What equipment do I need to get my home voice over biz going?

> > > What equipment do I need to get my home voice over biz going?

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Member Since: Sep 19, 2009


I'm in the process of getting my voice over business up and going and was wondering if anyone can help me out with making sure I will purchase the right equipment that is all compatible with each other.

I'm told Adobe Audition 3.0 is one of the best recording software available today. Does anyone know of a reasonably priced laptop computer that would be compatible with that? I've searched the specifications of MANY laptops and haven't found one yet that meets the min system requirements for Audition 3.0.

If there isn't a compatible laptop, do you know of a desktop that would work for this?

Also, I understand I need to buy a sound card. What do you recommend that would be compatible with everything I would be using for this set up?

I bought an Audio Technica AT 2020 USB mic so have that.

Thanks for your help!



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Typo Szar
Member
Since: Jul 04, 2002

Sep 19, 2009 12:39 pm

Laptops with 2 or 3GB of RAM should be sufficient for any post production u might want to do. Wat kind of voice over will u be doing? mostly i mean wat scale? tons of voices? overdubs or takes? where will u be doing ur voice overs coz that would give a better idea of the outboard gear u will need.

if u have a USB mic the soundcard i think wont be necessary since u dont need especially high audio quality for voice work, atleast in my experience doing it from home most clients r ok as long as ur voice is good and clear. If u want to keep it small u should be done at the laptop since ur USB mic negates the need for input and u can probably get ASIO4All to lower ur latency to usable levels. but yeah more info would be great

and if ur ever lookin for additional voice talent....

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004

Sep 19, 2009 12:46 pm

Herb Utsmelz is our resident Talkie, he can chime in with good details, but I figured I'd throw out some ideas in a general sense

Software choice is a subjective thing. You can do good work with most software out there, that are in the basic line of what you're doing. So, AA, sonar, cubase, and some other cheaper or free ones, multitrack studio, reaper (shareware), kristal audio engine (free) and luna (free) will all do what you need: track speech to tracks (files) and let you edit and change them after. Plus you can multitrack (overdub) and layer different tracks, plus add effects to your tracks.

So, I wouldn't be so sold on only using AA, if you don't want to spend the $$$ on something you've not even used yet. I'm a fan of reaper, but there are other variants, like Sonar has its home version for around 100$, i think. And MTS is around 100$ too.

You almost assuredly will want an audio interface, which does the same thing as a sound card (convert your audio to digital, and back) but a recording type interface will do a better job, cleaner, and sound better, and give less problems than on onboard chip for audio work. There is the Line6 line of low-budget USB interfaces, and M-Audio has a bunch of 2 channel interfaces as well (USB). You'll want an interface that has a PREAMP with XLR inputs, and also offers Phantom power to run your condenser mic (AT2020 is condenser). The UX2 (line6) has 2 preamps, as do most devices. They usually can be had for 150 - 200$ (generally).

For the laptop, I can't believe any current laptop wouldn't run Audition. There are a few people on here using AA and seem to be working along swimmingly, so I think any current LT would work without a problem. Is there a link to the req specs? or can you list them? eh, basically, i don't think you'll have any problem at all with current hardware. Especially if you're only doing VO work, with only 1 or 2 tracks. If you were multi-tracking with 90 tracks, then I'd be concerned, but VO probably isn't too much trouble.

hope this helps.

Member
Since: Sep 19, 2009

Sep 19, 2009 01:21 pm

Thanks for your quick responses!

I will be doing my own voice overs for things like radio and tv commercials, narrations, audio books, on hold messages, etc. and using 2 tracks max.

I will be doing these voice overs in my house. (I will keep you in mind for additional voice talent ( ! )

I previously bought a Toshiba laptop L355 with Intel Celeron with 2.20 GHz processor, 3 GB RAM, 32 bit operating system. I have Windows Vista Home Basic.


I also bought the M-Audio USB preamp audio interface (2 channgels) previously and downloaded a free 30 day trial of Audition 3.0 to my laptop to see if my current set up would work.

It's not.

Here's the min system requirements for Audition 3.0 :

Audition 3:
• Intel Pentium 4 (1.4GHz for DV, 3.4GHz for HDV); Intel Centrino; Intel Xeon (dual Xeon 2.8GHz processors for HD); or Intel Core Duo or compatible processor (SSE2-enabled processor required for AMD systems)
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Home Edition with Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise (certified support for 32-bit editions only)
• 512MB of RAM (1GB for DV playback; 2GB for HDV and HD playback)
• 10GB of available hard-disk space (when used with Loopology DVD)
• DVD drive required for installation
• 1,280x900 monitor resolution with 32-bit video card and 16MB of VRAM
• Microsoft DirectX or ASIO compatible sound card
• QuickTime 7.0 required to use QuickTime features
• Internet or phone connection required for product activation



I keep getting errors after I try to download the M-Audio driver software from M-Audio's website saying "save failed" , even after it shows the installation was successful. That's what prompted me to inquire today because I don't know where to go from here.

Also, when I go to open the Audition 3.0 program after downloading the driver from M-Audio.com , the error box says "Audio Input no activated. Recording audio is not possible." Im assuming that's because for whatever reason the program isn't saving, hence the "save failed" error that I'm getting.


The Audition 3.0 system requirements doesn't list Windows Vista Home Basic as an option, but I could spend $80 to upgrade to Windows Vista Premium but don't want to do that if it's not going to solve my problem.


I don't know if I've provided enough info for you to properly advise me, but if so.............


Thanks!!


MASSIVE Mastering, LLC
Member
Since: Aug 05, 2008

Sep 19, 2009 01:28 pm

Quote:
What equipment do I need to get my home voice over biz going?

1) Shure SM7b. Should be illegal not to have at least one.
2) Symetrix 528e (*IF* you have the ear for it - Otherwise, maybe a RNP, Grace m101 or True P-Solo).
3) Any software. Software makes about "0" difference sonically. That said, Samplitude would probably be the most flexible software I could suggest. The object-based editing functions are almost tailor-made for VO.
4) The best monitoring you can possibly afford.
5) The most comprehensive room treatments you can possibly fit.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004

Sep 19, 2009 01:48 pm

Well, that's a little different, as you already have stuff, and were getting errors. That's a horse of a different color, as they say.

Quote:
I keep getting errors after I try to download the M-Audio driver software from M-Audio's website saying "save failed" , even after it shows the installation was successful.

To better troubleshoot the issue I would like to further clarify a few things:

are you getting the save error when downloading the file that you will be installing, or, is the website actually installing the software and you're getting the save error.

Knowing this will help us know what step of the process is failing, because those two steps can be separate, or they can be kinda together.

Oh yeah, your laptop should be fine for running AA. I doubt that vista basic is the problem, but I can't say for sure. The Horsepower & ram should be more than adequate for VO work.

It's possible that you're running on your laptop as a user, not as an administrator. If you're logging in as a USER, then you wouldn't have permission to write files to the windows directories, or other such directories used for MS windows things. So, maybe check that, and log in as administrator to install the software.

So, I wouldn't think to buy a new laptop yet, as I'm confident that this one can work. You just need to iron out the kinks first.

Massive's post above is a good point, but I can see the $$$ signs circling overhead =).

I guess a budget is a good thing to know, and be pretty sure about. Because his points are very valid (I speak from an armchair hobbyist position, not a professional's, like MM does).

MASSIVE Mastering, LLC
Member
Since: Aug 05, 2008

Sep 19, 2009 02:20 pm

To some extent, but the 7b and the 528e are both within the "high bang for the buck" category. Solid stuff without getting expensive. Same with Samplitude.

If he wants to be doing this as a business, he's going to need "solid."

Member
Since: Sep 19, 2009

Sep 19, 2009 02:28 pm

Thanks all for your responses.

Sorry that I was misleading in my 1st inquiry. I'm new to these discussion forums and my brain was fried at the time because I've spent the last 5 hours working on trying to get this equipment working right. Sorry..........

I'm on a very limited budget so can't spend much more than I have already.

I'm getting the "save failed" error after my computer restarts after the installation is completed. After the installation and download itself, it says it installed successfully, that's why I'm puzzled and why I decided to try this forum to see if maybe my computer, etc isn't compatible.

Do you know if my LT's Intel Celeron processor would be the problem? Celeron isn't listed as a compatible system requirement for AA. Unless it would be categorized under " Intel compatible processor (SSE2-enabled processor required for AMD systems) " ??????????????? (see specifications above)

I'm new to the whole computer language stuff..........

Ahhhh.........I do sign in to my computer as a user, not administrator. I will try signing in as admin and let you know if that works or not.

Thanks for your help.



Member
Since: Sep 19, 2009

Sep 19, 2009 03:08 pm

MM......

Thanks for your advice on those items.

If I'm interpreting the on line description of the Symetrix 528e, that means I do not need the M-Audio USB preamp / sound card that I currently have now, right? The Symetrix is the "sound card/ preamp" and more , right?

I don't see anywhere in the description if it has a USB so I can use my computer and Audition 3.0 with it. Can you please advise me on that?


Thanks!!

Member
Since: Sep 19, 2009

Sep 19, 2009 03:45 pm

pjk........I'm the administrator for my computer so that isn't the problem.
Hhmmmmmmmmmm........

Member
Since: Sep 19, 2009

Sep 19, 2009 05:44 pm

I got my questions answered from The Geek Squad at Best Buy. As it turns out, my computer's Celeron processor is less than the Audition 3.0 system requirements and therefore won't work.

Thanks to all who helped me today.

MASSIVE Mastering, LLC
Member
Since: Aug 05, 2008

Sep 19, 2009 08:25 pm

The 528e is just a preamp/processor. You'd still need to run it into some sort of interface.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004

Sep 19, 2009 09:47 pm

ah, bummer the celeron won't work. well, i guess it's better to find the problem than just keep searching.

Good luck, and I hope you get it sorted out to make things work.

Typo Szar
Member
Since: Jul 04, 2002

Sep 20, 2009 12:18 am

I know im a bit late, but i also do VO so im kind of a geek for it. Just wanted to second MM's point about room treatment. U can have all the nice gadgets and top dollar equipment, but a good VO is all about the quality of the sound ur capturing and if ur room has odd reverb or spikes then that will GREATLY reduce the value of ur product.

I use a Line 6 KB37 and in their gearbox i find their noisegate works extremely well and easily, so i would say for VO a noisegate is essential, and i havent had good results with noisegating post for some reason, could help to get some kind of outboard solution... or gearbox

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Sep 20, 2009 12:32 am

If AA 3.0 can't run on a brand new computer then there is something wrong with AA 3.0. That is pretty far fetched.

I can run Sonar on that system if I had to. And that is a much larger and more system intense program then AA will ever hope to be.

So I'm not really sure why it is giving spec's for DV Digital Video and HDV when it is audio you are going to record.

www.TheLondonProject.ca
Member
Since: Feb 07, 2005

Sep 20, 2009 10:43 am

The dudes at Best Buy are telling you stories I think. I am running AA3 with a Celeron 2.80 GHz and a gig of RAM without any problem.

Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003

Sep 22, 2009 11:28 am

I agree with BH. I think the geek squad guy just took the easy road out. I don't have AA3 but I still think it should work.

Also, if you only have a 30 day free trial to AA3, why not try one of the other softwares out there. PJK listed quite a few, and like Massive said, software is not going to make that much difference in terms of sound.

Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006

Sep 26, 2009 09:43 am

Some good responses. I just have to say -

Schmidty, if you're still checking this thread: AA3 is a fine app, but it is too expensive and too much program for your needs as you describe them. If you look around, you can find an old copy of AA 1.5, which is perfect for voice work, and probably will be for a long time. I'll be sending you an email with some more info.

Preamp? I use a Xenyx 1204.

<< winks at MM

http://www.unitedmusicians.info
Contributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007

Sep 26, 2009 07:16 pm

Crux and/or Herb...think you could shoot an email my way how one might go about advertising and executing this VO service? Seems like a pretty straight-forward way to get paid...I've got an SM7b waiting for me at the Musicians Friend warehouse in Kansas City and I'll be buying a decent pre-amp soon enough...might as well get some cash flow going!

Do clients typically provide scripts? Maybe they typically ask you to come up with some ideas and send them version A, B, and C? Is it a pay by the hour thing? Is there a good resource online that I should research instead of bugging you guys? What are some competitive prices and levels of service? What's the meaning of life? Where do babies come from? Why is there pain and suffering?

I look forward to your comprehensive response. ;-)

Mountain Top Recording
Member
Since: Sep 11, 2009

Sep 29, 2009 01:59 am

Cubase is a nice package. One of the big advantages with it is you can get Cubase LE with the Omega Lexacon studio interface box for under $200.00. For VO it should work great. The Omega system works fairly well and I have had very good luck with it. Just a thought. You would have everything you need in the electronics portion then with maybe the addition of a preamp. Note: it is a complex and full featured system.

MASSIVE Mastering, LLC
Member
Since: Aug 05, 2008

Sep 29, 2009 02:24 am

I'd still check out the Samplitude packages... Once you go object-based, you never (ever) go back. Ever.

Member
Since: Sep 19, 2009

Oct 01, 2009 10:30 pm

I'm back..............

Thanks to everyone for your very useful information. I'm finding out that the Geek Squad people don't always know what they are talking about. That's why I'm back today checking this because I can tell you guys know what you are talking about.

I did learn that AA 3.0 will work with my Celeron processor and as I read the comments from some of you, that confirms that.

I also learned that the reason I wasn't able to successfully download the M-Audio driver is because my Toshiba laptop has Windows Vista Home Basic, which is not for multi-media. I'm told if I upgrade to Windows Vista Home Premium, that I can then use most, if not all, recording softwares and misc equipment needed to do vo work. Do you agree with that?

Some people tell me Vista sucks period for this kind of stuff. I ask them why and they said it runs slow but doesn't affect the quality of work otherwise. If that's the case, I'm fine with it going slow at least until I get up and going on this and can afford better equipment.

Any feedback on this from any of you based on your experiences?

I will check out the other recording softwares and equipment that you guys mentioned. I am also in the process of sound proofing my room.

THANKS EVERYONE


Member
Since: Sep 19, 2009

Oct 01, 2009 10:42 pm

By the way, I've been told by some people that Windows Vista Home Premium sucks with a lot of the recording softwares for voice over work. Can I get feedback from anyone who has used this?

If you agree, what makes it "suck" ?

Thanks

http://www.unitedmusicians.info
Contributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007

Oct 02, 2009 02:44 pm

Oh ... ignore my reply on your newest post. Yeah, Audacity should work OK on your laptop for what you need to do. The single core processor is going to make things run a little ho-hum...but at least you'll get a chance to twiddle your thumbs when you're applying effects. Think of it as an opportunity to get a cup of coffee, pet your cat, eat a scone. The possibilities are endless.

Member
Since: Sep 19, 2009

Oct 02, 2009 03:31 pm

Ok.. So it sounds like my Celeron processor and Windows Vista should work, I'll just have some free time. lol

I bought my laptop a few months ago not knowing yet about the importance of having a computer with dual core processor. I really can't afford to buy another computer right now because I'm trying to spend the money on a good pre-amp, mic, soundproofing, etc.


As long as the recording quality itself isn't negatively affected, I can get going on this for now and upgrade when I can afford it.

I've heard that Windows 7 is coming out October 22nd and I'm told by people at Best Buy that will be good for multi media stuff like this and would work well on my computer as I've described above. I've learned BB people don't always give good advice, so want to see what you guys have heard about it.
??????????

Thanks


Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004

Oct 02, 2009 05:02 pm

Over on the Reaper board there's lots of people using W7 with great results.

I think you're accurate re: using your laptop as is, and saving for better preamp/mic/sound treatment (not same as sound proofing).

Quote:
Where do babies come from? Why is there pain and suffering?
I think one answers the other ( oo, that could be taken a couple ways)

Member
Since: Sep 19, 2009

Oct 02, 2009 05:12 pm

Ok Cool

Not to show my ignorance BUT.......

What's the difference between sound treatment and sound proofing?

Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006

Oct 02, 2009 06:44 pm

Quote:
What's the difference between sound treatment and sound proofing?

Sound treatment (or deadening) deals with room reflections, whereas sound proofing is aimed at preventing sound from passing through walls.

Member
Since: Sep 19, 2009

Oct 02, 2009 06:53 pm

ok thanks

> > > What equipment do I need to get my home voice over biz going?

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