VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Lori Berman

Hello fellow vo-bb'ers!!

I am getting more and more requests for "live sessions" via the phone...previously my "phone patch" has consisted of my bluetooth earpiece and a cell phone. But honestly the audio quality sucks (on my end) and I often have a tough time really hearing the client. That may just be my bluetooth, but I was thinking of maybe trying Skype...can anyone walk me thru what i need to do? I tried googling it online but got a little confused. I've got a pretty simple setup so I'm thinking it shouldn't be too tough. Does the client need to have Skype too or can I just call them? As you can tell I'm a little clueless Wink

Any advice/thoughts/HELP appreciated. And if you think I should just get myself a new bluetooth I'll do that too Wink

Thanks!!!!

Update -just googled this and found Vox Man's blog on how to do this. Thanks Corey!! It seems very detailed and I'll read thru it. In the meantime you can still feel free to add any thoughts/tips etc.
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-Lori
www.loribermanvoice.com

georgethetech · Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 11:13 am Post subject:

Here are a few resources.
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samowry · Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 12:50 pm Post subject:

I almost always use Skype now. Great sound. Only problem is to make sure they mute during takes. Wish I could mute them from my end. Good luck.

ccpetersen · Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 1:12 pm Post subject:

I just started using Skype and it worked fine. No big deal to set up, although now that I have a new iMac in studio, I need to make sure it works "just fine" as it does on the PC.
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samowry · Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 1:28 pm Post subject:

I'm using an Imac.

Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

I use this one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/ma-10-Gentner-Microtel-910-020-001-Broadcast-Telephone-Handset-Line-Interface-/121114840398?pt=US_Other_Pro_Audio&hash=item1c3301cd4e

You don't have any issues with playback or recording.
I plug from my audio interface output into the box, have headset plugged into the box, phone cord from handset plugged into the box.

Works great for both sides.

I use a Vonage line for my phone number.

Jason Huggins · Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 3:06 pm Post subject:

I'm Skype too! I use headphones for recording on sessions, so no mute issues.

Bish · Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 3:09 pm Post subject:

Yup... another Skyper here... however, you should invest in a free Google Voice number for those people who don't have Skype and just want use a phone. Set it up on the computer and treat it like a Skype voice call. Even if you don't use it, it's a good insurance policy.
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Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

cyclometh · Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 3:31 pm Post subject:

I use Skype and route it through my mixer so I can hear the client in my cans. I also go so far as to record them on a second track so I can later hear the client's commentary in situ when I edit.
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Corey "Vox Man" Snow
http://voxman.net

Jason Huggins · Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 4:55 pm Post subject:

I used to use the GV number, but the Skype call is better quality and doesn't drop as much. GV works just fine though! And it's free.

Lee Gordon · Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2013 2:44 am Post subject:

When I signed up for Skype it said there was a setting to kill the video and just go voice only, but I can't find it. Short of physically putting cover over the lens, how does one conduct an audio-only conversation on Skype?
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Lee Gordon, O.A.V.
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ballenberg · Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2013 3:34 am Post subject:

Adjust settings in Skype to show that the audio source is your microphone--works great, no pix required

Jason Huggins · Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2013 6:53 am Post subject:

When you are about to click on a person to call, click the little down arrow on the right side of the button. This will pop down a menu, and you can select Call instead of Video Call. Or if you use the dial pad to call a phone it is just a voice call.

captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

Can you set up your GV number on the computer to route the audio from your mic and interface to talk to the person on the other end, and hear them back in your headphones? it looks like its easy to do in Skype.. and also, Skype audio calls are not free, unless you are going Skype to Skype, correct?
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Lee Kanne
www.leekanne.com

Jason Huggins · Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2013 12:46 pm Post subject:

Yeppers, you just have to set the input and output of your system as your interface.