OK, having trouble breaking this circle...

Lydia Scholten · **Voice Talent** Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 20

I've just started out too, with the same concerns you've voiced re budget and equipment and the vicious circle...Right now I'm starting to use a Samson CO1U USB microphone - $75, (just added a windscreen) and audacity software (free download)...so far so good/adequate. I've seen some snowballs on ebay. I did find that my version of Audacity doesnt automatically do mp3 conversions...you need to find another download to augment that and convert from wav. to mp3. I am using a freeware program CDtoMP3/cdextract - the program lists its website as www.eusing.com but I think I got mine from tucows.com...it works quite nicely.
Hope it helps!

Vance Elderkin · **Voice Talent** Joined: 01 Nov 2005 Posts: 184

Lynn, all you need to allow Audacity to make MP3s is the LAME encoder, which is free. The link is here:

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/faq?s=install&item=lame-mp3

It's one simple file that you put in yoour Audacity directory. The first time you export to MP3, Audacity will ask you where the file is. After that, it will remember automatically. Quick and easy.

Kim White · Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007, 20:03 (GMT) Post subject: Vance...

My Audacity program lets me perform only a couple functions before locking up. I did test the LAME program, and that worked. However, I can only perform a couple edits before it freezes....then I close the program and restart....

Ordered the snowball last night! It's my anniversary present...LOL! I told hubby that it will be the gift that keeps on giving.

Thanks for the suggestion Maxine! I can't wait go try it out! For the price, it's worth it to give it a shot.

Amanda Geyer · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Posts: 245

Interesting - I use Audacity, have had up to 12 tracks in a file, did edits, imported yet another WAV, exported as WAV and did a WAV-MP3 conversion using Aare mp3 converter (since I can't get LAME to work), listened to the mp3 with Core Media, all while Audacity was open... Basically, I was having my system do a lot, but haven't had any crashing problems.

Vance Elderkin · **Voice Talent** Joined: 01 Nov 2005 Posts: 184

Kim, sorry that's happening with Audacity.. Not sure why you're having trouble, unless your computer doesn't have enough memory, or is doing too many other things, or if by chance you installed the wrong version. Make sure you installed the right version (PC if you have a PC, Mac if you have a Mac, etc.) and that you installed the stable version rather than the Beta version. Or, if your Cool Edit Pro is functional and seems OK, that will be just fine.

Amanda: What, exactly, happens when you try to use LAME?

Lydia Scholten · **Voice Talent** Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 20

I havent had any problem with Audacity crashing, but I couldnt get LAME to download at all...could it be that my Vista system is the problem? Anyhow, I just made it a 2 step process, saving the file in wav. format then using cdtomp3 freeware to convert. Seems to work ok.

Lydia

Vance Elderkin · **Voice Talent** Joined: 01 Nov 2005 Posts: 184

Could be that Vista is blocking the download. It should give you the option to get around that.

Loretta Arzaga · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Jun 2007 Posts: 2

Hello all...after reading your posts and all your wonderful advice on how to get started, I am now more inclined to pursue this avenue of work as a voice-over. It really seems do-able without too much start-up $. I do have to ask, though, does it require alot of time, as I am currently in school, among other things.

Kim White · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007, 12:45 (GMT) Post subject: Yes, thanks to everyone...

Thank you all for passing on the valuable lessons you've learned... when this newbie grows up, I hope I can be as helpful as you all have been. This has been a good week -- ordered blue snowball mic, ordered business cards, created a myspace, and made several calls. Wrote the script for my demo, and checked into a Paypal account.
Recording demo on Tuesday, to be mastered by mr. savvyvoice himself.

Now, if I could just find my hammer to nail the shingle up...

Again, thank you all!

Vance Elderkin · **Voice Talent** Joined: 01 Nov 2005 Posts: 184

Kim White · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007, 13:16 (GMT) Post subject: LOL!

I just fell off my chair!

Amanda Geyer · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Posts: 245

My favorite "Can't Touch This" video... involves the geektastic World of Warcraft and Guild Wars.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=YcWXL8jpFGs for video goodness. Damned good editing, too.

Loretta Arzaga · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Jun 2007 Posts: 2

OMG !!Amanda..that is SO cool!! My sons play that non-stop and I can't wait to share it with them!! Got me dancing early in the morning!! Thanks for the "wake-up" call!!!

And to Kim, I truly hope you do well in all your endeavors into this new world.
Vance, what an incredible picture...nice outfit.

Debbie Deutsch · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Posts: 1338

Thanks Amanda...and Vance....cute vid....amazing... Smile