hardware & software questions from a newbie

Allen Ward

I'm new to the biz, and for all the ups & downs of V/O work, what presently has me stumped is actually a kind of hardware (and maybe software) conundrum.
I have a Heil P40 mike I really like. And I have Audacity on my laptop...and maybe you can shorten your answer to me by suggesting a simple USB mixing board that will get my voice into my computer in such a manner that it can be converted into a proper and useable mp3 that I can send out for audition.

Ya'see, I used to think I was pretty tech-savvy. The last few weeks have taught me differently. It started with an M-audio box from Guitar Center that would "do the job". It is equiped with Ableton software. There were lotsa calls to Tech support. Long story shortened, it went back. I bought a Line6 USB mixer with both an XLR & 1/4" input. It's great for practicing music, but I can't convert a useable mp3 out of the format, and again, it has Ableton software. I have found stuff like FreeRip that will convert the .wav from Ableton into an mp3, but it is mp3 in name only...it doesn't work.
Well, my Line6 is good for other things, but I want a very very simple recording interface between my mike and my computer that will perform mp3 encoding. Is there a specific answer to this on the Geek forum?

Brian Hart · Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007, 02:16 (GMT) Post subject:

Don Randall · Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007, 03:21 (GMT) Post subject:

Alesis makes a mixer that is an acceptable USB interface.

I don't use the Audacity software, but I believe others have mentioned that it will convert your files to mp3.

If not, you can download a standalone converter from a number of places.

Here are a couple of links to download the Lame mp3 player:

http://www.mp3dev.org/
www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Audio/Audio-CD-Rippers-Encoders/LAME-MP3-Encoder.shtml

Music Match Jukebox has a very good converter that works well and is easy to use.

www.mp3-converter.com/music_match_jukebox.htm

Allen Ward · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007, 01:01 (GMT) Post subject: Which Alesis?

Brian & Don, thank you so much for your posts. There was mention of an Alesis interface...I found two that may be what you are talking about. One is the USB 8 mic podcasting kit($149-$249), the other is a brand new product just called the USB mic podcasting kit. The first one has an 8 channel mixing board as an interface and includes Cubase LE, the other is just a mic (I will assume its a simple dynamic) that I will, I assume, have a USB jack, not an XLR. It includes Audacity, indeed, that's how you control the mic. And since my goal at this time isn't podcasting, I will again assume that it just converts your voice to an electronic file that is easily converted to an mp3. And when you diagram out the word "assume", it means an assumption can make an ass-outta-u & me.
So I would love any and all comments you have on this for me. And again, thank you.

Don Randall · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007, 03:12 (GMT) Post subject:

Microphone > Alesis USB Mixer > Computer. That's your most basic chain. Monitor thru headphones plugged into the mixer. To keep initial costs down, you can use a dynamic mic for a while and switch to a condenser mic when you can afford it. When you can afford it, get an amplifier and speakers - or powered speakers - to monitor.

Use Audacity (free) software to record, edit and process your audio as a wav file. Use Audacity to convert from wav to mp3 as needed. When you can afford it and if you decide you can use it, move up to whatever other recording/editing/processing software that appeals to you. There are many to choose from. Hint: Some of the so called "industry standards" can be a pain in the patoot to use. Some of the lesser known stuff works quite well and without hassle.

Debbie Deutsch · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007, 07:40 (GMT) Post subject:

I'm staying clear of the tech and product dialog, but welcome to the forum Don! Here's to hearing more of ya! Smile

Don Randall · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007, 06:50 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks Debbie!

Maya Kuper · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 04 Oct 2006 Posts: 97

Brian Hart · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007, 14:43 (GMT) Post subject:

Allen Ward · Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007, 01:55 (GMT) Post subject:

Maya, you are an angel. Thanx for cutting thru the clutter. I will get going on that ASAP. I have my demo done, I just need to get into the audition "groove", and get to work.

Maya Kuper · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 04 Oct 2006 Posts: 97

No problem! Happy to help Smile

Allen, I didn't mean to assume that you were a brand-new talent who had never sidled up to a mic before. You started your post with "I'm new to the biz," but it's obvious to me (now that I listen to your demo) that you've been coaching and working your chops for some time. Your commercial demo sounds great! Where did you have it produced?

You need to get some packaging together and start shopping that bad boy around to agents. Smile

I know another VO talent who is out in the Denver area. She's also part of this theater company: http://www.minersalley.com