ISDN CODECs: What to Look For?

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Permalink Reply by George Whittam on April 30, 2009 at 9:23pm

Hi Dylan:

Looks like I'll be adding this one to my FAQ, good questions!
Q: What does one look for in a CODEC?
A: Must support MPEG Layer II Mono 128 kbps algorhythm, this is the VO industry standard. I can't think of any currently on the market that do not.

Q: Do the cheaper ones do the same job as pricier models?
A: From the POV of a VO talent's use in a home studio, I will have to say yes. Musicam has some affordable models, as well as Tieline's Commander G3 Field for around $3000 with the ISDN card. Best deal going? A used Telos Zephyr 9202 or Musicam Roadrunner, often found for around $1500. One to avoid? The Telos Zephyr Express sometimes has problems that can cost over $1500 to fix. If you are fearless and a Windows user, AudioTX with a USB modem and NT1 terminal adapter will get you there for under $1500.

Q: Are all CODECs compatible with all ISDN providers?
A: Yes, in the US it is standardized, as it is around the world. Just be sure you order your service properly by usingthis website for help, thanks to Dave Immer of Digifon!

Q: Are older models better, worse, or the same as newer models?
A: Older models have fewer bells and whistles, which have zero bearing on your ability to work.

Q: Is obsolescence a factor?
A: The only obsolesnence factor is the ending of ISDN service provision by your TelCo, which will happen at some time in the next few years. It has already happened in some parts of Europe and most of Asia. However, the Roadwarrior LC and the Tieline Commander, as well as the Mayah Sporty are all future proofed with built in support for IP.

Q: If buying used, what questions does one ask the seller?
A: What Firmware version does it have? Is the battery still good? Do you offer a return if it turns out damaged? When was it last used? Why are you selling it?

Good luck, and if you need someone to guide you, I'm at vostudiotech.com
George Whittam

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Permalink Reply by Mutt on May 1, 2009 at 7:56am

Dylan-

Since George covered everything there is so nicely Im just going to ad one thing.

I bought my Zephyr Xstream from Baycountry.com

The guy who runs the place is quality. He gets good equipment, cleans it, checks it over, and gives you a 2 week return policy in case you find someting that he didn't.

One more thing Id suggest is getting the serial #'s off the machine you're going to buy. Then call up the company to find out if it has been in for any servicing or firmware updates. Or if there were any recalls or needed firmare updates.

Plan on a month from the time you call the phone company till they install. Its quite the arduous process.

All the best.

Mutt:))

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Permalink Reply by Dylan Jones on May 1, 2009 at 4:17pm

Thanks heaps, George and Mutt. That's all very helpful info.

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Permalink Reply by John Fowler on May 11, 2009 at 4:00pm

My dilema is no ISDN were I am. I'm lucky to get the HighSpeed Internet I have.

I have read alot online lately about doing the ISDN line and phone patchs so that VO actors can receive direction while recording. I have also seen some great Idea's that work alot cheaper than these. Skype for one (no thank you!) best one yet...A simple handsfree set like on a cellphone plugged into a regular phone line, then just plug the earpeice in your ear and put your headphones on over it. Pretty simple and way cheap. I am rigging a small device from Radio Shack that I use so callers can be broadcast when I do my shows. I'll route that through my mixer so I can hear them and they can hear me,. Add a Webcam and I think i'm pretty well covered. Necessity is the mother of invention and considering I live way out in the sticks getting something to work is priority one! This should work with my regular AT&T Line which will have no delay whatsoever. This should please the clients!

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Permalink Reply by Joe Van Riper on May 31, 2009 at 4:32pm

You might want to look into a couple of items at "SourceElements.com". They offer an alternative to ISDN called Source Connect, which works through the internet rather than a telephone. Down-side: You'll need ProTools software to handle the audio interface, and the latency issue is pretty annoying. But recent updates in the software have eliminated "buggy" issues like dropouts and noises found in early versions. It is ISDN quality, or occasionally better, with less than a second delay. Works for me, when I need it as a back-up plan.
For a phone patch alternative, the same guys offer Source Live... again, done through the internet, with much better quality for the client than any phone line. Prices for these applications runs around $300 each. Or you can keep scanning the auction sites. I picked up a Gentner Digital Hybrid telephone interface (mega-bucks, new) on EBay for a hundred dollars! Big corporations that are moving to uplinks, video, and IT technologies for networked conferences are dumping very sophisticated telephone hardware on auction sites at fire-sale prices... if you're lucky enough to find one before it's snapped up.

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