VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[msand]

First, hello all, I'm new to VO-BB. That said, I hope I won't irritate anyone with my first post. It borders on topics already discussed, but I think it talks about these things in a new way...so, here goes:

Ye Olde Beginner's Setup:

I have a MAC OSX, but the only sound software I have is GarageBand which, unless I'm missing something, does not provide true mixing capabilities (only volume for each separate track). So am I getting this right that my options for mics would be a non-usb mic w/ external mixer, a USB mic with "mixing" software, or a non-usb mic through a USB converter like MicPro with mixing software?

If that's right, what would you all recommend? I am considering the AT2020 Condensor, AT2020 USB and the MXL 008 USB. Any votes for USB or non-USB in general and / or any one of these specific mics over any other?

Also, anyone hear any news on the MXL 009? Is that actually coming out soon? And lastly, any suggestions for simple (hopefully free, or cheap) software for MAC? ProTools no longer offers free downloads.

Thanks so much all!

[bobsouer]

msand, (Don't have a name so we'll just go with the handle for the moment)

Welcome to the VO-BB. There's a ton of gold buried in the archives here, including some of the answers to your questions.

As for a more specific reply, one question first: Why do you need mixing software? Are you going to be doing full production as well as voiceover? If you only plan to voice, there will be no need to mix anything.

Also keep in mind that if you do need to produce and mix, an external mixer will give you much less control than will software based mixing; unless you invest in a digital mixer with automation capability.

As for microphones, I've used (and still use some of the time) at AT4033. At least one other member of this board uses the AT2020 and is very happy with it. You'll find a mix of opinions about USB mics, but one thing to keep in mind: with a USB mic, if something goes wrong, you're without both a mic and USB interface until you repair or replace the unit. With a separate microphone and audio interface, you can borrow or rent a replacement and be back up and running pretty quickly.

I hope this helps get you at least a little way toward your answers.
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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

[Bill Campbell]

The AT2020 is pretty good for the money. If you have TALENT, you can make money with it. Haven't tried the USB version, but I'd guess its good.
AT makes quality stuff.

A friend of mine does some big market imaging with a Samson CO3 USB mic. I've produced for her, and it sounds very good.
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www.asapaudio.com

[Yoda117]

Not a fan of the Samson myself, but I'm with Bill on the AT2020. It's an awesome mic for the price, and I believe our own Jeff here has done quite well with his.
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Voiceovers by Gregory Houser
Philadelphia based Voice Actor

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

[billelder]

Welcome msand,

[msand]

First off, it's Mason. Nice to meet everyone.

Next, Bob, I was under the impression that in order to get the proper degree of control over the output to create a professional quality sound, one needed a mixer - even if it is only voice. Is that not the case, generally? I did read through lots of postings on the site and it seems that many or most have recording "chains" which involve mixer/preamps, phantom power, and software. Are most of those folks producing as well as recording voice?

I guess in general, the USB mics seem like such an easy answer for the beginner setup. So I was having "too-good-to-be-true" apprehension about buying one. Is it as simple as getting the mic, plugging it in, and recording? Or will there be that "oh yeah, you can't really record professional quality spots with a USB mic unless you have the 'Superfangled XYZ12345 component & software'?"!

Also, anyone hear any news on the MXL 009. Is that really coming out? Has anyone used the 008?

Thanks!

[msand]

Bill - just saw your post after I wrote mine...sorry. OK, so 1) Is a firewire connection only available if you have an XLR setup? Or is there such a thing as a USB / Firewire converter (like the XLR/USB converters)? 2) "Latency issues"? I know I'm not the most motivated guy sometimes, but I didn't know it was classifiable! No seriously, can you fill me in on what that is?

Thanks again.

[bobsouer]

Mason,

You do not need a mixer to do professional voice recordings. In some cases a USB mic might be too good to be true, but there are folks doing decent to very good recordings using just a USB mic, a computer and Garage Band.

Once you've been working for a while and have saved some of your earnings to invest in better equipment, you can worry about adding more and better gear to your audio chain.

Firewire would be the port that your external audio interface (audio card in simple terms) would use to connect to the com;puter, instead of USB. An XLR cable would connect your mic to that audio interface, the Firewire cable would then connect that unit to the computer. For voice recording, either USB or Firewire will work just fine. Your MAC probably has both kinds of ports.

I hope this helps, at least a little.
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

[Jeffrey Kafer]

[msand]

thanks all.

So, I'm going to ask a few more basic questions, if nobody minds (and if you do, I guess you don't have to respond):

1) Difference between a pre-amp and a mixer is....?
2) Major advantages of XLR over USB (or vice versa)

I guess that would cover it.

[Edo]

[msand]

Edo,
Thanks for your epic explanation (and pics too!). I think I'm getting a better idea now of what does what and what everything is called.

So before when I mentioned needing a mixer to get a professional sound, what I really meant was needing an EQUALIZER - to fine tune the sound from the mic. So I'll ask that same question: is it necessary to have the mic go through an equalizer, or is a "hireable" sound attainable via straight-up recording? I ask because if I go with a USB mic right into the MAC w/ GarageBand, I won't have any EQ possibilities.

The other part of that question is: is there any good free or cheap equalizing software out there for MACs that is decent?

And finally, any suggestions for a basic but good-quality pre-amp?

[Edo]

Just remember one very important aspect... no gear in the world is going to guarantee you the work. No expensive tools can fix a bad recording. Personally, I would not choose the USB-mic, but I know lots of people that won't do without. Far more important than any choice of mic/pre/whatever is your room and its acoustics. The 2nd step is the right microphone placement. Avoid unwanted reflections in your recording room, and find out what makes you sound best BEFORE bothering with signal alterations like EQ or processing. I would rather go out and listen to several microphones, and choose whichever one makes YOU sound best without any help from 'other stuff'. Keep it clean...

Good luck!

[bobsouer]

Mason,

95% of my work is delivered with no EQ, compression or audio processing of any kind. If you have a professional sound (to your room, etc.) then you won't need anything else. If you don't have a professional sound, all the EQ in the world won't help. Likewise, if you can't deliver the copy in the way your client wishes, EQ will not save the day. (In the foregoing, please understand that I'm using "you" as a generic placeholder, and not speaking about you personally.)
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

[Chrissy]

Hi Mason, I'm glad to see that you joined us. As I mentioned during our phone conversation about a week ago, this is a great place with lots of help offered by very talented people.

Best of luck,

Chrissy