Equipment Needed, And The Process Of, Recording A Show On HCR
The very basics of what you need - plus, we get to wax lyrical.
Andrew Backhouse
Last Update 3 years ago
This page will talk about what you need to record a show on HCR. We do ask that your show has your voice in it if that is okay with you - special Dance Show / DJ Mix shows will not have to contain your voice.
The Basic Set Up
1. Computer ~ Everyone can have a copy of Reaper - we have the license and we have the type of license where we can share it with you, the hosts. No rules broken here. Reaper is a Desktop Audio Work Station. It helps you edit audio, cue up songs and make podcasts and shows on a Windows, Mac or Linux computer.
If you prefer to use Garageband or Logic, Ableton or Cuebase - go for it. But, we have the rights to share Reaper with you. There is no real need to buy a fancy DAW for our sakes.
2. A way of getting your voice on to the computer ~ Some of the hosts use their built in microphones on their Laptop, some use their phones. Most modern, good phones can be used to record your vocals. When you have the Link recorded, cue it up in Reaper (or the Software of your choice).
Full training can be given on how to use Reaper. All you really need, at it's most basic is a smart phone. I have seen field reporters from the BBC use an iPhone to conduct reports from festivals.
3. Wi-Fi ~ You will need to find a way of getting the show to us. Please have a reliable and table WiFi connection. Most folk in Harrogate already have one - Domestic Broadband is doable.
Pushing The Boat Out
There are specialist mics you can use to improve your voice. We have heard good things about the AKG Lyra. The Lyra is a USB mic so it side-steps the need for a USB Sound Card and conventional mic.
Sound Of Wonder uses a Lyra mic - tune in every Sunday and see how good Scooby sounds - it is great.
Mastering Software
We recommend that you use the app called Auphonic - you get two hours of complimentary space on their servers every Calendar month. That means if you make a 2hr show every month then it will be free to master using Auphonic. Please set the levels (full training will be given) to -16LUFS if you intend to run your show on your own.
If you are asking admin to help with your show we can do this step for you.
It would speed up the process for each show if you had the show mastered to -16LUFS when you send it to us. This can be done with Auphonic. Just head to auphonic.com
Sending The Show To Us
This is where you need WiFi.
We have started to get t he hosts to look after their own shows on the server. This will take a while for newbs to get there. In the meantime, we have a digital delivery method that we will ask you to upload the show to - it will then be sent to us directly.
We will give you the coordinates when you come onboard.
So, join in the gang! Get thinking of show(s)!