VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

I am in a position to upgrade/add to my VO equipment. Current set-up is:

HP Computer with WindowsXP(less than a year old),
Mackie Spike audio interface,
Rodes NT1-A mic,
Adobe Audition editing software
Digital Juice SFX and Production Music

I am thinking along the lines of a better mic like a Sennheiser 416 shotgun or Neumann TL 103(??), or biting the bullet and paying for an ISDN codec and monthly ISDN service. Have considered a mic pre-amp, though I'm not sure with the Mackie that is necessary, though it still might help.

Also have considered investing in more training through acting and/or VO classes and workshops....

So if this was you and you could invest between $3000-$5000 towards being more effective and professional in the VO biz, how would you allocate the funds? Good problem to have I know, believe me I am not complaining.
I know there are no definite answers to things like this, just interested in your thoughts. Thanks.

Dave · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 10:39 am Post subject:

Just curious.

What is it about your current studio setup that disappoints you or causes you to think its inadequate? If there is something seriously lacking (technically) address that... do you have paying clients that insist you add ISDN capability... otherwise go with what you have and invest in training/classes etc to hone your skills.

In other words, a better mic, ISDN (etc) won't make you a better voice talent... only a better equipped voice with more expensive toys.

Dave
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Not really anything that I'm unhappy with, and I'm glad that you asked me that. Because I realize I may be falling into the trap of wanting bigger, shinier toys when they aren't really needed, and I don't want to do that.

But I did think that maybe ISDN would be a worthwhile investment. I don't have paying clients insisting on it, but several prospective ones who I think would give me a closer look with ISDN

tackerman · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 11:19 am Post subject:

Unless you've got clients demanding ISDN sessions and covering the cost it can end up being a huge financial drain... Promising to take a closer look is a flimsy reason to make that kind of an investment. Believe me... I've been there. Wink

Hart · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 11:44 am Post subject:

I bought the MKH416 not too long ago and I love it. If you go with it I'd suggest running it through a better preamp than the Mackie Spike. Not that there's anything wrong with the Spike but if you're going to use an $1100 microphone you should probably spend about the same on your preamp. That goes for any high end mic you select. Also don't forget about the cables.

I'm saving up to follow my own advice as we speak, lol.

Just my thoughts.
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tackerman · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 11:49 am Post subject:

I've been thinking about a MKH416 too. Are they good for hard sell/imaging etc?

Hart · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 12:01 pm Post subject:

Tom, that's exactly why I bought it.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 12:10 pm Post subject:

Have you considered that perhaps the money is better spent on more classes or a higher level of training?
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Yes, that was mentioned in the initial post

Deirdre · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 12:31 pm Post subject:

ISDN is one of those things that you get only when it's obvious that you're losing money by NOT having it.
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richgates · Guest

I suspect that by the time I really need ISDN, IP-based solutions will have reached critical mass. It just makes sense with Telcos slowly phasing out the availability of ISDN.

Plus, I am getting ready to possibly move to the Oregon coast, I don't think ISDN is going to be a possibility there.

BenWils · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 1:45 pm Post subject:

You gotta look at the signs....(just random questions here)

Are you winning auditions you go up for? ***If yes, you may have a sound people are buying.

Do you have solid interest coming back from your demos that you send out? ***If yes, you may want to consider equipment upgrades.

Are agents interested in you? What do they say about your demo? Do they love it, kind of like it or say eh....you sound like a radio guy/announcer...I have a roster full of them of them that are not currently getting much work right now and they're bugging the crap out of me. ***If they love your demo and say none of the above, you may be on to something and need to make the move to the next level.

Buying new gear (mics/preamps) will only clarify/enhance your current sonic recording quality. They will not change your delivery and make you sound totally different.

As said by DB and others, ISDN should be something you consider when it is obvious you need it because of agents telling you to get it....high paying clients advising it would make their life easier to connect with you etc. Otherwise it's a risk to get it before the above applies to your situation. It is worth mentioning again...Source Connect can bridge to ISDN for a fee through various services.

With classes....you really have to do your homework. I know people that teach classes and have heard some openly say that they make their money on the naive, gready and those that are lazy and think that VO is easy money and requires no work.

Just some random thoughts to ponder.
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Jowillie · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:06 pm Post subject:

"...I bought the MKH416..."
Me too, and it's great. I still use my LDC condenser for a different, brighter sound.

Here's a post I made on another forum:
"If money is tight or you decide on just the stand-alone preamp, I have very good results with the Rane MS1b single channel unit. It drives everything I use from the Sennheiser 416 and my Large Diaphram Condesers to my Heils, EV RE-20 and Shure SM7 dynamics."

Have you lost business because you did not have ISDN? Do you know if you will gain enough business to capitalize the investment?

Gear-Craziness is contageous!
WE
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Jowillie · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:30 pm Post subject:

Again, Will...."several prospective ones who I think would give me a closer look with ISDN"....capitalize (pay) for the investment in ISDN?
Great, go for it.
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