VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Chrissy · Guest

Some Audio Guy,

Thanks. I'm seriouly considering Skype. I've been reading through the information on the Skype site. I'll let you know and definitely take you up on your offer to test it out if I decide on the monthly package. And I haven't anything to lose since I can download it for free and try it out first.

melissa eX · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 8:36 pm Post subject:

How do you do that setup with Skype? I don't use a regular mixer. I use the software mixer that's part of my e-mu 1212m. How do you set it up so that you're not recording THROUGH Skype and getting inferior quality?

Also, a while back I tried to record a phone call using Skype and while it recorded me fine the person I was talking to could hardly be heard.

What am I doing wrong?

SomeAudioGuy · Contributor III Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 75 Location: LA

Essentially your sharing your soundcard with Skype AND your DAW. In the Skype setup you tell it to use the ins and outs of your EMU.
The signal should be sent to both at the same time, or in your software mixer you should be able send through an alt.

I have run into a few problems with Digi setups, as Protools really hijacks hardware, and doesn't play well with others.
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Frank F · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 10:47 pm Post subject:

I have not commented regarding this post, until now, as the query has been asked and answered and is available in the archives. So, with the archives in mind I offer some sage thoughts:

Let's get some things straight about Skype as a "phone patch". Playing back audio can be simple or difficult - this action depends upon your setup.

Do you want or need to playback audio via the telephone line?
If you do, then there are a couple of simple ideas which can accommodate your needs which I will not describe here and now.

If you simply wish to playback audio (not wonderful quality as it will be heard via a telephone) find the "start point" in your editing software, turn up your speakers and allow your microphone to "hear" the audio and send it down the line. You might wish to do some testing to find the right volume for the receiving end to hear the audio clearly. A willing "guinea pig" can be useful prior to actually playing back audio with a client on the telephone line.

Do you need to record the client?
If you are going to use the audio FROM the telephone or Skype call, there are programs available which can do just what you want. The Skype recording programs cost anywhere from $20.00 USD to hundreds of dollars USD. If you are doing a "phone-patch" where the client is giving you direction and listening to your interpretation - then Skype will work for you. By utilizing your normal recording chain AND Skype, your normal audio quality recorded into your audio software; but NOT the audio from the client - unless you can route this in your hardware (recording the client usually results in enormous echo's and horrendous latency).

Cost?
$36.00 ($2.95/month x 12 months) a year for unlimited calls to the USA and Canada, low cost to other areas of the world. I do not know the costs or appropriations in the UK or other parts of our world for the unlimited service. Or, FREE for Skype-to-Skype calls.

I ALWAYS call my client with Skype, I have chosen NOT to have an incoming Skype number - but that is MY choice. As I already numerous telephone numbers for incoming calls - I do not need one more. Incoming D.I.D.'s (Direct Inward Dialing numbers) are available through Skype - for a fee.

ProTools and Skype.
Now here is a little conundrum. ProTools does not play well with other toys. Some folks have made PT work with Skype, some have not. In other words, maybe you will be able to use your normal recording setup using ProTools and Skype at the same time, and maybe you will not.

If not, there is an alternative. Buy a Bluetooth Skype headset and dongle, wear it while recording in ProTools through your normal microphone, preamp, mixer, etc... and talk freely to your client via the headset. There are other ways of course, but this one is too simple and I subscribe to the K.I.S.S. system (Keep It Simple Silly and I am silly) and PT is not simple.

Mac, PC, Linux and Skype.
Yes. All three platforms are compatible with Skype. ProTools in any variety may or may not be compatible with Skype.

Skype and your recording quality.
This was answered well by SomeAudioGuy - thank you.

More questions? Please PM me so I do not become a Skype schill. I use Skype, it works for me and my needs. Beyond that I am just another person with a lot of experience in the VOIP industry, That is it.

Toodles

Frank F
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Chuck Davis · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 7:58 am Post subject:

DaveChristi · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 10:28 am Post subject:

For VO sessions... this is my phone patch.

Plug it in to the cordless phone and away we go.

I've had this sitting around for a couple years. Never hooked it up.

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Rob · Guest

Does anyone know if Skype charges for incoming calls? Something I read (and lost) made me wonder.

Rob

bobsouer · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 6:28 am Post subject:

Rob,

From other Skype users, no. From land lines and cell phones, yes. But in order to take calls from land lines and cell phones, you have to have a call-in number.
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Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
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Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

Rob · Guest

So, if you're on a subscription plan, do you pay extra when someone calls your call-in number. Or, do your clients just use your Skype number?

bobsouer · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 8:08 am Post subject:

Rob,

Since I don't use a Skype subscription plan, I can't help with the specifics of that question. Sorry. Frank Frederick is your Skype guru without equal. Maybe he'll chime in.
_________________
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: Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:19 am Post subject:

Skype OUT - $2.95 USD/month for unlimited outgoing calls to the USA and Canada.

Skype IN - You buy an online number in one of 21 locations and your friends, family or business contacts can call that number from any phone. You can answer the call on Skype, anywhere in the world.

Cost? When you have a monthly subscription, you get $30 off the purchase of a 12-month online number and $6 off the purchase of a 3-month online number. Without a subscription, you pay $60 for a full year of an online number or $18 for the 3-month online number (From the Skype website). Thus, if you buy and one year subscription it would be $30.00 USD.

This D.I.D. (Direct Inward Dialing or Skype IN number) is like any other telephone number in that if your clients/family/friends normally call you via long distance, they would pay for a long distance call.

You could however, buy a telephone number in the cities where you receive calls from the most, and then your callers would be making a "local" call to you; wherever you might be located.

Hope that helps.

Questions, call or PM me and I will explain it better, if possible.

Toodles

F2
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bobsouer · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:09 am Post subject:

Frank,

Thank you. I knew you would have the answers.
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

Rob · Guest

Frank and folks. thanks for the explain.

I saw something on the Skype website that referenced charges for receiving calls, but when I went back to check, couldn't locate it. Knew I'd get the quick and dirty here at home.
Ah, well ... to paraphrase my favorite wildlife ... that's what bbers do best!!

Rob

Frank F · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:46 pm Post subject:

Something I forgot to mention: With a Skype IN number as part of your toolbox, as long as you have an internet connection you will be able to make and receive calls wherever you are. If you are on a vacation, such as D.B, in Scotland, you could receive and make calls from your hotel room or relatives/friends home with better quality than a normal POTS line.

For more information on Skype prices click here: http://www.skype.com/prices/

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