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Like Lightning!

March 13, 2013 By Leave a Comment

iQ5_Black_slant-displayBarely had the digital ink dried on my blog from Monday’s unveiling of the RØDE iXY before my good friend Tim Keenan (owner of Creative Media Recording) chimed in with some welcome news.

Most portable mics designed to work with iPhones, iPads, iPods, etc. come with the 19-pin connector common on the iPhone 3 and 4, and early models of the iPad and iPod.  But as I mentioned in the iXY blog, Apple is fond of designing away from 3rd-party vendors, just to keep ‘em hopping, I think.

But look at what our friends over at Zoom Electronics did!  They’ve already come up with a pretty snazzy mic

Zoom H4n

Zoom H4n

that fits Apple’s new Lightning Connector now installed on the iOS 6.0 or later (iPhone 5, iPod touch [5th generation], iPad mini, etc.).  Bingo!

As you know, Zoom is the innovator behind a number of pro-quality hand-held audio recorders…chief among them, the Zoom H4n…and now the new H2n as well.

zoomThe new unit is called the iQ5.  It has a unique ball-type design that they call “stereo mid-size microphone” that has both horizontal and vertical positioning.

From the SamsonTech website:  “…the iQ5 features a 3-position Mid-Side stereo field switch (90°, 120°, RAW) for selecting the width of your stereo field and creating incredible flexibility over your recordings. The iQ5’s 3-position gain control switch (Auto, Limit, Off) lets you quickly choose your volume settings, while its analog mic gain wheel allows you to fine tune your levels while recording.”

I don’t see a price anywhere for this unit.  It’s not even listed on the offiicial Zoom site.

The site I’m linking to here claims the Zoom iQ5 is available at Guitar Center, but Guitar Center’s online site doesn’t return any results on a site search.

Again, this disclaimer — so well elucidated by tech officianado and LA voice talent Bo Weaver:  “No mobile mic-with-tablet-and-app configuration will match the fidelity of your home studio.”  (paraphrased)

Innovation marches on!

CourVO

 

 

 

Filed Under: Hardware, iPad, iPhone, New Paradigms, Technology Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Rode’s New iXY Mic for iOS

March 10, 2013 By 2 Comments

rode IXY_02_1024x1024Let’s just put this out there first:  No mobile mic-with-tablet-and-app configuration will match the fidelity of your home studio. Those are the paraphrased words of top VO talent Beau Weaver, who is even more of a bloodhound on the trail of the perfect mobile solution than I am…and I’ve written extensively on it.  iODock, iRigMic, Tascam iM2 and iZX…the list goes on…and Apple keeps redesigning audio configurations with each iteration of it’s devices, so there will be more gizmos in the future.

HAVING SAID THAT:  Your audio –  no matter where you cut it, and no matter what devices you use –  is only as good as the ears of the person hearing it, and many will tell you they can’t tell the difference between such mobile devices, and the average home studio audio product.

People are cutting/sending auditions, and even doing paid voice recordings inside cars and hotel rooms with the latest clever portable recording devices available on the market.

The one that caught my attention just the other day is the RØDE iXY…so designated because of the opposing X/Y configuration of the dual mics.rode ixy-shopify_grande

Of course, RØDE is no slacker among microphone manufacturers.  The New South Wales, Australia-based company has been producing quality professional mics since 1967… many of which are workhorses in plenty of studios around the world.  The iXY is a bit of a departure for them, though…but a solid effort to be sure.

From their website:  “The RØDE iXY is the ultimate recording microphone for iPhone®, iPad® or iPod® touch.  With up to 24-bit/96k* recording and on-board high-fidelity A/D conversion, your iXY recordings are rich, smooth and accurate.  At the heart of the iXY is a matched pair of ½” cardioid condenser capsules, fixed in a perfect 90 degree ‘near-coincident’ alignment.  This results in immersive and true-to-life stereo recordings, captured in incredibly high detail.  The iXY is supplied with a foam windshield for outdoor recording as well as a reinforced protective zip case to ensure your iXY is available whenever you need it.”

As I alluded to above, Apple has already begun designing-away compatibility, as the iXY is built to fit the 19-pin connector on all iOS devices except the newest iPads.

The unit comes with it’s own wind sock and carrying case…and is listed for $199 in the RØDE online store, which currently states it’s sold out;  and suppliers like B&H, whose site says it’s on pre-order.

You can, however, acquire the attendant RØDE Rec app for iOS at $5.99.  The app is pretty advanced and feature-rich, allowing different recording file formats, and standard DAW editing within the interface, as well as choices for upload.  You don’t have to  have the RØDE iXY to use the app.

Anybody out there got one of these yet?  If so, what’s it like?

CourVO

Filed Under: iPad, iPhone, Mics Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

New Artist App

February 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

For iOS users (iPad, iPhone), there’s a new app available that just might be the ticket for developing your business in a very productive way.

My thanks to voice talent David Sigmon for bringing this program to my attention.  It’s called Artist Growth, and is available in the App Store.  Their website is also ArtistGrowth.com.

Let’s be clear at the outset.  This app was designed with musicians in mind, but the feature set of the program is such that I believe it could be easily adapted to the needs of a voice-actor.

From the website: “:…Artist Growth…is a groundbreaking mobile software platform that gives both amateurs and seasoned professionals the tools to manage and track daily tasks, coordinate multi-dimensional projects, and grow a business steadily – all in one robust interface. The platform uses proprietary technology to integrate finances, gig calendars, inventory, industry contacts, social media, performing rights organizations, and even provide mentoring resources from some of the industry’s top experts. It puts the business of artist development directly in the artist’s hands…”

Signing up for the 30-day trial means a .99-cent charge, then $4.99/mo.  That’s a  modest fee if it works for you, but check out the website AND the app before sinking your hard-earned bucks into it.

By all accounts, the developers have done their homework in designing a site and an app that is logical, easy to navigate, and aesthetically pleasing.

Check it out and let me know if it suits your needs.

CourVO

Filed Under: iPad, iPhone, Technology, Web/Tech Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Tascam iM2 Arrives

December 16, 2011 By 35 Comments

Here we go again… the never-ending search for a hi-quality usable/sharable audio file recorded on a smartphone or tablet computer leads us to this:  The Tascam iM2.

Up to this point, the Alesis iODock is the only device this reviewer evaluated that really met the minimum recording quality most voice acting pros would be comfortable sending to client…and it’s not that portable.

A caveat:  ANY $3,000 microphone will not fill the bill if your recording environment sucks.  So the Tascam iM2 is no panacea if you’re recording in the men’s bathroom at Target.

Having said that, though, the iM2 is the closest we’ve seen to making the grade with portable, on-the-fly, smartphone-device recording that you won’t be embarrassed to send to your best VO client.

Right now, it seems to be available only from B&H Photo.  $80.

See my video below for a quick look at the device itself.  My previous blog on the iM2 gives the specs.  Most importantly:  this device plugs into the 30-pin connector on the bottom of the iOS device (works with iPhone 4 & 4s, iPad, iPad2, and iPod), giving it the best possible shot at a decent recording since the Blue Mikey.  Apple changed the internal wiring when it moved from the 3Gs to the iPhone 4, rendering the Mikey unusable going forward.

(ed. note:  see a similar review of this device by Beau Weaver in the comment section of this blog)

Match the iM2 with Twisted Wave’s iPhone/iPad app for the optimal recording.  Twisted Wave also gives you powerful editing and post-production tools, and lets you share by FTP, iTunes, DropBox, email, or Wi-Fi, but does not record in .mp3.  Instead you can convert it to mp3 through a service online TW supports. Save in .wav, AIFF, CAF, or AAC.   Not quite as good, but getting close in quality are the apps:  FiRe,  Monle and  MultiTrack.

  • The dual-positioned mics rotate so you can direct these condensers to the direction of sound.
  • The unit works best when you set your iPhone to Airplane Mode, avoiding any interruptions.
  • The unit is also very sensitive to movement, so you need to get a comfortable grip and not move the phone around, nor move your fingers on the unit while recording.
  • To listen to what you’ve recorded, you must then UN-plug the iM2 to hear the speakers.
  • The iM2 does not come with it’s own headphone jack.
  • If you have the Apple-supplied earphones plugged in the phone will prioritize the built-in mic on the headset cord, and not record through the iM2.

Now the mic comparison.

I simultaneously recorded a couple of sentences holding the Tascam iM2/iPhone4 as pictured.

The saved .wav file on the iPhone, I uploaded to DropBox, opened in AA3.0 and converted to .mp3.

The Studio Projects C-1 recording was into the AA3.0 DAW through a Steinberg CI2 USB interface.  That recording was a  native mp3.

The ONLY tweak was a boost to the gain in AA3.0 for the Tascam recording.  Even though I had the volume control on the iM2 at max, the two comparison sound waves were not equal in gain.  I had to boost the Tascam recording by about 30%.

Below are the two comparison sound files.  I think you’ll agree that while they are not equal, the Tascam recording — standing on its own — would probably pass muster for an acceptable audition, or even a final cut.

The first soundfile is the Tascam iM2/iPhone4 recording.  The lower soundfile is the Studio Projects C-1 recording.

Tascam-iM2 against StudioProjectsC-1 by CourVO

 

StudioProjectsC-1 against Tascam-iM2 by CourVO

Pretty close, eh?

LA voice acting pro Beau Weaver has also previewed this device extensively, and his analysis is included below in the comment section.  Absolutely a must-read if you are interested in the deeper technical side of this issue.  Beau is very thorough in his critique.

CourVO

Filed Under: Apps, Equipment, Hardware, iPad, iPhone, Mics, Software, Technology Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

For Your VO Christmas

November 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Holy Grail of mobile VO computing /auditioning: a hi-fidelity recording on your smartphone or tablet computer.  Most would likely agree that the leader in the software part of that solution is  Twisted Wave for the iPhone or iPad.

On the hardware end, many devices have launched over the last year, mostly for some version of the iPhone or iPad.

I’ve blogged about a number of these:  the iRig Mic, the Blue Mikey, the Tascam iZX, the Vericorder XLR Adapter Cable, the Alesis iODock, and probably a few that I missed.  Trouble is, only the Alesis iODock offers a means of input through the 30-pin connector at the bottom of the device…anything else is poor quality.

A guy who’s way ahead of me on the technology of it all — SoCal based professional voice-actor Beau Weaver – recently explained it this way in response to a thread about the technology in question: “…The audio input via the 3.5mm connector has a radical EQ curve built in, attenuating everything under 150hz and above 7khz…..which is to say “telephone filter” quality. There is no way around it, other than to introduce a reverse eq curve to compensate, which raises the noise floor. The work around with the camera connection kit USB adapter worked on the older version of the iOS operating system, but no more. The only way to get pro quality audio in is through the 30 pin connector. Several devices are in the pipeline, but none are shipping yet. For iPad, the Alesis iODock is the only thing that works…..at this point. iOS may be a pro recording platform at some point……but it is not there yet…”

So, why don’t equipment manufacturers develop more products that take advantage of this market?  Beau had an answer for that, too, when I asked him about it: “…they are just afraid to make a commitment because Apple keeps changing the API and  rendering their devices obsolete.  Case in point:  the Blu Mikey….which the second version of iOS broke, with no warning, and no recourse.  Equipment manufacturers are wise to be warry of making mac accessories……because there is a good chance apple will pull the rug out from under them…”

Still, apparently, some audio-equipment companies are willing to take the chance.  Case in point: the new Tascam iM2, seen above. 

It uses the 30-pin connector available in the iPhone and iPad, and according to the product website:  “…a high-quality stereo recorder.  A pair of condenser microphones – the same high quality as TASCAM’s best-selling DR-series recorders – plugs into the dock connector of your Apple device.  The microphones are adjustable over 180 degrees for the best sound placement.  The uni-directional elements are arranged in an AB pattern for detailed stereo imaging while capturing the ambience of your room.  The iM2 contains its own microphone preamp and analog-to-digital converter for low noise and great audio quality.  Unlike mics that use the built-in iPhone preamp, the iM2 can handle up to 125dB sound levels…”

Tascam certainly has a track record of making quality portable recorders like the DR-40, and the DR-07mkII…but this is a bit of a departure for them to release a hardware product that depends on the hardware/software of another device for their success.

Check it out.  I am.  When my unit arrives, I promise an evaluation with sound file samples.

My thanks to Beau Weaver for his help in this blog, and agreeing to my excerpting his comments.

CourVO

Filed Under: Hardware, iPad, iPhone Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Google Groove

October 23, 2011 By 2 Comments

Google’s star is reaching solar flare status.

Among the handful of true corporate dynasties that sprang from the last twenty years of internet/dot-com/computer/social media ascendance, Google continues break ground faster and farther than most of the others (possible exception:  Apple — and even that’s up for debate).

On today’s Voice-Acting in Vegas blog: a few Google-related developments that you might find useful for your voice over business.

First:  Are you on Google+?  You should be.  Since July, Google+ has grown to about 50-million subscribers.  That’s faster growth than FaceBook, Twitter, My Space or any other social media platform can boast.  On Google+, you can creat your own “circles” of friends.  I have circles for “Vegas”, “Journalism” and others…among them:  Voice Over.  In my voice over circle are some 350 voice over talent.  I’m sure that’s not all the voice talent on Google+, but it’s a start, and now when I want to get a sense of what’s going on in the VO world…or when I need to ask a question or get a word out…that’s a great place to go.  If you need an invite to get on, just email me at CourVO@CourVO.com, and I’ll send you an invitation.

Second: How to keep up with all that Google does?  Simple:  go to the official Google Blog.  It’s updated frequently…several times a day even, and always features the latest moves by this company.  (BTW, Google should NOT be referred to as “…that search engine company…”  It is SO much more, now!)

Third:  Don’t take my word for all this…see this latest article entitled: 5 GREAT HIDDEN GOOGLE SEARCH TIPS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT…including “Search for People’s Profiles”, and “Read Articles Without Paying”.

Fourth:  Last week, I launched the “CourVO” app for the iPhone and iPad.  Although it was an inexpensive process, there were plenty of hoops to jump through.  By comparison, creating the CourVO ANDROID app was brainless.  That’s right…the new CourVO Android App is now available. (BTW, both the iPhone and the Android app are free, and reflect the daily changes in the content on this blog…on your smartphone!).

Fifth:  Most everyone has at least a perfunctory Gmail account…it’s the portal to much of what you want to do on Google.  Watch for a big change to the way Google Mail looks very soon.  In the meantime, please consider trying either one of two add-ons to Gmail that will immediately double or triple the information you can glean about anyone who writes you an email.  both GIST and XOBNI offer integration to Gmail.  Both of these 3rd-party programs will analyze any email you receive for information about the sender.  LOTS of information about the sender…especially their presence on the other social media, along with contact information, frequency of posts, recent e-mails and even metrics about their presence on the web.  I find both these programs extremely helpful in managing connections…even the most typical time of day when events happen.

CourVO

TECHNOLOGY

5 Great Hidden Google Search Tips That You Should Know About

Filed Under: iPad, iPhone, Links, Social Media/Networking, Software, Technology Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Social Media Slam Dunk

October 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Today, hundrreds of thousands will line-up (are lined up) to grab one of the new iPhone 4s’.

I will not be among them, but not for lack of wanting to be.  So far, my plain ole “4″ is enough.

I DID spend the requisite time last night, though, downloading and installing the new iPhone iOS5, which is like having  a new phone in itself. Simiply amazing for the iCloud functionality alone.

I joke with other smartphone users about all the things these amazing devices can do, and then say:  “…and it makes phone calls too!!!..”  Today’s smartphone is in every sense a personal hand-held computer / communication device / and psuedo brain companion.  In my mind, smartphones are over-priced, but I find myself amazed at all they do many times in a day, so maybe they’re worth every penny.

What cannot be ignored (and we in the business of electronic news gathering and providing digital content know this all too well), is that there’s no stopping the juggernaut of this device.  The fastest growing trend we see when we (newspeople) watch where the eyeballs are going for hungry news consumers is the smartphone.  Video especially.

A SmartPhone is essential equipment for voice over freelancers who are using Social Media as a marketing tool.  I know I’m probably overstating the importance of this, ’cause I’m aware I’m a gear hound, and love seeing what’s on the vanguard of technology…but I also know I’m not overstating the case when I say you are not a player in Social Media unless you have a SmartPhone (or maybe a tablet computer).  There is a growing list of social media apps that are preferable to me over a laptop or desktop computer for ease-of-use.

If this is not in your technical arsenal yet, make it a goal for 2012.

One phone company is GIVING away an iPhone 3Gs when you purchase a contract.  That’s a steal!  There are a gazillion models out there when you move into the realm of Android SmartPhones, and some of them match and even surpass the feature-set of the iPhone.  I know a guy who has an Android SmartPhone that takes 3D pictures/movies!  I’m jus’ sayin’.

 

Filed Under: iPhone Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

New Gizmo Alert!

October 6, 2011 By 6 Comments

Blame Billy James.  I swear the guy does this to me just to get my reaction.  (BTW, Billy has a pretty great blog, and you should be reading it…great writer!)

He’s a geek, too…but not as frivolous with his discretionary cash, apparently.  So he lives vicariously through my wanderings up and down the virtual aisles of online geekdom.

The latest is Tascam’s iZX microphone interface for iPad, iPhone, and iPod.

For $50 this is a sweet little gem of a portable unit for recording.

Or is it?

Well, that, my friends, is for you to decide.

First, for the hard-core among you…some hard-core specs:

Input Level                     -42dBu～ +2dBu
Maximum Input Level       +2dBu
Input Impedance             2.4kΩ
Nominal Input Level         -21 dBV
Maximum Input Level       -10dBV
Input Impendance            470kΩ

Now, watch the video below, where I introduce you briefly to the hardware, then scroll down further to listen to a quick sound recording using the iZX with my iPhone4.

CourVO tests the Tascam iXZ from Dave Courvoisier on Vimeo.

Now, listen to the brief soundfile I recorded using a AKG C300B mic, a standard 5-foot XLR mic cable, the Tascam iZX, and my iPhone 4, recording with the Twisted Wave app.  The input volume on the Tascam unit was at about 2/3rds maximum.

I uploaded the resulting .wav file to AA3.0, edited out the breath sounds, boosted the gain a little, but applied no other effects.  The result is here:
TascamiXZ Sample Courvoisier by CourVO

Filed Under: Equipment, Hardware, iPad, iPhone Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pro iPhone Audio Editing

May 29, 2011 By 1 Comment

You know how I love following the march of technology.

This stuff is amazing.  It just keeps getting better and better.  Now, two track-layerable, non-linear audio editors that just blow me away.

Twisted wave would be hard to beat, but wait till you check out Monle and Hindenberg. 

Kudos to Chuck Burke in Hawaii for tipping us off to this one.  His original post on my Voice-Over Friends Group on FaceBook points to a very well-written article on both products, which are similar in design (to a point).  See:  “iPhone Audio Editing: Monle and Hindenburg Mobile”

Both apps are created ostensibly for use in Radio or Broadcast journalism.  Again, voice-overs are never mentioned in the prospectus for any of these programs…they’re always for someone else, and we have to grab and go…adapt them to our burgeoning business (usually with very little tweaking needed).

Of course, none of this addresses how to get audition-quality audio INTO the iPhone, but what encourages me about this newest round of audio-processing software is the ease with which one can share and send this stuff.

From the above-referenced article, the Monle has:

  • Four-track multitrack layering of sounds
  • internal mixing to mono or stereo
  • volume control of each clip
  • trim and fade in and out of sound clips
  • decent input level metering, with gain adjustment
  • ability to import .wav files into the iPhone from an external computer via WIFI
  • flexible output options, via WIFI, FTP, or direct upload to American Public Media.

Also from the above referenced article, the Hindenberg has:

  • Single-track (Stereo or mono, or a mix of the two)
  • trim and fade in and out of sound clips; cut/copy/paste/clear sections of larger soundfiles
  • volume automation within clips
  • clips can overlap
  • good input and output metering
  • location and photo tagging of sessions
  • ability to import .wav files into the iPhone from an external computer running a companion program via WIFI
  • flexible output of sessions via FTP, email, or integration with companion desktop program.

http://www.nsaka.com/products

Monle sells for $10, Hindenberg for $30.  Not cheap….but very very cool.
If you’re interested, please take the time to read the article on Transom.org (A Showcase and Workshop for New Public Radio)
CourVO
Filed Under: Apps, iPhone, Software, Technology Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Twisted Wave iPad/iPhone Update is Out

May 13, 2011 By 1 Comment

Do an update on your iPhone and/or iPad for the upgraded Twisted Wave app.

‘Haven’t had the chance to check out all the new stuff, but it’s gotta be good.

My thanks to Matt Cowlrick for the heads-up!

CourVO

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/lGgf4e

URL:  http://twistedwave.com/mobile

Filed Under: iPhone, Software, Technology Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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