VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

vkuehn

A little over a year ago we had a topic on USB Audio Recorder PRO... which allowed the output of a USB analog-to-digital device to be captured into a file.

http://www.vo-bb.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=15309&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

The post focused on a product called USB Audio Recorder PRO. I am interested in dumping my aging NETBOOK in favor of something on the order of a Tablet or other very small, very QUIET device. I would use this set up when I do on-site recordings AND when doing narrations that require a toned-down voice that allows studio noise to become a factor.

What's new in this territory? Is anyone using USB Audio Recorder PRO now and 'what think ye?' What is the bottom-dollar Android that will work reliably with the software?

heyguido · Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2014 12:51 am Post subject:

I still use it (or, more correctly, Audio Evolution, the mobile DAW based on the technology). My rig consists of a Motorola Xoom (1.5ghz dual core processor, 1gig ram, 32gig storage, 10in screen), Roland 2chan interface, Sennheiser shotgun, and a kick-drum boom stand (works great on a desktop or dresser).

I find it handy for travel, as it means carrying a significantly smaller kit than schlepping along a full studio in my bag. It works fine. With a proper mic and a compact interface, quality is as good as any full sized rig of comparable gear. I've used it in hotel rooms, borrowed offices, and even for field recording on a few small film and video projects (with a handheld boom).

However, given the opportunity, I still prefer my usual setup, consisting of a laptop, a larger, more user friendly interface, my favorite mouse, and my usual DAW of choice.

For me, it comes down to ease of use. Workflow is much easier on a larger screen, as is editing and manipulation of sound files. There's less eyestrain, and I find a mouse preferable to a touchscreen interface for detail work.

I wouldn't EVEN consider making it my only rig.

If you're serious about it, I'm happy to help. You can PM me, or we can continue the conversation here in this thread for the benefit of others. Ask away.
_________________
Don Brookshire
"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"

vkuehn · Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2014 7:57 am Post subject:

Gracious offer, Don. If I "pull the trigger" on a new device that can use the software, I may take you up on the help part.

Like some others in the discussion group, some of my choices right now are based on the fact that there is serious illness in the household. I still plan to use my traditional tower PC with lots of storage, lots of memory and lots of speed. BUT, a little too much noise added to the room. Relocating the machine to another room is not immediately practical, so I just shut it down when recording and use an underwhelming NETBOOK. I am considering the acquisition of an Android based device primarily for RECORDING ONLY.

I may end up rehabbing the Netbook but that looks like throwing good money after The Bad.

In case I find a suitable Android device, I just wanted confirmation that the software was still held in high regard.

todd ellis · Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2014 8:04 am Post subject:

i have the google nexus 10 & i have recorded auditions and actual jobs with "USB Audio Recorder Pro" ($6.14) and/or Audio Evolution Mobile ($7.49) + M Hobo Tounge

+ my travel AT2020. absolutely no issues plug & play --- gotta have the OTG cable, but that's it.
_________________
"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

heyguido · Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2014 9:13 am Post subject:

Before you pull the plug on a new Android, be sure it supports the USB OTG standard, which allows the device to serve as a USB Host. Not all Android devices do.

My Xoom and Todd's Nexus 10 both do.... And, as Todd points out, you will need an OTG cable, which enables host/slave communications between devices.

The cables are cheap, but Androids are not. Talk to one of us BEFORE you make a costly purchase mistake. We can make sure the device you're considering is compatible.

On a side note... Is there no closet available to isolate that noisy desktop unit?
_________________
Don Brookshire
"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"

georgethetech · Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2014 3:16 pm Post subject:

You might also consider a Zoom H4n or Tascam DR40 if all you are going to do with this thing is record, nothing else.
_________________
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

vkuehn · Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2014 3:37 pm Post subject:

georgethetech · Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2014 3:47 pm Post subject:

Ahh, I see... Does your A/D converter have an SPDIF output? If not then a tablet with USB OTG may be the way to go for you.
_________________
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

vkuehn · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 12:23 pm Post subject:

Progress Report. (I sure hope this is PROGRESS!!!)

I now own a tablet: Samsung Tab 3 8-inch. That cost a bit more than what I was targeting... but it is working. I have the USB Audio Recorder PRO purchased and installed. I have the USB OTG cable and made a couple of trial recordings this morning. (The 7 inch originally got my attention, but then in the list of non-working devices, they point out that the 7-inch doesn't do the USB hosting bit. Even the Help Desk at Samsung was not aware of this kind of detail.)

For a guy who started out in the world of DOS on a PC, along with a bit of corporate "heavy iron" IBM 370, etc, the maneuverings of the tablet and all the Google sign-ups does not come easily, but we are there.

Later today I need to record some drop-ins (or is pick-ups the preferred terminology?) for a couple of chapters in an audio book. Now, all equipment in the studio can be quietly off except the tablet and the Presonus A/D device. When I splice those in we will know if this is indeed a good project.

jsgilbert · Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2014 2:49 pm Post subject:

Currently, the folks at Centrance have a deal at indiegogo on a product they will be shipping in about 6 - 8 weeks called MixerFace

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/mixerface-the-mobile-recording-interface-for-smartphones-and-tablets

This is a professional interface that is recrgable battery bowered and will work on Android, iOS, PC and Mac devices - tablets and phones. The fit an finish on the prototype is pretty incredible and they just announced the production model will have built in limiters.

It will be retailing for around$600, although I suspect street price will be considerably lower, but a pre-purchase price of $299 has been established. Also, you can get a second one for another $199.

It does appear to be a remarkable bit of kit and is roughly the size of an iPhone; thickness a little greater than a deck of cards.
_________________
j.s. gilbert

js@jsgilbert.com
www.jsgilbert.com

"today is the first day of the rest of the week"

vkuehn · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 12:05 pm Post subject:

I have some current committments that restrict available time for good old-fashioned blunt force experimenting! But, have been using the tablet for making some new recordings. Sweet!!!

OTG cables are a pretty well kept secret in this old world... but getting an OTG cable with a third plug so you can keep the USB device from draining down the tablet batter is a cast-iron secret it appears. I read a couple of articles about "making your own" so I tried.

That came close to being a BIG mistake. Every thing just went CRAZY when I tried to use it. Also, I am finding as I try various USB cables I have in my tool-box, some work with the tablet, some don't. Are tablets more picky about what is a suitable quality USB cable?

Some times the tablet will load the Audio Program but then says "no connection". Is this a by-product of the "cable picky mentality"?

The good report out of all this: As I have worked my way through all the ideas for lowering the noise level (the FLOOR if you please) there was always that last bit of noise that was related to some device: the fan, the hard drive... who knows what. If I used the editor and raised the gain of the noise about 48 to 60 dB so I could look at it and listen to it... always NASTY! But with the tablet in place and even asking the sand fleas in the carpet to stop breathing while I recorded, not only is the noise lower, but when I amplify it, and analyze its frequency spectrum and look at it, it is a more PLEASANT, mellow sounding noise. I think we are there.

Now if I could do something about a couple of neighbors who have 4-wheel drive pickups with "well-bucket" mufflers***......

***( You had to grow up in the Ozarks many years ago to get that mental image. )

heyguido · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 3:08 pm Post subject:

A quick search for "usb otg y splitter" yields plenty of results... Most of them on ebay.... And in a number of configurations. Most under $8. Pick the one that suits your needs best.

Cable picky? No, but, only otg cables are otg capable. Not all usb cables are otg.

As for the "no connection" error... Always plug in your cable and devices first.
_________________
Don Brookshire
"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"