VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Adam Verner · Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 12:11 pm Post subject: ISDN in Chicago?

Yes indeed - I'm finally ready to hook up some ISDN action. I'm moving to a new, better office/studio and want to kick it to the next level Smile

(despite the problems Courvo seems to be experiencing!)

I know there's some VOBB people in Chicago with ISDN - Liz? I was wondering what services you're using....so I can maybe save some time and headache.

I'm thinking of going with:
- AudioTX
- Comcast high speed internet

A VO friend in the suburbs told me he uses ATT&T for the ISDN service, and MCI for the line charges. I'm not sure which number at ATT to call though... Perhaps I should just call the Digifone folks as recommended elsewhere?

My chain:
Symetrix 528e
RME Fireface 400
PC with Windows Vista
Adobe Adobe Audition 1.5
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bobsouer · Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 12:30 pm Post subject:

Adam,

Liz is in Northern New Jersey, just outside New York City. Pam (Tierney) however is in Chicago and I know she has ISDN because I've done some test calls with her.

My number one suggestion for your ISDN journey is to contract with Dave Immer at Digifon.com to take care of all the details for you. When I had to get new ISDN service installed in my house in Pittsburgh, he took care of everything including the Long Distance hook-ups and even did some test calls with me to be sure my system was working correctly before I let the technician leave on the day of the install. It was the best $400 I spent last year.
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georgethetech · Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 2:11 pm Post subject:

+1 for Dave, worth every penny.
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Adam Verner · Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 2:15 pm Post subject:

Oh yes - thanks Bob - when I said Liz I meant Pam! You know, three letters, easy to mix up Wink

Ok, looks like I'll be calling Dave!
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Pam · Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 6:34 pm Post subject:

Dave @ digifon set me up. In fact I even bought my codec from him. It was easy peasy. Best $400 I've spent.

Oh and my service is through AT&T with the long distance through Sprint.
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Pam Tierney
www.pamtierneyvo.com
imdb profile http://imdb.com/name/nm1941932/

Now what did I come in here for?

Adam Verner · Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 7:04 pm Post subject:

Thanks Pam! I'm definitely going to give him a call. If you don't mind me asking, how much are you paying per month for the line? Per minute charges? Just curious Smile

My studio is in an office, not my home, so I'm worried I'll be hit with "business" prices Lips Are Sealed

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Pam · Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 8:08 pm Post subject:

I think I pay $137 for at&t and I have no idea what the per minute charges are. But I know I pay about $20 per month to sprint for the privilege of not using their per minute service.
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Pam Tierney
www.pamtierneyvo.com
imdb profile http://imdb.com/name/nm1941932/

Now what did I come in here for?

Bruce · Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 7:14 am Post subject:

Hey Pam, call Sprint and tell them you're thinking of getting someone else's long distance service. They'll probably lower your monthly fee to $7.50 or some such. I did exactly that about a year ago.

Of course since I almost never call out, I keep wondering why I keep their service. Shocked

B
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I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

Pam · Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 8:48 am Post subject:

Great thinking Bruce I will put that on the list of things to do today!
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Pam Tierney
www.pamtierneyvo.com
imdb profile http://imdb.com/name/nm1941932/

Now what did I come in here for?

Zak Miller · Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 9:18 am Post subject:

Adam, whom ever you go with fax them this page...
PROTOCOL: National ISDN-1 (or National ISDN-2)
From AT&T 5ESS, Northern Telecom DMS100, and Siemens EWSD. If you use IOC Capability Packages, please use Capability Package ‘S’ unless otherwise specified.
CO Values
Line Type: National ISDN-1 Bearer Service: CSD/CSV on both channels (CSD is required; CSV may be omitted if requested by user) TEI: One dynamic per number Terminal Type: A 101XXXX Long distance access: Yes
Turn off features such as; packet mode data, multiple call appearances, Electronic Key Telephone Service (EKTS), shared directory numbers, accept special type of number, intercom groups, network resource selector (modem pools), message waiting, hunting, interLATA competition, etc. NOTE for EWSD running NI-2: Switch must be programmed CLID=DN.
Note for AT&T/Lucent 5ESS on loop extended lines: Per Lucent Technologies, REX test must be disabled for this line using one of the following: ASDFI266 (Prohibit REX on BRI lines per office) or ASDFI267 (Prohibit REX on BRI lines per line).
Give your customer the following information: 1) Two SPID numbers, depending upon number of active B channels 2) Two Directory Numbers

Trust me, it will help you out in the long run.

Please remember you have to spoon feed these guys. Make sure they set you up for voice and data going in both directions on both 'b' channels and allocate your numbers for incoming and out going calls. Good luck!

Bruce · Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 12:04 pm Post subject:

If you do do it on your own know that most phone providers only run ISDN through their business offices, not residential. You're kinda stuck in that regard if that's the case where you are. Again, Dave can take the hassle out. I did all the installation arranging on my own after buying from Digifon, but Dave was kind enough to answer a number of questions along the way.

B
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VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

Adam Verner · Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 12:40 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the tips everyone!

I spoke with Dave at Digifone - I will definitely use his services, though now he's charging $500 (price raise?)

He talked me out of AudioTX, especially since it won't work with my version of windows anyway....he recommended getting a used box if possible.

I found this one on eBay, and it looks like a good price:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=270569016273&Category=23792&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2

Anyone use and like these?
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Pam · Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 9:47 pm Post subject:

I actually bought mine used from Dave. It's a pretty purple Musicam Road Warrior. Sometimes he gets his hands on old units. Be careful with ebay buying. I've heard stories of people getting ripped off.
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Pam Tierney
www.pamtierneyvo.com
imdb profile http://imdb.com/name/nm1941932/

Now what did I come in here for?

Bruce · Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 7:22 am Post subject:

I've had the purple-boxed Musicam Prima LT for several years now and it's been flawless. The few problems I've ever experienced were always the other person's codec or a bad phone line connection.

I generally hear good things about pro audio purchases through Ebay, and in this particular case the seller has a 100% satisfaction rating and it appears that Ebay will guarantee your satisfaction. Considering new units are $3,000 +, $1,400 is a very good price.

B
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VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

todd ellis · Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 7:46 am Post subject:

there was an isdn box " scam" going on on ebay a few months ago ... just know your seller (talk with them on the phone, etc) should be fine.
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