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blending new and old technology

 
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KathyB
Contributor III


Joined: 28 Nov 2006
Posts: 92
Location: Rhode Island

PostPosted: Thu May 29, 2008 8:27 am    Post subject: blending new and old technology Reply with quote

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
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Lizden
A Zillion


Joined: 04 Dec 2006
Posts: 8864
Location: The dark recesses of my mind

PostPosted: Thu May 29, 2008 8:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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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bobsouer
Frequent Flyer


Joined: 15 Jul 2006
Posts: 9883
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

PostPosted: Thu May 29, 2008 8:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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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Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
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Frank F
Fat, Old, and Sassy


Joined: 10 Nov 2004
Posts: 4421
Location: Park City, Utah

PostPosted: Thu May 29, 2008 9:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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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KathyB
Contributor III


Joined: 28 Nov 2006
Posts: 92
Location: Rhode Island

PostPosted: Thu May 29, 2008 9:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
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Lizden
A Zillion


Joined: 04 Dec 2006
Posts: 8864
Location: The dark recesses of my mind

PostPosted: Thu May 29, 2008 9:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

KathyB wrote:
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??


YEP!

Depending on the style of music (Rock for example - as opposed to Jazz) you may have to bring the initial volume down even a bit more, but that's a good place to start.

I actually find listening back to the whole mix in my headphones as opposed to the monitors will give you a better guage as to what it will sound like over the telephone....'cause the audio is right there by your ears!
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KathyB
Contributor III


Joined: 28 Nov 2006
Posts: 92
Location: Rhode Island

PostPosted: Thu May 29, 2008 11:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
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Lizden
A Zillion


Joined: 04 Dec 2006
Posts: 8864
Location: The dark recesses of my mind

PostPosted: Thu May 29, 2008 11:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

We are here but to serve! Wink
Post away! Laugh

L.
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Frank F
Fat, Old, and Sassy


Joined: 10 Nov 2004
Posts: 4421
Location: Park City, Utah

PostPosted: Thu May 29, 2008 11:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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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TheVoiceOfBob
14th Avenue


Joined: 05 Oct 2006
Posts: 1411
Location: Pittsburgher in the Carolinas

PostPosted: Thu May 29, 2008 12:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
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Joined: 02 Jan 2007
Posts: 10531
Location: little egypt

PostPosted: Thu May 29, 2008 4:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
if they are using a cassette...to play over the phone


not to be a shill ... but i am a dealer for intellitouch MOH players - they are good and also CHEAP! if your customer is interested in upgrading to a digital player with a 3 year warranty PM me.
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KathyB
Contributor III


Joined: 28 Nov 2006
Posts: 92
Location: Rhode Island

PostPosted: Thu May 29, 2008 4:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
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SkinnyJohnny
Backstage Pass


Joined: 12 Aug 2007
Posts: 462
Location: Asheville, NC

PostPosted: Thu May 29, 2008 5:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
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.

I think you'll find the "aux" slot is the one to use.
Good Luck!
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Frank F
Fat, Old, and Sassy


Joined: 10 Nov 2004
Posts: 4421
Location: Park City, Utah

PostPosted: Thu May 29, 2008 5:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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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