Bob..get it..It will fix all your problems..ISDN is an anitquated technology that many phone companies are abandoning. Still..a lot of studios use it (especially for the sessions where the ad agency people, and the editors, and the producers etc want to go "big time" and sip lattes while barking orders at the voice guy) Don't get me wrong I LOVE the agencies and enjoy live sessions immensely!
Souce Connect from
www.souce-elements.com Is around 400 bucks..(you will have to purchase an iLok license key from
www.ilok.com When you buy source connect)..they upload your license info to the iLok website. You go to that website with the iLok plugged into your USB port. (It is a little plastic dongle/key shaped thingy about 40 bucks) it downloads your license and you are ready to go. You can install Source Connect on any computer you might use..just bring the iLok key with you, and plug it in prior to launching SC on any other machine.
Source elemets provides a stand alone desktop program that allows you to use Source Connect on a PC (you MUST have Quick Time installed for this to work) You click the icon on the desktop and Source Connect starts up..It uses your sound card on your computer..and it shows a little "mixing console" GUI..you find someone else that has Source Connect and click "connect" ((poof)) you are connected with near CD quality.
FURTHERMORE..and this is the best..there are a bunch of "bridging" companies that will connect with you on Source Connect..and "bridge" you on an ISDN connection..So..with SC you can tell your potential clients "yes" when they ask if you can connect via ISDN. We have done bridged spots from hotel rooms, cars, and once from the waiting room of a car repair shop..The latest NutriSystem TV spots that I do were done on ISDN through Source Connect..so it works.
Bridging services cost around 100 bucks an hour..but any client that is willing to do an ISDN session with you will most likely pay that added fee considering that many voice talents have to book studio time, and the client usually pays that cost as part of the deal.
Souce Connect is software and is updated regularly so you have to keep on top of that, but let's see..400 bucks for it...or 3000 for an ISDN box like a Zephyr or Musicam, or Comrex..and upwards of 80 bucks a month for a 2BRI ISDN curcuit (not including installation and the possibility that you can't get it where you are)