How to Broadcast Amateur Radio Bulletins and News Recordings with a Budget Studio Microphone, USB Audio Interface, VoiceMeeter Banana and Audacity.

 

Top Image:  ZS1I Broadcast Setup or VOIP Microphone Setup

Top Image:  Behringer Audio Interface

I have listened to various amateur radio bulletins and news flashes here in South Africa lately. Noticeable was that in most of the cases the audio quality was acceptable but could be better.  First things first if you want to compile a bulletin, insert or news flash you must make sure that your audio quality is up to standard and of very good quality. There is nothing more irritating than to listen to bad audio. I know that there are many other ways to record audio files but I use what I have on hand. You will need the following budget equipment to compile a professional audio sounding file for your bulletin or news flash:

1. At the very least a good quality professional condenser microphone with a shock mount.  48v Phantom Power required.
2. A good quality Microphone Pop Filter.
3. Microphone boom stand.  Any sturdy one will do.
4. XLR Microphone cable.
5. USB Audio Interface with microphone pre-amplifier and drivers.
6. Laptop
7. The following software:  a) VoiceMeeter Banana  b) Audacity.  Both are freeware.

I use the following settings in VoiceMeeter Banana and Audacity to record a good audio file.

VOICEMEETER BANANA SETUP:

Hardware Input 1

Select KS: Behringer USB Audio

A1

B2

Slider -0.4

Mute:  HI2 + HI3 + Virtual Inputs

Intelli Pan:  Set to middle left on line

Hardware Out: A1

Select MME: VB-Audio Point

Master Section

A1 + B2 Open

A2, A3, B1 Muted

A1 Slider =  -5.2

B2 Slider =  -4.5

AUDACITY SETUP:

Select:

Microphone:  MME  VB-Audio Point 1 (mono) Record

Speaker:  Select your laptop sound card output driver

The settings  of VoiceMeeter Banana can be saved for future use.

No Audacity effects need to be used.

Here are a few photos of the equipment  I use:

I find that the above setup gives me good audio, maybe not the best but what can you expect if you use budget equipment.  What I can say is that the audio coming from this equipment is far more superior than the normal audio heard in some bulletins.  I will not broadcast a bulletin with bad audio.  If you do it, it reflects badly on your ability to compile a good audio bulletin for your listeners to listen to.  Bad audio chase listeners away!

Give this setup a try and you will be amazed what can be achieved with fairly inexpensive equipment.