Gear Talk: Recorders & Mics with Jeff Towne is an essential online workshop for audio producers, podcasters, and radio enthusiasts looking to demystify the world of recording equipment. This focused session cuts through the marketing noise and technical jargon to help attendees understand the real differences between popular microphones and recorders on the market today, from industry standards like Shure and Rode to innovative newer options.
During this 90-minute workshop, attendees will gain practical knowledge about the latest innovations and time-tested standards in microphones and recorders designed for both field and studio recording. Jeff Towne will walk through various equipment options, discussing their individual strengths and weaknesses, and most importantly, how microphones and recorders work together to achieve professional-quality audio. The session emphasizes real-world application, addressing common questions like the differences between omnidirectional and shotgun microphones, and helping producers make informed decisions about which gear suits their specific needs.
This class is ideal for both beginning and experienced audio producers who want to upgrade their knowledge and equipment choices. Whether you’re launching a podcast, producing a radio documentary, recording interviews in the field, or capturing performances in the studio, understanding your gear is fundamental to success. Attendees will also have plenty of opportunity to ask questions directly to Jeff, ensuring they leave with answers tailored to their individual production scenarios.
Your instructor, Jeff Towne, brings over 35 years of professional audio production experience as a producer of the nationally-syndicated radio program Echoes. He has recorded interviews and musical performances in environments ranging from intimate closets to grand cathedrals, outdoor festival stages to fully equipped professional studios. As the Tools Editor for Transom.org, a prestigious Peabody Award-winning platform dedicated to bringing new voices to public media, Jeff regularly reviews field recorders, microphones, and software, making him an authoritative guide for audio producers at all levels.
The workshop costs $15 and will be held online via Zoom on April 23, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM EST. Participants will receive their Zoom link the day before the class begins. Please note that classes are non-refundable and will not be recorded, but attendees are welcome to transfer their ticket to another person by notifying Radio Boot Camp with the new attendee’s name.
