Master VO

Mix it up

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:09:13 -0500

Greetings, Wise Master!

As a new member of the Voices.com community, I spent an hour or so this evening drifting through various blog pages until I came upon your contributions. Are you an old radio-head?? I haven't heard anyone mention OPTIMOD in years, and frankly, I almost quit my radio career when I began seeing computers creeping into the various studios. However, that was then, this is now...after 34 years on the air and six more years trying to squeeze out some extra income doing voiceovers out of my home studio, I think I've created a modest but well-balanced home studio. I have a custom-configured computer with an Athelon dual-core processor, an M-Audio Delta Series DI, a Shure SM-7 studio mike running through a Mackie Micro Series mixer and recording into Adobe Audition. Everything seems to work just fine, but I do have one question...because the Mackie mixer is a few years old and was previously used by me on many a remote broadcast, I'm thinking of replacing it before it up and croaks on me suddenly. What would you recommend? Is there a decent, reliable mixer for not too much money that connects via USB, or should I pick up another Mackie? The reason I use an analog unit in the first place is that I have several other sources feeding into the computer which have no way to be fed otherwise (turntable, VHS tape player, audio cassette player...you get the picture). Remember...for me, verstility and cost are two biggies. Thanks for your input...and I've really enjoyed reading your comments to other questions!

Andy G

Happy New Year to you Andy!

A radio head? Well, I'd like to think I just had a head for radio. 15 years behind the mic doing everything. My favorite and most creative position was a Production Director. I learned a great deal from the last generation of great radio voices and the masterful creativity of guys like Dick Orkin, (Chicken Man and the Tooth Fairy) who I got to meet this summer. What a wonderful biz it used to be. I too saw its demise in the late 80's when canned satellite programming came into prominence. It was a young person's job for those of us who didn't have to support a family. With that change, I had to move on.

For those of you wondering, an Orban OPTIMOD is a broadcast audio compressor that squeezes every last ounce of sound out of the audio so all can be heard, and the signal can be thrown a longer distance. Those old analog devices just held such fascination to me. And, they make a great inside joke to us old geezers.

But to your questions about a mixer Andy,

I would ask, what are you mixing? Are you still making commercials on the fly with a turntable, your finger and a cart machine? (For an explanation of what I'm talking about, go to) and read about the old days of production I talked about when discussing recording software.

Like most of us these days, chances are, you are only using just your mic most of the time and not mixing music and sound effects. Adding those elements with multi-tracking software is a breeze. You just drag, drop and manipulate for optimum placement. A mixer can be used for a couple of things. One, adjusting your mic levels for when your using more than one mic with more than one person, or, if you are introducing another sound element like music in real time with the voices (Like the introduction of a football game on TV).. A mixer can be used in post production to do that same thing, only with the pre-recorded tracks of voice and music.

Andy, you're making the same assumptions that any radio vet would make. You do production? You use a mixer. However, all you need to do is look at the recording software interface to see that the software has replaced the need for an external analog or digital mixer. Your only requirement for inputing a signal to your computer is a digital input connected by USB or firewire. Even that has become simple. There are USB mixers made by ...everyone, Mackie, Alessis, M-Audio, Yamaha etc. Again,, I have to point out that all this gear is designed for bands making music, not single track, mono, flat response, well modulated voice. You and I know how to use these things from our radio days. However, with the limited need for us to produce mixed projects, why bother? Why use an external mixer and add a noisy additional link to the audio chain?

Simplify and concentrate on reading and interpreting the copy, not adjusting your levels. Depending on which M-Audio Delta Series DI you are using, you should be able to directly plug your mics XLR cable to it either through its breakout box, or via an external USB or firewire DI, or one of the new generation USB studio mics or USB converters. After that, set you mic level and forget it. Its ready when you need it for an audition or job, and it won't need to adjust it from a mixer. Simple elegance!

Radio veterans need to understand the technological paradigm shift that has occurred in simple digital voice recording. The old set-up of Mic, Mixer board, interface to computer is essentially obsolete. Mic to DI to computer or mic directly to computer via USB is ALL YOU NEED!

It was how we were taught. But like Pluto is no longer considered a planet, technology has evolved how we record our voice.

Good luck Andy!

For more information on home studios, or for a personal consultation, go to

MASTER VO out (((((GONG)))))

Could You Be A Little More Specific?

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:54:10 -0500

Happy New Year MASTER VO,

I sure hope you can lead me in the right direction w/a couple of issues re: ProTools LE, an MBox Mini, and my intel iMac. Seems like a combo made in heaven but it has been a real migraine. I was so sure I had an iMac issue, I took my month old iMac to a nearby Apple store for a diagnosis..."no hardware issues" said the doctor. Recommended I re-install Leopard, Pro Tools 7.4.2 which I did. Still had conflicts in the form of spinning beachballs, but never, read that never, when using Pro Tools.?? So I figure it's Apples problem. Wrote a letter to Steve Jobs. Got a call from customer service about 12 days later. Really great people! Worked w/ a Tech by phone several times and incrementally discovered that when the MBox Mini was unplugged I no longer got the problem which occurred always when I was at the iTunes Store listening to audiobooks, but not at other audiobook sites.??

OK, I don't need to listen to the iTunes Store...I'm flexible. So this has all been happening recently, and I decide I have to get this resolved for the new year. I archive-n-reinstall Leopard, remove ProTools and do a clean, careful(I'm the wiser person now) re-install of both. Check all connections. Follow Digidesigns advice for closing down certain Leopard features. Update software and voila! There is still something going on but not the beachballs. So now you've got the set-up, here are my questions and concerns. Every now and again, the sound from the iMac "freezes" or so it seems. No sound from any application including music cd's I have on the hard drive. The only way to clear it or free it, is to power off the computer, not a re-start. When I do this I hear a fairly loud electronic 'pop' in the m-audio monitors, and a lighter electronic noise upon startup. Then all is well with the sound. Ideas??

Yesterday, I was using the AKG 200 on-n-off throughout the day. I come back to the exact same setup, no changes in recording settings and in record mode. Open a file I've been working on and I see constant clipping in the mix window...and I haven't said a word yet. So I go to record some material and the wave is HUGE! I reduce the gain on the MBox to "0". Still HUGE. I position the Slider in the Mix to the very bottom position...still Huge. I'm confused. So I unplug the mic, and believe it, I'm still showing a signal, about a third up the signal strength window.?? So I close everything and re-start which upon re-opening has changed nothing. I then Poweroff/on and all is well once again. Ideas??

Finally, (if you're still with me you're a Prince of a man,) in your comments re: recording software, you don't mention Pro Tools LE and I was wondering why. You know, last night, after yesterdays nonsense, I took a look at Garageband. I have never really considered it. But I was thinking...maybe ProTools is not all it's cracked up to be. And yet I am learning LE with some CD's and a Berklee book and frankly I'm beginning to like it. That said, I don't know if I can get this system to the point where I can build a business on it. Ideas?? Thank you for reading this novella, and if you can offer any guidance I will offer you my cats first born. In any event, thank you for sharing your experience and insights with our community. I've learned a lot from your practical comments and solutions.

Tom D.

A happy and less frustrating year to you as well Tom,

As time continues to tick away and technology rolls on, the more I am convinced that the idea of a home studio should be a simple joy. Technology now makes that possible. Pro-Tools LE does not. Pro-Tools is not designed for what we do. It records! Darn tootin it records great! Great sound. But what on earth is all that other stuff?

I can't say this enough, and some gear heads are taking great exception to this; Why would you use a nuclear reactor control system to control a hamster in a wheel? Pro-Tools is a high-end, multi-track, music production software. Pro-Tools uses memory resources, which on an i-Mac are more readily available than on a PC. However, Pro-Tools still uses far too much. Its a pig and it overwhelms even an i-Mac. hence, the "beach balls." Bottom line, "If you don't understand it, you don't need it!"

I keep saying again and again...KEEP IT SIMPLE! Tom, what are you using this software for? Are you creating full blown productions with music and sound effects? Do you have experience with radio commercial production? If not, Pro-Tools is a huge waste of money. All that stuff you see in there, compression, reverb, flanging, all that stuff and all those control parameters have nothing to do with laying down a single track, flat response, mono signal, that is not over-modulated. That , as a voice artist with a home studio, is all you need to create. Pro-Tools is like hiring Monet to paint your house. OK enough metaphors...

As our little voice industry has evolved over the past five years, so has the technology. It is now so simple, my 11 year old is doing it and editing and creating amazing things! Problem is, people getting started in voice over want a competitive edge. They want the best "thing" to make themselves sound great. Pro-tools doesn't make you sound great. ProTools records you as you are and allows you to manipulate it to sound "different." So will Garage Band and so will Audacity and Twisted Wave and a bunch of other inexpensive recording software programs. However, you're not producing the soundtrack to Russell Crowes' next blockbuster, or the latest Pixar feature. The engineers who make those use Pro-Tools. They also know how, and more importantly, they know WHY they use it!

Honestly, learning the basics of basics of digital recording is more important than what you use to do it. The codecs and processors these high-end programs use are for mixing complex sounds. While the human voice is complex on its own, it only requires one mono track to sound the way it should on a radio spot, TV spot, Web spot, or voice mail system. Pro-Tools et al. are OVERKILL to the max!

Simple programs like Garage Band, which came free with your i-Mac are all you need, for now. Garage Band has its limitations, but I made a lot of money using it. Do other things sound better? Yes, and I keep mentioning it. Adobe makes great stuff and I've been very happy with Adobe "SOUNDBOOTH" for Mac. They just upgraded it to CS4 which now has multi-track capability, if you have to use effects and music. Most of the time I don't. My clients just want my clean, unadulterated voice. No compression, no reverb, no EQ. If you don't know what those things are, Pro-Tools can be like Quantum Physics.

I know why you are using Pro-Tools. You bought an M-Box. an M-box only works with Pro-Tools and Garage Band. For other programs you need a NASA engineer to configure it. I see this over and over again. Your musician buddies said, "Hey man, Pro-Tools rocks!" Only problem is you want to sound like you, not Axel Rose.

(Sensing a theme here?) You want a competitive edge? Get training for your acting technique. That's what will get you jobs. Its all technique, not technology. How you use your wonderful AKG 200 is far more important than having it. It doesn't make you sound better. Like Pro-Tools, It just records you as you are, cleanly, with as little coloration as possible.

You can have a great home studio with the simplest of gear. To have a joyful studio, unless you are very experienced, don't use an M-Box and Pro-Tools.

So much for any endorsement deals with Digidesign..

Check out my latest MASTER VO blogs here, and listen to some of the podcasts I've done on this subject. And go to HOMESTUDIOMASTER.COM if you want more information or a personal consultation.

Hope that Helps Tom.

Happy New Year to all my "Grasshoppers."

MASTER VO out (((((GONG)))))

Patience is a Virtue

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:13:09 -0500

Master VO I seek your knowledge.

We are following the dream and have acquired the equipment, and the basement space. It works well and the sound is fantastic. We continue to practise, however it is readily apparent that the ambiance of the space leaves much to be desired.

The mic is picking up the water running through pipes, the neighbours dog, the dehumidifier, hot water heater, etc in the basement space. We have moved around the basement looking for a better sound, ( or lack of sound ), adjusted the sensitivity, and still have the issue. Before we are ready to post demos, I'd rather not have the toilet flushing in the background audio.

I have been looking into the various soundproofing solutions, the roll of 1/2" or so rubber sheets, the sound mats, the possibility of finishing a small room with sound proofing insulation etc. and the cost of the sound proofing solutions.

Pricing out sound proof booths may be the way to go in my case, as I am not of the carpentry bent, and would rather have something not so permanent yet, something that works well in preventing the ambiance noise from finding my mic.

When searching for VO Booths, they are available in the US, but if possible would like to find a Canadian distributor / manufacturer. We reside in Ontario. I ask that if you have come across any decent VO Booth manufacturers/distributors , if possible in Canada, but if not, in the US, that have a sound proof solution that can practically eliminate the washing machine, and the kids in the basement.

We Thank You Immensely for any insight.
Jeffrey

Thanks for this very important question Jeffery!

Its been a while since I've been here as Master VO's VO biz has had an amazing 2008!
My apologies to all my grasshoppers.

This is most likely the most common question I get. And the answer is very simple. Be "patient."

Look, if you've been investigating "Sound Proof booths," I'm sure you are aware that you could spend upwards of $10,000 to get the isolation you desire. From a beginning voice over venture, too me, that seems like an investment that could take years to recover.

A few things to think about. Your perception that time is of the essence, is misplaced.
If you think you are in a rush to get an audition out before someone else does, is a faulty strategy. Perhaps you've seen audition notices for "I need this now!" That should key you in to the fact that this seeker was unprepared and did not plan ahead. Not someone I would do business with. The myth of getting your audition in "first" is ridiculous. Yes , you need to be "timely," but not sloppy.

If your home is way to loud, at all times, when you need to record, you can tell the kids to go play down the street, make sure no one uses the bathroom and make it known to all at home to respect your space. This is the beauty of a home studio. It is an opportunity to support everyone at home. They need to support you at the same time.

So in the end, you can spend $10,000 and spend time in the "Cone of Silence" feeling claustrophobic, or you can patiently wait for your neighbor to stop cutting his grass. You can shut off the furnace or A/C for a couple of hours. I do it all the time and save money at the same time. Just remember to turn it back on! What's more important? The Laundry done at 1 pm or at 10 pm? Your throwing money at a solution that is not worth it. At a big studio where they need to isolate someone from music, yeah, that's fine.

Your doing it at home because its cheap and you can create excellent audio with a few inexpensive, isolation techniques. Use Auralex foam and create a 3 sided booth about 3 feet square. Cover the ceiling directly above your mic too. OR, use a big heavy quilt! The idea is to absorb the sound passing the mic and not bouncing back around the room. You know, that "talking in a tunnel" effect. I also have tried the SE Eletronics "Reflexion filter." (Do a websearch)(Its about $300) It works great even in a big, acoustically untreated room! And you can try to make one yourself. Or try Harlan Hogan's "Porto-Booth." which can be found at his website. You can build one of those your self as well.

These are inexpensive but very effective methods to acoustically isolate your mic. You can't totally keep the outside noise from coming in without major investment.

Here's what I recommend. Get training for your vocal delivery style. Have a professional demo made at a studio. Take your time in learning how to record. Learn the basics. Learn the acoustic signature of your studio space, learn how to compensate for it physically, by moving things around or using software to filter out the noise AFTER you have recorded it. And Be Patient!

Don't over think this! Its actually quite simple. If you don't know how to use something, you don't need it.

For more tips, and more help, check out my website:

Dazed And Confused

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 17:33:09 -0500

Greetings O Wise One.

I have come from afar to seek out your wisdom. I pray for many blessings on you and your home in return of your time with me.
So I don’t have the foggiest clue what the hell I’m doing in front of a computer. Well at least in front of a computer with an audio interface plugged into it. I built a complete studio with a semi soundproof sound room and all the equipment about 16 months ago. I use a PC with Adobe Audition and a digital audio interface called a Presonus Firebox. My mic is an AKG perception 200. At one point everything worked well as I have hosted VO courses at my home (Venue only not instructor). My instructor and mentor, Deb Munro, said it was a good system. Since then somehow my recording levels have been very low. About the -20 point on average. I have even tried bringing in an intern sound engineer to rectify the problem and even he could not find the source. He figures it might be my mic but not too sure and I haven’t heard from him since. (Today I am trying a new mic)
I know I have to play with it myself to learn, and I haven’t, mostly because I don’t have the confidence of even the basics. I found it frustrating that the software and hardware come together fine but there wasn’t any kind of tutorial on the basic recording steps. So I’m stuck and I hate to have work come my way and not have a way of recording it at home. So what’s your prognosis, doctor? Oops, I mean O Wise One…
Thanks for your time. You have no idea!

Greg

Calgary, AB

You have chosen wisely to venture to the Temple of Modern Modulation. Its a long walk from the Canadian High Prairie! Ye Hah~

The prognosis is very good Grasshopper Greg. You say that "Since then" your levels have been low,-20db.

Simple logic would make me ask what occurred between "then" and "now?"

Looking at your system, you've maintained your mental consistency and have chosen wisely again, component wise. THe AKG Perception is 200 is an excellent VO mic. A Presonus Firebox is a workhorse, 2 channel DI. I use one myself here in the legendary "Black Hole Of Calcutta" studio. Its real quiet. The software mixer that comes with it is a tad confusing, and if you're not recording K.D. Lang's next album for her, you really don't need it.

Adobe Audition is a favorite recording software of many. Personally, I have gone to Adobe's newer single voice track recorder "Soundbooth CS3." listen to my experts podcast review of it at:
ExpertsPodcasts

Adobe is upgrading that to CS4 and I've tested the Beta. It now has multitrack capability and sounds even better as they are using improved codecs. It should be out sometime this summer.

Your audio level problem should not be from your microphone, unless of course you dropped it. No, I think your level problems are most likely computer based. Many times, for whatever reasons, the gods at Microsoft make their operating systems mysteriously glitch, sending settings of various systems into complete disarray. Try:

#1 going into your control panel (Windows that is) and check your audio settings there. First make sure the Firebox is your default audio input source. If it is not. Make it so. Also, check the Presonus Website for any Firmware updates. IF thats all good, try raising your levels up from there (From the windows mixer). If its still low,

#2. the problem lies with the Firebox. And Its not a problem, its a setting. Use the Firebox Control (its software that came with the drivers)(The Icon has a hammer on it) and make sure it is recognizing the Firebox. Also there is a +12db boost switch on the Firebox control window. Try that and see if that raises the levels.

The Firebox sounds great when you get it configured right. Its tricky but worth it. I might suggest you get a mic pre-amp too, but the Firebox has a good pre-amp for Condenser mics, which need very little boost.

I think anyone unfamiliar with these steps can be left as dazed and confused as you were. Now however, you have become enlightend. Of course if I'm wrong, you might consider the great, personal touch, tech support service PreSonus has. They know their stuff and they respond with real humans.

Report back to the VO DOJO and let us know if that worked.

Master VO ...Out

((((((GONG)))))))

Looking to Upgrade

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:19:16 -0500

Hi Master VO,

I use a Samson Studio Condenser mic, Samson MDR6 mixer, and SoundBlaster Live! with 5.1 Support sound card. The computer is a Dell Dimension 8300 PC. This rig has been serving me well for almost 4 years. I do a wide range of voice-overs, send out dry voice only, and haven't had any complaints. But I'm always open to an upgrade, and your post makes me wonder if a change in equipment would improve my sound. I'm no technician, and subscribe to "keep it simple". If it ain't broke, I don't want to try to fix it.

Any suggestions? Thank you.

Fred

Hi Fred,

If you read my last entry on sound cards:
Master VO Sound cards
you'd see where I stand on those.

Your mic is fine and using a mixer is smart to adjust levels. Samson's stuff is very worthy equipment for the type of work we do.

The places to upgrade are #1, get a new, faster computer. 4 years is eternity in computer years. (or 30 in dog years) Microsoft and peripheral manufacturers are sorting out the kinks with VISTA and now I think its relatively safe to invest in a computer with that pre-loaded. I of course am using a new i-Mac with the Intel duo-core processors. I love it! Its real quiet too!

Second, get a digital interface as I mentioned in:
Master VO Sound cards

Those two things will significantly improve your sound. VO is a business. Invest in that business!

Good luck!

Master VO out

((((((GONG))))))))

USB Mic Plight

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:37:13 -0500

Oh Master VO!

I'm new to VO (studying for one year, auditioning for about a month) and new to this site, but I have a question. First, my equipment: I run a modest PC (1 MHz clock, 512k memory, SoundBlaster "Audigy" sound card, lots of HD storage), and Audacity DAW software. I have an M-Audio Firewire 410 DI (which I am not using at present) and a new SE Electronics USB2200A microphone. I'm only using the sound card for playback, as both the mic and the preamp interface through USB and Firewire ports, respectively. My problem is that I can't seem to get enough gain in the mic. I run the mic volume in the DAW flat out, have adjusted the Windows mic record volumes to the max, including the +20dB boost, and have to run Audacity's "amplify" utility after recording to get enough gain to see to edit. This doesn't seem right, but I don't know what is wrong. Also, I get some crackle and pop in the recording, which may or may not be related. What would you suggest to correct these problems? Thanks for your thoughts.

Rick

Good questions Rick!

Well for starters, your modest computer is, well....modest. 1 mhz is pretty stone wheel slow compared to today's Intel Duel Core processors. If your running new hardware, like your SE 2200A USB mic, you may have some compatibility concerns. Those of us who have been building our VO businesses over the past 5 or so years have upgraded to the latest technology. MY old Mac PowerBook G4 wasn't hacking it anymore and new software required more computing power. You may have upgraded to a very nice USB condenser mic, but you may have left yourself with a computer that will only go so fast and most likely can't keep up. That's #1.

#2, We did a column on USB mics back in December of 2006.

Master VO 12/06

Back then, (an eternity by today's technology standards) we reported that there may have been compatibility issues with USB mics, specifically BLUE's "Snowball" USB mic, and Audacity. I don't know if this is still an issue, but it may be worth looking into. A quick solution to that is to bite the bullet and try another recording software. Last week we did an experts Podcast on this very subject. Check it out!

Master VO EXPERTS Podcast 1/08

#3. Generally, with USB mics, the manufacturer, in this case SE Electronics, release the mic with proprietary software to run the mic and interface with your recording software. Usually, that software has a gain control tab. The rule of thumb for audio processing is to get as much gain up front in your audio chain to avoid amplifying noise further down. You say you're running the audio through Windows sound utilities. That tells me you are probably not utilizing the companies software. If you are bypassing SE's software, your are not making full use of the features SE has provided you. My dad always said, especially to me.."When all else fails, read the instructions!" Your overloading of your Windows audio software may be causing your crackles and pops too.

USB mics are really cool for making your business portable. Also, as a beginner, they are a less costly alternative to the recommended audio chain of Mic-Preamp-mixer- Digital Interface. I would consider the SE 2200A to be a very top end (and 4 times as expensive!) USB studio condenser mic, as blogs I've been reading say that some big studios are using them for vocals and other purposes. Using your SE 2200A as your primary mic in your studio though, especially if you are having problems, seems unwise until you figure it out. Once you do however, you should have very clean audio.

My Samson C01U USB condenser mic that I bought in 2006 works great when I'm on the road. Its no comparison to my Neumann TLM 103 however. At home, I use the traditional studio set-up and audio chain I mentioned above, using a quality, Class A Pre-amp with my 103. That gives me tremendous control over my input signal as far as initial gain is is concerned. Perhaps I have to do a column on Preamps. That's a whole nother ball o' wax that is even more confusing!

Just remember to try and get as much gain as you can on the front end!

Try that solution Rick, and report back to the Master VO Dojo.

Master VO... out

(((((GONG))))))

Sound cards are a big no-no!

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:17:19 -0500

Greetings, O Wise 1....

I've been in the freelance VO world for a few years now (35 in the radio industry, though - still at it, too) and have a good home studio set-up, but I've always wondered about my sound card, which is an integrated version in my Compaq Pressario. It's a Realtek AC97. From time to time I've been dogged with flutter and stutter while tracking (which I only discover on playback), which is frustrating, to say the least. I've upgraded the memory, closed down unnecessary programs, and it still happens. I have a good condenser mic, nice dry environment, good pop filter, and I know how to work a mic so it isn't that.

The computer geeks I talk to say the integrated sound card is crap. I broke down and got an Edirol UA-4FX USB external, but not sure if it's what I need. I may wind up returning it.

What's the best sound card for VO out there? I've heard Delta is good.

Regards,

Gordon

Adobe Audition subtraction

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 19:27:55 -0500

Oh, Wise Master!

I seek your wisdom... I have the latest version of Audition and I need to know the settings describe in this Q&A session. I looked in the Dynamics Processing area and did not find "limit soft w/boost". Do you know if Adobe renamed this preset or did away with it? Thanks from a radio vet who's actually new to VO.

Michael

Recording Software - Some Hard Choices? No not really...

Sat, 08 Sep 2007 15:38:37 -0500

Dear Master VO,

I'm fairly new to the field and wondered if you might be able to give me some advice on recording at home. Right now, I am recording with NCH Sound Pad recording software. Would you know of another kind of software available where I could mix background effects (music, etc.) to enhance the quality of the audition?

Thank you.

Tony Gentile

Keep It Simple!

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:23:28 -0500

Dear Master VO,

I want to get started in Voice over. All I have right now is a Labtec Microphone that I bought on the shelf of a local Wal-Mart store of mine and I am really under the impression that that might not be considered adequate enough by seekers of professional voice-over talent.

I would like to know if professional home studio equipment (such as a professional microphone, audio console board, etc.) are needed or not perform voice-over/narration works at your home for whatever job you eventually land.

Jacob H.

Money In The Bank

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 09:52:10 -0500

Firewire cards and high end mics. Are they for you? That depends on several variables.

Hi Master VO,

I have a question regarding mics. For studio quality do I need a class A large diaphram condenser mic? If so what do you suggest? Also am I right in saying that you can combine a preamp and sound card in one unit like the RME fireface 400, thus needing only a basic firewire card to get the signal into your PC?

cheers!

Mairead, Australia

A Primer On ISDN And Other Similar Technologies:The Rapidly Changing World of Studio Link-Ups

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 15:54:45 -0500

Hi Master VO:

I'm wondering about technology. I am able to record at home and ftp to websites. That's no problem. But...how do I record from home and have the client get the file with just a few seconds delay? I know the technology exists, because a colleague uses it. Here's what I've found...

We have worked out a way to broadcast an audio-stream from our studio's computer to any other, using the Internet, allowing the receiving end to record the audio stream with high quality results -- as good as, or better than ISDN -- without the normal ISDN equipment or fees.

Except for an occasional check to see if we are streaming, it runs much like a regular phone patch session -- the difference being that the content is delivered immediately and you know exactly what you are getting (Audio levels, EQ, overall sound quality etc).

Got any ideas as to how he does it??

Thanks, in advance, for any enlightenment you might offer.

Diane

Living in the "Present."

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 21:05:18 -0500

Master VO,

I use a Symetrix 528E processor and wondered what settings I can change to make my voice sound more "present?" I have a good studio mike, but when I hear some voice demos, they sound like they are sitting next to you instead of coming out of the radio. I've been fiddling with the settings and have made some small improvements, but sure would love to have your opinion. I've been at this 25+ years and am pretty happy with the way the Internet has helped my voiceover business improve, but getting that wonderful studio presence would help my voice stand out more.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Best,

Robin Rowan

New Breed of USB Microphones

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 15:05:55 -0500

Oh USB, Oh USB...A Microphone For You And Me! or... Which mic should I get for my first home recording studio?

Who Knew?

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 21:41:36 -0500

Jaws and Audacity - can they get along?