VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

KaraEdwards · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 1:28 pm Post subject: Recording in Stereo

Dear very smart audio engineering friends...I have a question about recording in stereo.

I use Pro Tools 7, and always set my tracks to record my voice in one mono track. When I am adding production elements, I make them mono as well (Why? I dunno- just always have). Then, I bounce the file as a mono wav. At that point I convert to either a mono or stereo .mp3 (which I assume just doubles the mono track?)

I would love to claim that I am much more technically savvy than I am, but that ain't the way it is. I've always done things the way I was taught to do them over a decade ago by very smart people.

OK, all of this is to set up my question. I have a foreign client that is wanting me to record and produce in stereo. They are using my produced files on CD's that are being duplicated...so I understand the need for the very best sound.

Should I set my tracks to record my voice in stereo and use all the sound fx and music in stereo? Or, should I do things as I have and then bounce the tracks in stereo?

Thanks in advance for any help!
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georgethetech · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 1:46 pm Post subject: Re: Recording in Stereo

I won't claim to be a Pro Tools guru, but I can recommend a few things.
Pro Tools is setup like a recording console and a multi-track tape recorder. When you record mono, your mic input is assigned to a single mono AIFF file. When you bounce to a stereo file, you can decide where that track appears in the stereo sound field by panning it left to right with the mixer, although usually in VO it is dead center (unless you are going for an effect on a FM radio promo production). This is the point where stereo comes into play.
When you import your backing tracks, Pro Tools will create a mono or stereo track based on how the source file was originally saved. If it was saved in stereo (or two mono files, 1 for Left and 2 for Right) the stereo information is maintained throughout the editing and mixing process. When it comes to effects in the Audio Suite, there are two ways to apply them. If you use an effect who's output would sound best in Stereo, like a reverb, you don't want to use it as an Insert on a mono track, as it will then sound mono. You want to setup a Stereo Auxiliary track for your Reverb to reside in and send your mono signal to it with the Auxiliary send on your Mic track.
Then just be sure to bounce in Stereo. I hope this makes sense, and if someone catches a mistake in my description, please speak up.
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Edo · Guest

No George that's pretty much it.

Kara, I would have a template session ready where you have:

- 3 mono tracks, used for your vocal bits
- 3 stereo tracks, for production music and sfx
- 2 stereo aux tracks, reverb and delay for instance
- 1 stereo master fader

Put the usual RTAS plug-ins on your master fader and on your mic tracks (if you use them there) and use a couple of busses to route the stuff from the vocal channels through the aux tracks where you put the delays and the reverbs.

If this sounds like abradadabra to you, I'll make that template session for you and post it here. Just let me know what your PT setup is, I'll try to match it as best I can using the standard Digirack plugs so everything should work out fine.

EDIT: What the heck... here it is now!

PT template session (created in LE 7.4... right click to save)
PT template session (a 6.9 PT session, should open in previous versions... right click to save)

I bypassed all plug-ins to be altered to your liking. Just use what you want to use. I set the session to read-only, which in Windows makes it a template automatically. Now you can open and work on the file like normal. But when it comes time to save or close the session, you will be prompted to rename the file in order to save it, because it's a Read Only file. To make changes to your template, you will have to return to the Properties dialog box and deselect the Read Only box.

If you are on a Mac, highlight the icon of your template session, go to the File menu, and select Get Info (Command + I ). Click on the Stationery Pad box, then close the window. Next, double-click on your template. After the Edit and Mixer windows are built, a dialog box will appear with two options: Edit Stationery and New Session. Click on Edit Stationery if you want to modify the template file. The New Session button opens another dialog box that prompts you to rename the session and select where you want to save it. Once you press Save, you're ready to work on the new session, without damaging the related template file.

KaraEdwards · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 3:06 pm Post subject:

George and Edo- you guys rock!

I think I understand most of what you are saying (Edo- I have Pro Tools 7.1, so it wouldn't let me open the template...you are too modern for me- heh. I'm sure many will appreciate it though!).

So, if I record my voal tracks in mono- and have the sound FX in stereo...then I can bounce in stereo as a wav file? Then it will be high quality for CD duplication?

So glad I know smart people Smile

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Edo · Guest

Kara, I will post the same session later tonight, but THEN downwards compatible to let you open it up in 7.1 as well. When you bounce to disk, use WAV, 16-bits 44.1 kHz and it will be ready for CD. I already made the session a 44.1k one, so you wouldn't have to think about it Laugh

KaraEdwards · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 3:18 pm Post subject:

I owe you one Smile

I always bounce files 16/44.1, but in mono. I never noticed until today I had the stereo option.

So, it does bounce everything in stereo, even though my voice files are mono?

Groovy Smile

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Edo · Guest

The file will be considered a stereo file, the audio information on it (when no information through the aux channels were used) will ofcourse be (dual) mono. And you don't owe me one... I sent your headshots to that engineer looking for a nude lady VO Inoccent

Will post the 2nd session later tonight!

Edo · Guest

Yoda117 · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 11:50 am Post subject:

Looks like George and Edo have this one covered.

Basically, you're just using mono (or multiple mono tracks) unless you're using a stereo mic or microphone setup, and frankly... that doesn't really make sense to use one for VO in most situations.
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KaraEdwards · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 3:58 pm Post subject:

Edo, that worked! Thank you SO MUCH!

Again, this is the best place EVER!

I <3 the VO-BB.
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Edo · Guest

Ever so welcome Kara! Hope you find it useful. If you need anymore help, just say so and we'll guide you through individual settings if neccesary.

Meanwhile, have fun bouncing in stereo Laugh

Yoda117 · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 6:15 pm Post subject:

You know Kara... you could always grab one of these:

Record in stereo and have major bragging rights Wink

/Sabat would become your new permanent houseguest... trust me.
//apologies for pic size... not one of mine
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Voiceovers by Gregory Houser
Philadelphia based Voice Actor

Blog - A man, a martini, and a lot of microphones

KaraEdwards · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 8:02 pm Post subject:

Sabat has stayed at my house...while he is most welcome anytime...permanently?? Shocked

Also, I'm so married to my Lawson, I just wouldn't feel right cheating on him. Kiss

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Kara Edwards
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Yoda117 · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 8:04 pm Post subject:

LOL! It's just a tool... like any other in your place. Wink

and trust me in saying that an SM69 in good shape will give that thing a run for it's money (at that level it's more about choice than quality)
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Voiceovers by Gregory Houser
Philadelphia based Voice Actor

Blog - A man, a martini, and a lot of microphones

bobbinbeamo · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 8:39 pm Post subject:

Wow Kara, you received excellent responses here Smile

I almost always record in mono, too. I am Still searching for PTools 7 audio processing advice for EQ and/or compression. (see the thread I started that went nowhere) If anyone could PM me, I'd be sooo appreciative.
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