Listeners seem to like the audio quality of SolderSmoke episode #126. I was surprised by this because I didn’t do any of the post-recording processing that I’d done in earlier episodes. I didn’t even have the foam “Popping P Protector” on the mic. And the equalizer that Brent sent hasn’t been put in service yet. The improved audio may simply be the result of broader bandwidth — I didn’t use the Audacity equalizer to drop off the lows and highs. Perhaps that explains why the file was over 40 MB instead of the normal 20 MB. Several listeners said that I sounded 10 years younger in 126 — it must be a Linux thing.
Chris KJ4GUU posted a nice comment about my book “SolderSmoke — Global Adventures in Wireless Electronics” (which he calls SSGAWE):
“I have started reading I have started reading SSGAWE again. Whenever I have a question about a project I can usually find help in your book, its becoming more of a cherished reference guide that has produced more Ah-ha! moments than any other book I own. Thanks again!”
Thanks Chris — those “Ah-ha! moments” were what I was hoping to produce.
For more info on the book, go here:
http://soldersmoke.com/book.htm
I thought the recording sounded much better too. In spite of all the differences in the electronics between recordings, it could be that the biggest difference was the acoustics of the room where you made the recording! – jon N0WL
The linux audio bytes definitely sound “better” than Windows bytes 😉 It’s good to hear the podcast again Bill.
I at first thought I was just imagining better quality audio – then when you got to the SolderSmoke mailbag – What was that in hear in the background? Crickets!? In the famous words of Billy – “That’s Awesome”! Fred Cousins
I agree. Listened as I drove between Carlsbad, NM to El Paso, TX last night. Audio much cleaner. “S’s” not as pronounced. And I also heard crickets! 🙂 Keep ’em coming. Brad K5ILW
Bill, The audio was weak. I have to turn my car radio way up to hear it. I have my MP3 player turned way up also. Otherwise, great to have you back on Monday morning drive to work. Dave K8WPE
I think the Retirement Fund or Mutual Fund idea is good. There are other things that one collects which Society as a Whole (in upper case letters to add a sort of Lofty Aloofness) does not value, viz. Old brake drums, ball bearings, innumerable bits of aluminium and copper, bits of wire and of course, partially-dismembered AM and FM radio sets of yore. And two motors from old blenders which at some point will provide copper wire. These things I have in boxes. . .montones de chatarra..
Great to have you back! That linux box serves you well my friend. Still listening – looking forward to soldersmoke going forward. Mark KC4GIA
I also liked the audio quality. You mentioned making the book available for downloading; have you thought of making an audio book available especially as your audio now attracts favorable comments! I’m an avid fan since I started from Soldersmoke #1 in June this year. 73 George DU1GM
LINUX…Great Taste…..Less Filling! Aaaand it makes you look 10 pounds lighter! (on TV) My comment on the audio: Different. And it changed after you paused to find the ‘Gong File’. (Bring back the Live Gong!!!) 73…….Steve Smith WB6TNL “Snort Rosin”
I agree with Snort Rosin, bring back the live gong man!
Hi Bill, Excellent SolderSmoke Podcast 126 !! The audio quality is 3 times better than the previous episodes. Since I’m using a Microsoft Zune player, and not an iPod, I normally run the podcast file through an mp3 tagging program in order for it to be recognized by the Zune. And then I noticed that the Bitrate of SS Podcast 126 is 128 kBit/s, instead of the usual 48 kBit/s of the previous podcast episodes, no wonder it sounds much better. It’s true that the file would be larger, but this is a good improvement. Thank you again Bill for the podcast. 73 Dan Random
You had a pretty good plug in Episode 48 of the Linux in the Hamshack podcast a few days ago!
I never knew your voice sounded like that. If that’s your real voice I have never heard it on all the other Soldersmoke’s. Sounds great. Wink WA8KOQ