Originally I had grand plans to get a higher-tier mixer/interface and some top-shelf mics, but the more I learn and look into it, and the more I play with various equipment, and taken into consideration this is spoken-word stuff and not audiophile quality recording, I’ll be fine with retail store stuff.

I’m thinking the Radio Shack mic mixer (maybe 2) and one of the umpteen USB 2.0 audio interfaces, or stepping up to the Alesis Multimix/8 USB 2.0 mixer/interface. Best Buy has several different Dynamic mics ranging from $20 – $60.

In addition, I’d like to get a pair of mobile digital recorders like perhaps the Olympus WS-400S handheld units; one for James and one for me when we’re on-location where a sit-down session isn’t possible. I’d like to get these in time for the IMS show in NYC that we’re planning on attending and covering. We’ll see.

As for the home recording setup, I have a good microphone ( the Samson CO1U ) that I can plug in directly or I can go through the mixer/interface when I host guests; all I need is a quiet room to use it. Failing that, I use my Logitech headset.

James is already using his very nice-sounding Blue Snowball mic.

So, we’ve got plans… We can expand our toolbox without spending thousands of dollars and we can make everything more convenient, and in some cases – possible, on a decent budget and continue doing a free show with no worries over big budget issues.

Here’s hoping.