ISDN vs. IP

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Permalink Reply by Zurek on November 6, 2008 at 5:03pm

Michael,

IP software is Source Connect, Audio TX, Audio Compass and a few others. It's Computer to Computer (IP) and requires software, no additional hardware. More comments to follow!

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Permalink Reply by Michael Blain-Rozgay on November 6, 2008 at 5:32pm

Thanks Rick,

That makes it a lot easier. Can't wait to hear the rest of your comments.

God bless,

Michael

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Permalink Reply by Philip Banks on November 6, 2008 at 5:37pm

At the moment there is no meaningful market for doing voice over session using VOIP technology. Most people who use source Connect or the VOIP part of AudioTX are merely using it as an alternate perhaps because they are away from any ISDN equipped studio.

Priorities should be ISDN first and alts (VOIP) second. Like any investment in your business ISDN and the associated technology is a financial risk. Twice you've in two post you've expressed concerns as to the costs involved and I would suggest that if the cost is a real concern to you then you're not ready yet.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Blain-Rozgay on November 8, 2008 at 8:20pm

Thanks Phillip,

I appreciate your suggestion. Let me set the background for my query. Although I'm a newbie to the home studio, I've been a a voice actor in Los Angeles for the last 4 years. The major focus for my acting career over the last 10 years, however, has been in front of the camera. I've been doing ok with V.O. but I realize I can do much better. Hence the home studio. But "ok", so far, hasn't been paying all the bills, hence the concern about cost. At this point it's pay the mortgage or buy the technology.

I've been urged by several friends in voice over here in Los Angeles over the last 6 months to pursure radio imaging, as I just finished a year long contract with WBOS. (I used my agents studios to do the voicing). But to really pursue it I'll need my home studio.

So it's not a question of being ready. It's the fact that finances, for a variety of reasons not germane to the conversation, are the problem.

I appreciate you're advice. Anything further is most welcome.

God bless,

Michael

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Permalink Reply by ilene russell on November 8, 2008 at 5:53pm

Hey Michael,

First, welcome!

A few years ago I was told ISDN was on it's way out.. but come to find out..t'aint true. Studios have it. They've invested heavily and seasoned VO's have it.(generally speaking).

Conventional wisdom..at least that's come to my ears.says don't invest in ISDN unless you've got a steady clientele where you'll be using it. Studios at both ends need source connect to make it work...but to my understanding..source connect has a "bridge" that will make the ISDN connection work. Digifon is one resource you might try... Dave Immer is the man (I'm told). I'm sure there are others...George Whittam is right here on VU..and he's incredible. Just to name a few.

I recently told an agent that I didn't have ISDN and they said no prob...they'd find an ISDN studio for me locally. (Hope that means they pay! :) ) But when that's not the case and you do an outside ISDN session where you're responsible for the connection charge you'll want to factor that into your quote. Seeing where my local ISDN studios are actually on my "to do" list... couldn't hurt :)

I'll be reading the comments as they come in...

Best to you in this journey!
ilene

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Permalink Reply by Michael Blain-Rozgay on November 9, 2008 at 4:21am

Hi Ilene,

Thanks so much for the input. I'll do some research on source connect. It's looking like I'll really need to invest in all the ISDN technology to do what I want, but it may have to wait for a bit. I'm looking to do radio imaging as I just finished a year long contract in that area and the pay was sweet to get. Finances are more then a bit tight right now. That's why I was looking for a short term solution, (see my reply to Phillip Banks input). I'll keep my eyes to this thread for any more advice. Thanks again.

God bless,

Michael

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Permalink Reply by Philip Banks on November 9, 2008 at 8:57am

You misunderstood "ready", it had nothing to do with your ability as a Voice Actor.

Using Source Connect via bridge in order to record with a studio that has ISDN will close more doors than it will open. Think of it this way. Most big ad agency session take place with about 24 hours or more notice. If anyone wants an experienced British voice over in a studio in LA tomorrow morning I can make it, that's been true for 18 years. Guess how often I've done it or been asked to do it? NEVER.

Apart from needing clients, you need ISDN in your home and you need to market that fact. Funding required? $3,000 which includes ISDN codec, line installation, ensuring your room sounds as a good as any studio you are likely to visit and the marketing.

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Permalink Reply by Vicki Amorose on November 11, 2008 at 2:33pm

Hi- just wanted to stick my nose in the door on this discussion.
How much additional do you charge your clients for the ISDN service you provide?
Would you mind sharing that info? I am trying to weigh the charge of using a local ISDN studio against purchasing ISDN for my home studio.
Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Philip Banks on November 12, 2008 at 4:11am

Hi Vicki,

Quick answer is that I don't add anything in the same way I would not add the bus fare or petrol money if I travelled to a studio.

The charges for using your own studio will be much cheaper as long as you do over $3,000 per year in ISDN work; assuming you want to get your money back over one year.

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Permalink Reply by Vicki Amorose on November 12, 2008 at 5:52pm

Thanks Philip. I am pondering what kind of business growing investments I should make next year. It helps to gather info. Maybe I should start a new thread, eh?

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Permalink Reply by Michael Blain-Rozgay on November 14, 2008 at 8:27pm

Hi Phillip,

I was out of the loop for a few days and just saw your reply. Thanks for the clairification. I see what you're saying. That more then makes sense. I need to start building this thing one step at a time. It's amazing how many resoruces have come my attention in the short time since I started this discussion.

As always, your input is invaluable. My thanks.

God bless,

Michael

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Heyl on December 4, 2008 at 11:50am

Not sure if it helps but I work with a studio that give excellent rates for it's students. Shoot me an email and I'll give you the details if you want.

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