You can use whatever it takes to get the job done. We recommend digital recording for obvious reasons and you have to be able to upload your show to your show profile on our website using an internet connection.
Step 1. Choose a quiet location to record your show
You want to choose a spot that will have the least amount of traffic, noise or inturruptions. A spare bedroom is usually preferred or you can convert your garage or even use your living room if you plan on having multiple
guests visit your show. If you're doing a live show, make sure you test your internet broadcasting connection prior to going live several days in advance if possible.
*If your internet speed is too slow, you can't broadcast live until you upgrade your internet connection upload speed. You can still pre-record a show and submit it for broadcast.
Step 2. Get the right tools for the job
You want to make sure you have the necessary hardware and software to record a quality show. Below are our recommendations for a successful radio setup.
HARDWARE
1. Computer ( Macintosh Preferred ) 2 GHZ or higher if possible with a Minimum of 2GB Memory
2. Microphone ( something over $100 / Shure sm 57,58 AKG - Condensor or Tube Mics preferred for best vocal reproduction )
If you are using a condensor mic, it will require phantom power which must be plugged in via XLR mic cable to a mixer or pre-amp that supports this.
We also recommend mic pre-amps, compressors, mic windscreens, quality cables, quarter inch (1/4") & XLR/MIC cables ( use monster, pro-co, or hosa )
3. Power conditioner / Surge Protection ( Protect your equipment and eliminate possible audio defects - ie. buzz, humm, crackle )
4. Desk ( make sure you setup a clean and clear, functional workspace. it can be more important then you think. )
5. Mixing Board ( 2-4 channel for small productions, 4-8 channels for regular shows, 8+ for group interviews, 16+ for live band recording )
SOFTWARE Macintosh
1. MegaSeg Playlist software, iTunes, Garageband or ProDJ ( Playback of music, commercials and background audio for talk-over )
2. Nicecast Broadcasting & Archiving Software or Winamp DJ Plugin ( Required for Live Broadcast )
3. Pro Tools* ( if you have a protools LE or HD setup, you can do more then with an analog mixer )
4. iTunes ( Use for conversion to MP3 128 bit and testing all levels )
5. Bias Peak ( use to trip, enhance, cut, or modify the nal 2 channel stereo le )
6. Ambrosia Soundboard ( on-demand audio )
Step 3. Create your Show Elements
You want to make sure you have your intro/outro/plug and commericals already produced and ready for playback and that you setup your music playlist so you can perform your
show and let your playlist operate for an hour to make sure you like the progression and transitions of what you want to broadcast.
Step 4. Configure and Test
Once you purchase and install your new software, its time to setup your music libraries, playlists, etc. - Perform a test show verifying all of your levels, inputs, clarity, and
balance between background music and talk-over volume. Remember to save religiously when creating new audio or importing content.
Make sure to quit megaseg and re-open after importing your library, it only saves added files upon quitting the application.
F.A.Q.
What will XSite Radio do for me and my show?
After your show is approved and scheduled, XSite Radio will create and provide promotional audio intros, outros, plugs, and commercials; graphic badges and banners.
In addition to promoting and airing your original show, our partnership with
XSite Media Los Angeles allows us to offer no-cost website hosting to all radio hosts. This does not include website development or domain names.
Do I Get Paid?
No. At the present time, there is no payment or compensation for being a radio show host or producing content for the station. Should a sponsor wish to advertise during your show or you bring a sponsor to XSR, then you will recieve compensation in some form, ether in product or money - which will be discussed at that time.
What if I run into a problem?
We're here to help!
Don't be afraid to ask us for help. You can always perform a Google search but whatever the problem you are facing, we most likely have already
encountered it and found a suitable work-around or resolution. The Station Manager will make himself available for XSite Radio show hosts.
What if I want to make my own intro and show elements?
Please do! We encourage our hosts to create content that will best-suit their show style and for new shows, we might not know what your show is about so the
materials we provide may not suit your needs. In which case, you can create your own or ask us to modify the provided content within reason. We're
not going to hire a 24 piece orchestra for your show intro, but garageband will give you a silimar sounds you desire.
When do I need to deliver my show for air?
No later then 24 hours prior to your scheduled air time unless you are broadcasting live or other arrangements have been made with XSR.
How do I submit/upload my show?
Log on to your show profile at xsite radio and add a song.
When Adding Your Show, Please Follow these Parameters:
*THE FOLLOWING ONLY APPLIES WHEN YOUR UPLOADING A SHOW TO YOUR SHOW PROFILE
Format for uploading a new show to XSite Radio:
Song Name: 00-00-00 ( Date ) ( This way when your show airs, it will show your show name - then the date, not your show name, your show name, date. )
Don't add a season in this as we don't really know what season we're actually on so we just dropped it entirely. You May Include Episodes if you wish.
( i.e.. Episode, Show, Event, or Mix 1 or 01 )If you don't know the date for older shows, Guess.
Credits: Name of the Producer or Host of your show. ( You should also add additional credits here and list any guests you had on the show. )
Existing Album: Summer/Fall 2009 ( Your current season )
New Album: ( Leave it Blank ) ( unless creating a new season season/season year )
Song Label: XSite Radio
Song Genre: Original Show
Song Lyrics: Whatever you want or leave it blank
Song Information: Put in general information about your show. This will also be added to your podcasts. You can also enter a general show description if you wish.
Explicit Lyrics: If you swear or play music with any cursing, check this box. If your not sure, Check it anyways to be safe.
Hide Song: Check this until after your show has aired. We will do this for you if you forget.
ISRC Code: ( Leave Blank )
Artist License: ( Leave Blank )
Songwriter License: ( Leave Blank )
Current HIFI Song File: Upload your 128 bit mp3 here. The system will automatically convert your audio to the correct format, but the larger the file,
the longer the upload.
HIFI Listener Access: Streaming Only ( We want them to download your show podcast using iTunes )
Select Gallery Image: Select your current show image
Ignore vault file.
click Save/Upload.
The system will automatically notify us that you have submitted your show.
If you are experiencing problems uploading through our system, please use http://upload.xsiteradio.com up to 1 hour before your show airs.
Keep in mind, a typical show takes about 20-40 minutes to upload depending on your internet connection. Once you see the SUCCESS! page in green, everything is all good.
When you record your shows, try to keep your commercial breaks to no longer then 2 minutes.
If you don't have your access credentials, click forgot password and enter your email address or contact us and we'll create or provide you with your access.
Does XSR Maintain my profile?
No. You are responsible for your show profile. We will correct anything we see when we un-hide your show the following day, but we want YOU to keep your listeners and potential advertisers informed
on upcoming shows and guest information via blogs, status updates, or on your profile itself.
1. No Ant-Racial or Hate Speech
2. No copyrighted material of any kind can be used or aired unless permission is given or rights to play the track are obtained.
3. All Hosts are allowed a 1 Hour Time Slot unless otherwise specified.*
4. No Political Commercials or promos promoting any canidate.
*If your show is less then 60 min, it may play a track from our playlist inbetween shows.
*If you show is more then 60 min, it may be subject to truncation and will simply advance to the next show.
*If you are the last show of the evening, you may air your show as long as it does not interfiere with any special events or other shows.
What would cause me to have my show cancelled?
Violation of any of the above restrictions
Failure to provide 3 shows or miss more then 3 shows.
Poor quality recordings repeadly submitted for broadcast.
Simply
Create a new artist profile and upload a pilot show. Send us an e-mail or contact us through the website to inform us of what you are attempting to do and we will review the material and get back to you.
If we like your show, we will add it to our schedule your show for the next upcoming season. The Next Season is set to begin Friday, March 2nd, 2012.