VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Bob T

I'm a new member here, and from lurking awhile it seems mostly a friendly, helpful place to exchange tips and info. I've been taking classes in Chicago off and on, got a demo made and have a website up and running. I've landed a few nice gigs but have been going slow on the marketing side. I am going to step the marketing up a notch or two but want to be a lot more comfortable with the software first. I've set up a home studio with protools and can get a file normalized and bounced and do basic editing so I can at least do business at a level. I have been invited to take a class covering Protools for voiceover. I can even bring my equipment to the class for a hands-on lab. Class costs around $500. So, my question is this: Does this seem like a good value for someone who finds most books on this topic nearly impenetrable? Is there a protools guru I should be contacing? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

bobsouer · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 11:47 am Post subject:

Bob,

Welcome to the VO-BB. The price for the class (assuming it's a single class) seems a little steep to me, but if in fact you learn what you need to know, how long will it take you to earn back that $500 and multiples thereof? There are a number of us here who use Pro Tools. Some others who have no use for the software. The best source for information about Pro Tools that I've found is the Digidesign Users Forum.
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Mike Sommer · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 12:43 pm Post subject:

I'm with Bob, you've learned all you need.

One could only imagine the first half of the day would be just learning about the DAW itself. You can probably get all that here: http://www.lynda.com/home/DisplayCourse.aspx?lpk2=46437
(and the first two chapters are freeeee, so you can test drive it)

If you really want to do yourself some good, get a good ProTools Book
and "Modern Recording Techniques" by Dave Huber.
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Bruce · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 12:52 pm Post subject:

If it's just a few hours of training for 5C I'd skip it and find some cheaper, easier to use software. If it's lots of hours of training then they're probably going to train you how to do big multi-track recordings of music and maybe how to sync audio to video. If those tasks are part of your future plans, it might be worth it. If you're just going to do voice with an occasional music bed or a sound effect or two I'd say give someone knowledgeable maybe $100 to make sure you have the basics down right, or go with cheaper, easier.

You don't need a Lamborghini to get a gallon of milk at the grocers.

B
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 12:54 pm Post subject:

Skip it and teach yourself. When you run into something you don't know how to do, ask on the Digidesign forums, or here. Sounds like that $500 would go well toward marketing, as you've indicated.
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asnively · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 12:58 pm Post subject:

Hi Bob! Thanks for delurking!

If I were you, I'd head over to Lynda.com and try the ProTools tutorials there. I haven't done 'em, I'm an Adobe Audition user, but I think Lynda.com is fantastic in general, and you can't beat the price at something like $25 a month, which I think is an all-you-can-eat deal. Good luck!

Oops. Looks like Mike beat me to the punch in recommending Lynda.com!
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Lee Gordon · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 2:42 pm Post subject:

Welcome, Bob. Save that $500 and use it for something more important: cake for everyone here.
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whalewtchr · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 4:38 pm Post subject:

MMMM...cake.

IMHO ProTools is way too much for simple VO. Adobe Audition 3.0 will get the job done. Do you really need to fly a 757 1 block to the corner grocery for a gallon of milk? Don't think so...then again, some folks love to play...

and eat cake.
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KarenL · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 5:17 pm Post subject:

Hey Bob,
Whaddaya mean by mostly friendly and helpful? Huh? Huh? Whaddaya sayin'?

Wink

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Bob T · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 7:49 pm Post subject: D'oh

I looked at Lynda.com as I was advised to do and now believe it would be way silly to pony up 5c for the workshop when so much is available for so little from Lynda. Thanks to all for the great advice. I am sure there are solutions out there that are more user friendly than Protools, but I feel kind of stuck with it since it came bundled with my M-box, and it has been doing what I need it to do. My checkbook and I are highly grateful. If any of you fine voiceoverists happen find yourselves in Holland MI. the cake is definitely on me! Wink

asnively · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 8:07 pm Post subject:

You could mail each of us $50 and still come out ahead!
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Bob T · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 8:29 pm Post subject:

Oh wow! What a great idea! $50 for each of you! I could do that! I know that darn checkbook was around here somewhere. Oh here it is..... Bowser! No!! Don't! Awww shucks! I was all ready to send those checks off and the gosh darn dog ate the checkbook. I hate when that happens! Well, I'm still pretty grateful so two hunks of cake when you come to Holland Inoccent

brianforrester · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 8:37 pm Post subject:

I take PayPal Smile

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asnively · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 9:53 pm Post subject:

Poor Bob. He's only posted three times and we're already hitting him up for cash and cake!
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the Amy Snively family of brands for all your branded thing needs.
Amy Snively
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Lizden · Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 5:28 am Post subject:

Hey we need to break them in early, Amy.

So...Bob...I love cake, and my name is spelled......

Welcome to the VO-BB! Laugh

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