QUESTION
Do you know (or can you research and find out) if there is ANY similar software to Vox Studio out there for sale -- less expensive or not -- which does the same things as V.S. (at least with that good ol' script "teleprompter" as well as the automatic WAV file creation and naming and replacement, etc.) if not more features?
VOX studio.... Well, for those of you unfamiliar with VOX Studio, I can basically say its a fairly simple recording software system that allows you to record and edit, and then brags about how many different formats it will save the file in, especially uLaw which is used on phone prompt systems. It also aides in that process by dividing up a single file of a bunch of prompts into individual files of those prompts for the Phone system, or if its multiple slides for a power point or other presentation that requires individual files.
However, VOX also has a TELEPROMPTER. You can read record the words someone else writes as it scrolls at your pace on the screen, just like President Obama! Kinda cool! Also very expensive! By the way Magix Audio Cleaning Lab also converts to MP3, Wav, AIFF, and the dreaded uLaw too, as well as all the other popular recording software packages.
With a little research, you can find just about anything, and a quick Google search with "Teleprompter/Recording Software" opens up the floodgate of products. Some expensive, some cheap, some FREE!
I won't venture to recommend one as I don't use a teleprompter, at least for recording simple copy. If I'm shooting a video, I might find utility for it. I also see that it could be useful for doing audio books. The thing is, for commercial copy thats less than a page, Why bother?. Just put the script on the screen. Besides, even with longer format stuff, its better to have a paper copy to "mark up your copy." Hard to do with a screen.
I guess its all preference. Master VO believes in "keeping it simple." Why add expense and complexity when your focus should be on performance.
Now, if you want to look Presidential while you record in your solitude, go for it.
My two cents.
About The Author
Buffalo, NY native Dan Lenard has been a radio personality, an insurance sales consultant, a high school Media and Social Studies teacher and a stay-at-home dad. He earned his BA in Broadcasting from Buffalo State College in 1980, a New York State teaching certificate from Buff State in 1997 and then in 2002, an MA in Creative Studies from again, his hometown Alma Mater.
Master VO,
I asked this question of Stephanie on Facebook the other day, and she suggested I pose it to you:
I am going to buy a USB mic for my home studio, planning to use it with Audacity, and in one of those Harlan Hogan-type porta-booths. My current mic is nowhere near up to snuff, and it's time to be a big boy.
I've narrowed my current choices to the Samson C012, and the AT2020 USB mics. Price diff is pretty neglible, and both seem pretty well-reviewed. Your advice is very likely going to carry the day.
Thanks!
Bill Rooney, newbie
Hi Bill,
If your just beginning, a USB mic make sense. However, setting it up to work the way you need it to can be tricky. Make sure you read the instructions on getting maximum input to your computer and your recording software.
The C01U was developed over 5 years ago and has been eclipsed by the AT 2020 and Blue's "Snowball." But since 5 years ago, all the major mic manufacturers have marketed a USB mic. There are also stand alone USB mic adapters like the very versatile Centrance "Mic Port Pro," MXL's "Mic Mate" and Blue's "Icicle" which will turn any microphone into a USB mic.
If its a budget thing, anything over $130-150 will make the grade in my book. If your a little less budget conscious, The Mic Port Pro ($150) with any good stand alone Condenser mic over $200 may be all you'll need for a very long time.
Don't get "Studio Envy." What the "big boys" use has little to do with being a voice artist. A great mic won't make you "great" or even sound better. If anything, if you don't know how to use it, the results can be less than optimal.
I'm always available for further consultation.
:-3)
Master VO:
Many thanks, O Keeper of the Secrets! I have just ordered the AT2020 USB. Thanks so much!
Bill