A Primer On ISDN And Other Similar Technologies:The Rapidly Changing World of Studio Link-Ups
Hi Master VO:
I'm wondering about technology. I am able to record at home and ftp to websites. That's no problem. But...how do I record from home and have the client get the file with just a few seconds delay? I know the technology exists, because a colleague uses it. Here's what I've found...
We have worked out a way to broadcast an audio-stream from our studio's computer to any other, using the Internet, allowing the receiving end to record the audio stream with high quality results -- as good as, or better than ISDN
Except for an occasional check to see if we are streaming, it runs much like a regular phone patch session -- the difference being that the content is delivered immediately and you know exactly what you are getting (Audio levels, EQ, overall sound quality etc).
Got any ideas as to how he does it??
Thanks, in advance, for any enlightenment you might offer.
Diane
Welcome to the Dojo of VO, Diane,
Your friend, a very established VO pro, has all the bases covered. As professionals, we need to make like Boy and Girl Scouts and "Be Prepared." Now, does that mean taking out a second mortgage to pay for every technology a client might require for us to deliver files? ahhh.. Master VO says...no. As you might suspect, I have some rather strong opinions on this.
First, a definition; ISDN. ISDN (Integrated Digital Services Network) is essentially a Digital Service Line or DSL. In the recent past (Like, over the last 10 years) VO artists with home studios used an ISDN line to send real-time, two-way studio quality audio to a second studio. The reason for this is so a producer or director at a big agency could direct the talent as if he or she were in the studio with them. It requires an expensive "Black Box" at each end to make it work. You have to pay for the ISDN line from your local phone company or other provider, invest in the hardware (between 3 & 5 Grand!) and then pay line charges for the time you are on the line. I suppose if you are making $10,000 for a session or even 1500, that might make sense. However, if you are doing a great deal of business-to-business work, and not going through a big studio, why pay more than you're making to send your voice?
Recently, an audio software manufacturer in England, AudioTX, made a software based ISDN program for about $900 where you just needed a computer with an ISDN connection (and a special $200 ISDN modem card) (see a pattern here?) that enabled studio-to-studio, real-time, two way studio quality audio transfer. AudioTX also has a mode where a client can go to a URL and get the audio as streaming audio. I think that's what Ari is doing.
Now, the big question. Why the overkill? The modern Voice Over industry is an evolution and REVOLUTION in technology! Digital file transfer of MP3, WAV and AIFF (Mac format Wav's) files, via E-mail and FTP, as far as Master VO is concerned, makes this entire "Real-Time" process, in my humble opinion, obsolete!
Diane, you mention a "phone patch" session. Isn't that all you need to have a director direct you through the copy? VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) systems like Vonage and SKYPE make it REAL CHEAP! Why does a client need files in "real-time?" Oh, I suppose there are a few Cleo award winning, superstar producers out there that insist on this convenience, but if you aren't in that league. why bother?
If you must use the real-time, there is a new technology that is becoming available that uses a VOIP audio Codec, rivals the audio quality of ISDN, and is far cheaper. There are two companies rushing to get there products to market. "iSpeek" ,
These systems do show promise. If they can rival ISDN then I'd say it's a good tool to have in your VO studio toolbag.
I still have a problem with investing huge sums into products you don't necessarily need. When you are making over $50,000 a year with your voice over career, I might consider having one of these when some big shot with an unlimited budget calls your number!
Thanks for your question Diane,
Master VO out....(((((Gong)))))
Comments
Dan,
Thanks for the thoughtful post that covers a lot of ground.
Be well,
Bob
Posted by: Bob Souer | March 2, 2007 8:49 PM
Daniel-san
You might also want to share the concept that some VO's use of setting up "special" arrangements with those studios already ISDN compatible, just so they have that tool in their belt.
This will allow them to assuage those "must-have" ISDN clients.
Just a thought.
Peter O'Connell,
the perfect choice for an awesome voice!
Posted by: Peter O'Connell | March 3, 2007 9:37 AM
Audio O'Connell,
Absolutely! A big studio will definately have ISDN resources. For the few times you might actually need it, that can be cost effective, if it is a big payday type of gig. If someone asks you for an ISDN hookup for less than a $500 job, suggest to the client that ISDN is not cost effective for you unless they are footing the bill. No way should you sacrifice 20-25% of your pay just for a clients convenience. If they aren't offering you fair compensation, then, in Master VO's opinion, ISDN is a luxury, not a cost effective way of doing business.
"But," you say, "This is a big client for a national spot and these guys could send me more business." Fine, then you should be compensated for such. Not less than $500.00.
I hate to put it down to economic factors, but as Diane was trying to find out, is it right for you, especially with much cheaper alternatives coming down the pike?
No question. This is a teeth grinder. To be or not to be. From Master VO's personal experience, ISDN has only been a factor that cost me a job once.
All other times, MP3 or Wavs or AIFF's via an FTP along with a VOIP phone patch has been more than adequate for my clients. I do not beieve it is a factor that will cost you your career, or even good compensation. This is not something to sweat about.
Now some of the old timers (cough, cough) who've been doing it that way for years, that's fine. You've made the investment when ISDN was the standard. That is no longer the case. For someone starting out, ISDN is putting the cart before the horse.
Master VO.
Posted by: Master VO | March 3, 2007 11:58 AM
Most of my work these days is recording on my own and sending files electronically, but I LOVE my ISDN booth!
When I do a session using ISDN, I do not have to worry about the recording part of the process. I just wish is was used more often. Refer to the dollars involved in acquiring ISDN.
If they can work out the kinks in some of the new technologies to allow real-time recording by the other studio without the ISDN codec, then I'm on board with that!
The key is the ability to be able to concentrate on the performance and not the technology.
Posted by: Connie Terwilliger | April 15, 2007 4:42 PM
Excellent point Connie!
Some of you out there really don't enjoy that part of the business where you become, talent, producer, engineer and editor all at the same time. A real time codec is how you escape all that.
Again, if the compensation is there, ISDN should be also.
Connie, who's been a pro at this for many years, (Which is amazing, considering she's only 29!) definately benefits from having ISDN. Is it for a beginner? I'd say like Tom Hank's captain MIller said at the end of "Saving Private Ryan" "Earn it!"
Master VO
Posted by: Master Vo | April 17, 2007 9:04 AM