My first portable setup included the iRiver 899 with two plug-in powered, computer head mics. I consider this my ultra-portable setup and often take this on my trips. When I began recording executives at my corporation, I wanted to improve my equipment. I had several requirements:

· Good audio quality

· XLR inputs

· Removable batteries

· Common storage medium

I purchased the Marantz PMD660 Professional Portable Digital Recorderand have been very satisfied ever since.

While I have used the XLR inputs, I no longer consider this a personal requirement. I have used a variety of mics to record conversations in conference rooms and offices. I learned I could get the best recording with little ambient noise if I used a head mic. Since I was using a wireless mic at several speaking engagements I purchased the AT-892 head mic for both the speaking engagements and my portable recording setup. The AT-892 is a great mic, but can only be purchased terminated for a particular brand of wireless mic. I chose the Audio-Technica brand. This then required an adapter to fit the A-T plug to the XLR of the Marantz recorder.

I was very excited to find the Samson SE-50 head mic which includes adapters for a variety of brands. This allows me to use the 3.5 mm plug which will fit in the iRiver recorder or the Edirol R-09.

This article shows the corporate inertia in the advertising industry. As a podcaster, I “know” there is an incredible relationship that is fostered between the podcaster and the consumer. The strength of this relationship is real, but hasn’t be measured, yet. Advertisers are using the metrics they know. Exposure, Eyeballs,… Advertisers are buying “exposure to” consumers not the “relationship with” the consumer. I do think this will change as the strength of the new media – podcasting relationship will be measured and fed back to the advertisers. The ADM – Association of Downloadable Media is working on this. I’m also sure PodShow, Podango, and Wizzard Media are all gathering their facts and figures to change the opinions of the advertising world.

If a conventional advertising conversion rate of 2% could be upped to 5% through the relationship strength of a podcast, I see huge advertising money moving into the new media arena. That’s why I’m playing in this sandbox.