Editing 101

Colin Campbell · Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007, 14:53 (GMT) Post subject:

Scott and Heather... I'm sorry if I come off as "crusty" or elitist, I just get so frustrated with bad sound. Sound has been my life since I was 5 years old. Please just think "oh that's crusty old Colin again."

Scott... that setup isn't too bad but I bet you could improve it quite a bit with not too much money by using some sort of better preamp instead of of the built-in Behringer and going line-in to the mixer. I've been playing with the $100 Presonus TubePre a lot and it's not bad. I thought you had one of those but maybe I'm mixing you up with someone else. Of course I like analog processing too but that's another story.

Heather Cooper · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 472

I keep getting a 'I've posted to soon message' what is up with that?

I had a nice reply all typed out!!

I will have to type it again later......

George Karnes · **Voice Talent** Joined: 26 Dec 2006 Posts: 905

Heather I am play Tevye in a play right now.

Heather Cooper · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 472

Oh Colin, I in NO way think you are 'crusty' or an 'elitist'! If any thing I think you have an amazing gift! You seem to have an 'ear' that many people could never dream of having. I was just teasing!! I would some day really like to have a great set up like you have! It's just not a possibility right now. I would like to start with what i can and work toward a Big Girl Studio at some point! Smile

I appreciate any help and advice you are willing to lend. I'm just very, very limited right now. Sad

Victor,
I am exchanging my mic this weekend for the Shure. I have actually been thinking about it all week. I must confess..... Embarassed

I was distracted by an attractive salesman, with a great set of pipes.....Oh so easily lead astray! Laughing

But now talk to me darlink about my Interface. But, now please forgive the very blonde question I am about to ask......what is an interface and were do I find mine? How will it help and why does the size of the plug matter?

I really value everyone input! I am not a techie, don't know the lingo and sometimes need things broken down into laymen's or non tech., speak. My eyes glaze over and my head starts to hurt Laughing

when to many big electronic terms are thrown my way.
I know I can get this working once I have a basic understanding. I figure if I can install a rod iron hand railing (did it this last summer) and learn about a concrete drill....heck I can tackle this with a some guidance from you guys! Wink

So is the general consensus the interface? I have to still check out the link you added Colin...

Grateful,

Heather Cooper · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 472

PS

What is the difference between the M-audio Fast Track USB and a new interface?

George,

Very cool your in Fiddler! Would love to hear your Tevye. Smile

Colin Campbell · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007, 05:35 (GMT) Post subject:

An "interface" is basically a sound card, or rather the way the sound gets into your PC. It's most important function is to covert your "analog" signal (your voice from a mic and mic preamp) into digital that the PC can understand. Sound "cards" or interfaces that come built into PC's were not meant to provide anything near quality.

Heather Cooper · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 472

Ok. I found the M-Audio Fast Track on line for $99.00.
I am going to keep looking and see if anyone can beat that price.

Is this a product that I could buy used and would that me a good or bad idea?

Colin Campbell · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007, 05:49 (GMT) Post subject:

All I can say is that M-Audio stuff is reported to be very good.

Brad Venable · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007, 06:54 (GMT) Post subject:

Colin heard right.

I love my M-Audio stuff. I had a MobilePre USB (which is now owned by Peggy Day) before I upgraded to the Fast Track Pro (which I love so much I bought two of them).

I have some of the pricier stuff as well, but I know that the M-Audio interfaces are golden. Minor tweaks to your setup and you are good to go. A good mic is also going to be very important, and you are taking care of getting a quality one by grabbing the Shure SM58. A good starter mic for you.

As for the price on the FastTrack USB, you might get lucky and find one for around $89. But be sure and look for a place that has cheap shipping, too. Smile

Good luck, my dear. Nice pipes.

Colin Campbell · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007, 07:00 (GMT) Post subject:

If you can spare just a little more on the mic, look at the Rhode NT-1 or NT-2 since they are condenser mics.

Brad Venable · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007, 08:18 (GMT) Post subject:

Ooh....yes....the Rode NT-1 is very nice. I have a Rode K2 myself, and I do the bulk of my VO work with it.

I do like the NT-1 because of how quiet it is. Good tone too.

*highfives*

Nice suggestion, Colin.

Victor Harris · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007, 11:38 (GMT) Post subject:

The M-Audio Fast Track is a good interface. It has a XLR connection for your mic. I recommend you stay with the Shure SM58 mic with a pop screen. It is a great mic for females since it has built in electronics made to remove sibilance (S's). Of course its your choice. I have used it many times for female VO with my daughter and others. By the way, I was messing around with my Sony Sound Forge software last night and its pretty good. Lots of nice presets with all the plug-ins you need. Wink

Heather Cooper · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 472

Thanks guys for all of the great input!!

I will check out the other mic, but I can do an equal trade for the Shure it was the same price as the one I bought.

Once I buy the Fast Track I will post another demo. I am so excited!!
Now, can I use panty hose for a pop screen? I am really not being cheap.
It's just the way it is right now.......

Heather Cooper · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 472

Oh PS, does the plug size still make a difference? What about the plug on the mic cord? Confused

Colin Campbell · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007, 14:53 (GMT) Post subject:

The microphone cable will be an "XLR" connector and any interface should have an XLR mic input. These are fairly large connectors with three "prongs." They are what is called "balanced" cables. Balanced audio cabling keeps noise very low by cancelling any that migh otherwise leak onto the cable. If you don't have a mic cable, you'll probably have to buy one, they don't come with mics generally.