You know that we're big believers in the constant quest to upgrade our equipment. Two recent additions have made a meaningful contribution to the quality of our shows and the ability to facilitate and expedite our workflow. First we purchased a slightly used Shure KSM 313 Microphone. This Red and Black microphone while being very attractive utilizes a Roswellite rare earth metal ribbon to capture sound. It's most useful for musicians, but it's also a great podcasting mic. The ribbon is great for picking up voice, but doesn't pick is limited in its ability to pick up breaths. So if you're a heavy breathing podcaster, this could do the trick. Until something better comes along, we're hooked.

Next is my 43" curved Samsung monitor. When it comes to workflow, this monitor is a godsend. It measures approximately 14" x 43" and has a slight radius. The beauty of this monitor is that it allows for three windows to be open, side by side at the same time. This makes editing documents, audio or video files a snap. It really helps declutter your desktop. I purchased it almost new on eBay for around $550, including shipping. It comes in a behemoth of a box, but is really quite simple to setup. Once you've got it set up the way you like it, you'll never go back to boxy monitors again.

Our continuous effort to improve is always reaping dividends. Stayed tuned for our next giant leap forward.