Steve Erickson

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@jontec8 This library is INCREDIBLE! Is there a way to also use this *server side* to create a PDF from HTML without the need for a headless browser? I realize your primary use case is generating PDFs client side but I need to also do it server side but want to minimize server resources.

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@bradgessler @marccampbell What’s your preferred technique these days for doing this in rails?

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@paolino Amazing! Thanks for adding this! This will be huge for us. Do you think you’ll cut a new gem release soon with it included? I see it’s only available on the main branch right now.

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@strzibnyj I resonate a lot with your instincts.

Recently, I’ve been enjoying the stack of Phlex + Tailwind + Turbo.

Sometimes with just a little bit of Stimulus. And a couple places where I use TurboMount to render a full VueJS component.

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@thorstenball There are some options, but they usually require you getting more hardware so you can do the processing and monitor it with zero-latency _before_ it goes into your computer. (That's what I do, but it gets complicated)

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@thorstenball Great question! It is really hard to monitor yourself in real time. Recording is actually the best approach to really hear the differences.

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@thorstenball Hope that all helps. Again, sorry it can be so confusing. Like programming, it takes a bunch of experience and learning to understand the variables and how to balance them for any given specific task.

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@thorstenball I understand how the world of audio can feel confusing. It is more complicated because of the conflicting advice you can find. I felt that way for a long time.

1/x

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@thorstenball Regarding processing, your current Rode settings are much too strong. You don't need as much of the bass sound with a Podmic since it is already a pretty low sound.

9/x

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@thorstenball But the built-in preamps in the Rode Podmic over USB are super high quality, even better than what you would get from using your Scarlett and the Fethead.

8/x

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@thorstenball You don't need a FetHead/Cloudlifter with a condenser mic. Condensers are sensitive enough without them. They are only for a dynamic mic. And you only need it if you're using an underpowered preamp with a dynamic.

7/x

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@thorstenball If you had more sound treatment in your room then the Shure could sound really good. But with no sound treatment then a dynamic mic like the Podmic is the better option.

6/x

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@thorstenball A dynamic mic is less sensitive and doesn't pick up as much of the reflections in your room resulting in a "cleaner" perceived sound. The tradeoff is that you have to be physically closer to the mic and have a higher quality preamp for dynamics to work well.

5/x

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@thorstenball Your room doesn't have any sound treatment and has lots of hard surfaces which cause more reflections and a more "echo-y" sound. A condenser mic is more sensitive and picks up more of these causing a "worse" perceived sound in a podcast setting.

4/x

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@thorstenball The Shure Beta 87a is a fantastic mic. But it and the Podmic are two completely opposite kinds of mics. The Shure is a condenser and the Podmic is a dynamic. The perceived difference between them is actually more because of your room and setup than the mics themselves.

3/x

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@thorstenball In audio there are many different variables to balance but the trick is that you manage them differently depending on the recording scenario (podcast vs. music, etc) and the environment (studio, outdoors, etc).

Here's some info about your setup that might help...

2/x

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@thorstenball USB is a better path bc the preamps built into the Rode are higher quality than the Scarlett, especially for a broadcast dynamic mic like the Podmic that needs lots of clean gain. And it can be even better when you mix in the advanced processing from their desktop app.

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@thorstenball To me, the Rode Podmic over USB sounds best. That setup will also let you use the Rode Central app where you can improve the sound further. Rode Central isn't needed for zoom calls because zoom does its own processing. But its helpful for recordings and live streaming.

[Steve Erickson @smerickson]

@thorstenball You’re welcome. Happy to do a troubleshooting call on zoom too if you want. Just DM me and we can find a time.