USB Podcast Kit

OK, if you're considering buying this here's a straight-to-the-point review. Advantages: - Top quality fully functioning soundboard with 3 stereo inputs and 2 microphone inputs (single channel for XLR and Large Audio Jack) - Fantastic quality microphone for the price - Extremely useful phono-to-USB interface - Microphone stand included - Moderately easy to set up - Comes with Audicity software for recording (although you can use other programs) - Fantastic price for this range of equipment Disadvantages: - There's no power button on the soundboard, so you have to unplug it to turn it off - Not the best pair of headphones in the world - The supplied XLR cable (for the microphone) produces a little unwanted feedback Recommended Accessories: - If you want to plug in an external sound source to the soundboard (eg. An iPod or MP3 Player), you will need to buy a stereo (dual) phono-to-3. 5mm audio jack cable. You can get a decent one for under £4 - A new XLR cable will prove a fantastic audio change to the arrangement (you can get a 6m cable for £6, although you can get ones which are shorter and much cheaper) - Another pair of headphones Overview: When I first bought this, I was overwhelmed how easy it was to set up. I installed the software, but at first I had a little trouble in getting the sound to go into the computer. I spent 3 hours trying to figure out what was wrong, but I eventually discovered that I'd stupidly put the cable from audio out into aduio out instead of audio in (how foolish). After that it worked like a charm. Having set it up I was stunned how easy it was to use. It's very easy to learn what all the knobs do and if you're planning to do podcasting (as I was) this is the best you can achieve. It's also supplied with the Audicity software altough this studio can also be used in other software and as a general microphone (eg. When using Skype). All you need to worry about is changing the XLR cable and you're sorted. Really. And if you can't stand the headphones you can use any pair (even earphones) with the system. I'm shocked how compatible this system is with everything and I would give this ready-made bundle 5 out of 5 stars. *****.
Chris, London, UK - 29th April 2008

I received this kit and was happy with how easy it was to set up and get going. It used my existing Audacity software, so I didn't need to learn some new obscure program. I tinkered with the settings to good results (this was my first time using a mixing board). The only thing that I have a problem with is the headphones. They are great while recording, but, are utter rubbish on playback. I will eventually replace the headphones on this lovely kit with something better. But, for now, I will record using these headphones, but, playback using my Logitech headset (that I keep for skyping).
MistressOfTheDorkness, St. Louis - 12th February 2008

I ordered this and its been an absolute godsend! I ordered it on the Monday and it arrived promptly on the Wednesday Morning. Easy to install and set up. Thanks Firebox!
Tom Robnett, Ware , Herts - 25th July 2007

Great quality and more than just a podcasting unit. You can mix and bring in most audio sources and the general quality of this is very good. Software can be a pain to install but apart from that this is top notch stuff!!
Mike Scott, Great Yarmouth - 13th July 2007