VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Mike Sommer · Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 5:10 pm Post subject:

Here is my rule:

If I can't afford to take a vacation without working, I don't go on vacation.
I mean what's the point if I got to work while on vacation? Vacation is vacation. Work is work.
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Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

samowry · Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 6:52 pm Post subject:

Sadly not all trips away from the comforts of your home studio are vacations.

I have a 90 year old mother and my in-laws are getting up there. There will be times I will be away but may still have to audition and fulfill commitments. Thank you everyone for your insights and opinions. I hope I don't have to face the decision soon.

For the record, I have a Macbook Pro and a M Hobo Tounge

is already on my wish list. Several mics I have would travel alright. The RE20 being the kindest to imperfect spaces.

Wishing you all good health.

georgethetech · Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 1:22 am Post subject:

georgethetech · Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 1:31 am Post subject:

Checkout a Cloudlifter to use with the RE20/M Hobo Tounge

combo. Yeah, it doubles the cost of the M Hobo Tounge

, but you need the extra gain as it can get noisy at the top of the knob.

Yep, we all have our reasons to travel, and many times it isn't vacation. I had my last vacation in 2008, if you consider "zero work" during the trip a vacation. OK, well, I did answer some emails...
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If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
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TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

scottreyns · Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 11:06 pm Post subject:

When I went out seeking a mobile solution I could keep on me in event of on-demand audition emergencies - not finished product production - I went with the Samson Meteor USB mic and the iPad via the camera connection kit.

To be honest, I've ended up just using it for when I travel (theoretically on business, not vacations during which I'd rather not be bothered) and not for if/when out and about during any given day. Initially I was hoping the Meteor could work with my iPhone 4. No dice - not enough power I think - and I don't normally need keep my iPad on me. Really it's more my son's on the day-to-day so I prefer to leave it at home. Typically if/as I get calls for auditions, turnaround-wise they're overnight requests but not on-demand requests. Even if/as things are relatively urgent, unlike in LA where driving 5 miles during rush hour can take 2 hours, I'm in a 7x7 square mile town so never too far from my home studio, local studios, my agent (she has a booth) etc.

As I understand, IK Multimedia's iRig could work with my iPhone if I wanted something that doesn't sound as good as the Meteor. Not that the Meteor sounds good compared to a serious production mic. It just sounds a lot closer to good than something like the Blue Yeti IMHO, even with the plosives sensitivity, plus it doesn't require a hub as an add-on to work. Plus, physically it's quite compact; aesthetically it's cute.... using it feels like being in the movie Metropolis.
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Scott Reyns, voice talent serving major metros (San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York) and beyond

DougVox · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 10:42 am Post subject:

Since I still consider my iPad to be too much of a compromise in terms of audio quality and ease of editing, my current mobile rig includes:

MacBook Pro
Micport Pro
Neumann MKH 416
Pro Tools/Twisted Wave

It all easily fits in a backpack, clears TSA pretty easily (though the Micport Pro sometimes raises a few eyebrows) and depending on the recording location, the audio quality is on par with my regular studio.
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Doug Turkel (tur-KELL)
Voiceover UNnouncer®
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captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

The convenience and portability of the iPad becomes diminished when you have to deal with a whole new way of editing and recording. Any time spent fiddling with and learning a new way of editing/recording takes away from time spent focusing on the voice actor aspect of it. I guess in a pinch where you have no other choice it'll do.

ccpetersen · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:04 pm Post subject:

Short digression: field recording is an important part of our business sometimes. I find myself out there recording an interview and I've tried several setups. As with all field recording attempts, whatever you use -- your mileage may vary. But, we accept that for those kinds of recordings.

Mike Sommer · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 10:41 pm Post subject:

I completely agree with that.

Interviewing in the field is a little different than auditioning for a gig. One can or would expect the overall conditions to be less than perfect when interviewing in the field. And therefor acceptable if they are less than perfect

If that were me, I would want something mindlessly simple and durable, for that kind of situation.

For a VO audition, we need to be in a controlled sound environment -as much as possible. Along with a having reliable, time honored hardware and software, that we can move around in quickly and comfortably. Not trying to make $5 a Hobo Tounge

work on a tablet while in the stall of the mens room at the Polo Lounge.
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The Blog:
http://voiceoveraudio.blogspot.com/

Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

Natalie Cooper · Joined: 04 Jul 2009 Posts: 8 Location: UK

Wow! Great responses, and apologies for not coming back sooner (I rather stupidly assumed something somewhere somehow would just know to tell me.. I've found the notify button now)

To address Philip's original point - I do have a very nice pro set-up at home and I agree, quality is v important. In fact probably THE most important thing. But I also have a long-standing on-hold client that gets a bit twitchy if I vanish and to be honest the iPad/AT2020usb set-up should be just fine for them.

Given how cheap it is to buy the mic in the US, I've ordered one for when I come over and I'm going to have a play. I can't imagine using it in any situation other than the one I outlined above, but if it means I can keep that client happy, it's well worth £60.

Most interested in the Dell Mini/Hackintosh.... anyone fancy helping me out with that??? (Looks pointedly at George Whittam.... I'm going to be at Anne's house, I could bring it!!)

Thanks so much for all your thoughts, interesting stuff Smile

georgethetech · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 9:21 pm Post subject:

While the Dell Mini hackintosh is fun for a computer hobbyist, I would not recommend it for the average user. For instance, my MacDell won't wake up from sleep anymore, so I gotta figure out why... Can't go to the Apple Genius for help.
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

Natalie Cooper · Joined: 04 Jul 2009 Posts: 8 Location: UK

Good point George. Confess I bought my Dell Mini and all the bits I'd need to hackintosh it, read the instructions a good few times, and then wimped out.... Although now I don't actually use it, it's rather tempting again.... Rolls Eyes

D Voice · Been Here Awhile Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 232

BTW called Dell and they told me that the Minis now DO have fans (several models before did not and therefore were dead silent).

The telephone sales person said she was told that the fans only operate on startup, but have not confirmed this.

georgethetech · Posted: Sat Oct 01, 2011 4:52 pm Post subject:

Yes, that is correct, they do now have fans. I think they were overheating, I know mine gets VERY hot if not properly ventilated.
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

georgethetech · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2011 8:28 am Post subject:

One step closer to iPad/iPhone recording bliss? Beau Weaver told me he has one on pre-order, will let y'all know when he gets it and tests it out.
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder