VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

KathyB · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 8:27 am Post subject: blending new and old technology

Hi Everyone,

I want to say thanks for all the help and support from members of this board! And once again, I am looking for advice.

I have a phone system client who wants me to record on a cassette tape--not the mini ones -- the regular sized ones. So I am planning on using my recording system: c-1 mic-symetrix 528e-emu0404-adobe audition 2.0-compaq fs7600

Then I'll run a cord from the headphone output on the emu to the mic input in a simple cassette recorder. I know this will work because I played around with it. I will use a music background from the library on my computer.

My questions;

1. Is there a better way to do this?

2. The cassette player/recorder that I bought is a cheapy one from Radio Shack--only $40! Is that good enough so that it will still sound professional? Does anyone even sell good quality cassette recorders anymore?

3. I am also concerned about getting the mix of music and vocal right so that it sounds good on his phone system. Any suggestions?

Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!

Kathy

Lizden · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 8:43 am Post subject:

I'll leave the "tech"/audio chain part to the experts!

BUT, in terms of getting the audio level right, when in doubt with Message-on-Hold, go lower rather than higher in the music volume. The KEY is the message-on-hold MESSAGE, you don't want the music to overpower that...hmmmm I guess that's always the case in any thing...non?

Keep in mind that people will be listenning to this right next to their ear - on the phone - so volume is an issue.

Anyway....
Are you mixing on the fly, or do you have a multi-track system to do the mix before sending it over to your cassette deck?

When I mix in Vegas, I start with the music volume at about -9/-10 and then bring the audio envelope to about the bottom 1/4 or 1/5 of the music track that will be under the VO.....does that make sense?

In terms of "Pro" cassette decks..I have an old Marantz deck, but frankly...if they are using a cassette...to play over the phone...in THIS case IMHO, I think your Radio Shack deck will work just fine! Rolls Eyes

Hope that helps...if not...give a call!

Liz
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Liz de Nesnera O.A.V. ~ Livin' The VO Dream!
English/French Bilingual VO w/ ISDN
HireLiz.com / liz@hireliz.com

bobsouer · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 8:55 am Post subject:

Kathy,

I would only add to the excellent information Liz has provided you that it would be better to go in the Line In rather than Mic In to that cassette desk. Of course, you might not have a Line In, in which case you'll just have to be really careful not to overdrive the Mic In.
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Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

Frank F · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 9:51 am Post subject:

As stated by Liz, remember to keep you music at approximately 10%, as compared to your voice. it will sound low on the computer, but when you listen over the phone it will sound right.

The low frequency allocation of a phone line (about 3 kHz) means that you recording will be compressed.

As Bob indicated, record and play back until you get it right.

Toodles

F2
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Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

KathyB · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 9:53 am Post subject:

Thanks Liz and Bob!

Liz, I will be mixing in adobe audition multitrack view. So--I think you're saying to set the db level on the music track at -9 or -10 and then grab the volume envelope down to one quarter the height of the track.... am I reading this right??

Bob, I don't see a line in. So I guess I'll just have to use the trusty old ears and the mic in slot! Although I do see an aux slot, so I'll play around with that.

Thanks again!!
Kathy

Lizden · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 9:57 am Post subject:

KathyB · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 11:01 am Post subject:

Thanks (once again) for all the advice. I'm actually getting the script tomorrow and will be recording this over the weekend. Now I feel more prepared for this job. However, I might post again if I'm unsure.

Kathy

Lizden · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 11:03 am Post subject:

We are here but to serve! Wink

Post away! Laugh

L.
_________________
Liz de Nesnera O.A.V. ~ Livin' The VO Dream!
English/French Bilingual VO w/ ISDN
HireLiz.com / liz@hireliz.com

Frank F · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 11:41 am Post subject:

Here is a look at how it might be set up. The smaller wave form is the music and, of course the larger wave from is "The Voice" tm.

Toodles

F2
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Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 12:16 pm Post subject:

Frank,
That's what my waveform looks like normally without music. Should I be concerned about background noise?? Wink

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todd ellis · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 4:20 pm Post subject:

KathyB · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 4:49 pm Post subject:

Frank, thanks for the visual--that helps a lot!!

Todd, if it seems right, I'll raise the subject with my client and contact you.

Many thanks!

Kathy

SkinnyJohnny · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 5:19 pm Post subject:

Frank F · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject:

Bob,

"...I think we have a problem..."

Why do I NOT believe that? I have listened, and your demos have my good voiceovering seal of approval.

Got me to laugh though...

Toodles

Frank F
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Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com