Does an Apple PowerBook G4 hav-enuf-juice for voiceover?
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Posted on Jul 09, 2010 08:34 pm
Craig C
Member Since: Jun 08, 2010
For lack of funds on purchasing a new laptop...I have an Apple PowerBook G4/12" that is currently running OS X 10.4.8 / Processor: 867 MHZ / Memory: 640 MB DVR SDRAM.
Can I upgrade the hard drive & RAM to optimize speed & memory capacity in order to record voiceover?
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Quincysanhttp://www.unitedmusicians.infoContributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007
Jul 09, 2010 08:57 pm I don't think you'll have trouble recording a single track with that computer. You might give it a try before upgrading anything...
If you're just starting to research voice over work I'll give you a few tips I've come across:
The Shure Sm7b, Senneiser 416, and Electrovoice RE20 are all very popular voiceover mics. The Sm7b is very versatile and I own one; I highly recommend it. The Senn. 416 is used in many movies and I've heard some very impressive VO demos through it.
It seems many people like to add compression and EQ to their voice overs. De-essing is often used to decrease sibilance too. You can use these effects after or during the vocal recording. For a cheap compression/EQ device that will keep the heavy processing off your computer and allow for you to hear the processed vocal as you speak, I'd recommend the Symetrix 528E. The 528E includes EQ, compression, and de-essing. The alternative is to use software plugins AFTER you've recorded your VO, however this practice isn't always considered ideal because VO work requires quite a bit of mic technique that will differ when you have your effects turned on. You should learn about the proximity effect of microphones and use that knowledge to develop your voice over style (except with the Senn 416, that's a different breed and you shouldn't get your lips all up on that mic).
Jul 09, 2010 11:07 pm Thanks for your response. I have purchased a Studio Projects C1 Condenser Mic along with a Digidesign M Box 2 Mini. I have done radio in the past and am aware of mic tricks & treatment. Im just not savvy about whether or not the G4 is ample to do voiceover recording without upgrades.
I understand that I really need 7200 RPM. Im only doing straight VO work.
What are your thoughts on upgrades to the G4?
Your thoughts. Thanks
CC
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jul 12, 2010 09:24 am Quote:
I don't think you'll have trouble recording a single track with that computer. You might give it a try before upgrading anything...
I'd agree. I was doing 4 tracks on a less powerful PC than that. I'd think you'll get 1 or 2 tracks without a problem.
But, every PC is different, so testing would be in order. You may be able to work with 10 tracks without problem, meaning no worries for your needs. Or, it may be struggling with a few (though I doubt it).
Best to try and see. Even with a 5400 drive, you'll probably be OK.
Quote:
Can I upgrade the hard drive & RAM to optimize speed & memory capacity in order to record voiceover?
I think Mr Jobs would be the person to ask, if you can install upgrades and whatnot to that 'book. Meaning, you'd have to look at a manual / research the web to see if you can do upgrades on that particular macbook. I don't think we have that kind of MAC - savvy to know exactly what books can take what upgrades.
Jul 12, 2010 09:29 am I started recording on a 200Mhz PC with 256MB of RAM (when I afforded the upgrade to 256) and recorded 8 to 12 tracks on it.
I think the trick for you would be to find an older version of recording software that has less resource demands...and for voiceovers such software would work well for what you are doing still...as computers get faster, applications get more bloated and need more resources...if you have a computer from, around the year 2000, try to find a version of recording software from that time as well.
Jul 12, 2010 10:42 am Thanks for your input...thats enlightening. By reading Harlan's book...makes one feel inadequate w/o a pricey set up. Points well taken.
CC
Jul 12, 2010 10:45 am For the record, you'll also find lots of forums that will talk down to ya unless you have the best of everything, and it's not necessary...especially for voice over work. While you still want decent gear to get a good sound, voiceovers require a limited number of tracks, and usually only recording a single track a time, so resources necessary are much lower.
Jul 12, 2010 10:49 am Turns out an external hard drive as an upgrade will increase the G4 to either 5400 or 7200 RPM and increase memory to 1.25 GB. Thats pretty good for an investment of $129.00. Im stoked!
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