loops in a variety of genres.
The 2×2 interface measures 5.5 x 4.25 x 1.75 inches and weighs .45 lbs. It features a dedicated XLR input for the included microphone, and includes gain control and signal LEDs. A 3/4-inch input on the second channel can toggle between instrument and line levels. The interface also handles audio output through dual RCA jacks and a 1/8-inch stere headphone jack.
System requirements for Podcast Factory call for a G3/300MHz or faster or G4/350MHz or faster with Mac OS X v10.2.8 or later and 128MB RAM. A native USB port is required, and CPU accelerators are not supported.