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I am brand new and here is the equipment I think I need

 
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Philip Hwang
Talent and/or Voice Producer



Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 7

PostPosted: Tue Oct 16, 2007, 02:30 (GMT)    Post subject: I am brand new and here is the equipment I think I need Reply with quote

Everyone:

I have taken one introductory class with Edge Studio in Bethesda, MD. I have not recorded any demos or auditions yet.

I have done my homework and research and searched the threads on this site, and for a person of my level, just starting out, I have figured out that I need:

1. A USB microphone that can plug into my computer. Some of these mics have "built in pre-amps", but I'm not sure if I need one. For me, the "Samson C01U" might be sufficient.

2. Computer with a sound card: I already have this. I have a Dell computer with an SB Live 1024 Digital Sound Card (this is 6 years old).

3. Software: I have downloaded the Audacity software.

4. Recording area: I have a small closet (about 2' x 5') in the same room as my computer that I can use. I will have to get professional studio quality foam to absorb the echoes in the closet.

DOes this sound good? Am I forgetting something?
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Robert Shea
Talent and/or Voice Producer



Joined: 20 Sep 2007
Posts: 3

PostPosted: Tue Oct 16, 2007, 15:28 (GMT)    Post subject: Sounds good Reply with quote

Hello there,
I'm brand new at this whole thing too. And you have the same set up as I do. Which I think should be enough for .mp3's and .wav's. But that's just one kind of format. It sucks to be broke in this business.
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Scott Pollak
Talent and/or Voice Producer - Voice Seeker



Joined: 05 Mar 2004
Posts: 3828

PostPosted: Tue Oct 16, 2007, 16:13 (GMT)    Post subject: Re: I am brand new and here is the equipment I think I need Reply with quote

Philip Hwang wrote:
Everyone:

I have taken one introductory class with Edge Studio in Bethesda, MD. I have not recorded any demos or auditions yet.

I have done my homework and research and searched the threads on this site, and for a person of my level, just starting out, I have figured out that I need:

1. A USB microphone that can plug into my computer. Some of these mics have "built in pre-amps", but I'm not sure if I need one. For me, the "Samson C01U" might be sufficient.

2. Computer with a sound card: I already have this. I have a Dell computer with an SB Live 1024 Digital Sound Card (this is 6 years old).

3. Software: I have downloaded the Audacity software.

4. Recording area: I have a small closet (about 2' x 5') in the same room as my computer that I can use. I will have to get professional studio quality foam to absorb the echoes in the closet.

DOes this sound good? Am I forgetting something?


Philip,

I'm not familiar with USB mikes, so I'll pass on that one.
As far as the computer, the one thing that worries me is that it's 6 years old. I'm not familiar with that particular SoundBlaster card, although I'm using a new SB X-Fi card in my 'puter and it works great. Generally speaking if it's a higher-end SB card of at least 16bit capability, then you should be fine. How much memory are you running? A bare-bones minimum would be 512mb, but a gig or two are sure preferable.

You don't need studio-quality foam for your closet. Odds are, just having clothes hanging in there will absorb all the ambient echoes and noise you need. Worst case, just go to Lowe's or Home Depot and get some foam rubber pads like you put underneath box springs and mattresses. Don't get sucked into spending untold amounts of dough for 'studio quality' foam or Sonex. I get great sound from where I record and it's in a large bonus room, about 14' x 14' and the only sound-dampening comes from the carpet and drapes.

Finally, the number one thing you need to invest in is time, practice and training. Obviously I know nothing about your skills, background or capabilities. But what MOST people who are new to this business need the worst is professional training, and a buttload of practice. That's where your money should go.

_________________
Scott R. Pollak
Warm. Real. Natural.

www.voicebyscott.com
SaVoa 07003
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Philip Hwang
Talent and/or Voice Producer



Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 7

PostPosted: Wed Oct 17, 2007, 01:33 (GMT)    Post subject: THanks Reply with quote

THanks everyone. I checked and my sound card has "32-bit digital processing" and "16-bit digitizing" and "16-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion of analog inputs at 48 kHz sample rate". I hope this is good enough. I don't have 512 mB of ram, only 384 MB. I guess I can upgrade that.

Scott: you record in a 14 x 14 foot room? And you don't get reflections off the walls?
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Scott Pollak
Talent and/or Voice Producer - Voice Seeker



Joined: 05 Mar 2004
Posts: 3828

PostPosted: Wed Oct 17, 2007, 01:38 (GMT)    Post subject: Re: THanks Reply with quote

Philip Hwang wrote:
THanks everyone. I checked and my sound card has "32-bit digital processing" and "16-bit digitizing" and "16-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion of analog inputs at 48 kHz sample rate". I hope this is good enough. I don't have 512 mB of ram, only 384 MB. I guess I can upgrade that.

Scott: you record in a 14 x 14 foot room? And you don't get reflections off the walls?


384 mb RAM???? Never heard of that in my life. Not 256mb? What a weird amount of RAM.

As far as my room, Philip, go give a listen to my demos and auditions posted here (I have quite a few on this week's "Leads and Reads" thread, http://voiceoversavvy.com/ftopic3813.html which don't have any mux behind so that you can really hear JUST the read) and see what you think. Never had a client complain yet.

_________________
Scott R. Pollak
Warm. Real. Natural.

www.voicebyscott.com
SaVoa 07003
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Philip Hwang
Talent and/or Voice Producer



Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 7

PostPosted: Wed Oct 17, 2007, 01:44 (GMT)    Post subject: RAM Reply with quote

It originally had only 128 MB of ram in one slot, and then I got another 256 MB of ram and put it in the second one. Thanks . I will listen to your demos.
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