Looking around, I guess there's different standards for how those contacts are used. Not sure what to tell you, the way I do what you're trying to do is with one of these.
Get a 4+ port USB interface. Here's a great one for $99. UMC404HD
That will only work for 1 person. How many daughters will be recording with you?
For up to 4 people, this is a good interface:
Use ocenaudio to record without issues.
And these microphones will be fine:
You’ll need some cheap mic stands and you’ll be all set.
Put the mics in the stands, plug the mics into the interface, plug the interface into the computer, adjust the gain, and press record in ocenaudio.
Yeah, I really love the Behringer UMC404HD. Not a lot of options to play with it, but I did buy one and return it to amazon no problem.
I highly recommend the Behringer umc404hd
They are usually a little out of stock but if you are patient you can get your hands on one of the best 4 in, 4 out audio interfaces. It's stuffed with outputs, midi in an out, and it's rock solid. I'm probably going to upgrade to jbl 305's this holiday season, and it definitely supports that.
Fuck focusrite and their shitty drivers, you are going to regret it and wish you had gotten the behringer instead.
Hi, I'm the co-editor for podcast production and I think I may be able to help with your questions.
Mics: Depending on your current recording space you have 2 options, Condenser or Dynamic Microphones. Condenser mics are very good at picking up detailed sound but they are most of the time to sensitive to be used without some sort of sound proofing or acoustic treatment to the room as they are really good at picking up even the quietest of sounds. but if you have a treated room or a acoustic shield then that might be an option to look into. Dynamic mics however are really good at capturing loud sounds and because of that, they are mostly used for singing and instruments. however they are also often used for narration because you don't have to go all out with the sound proofing as they are less sensitive. now since my talents are in post production, I don't need an expensive microphone to get a good sounding recording, so I just use a $20 Dynamic microphone from amazon, they're great in fact I bought 4 of them for a podcast I was doing, I can give samples if you would like. As for price, Condenser are on average going to cost more because of everything that goes into it. Dynamic mics are older tech, so they aren't as expensive. my friend who does the vocal recordings has the Rode NT1a, a rather expensive condenser microphone $229, and I record using the Behringer Xm8500 Dynamic mic $20 on amazon. so it's really up to your budget and editing know how.
You will also need a audio interface if you're going to be using XLR mics, which I highly recommend you do. Here's the one I use, although you may not need that many channels
Software: I use Adobe Audition around $20 a month subscription. However I have in the past used Audacity and if you know how to use it, you can get some really good results. If you are looking to get into industry standard software I would recommend Pro Tools also I think $20 a month.
Yes, people who don't use a studio generally record to their preferred Audio editor and mix/edit then upload to a hosting website for their podcast, the production I work for uses Blogtalk which I think has a free option. However there are many options for hosting websites (E.g. Acast, Podbean, Libsyn, Ect.) I recommend reading this website for hosting options.
People typically find voice actors through Casting Calls which they themselves set up or by going through a casting call website, and yes voice actors are typically paid although some may offer volunteer if they're just getting out there or for charity. For the sake of professionalism always assume you are paying for their services, that way if they decline payment then that's their choice as an actor.
If your podcast gains enough listeners then yes, you can definaty make money through podcasting, but you should never go only for making money. because one, it takes a while ti gain listeners and two it's just no fun if your only in it for the money.
I remember being exactly where you are now asking these questions, so If you need any help don't hesitate to ask. I hope this helps :)
TL,DR
Mics: I use a $20 Dynamic mic which gives me great recordings, although there are more expensive and higher quality options out there.
Software: I use Adobe Audition to edit everything but there are a myriad of other audio editing options out there including the free software Audacity.
Yes it can be as simple as Record/Edit/Post depending on what your doing and the type of podcast your going for.
You find actors through casting calls, and typically you always pay actors for their services. Always expect to pay.
Yes you can make money through podcasting depending on your listenership and Ads and things like that.
