With my first flight just around the corner, I’m determined to record as much audio in the cockpit as possible. I’ve pretty much figured out that there are 1/4 inch TRS jacks for the headphone input, so I’m fairly sure I can either split my jack and feed half to my iRiver, or if the plane is a 4 seater I can tap an empty jack for the audio.
I have an iRiver IFP-899, my mainstay for remotely capturing audio and it’s a dream. It’s tiny, runs off a single AA battery (I use Eveready rechargeables) and can store hours of quality audio. I used it when I worked briefly as a stringer for Sirius and have done countless interviews and ambient recordings with it. The gadget is a workhorse and can usually be found for less than $100 on eBay. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of many other recorders, but combined with a delta mic from Reactive Sounds, or the Sennheiser wireless setup I own, I’ve gotten broadcast quality audio when necessary and brought it down to podcasting quality without a problem.
Oh. Did I say podcast?
Yep, I did. After becoming absolutely hooked on Bill’s Student Pilotcast, I’ve decided that podcasting my learning experience is something I want to do. I fully believe that recording the cockpit audio will be a useful tool to review each lesson, not only for me, but for anyone just starting out.
It also will be a good way for me to dedicate the time to review my lessons, edit them down, and prepare shows on a regular basis. I used to work as a paid podcaster for Windy City Media Group and the regularity of audio production kept my audio skills current. I’m a bit rusty these days because all I’ve done, outside of a few shows on radiopeter.com, is edit the occasional track or two for my dancer/designer/actor friends. The work will keep me sharp.
So yes. I need to get an intro episode together and get myself in iTunes.
Tags: audio tech, iRiver, podcast
Peter - I am excited to hear you are going to podcast your experiences. I too have thoroughly enjoyed Bill’s podcast. I know one of the reasons he stated for doing the podcast was for the same reason you mentioned that it would be a great opportunity to review lessons.
I know from my standpoint I think blogging my experiences helped me with learning. I only wish I had recorded each lesson. Even if I was not going to podcast my lessons it would have been helpful in referring back to them as I am sure there was some insight I might have missed in the heat of a lesson.
I am glad to hear you are going to be recording your lessons.
You are right that if you are training in a Piper or Cessna that is a four place plane you should be able to tap into one of the back seat mics.