What's required for remote voice-tracking?

[trackertalent]

Please excuse me, folks. I asked a similar question quite some time ago but don't recall which forum I posted it on.

I have decent experience voice-tracking using Scott Studios and Audio Vault (both on-site at a few stations). Now I'd like to offer remote voice-tracking from my home studio, hopefully in a file format that would be compatible with a number of automation systems. But I have no idea what is required. I'll assume a Windows-based computer, but as for the operating system and software, I don't have a clue.

Are you folks able to point me in the right direction so I can get the wheels rolling?

Many thanks!

 

[SRP]

Sure, I'll try to help. But first a couple of questions for you:

1. Do you have a working knowledge of digital audio editing software (e.g. Cool Edit, Audition, Pro Tools, etc)?
2. Are you comfortable adding new hardware to a computer?
3. Do you have a good working knowledge or are comfortable with the set up a mixer or audio processor?

Those are the basic skills you'll need to do VTing out of your home. If you can't answer yes to those questions, either get training so you can answer yes or have someone available that can help you.

Stations looking for VT talent won't waste their time with someone who need hand-holding in order to deliver product.

Now, if you can answer yes to those questions, get yourself a copy of Audacity and a copy of BSI's InfoEdit program (Google those names for links). Audacity is used to record the tracks and InfoEdit will be used to "tag" them in a format automation systems can accept.

Of course, you'll also need a broadcast-quality microphone and (optionally) a mic processor.

 

[trackertalent]

Thanks, SRP. I appreciate your asking about my experience.

I'm a voice-over guy who started in radio in the mid 70s. My studio, based in Macintosh OS X, features the Sennheiser 416 and the Focusrite Platinum Voicemaster Pro mic pre. The analog signals get into the computer through Digidesign's Digi002 via Firewire. For software, I use Bias Peak Pro for voice-only stuff, and Pro Tools for stuff requiring production. I use ISDN, via the Telos Zephyr Classic codec, and Source-Connect, too. So, the answer to your three questions is 'yes.'

So if InfoEdit is my next step, won't I also need software that will allow me to assemble to voice-tracks with the song ins and outs (the way Scott Studios' and AudioVault's voice-tracking operates)?

Thanks again for your help. Much appreciated.

 

[Charlie]

It can also depend upon the playout system that the station uses - some need you to have only a web browser and decent microphone (RCS), Enco apparently can do it with the remote talent having a copy with their own very basic dongle (anybody doing this?), others have their own free client that you give to the talent, see Myriad for an example: http://www.psquared.net/voice_segue_editor.htm (UK system).

Recording the audio into an editor in your studio is all well and good but can create more work at the station end in order to load them into the system, again - depends upon the software in use.

 

[trackertalent]

It can also depend upon the playout system that the station uses

Thanks, Charlie. Yes, I knew of at least three, but suspected there would be several more systems at work out there. And I had heard that some voice-trackers merely record and send mp3 files to the station for someone to load. But that always seemed kind of counter-productive. I was in touch with Google while they were readying their radio automation system two years ago, and I was anxiously awaiting its release because they told me voice-tracking - done with a widget - would be compatible with Macintosh, but I don't recall if the resulting voice-tracks would be compatible with other systems. Google has since sold the system to Wide Orbit, so I'll have to touch base with them.

Regardless, though, ultimately I'm hoping to be able to be compatible with as many systems as is possible. That's why I'm trying to determine if need to buy a PC (maybe even a notebook running Windows would suffice) and whatever software would be necessary.

Im going to visit the link you provided as well as the other companies you mentioned.

Thanks!

 

[SRP]

So if InfoEdit is my next step, won't I also need software that will allow me to assemble to voice-tracks with the song ins and outs (the way Scott Studios' and AudioVault's voice-tracking operates)?

No, for a couple of reasons:

1. You'd go broke buying the software programs that each one of your client stations use.
2. To voicetrack the way you do in studio you'd have to obtain the ENTIRE music library and production elements for each one of your client stations.

Now some potential clients may give you access to their remote voice tracking systems (as mentioned in other posts) but you won't know what you'll need in terms of software until you start working for those stations.

The two applications I cited will allow you to produce "dry" voice tracks that can be imported into ANY automation system. If you're starting out it's a good idea to master the steps to produce tracks "dry" first.

Oh, and if you want to to stay with the Mac platform, that's OK too - as long as you save files as WAV or MP3 they'll play fine on most any automation system.

 

[trackertalent]

Thanks, SRP.

I'm looking at BSI's InfoEdit on their website now. It look as though it's available only for Windows. There are several audio apps for Mac OS X that will edit tag info, but do you (or anyone reading this thread) know of one that is used by those doing radio voice-tracking?