This is going to be a long one. Sorry.

I record a moderately popular podcast twice a week while driving my '05 xA to and from work.

It started with me recording on my Treo650 using the stock earbud. I eventually bought an iRiver i799 MP3player/recorder and a sweet set of stereo lapel mics (giant-squid-audio-lab.com rocks!) to use. This is great for mobile redording or quick sessions. I use a Griffin RoadTrip FM transmitter to play my iPod in the background of the show. It sounds craptacular.

So, I figure it's time to get serious. But I don't know a whole lot about audio or installing the necessary power. I've been reading threads for a bit. I know I'll need to install a power inverter and need to plan on the total draw of what I plan to run. I also need a way of putting the output into the stock head unit. Here are the components I'm looking at running. I'm hoping you guys can steer me clear of mistakes or biting off more than I can chew. I want the install to be relatively free of major mods and clean. (A big request, I know.)

Here's what I plan on running:
First - Audio mixer: Behringer UB502 Eurorack 5 Input Mixer $35.00
The spec sheet on the mixer says it has a power consumption of 13W and Mains connection of 115 V ~, 60Hz MXUL5 adapter. I think I understand the 13W, but the other is Greek to me.
second - Powered USB hub: ~$20.00
I'm thinking of installing a powered USB hub in the EZBake oven. This will charge the iPod, my cell phone, and anything else with USB. No idea of the power draw from one of these.

So I don't anticipate running a TV or anything with a big draw. Should something running 80W or 120W be sufficient? Since neither the USB hub or mixer have power switches, I'll need a switch inline somewhere, right? After the fuse but before the inverter? Anything in particular I need to look for in a switch?

I'd love to get this inverter because it has an AC outlet and usb port. There's even a model with a battery pack, so I could take the whole thing mobile. But that'll have to wait until I save up a little more.

I have a co-worker who'll give me an inverter he's not using. I don't have the specs of it. But should know more tomorrow. I shudder to think of cutting wires, so I plan on using a fuse tap. I've not looked at the fuse panel. But which of these should I get? I'm assuming ATO. This will provide me with the pos. feed, which I think I'll have to put a fuse inline. What kind and how? I've heard just bolting the ground to bare metal on the frame somewhere is kosher.

I also don't want an iPod-specific aux into my stock head unit. Since I'll be running the iPod into the mixer and then out from the mixer to the HU sometimes. What do people think of the PAC AUX-Box? Any other options for RCA plugs in? I plan on drilling small holes in the glovebox or console and using panel mount couplers.

Not ICE related, but I'm going to have to build a shelf somehow to mount the mixer to. Anyone seen a shelf that will mount (not permenantly) to an xA's glovebox or passenger side somewhere? Anyone want to work with me to build on? ;)

Has anyone else tackled a project like this? Recording as opposed to playing audio?

 

I go to school for recording/music, so I can shed some knowledge...

A great 2 input recording interface is the Digidesign M-Box that utilizes Pro Tools software. Its easy to use, high quality interface and software, and easy to edit. You can get the M-Box which comes with Pro Tools from guitar center or try www.musiciansfriend.com. It is both Mac and PC compatible.

 

Yeah. Except I want to be computer-less when recording. I can't be fiddling around on my Powerbook while I drive.

My main thing is I want something to take a clean feed from the iPod so I'm not recording it from the stereo output in the cabin. I could get one of those little channel "summing" boxes, I suppose. But, of course, I want it to look badasse. I think a mixing board hanging off my glovebox would look pretty pro.

I noticed on Behringer's site that they have a sponsorship program for musicians. I'm working on a proposal where I'll plug their products on my show and put their logo on my read-side windows in exchange for some equipment. I think it's a good opportunity for them to get some visibility. Some people get sponsorships for performance mods. Why not approach an audio company and ask them to donate a mixer and some mics? ;P

 

well, behringer isn't a good brand. doesn't mackie have a small 5 channel mixer available?

 

Behringer was suggested by someone in a podcasting forum. But I'm open to any brands. What's your experience with Behringer vs. Mackie?

 

well, mackie is a name you can trust in the sound industry. behringers have been known to have broken **** to wiring malfunctions.

i would suggest mackie simply because it will be on a car, that moves a lot. they're just well made and known for their quality. another brand i would suggest would be yamaha.

behringers are cheap and you get what you pay for

 

Good input.

I'll look at Mackie. I like that the Behringer 802 is to small, though. If the Mackie DJ mixer were smaller, it would be perfect. One mic, and two stereo inputs and crossfade. *drools*