Connecting a Director/Studio for Remote VO Sessions

VO How-To: How do you connect a director or studio to your remote VO session? Being able to seamlessly interact with your clients from your project studio will separate the quality of your service and let you be more efficient. Here are some current remote connection options.

“Wait… you want to connect to my booth?”

Having someone connect with your project studio or ask for a “phone patch” so they can hear you while recording and provide feedback can be intimidating. As more work comes from distant clients – or if you want to have a voiceover instructor guide you during a workout – it’s important to know your options.

Booth Basics: This resource provides an overview of current connection options for your remote VO / Voiceover sessions. I’ve been encouraging my clients to offer remote options for several years, but these days having Source-Connect or some means of working with a remote director is essential to running your VO business.

Connecting Your VO Studio To The World

You’ve booked a job. The client loves you. But they have very specific things they want from you. Rather than engage in a cycle of guesses and revisions via email, it’s much more direct for them to give immediate feedback on your performance. They ask for a “phone patch” so they can hear you in real time. Ignore that icy feeling in the pit of your stomach – you got this!

What the heck is a “Phone Patch”?

Technically, a “Phone Patch” is a hard-wired, landline connection that feeds into your audio chain. This requires a hardware device which accepts (1) a plug from a phone line (remember those?) and (2) a cable (maybe two) from an audio device (your mixer or interface) so that the audio flows back and forth. Obviously, you can’t connect your XLR or 1/4″ audio cable with the small square connector on a physical phone, so these hardware devices act as a signal translator. 

However, most people don’t actually mean “phone patch” when they ask for one. The term gets used more generically to cover all remote connections. 

These days, a “phone patch” typically doesn’t involve an actual phone. Your client may be talking about phoning you (probably not with a landline) or using Skype or listening over a web browser or using a high-speed connection where they are actually recording you on their end.

As with all client communications – ask! Often you can offer a connection option they didn’t know existed. This better separates you as a VO talent who knows their stuff.

That means you need to be aware of these options. Being able to transition between these can be a valuable additional service you can provide to your VO clients.

With the changes in our working environment following COVID protocols, it’s essential to have some of these connection options in place within your voiceover studio.

History Lesson – Kicking it Old-School: ISDN over Wires

The way it used to work – or – “Another acronym bites the dust” :

Until a few years ago, if you wanted to record high quality audio remotely while providing voiceover on a professional commercial project, then you needed physical ISDN line connected to your studio, or you had to travel to the client’s location. Those days are over.

ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network. It is a wired high speed connection designed to transmit digital information, and requires CODEC (Coder/Decoder) hardware at both ends of the line. 

The compelling feature about ISDN was that it maintained information in a linear format. If you had something where timing was important, ISDN could be relied upon to deliver audio in real time without introducing errors.

That meant a distant talent (you) could be recorded locally at the studio (where your client was). You connected, spoke into your mic and received direction for additional takes.

When you were done, the engineer at the other end of the line had all your audio recorded there. High fives all around and everyone was on to the next project.

The downside with ISDN is that it needs specific types of physical wiring and connections, otherwise it doesn’t work. It needed to be close to a high bandwidth main line, so you couldnt even get it installed some places. You had pay to get it installed, pay for the service, and then pay for the actual connection time.

The telco’s have officially phased out ISDN. The service has been decommissioned entirely in some countries. While you may find tiny little pockets of use, ISDN is really dead tech.

These days, if someone asks you to connect over ISDN, you need to gently explain that isn’t going to happen.

Wired, not WiFI: Best Practice for Any Remote Connection

Since I was just talking about “wires”, this is a good time to mention a key point:

You should have a wired connection to the internet. That means there should be a network cable coming out of your computer and attaching to your router or modem. WiFI is not recommended for any high-speed, high quality audio over the internet.

Yes, you will find anecdotal tales on the internet about how some VO’s got away with it for a single session, or used a combination of mobile hot spots and wireless connections. That is risky at best. Sure, if you have a client on the line and you need to salvage a session, give it a try. But best practice is hard-wired.

You may find that many recent computer models have eliminated the network port – I’m looking at you Apple! – which means you will need an adapter to go from your Thunderbolt or USB-C or USB 2.0 port to a network connection via Cat5/6/7 cable. I have a number of options listed on my Gear page.

But a wired connection is (1) faster, (2) more reliable, and (3) less likely to get interrupted by unwanted traffic. Some of these connection methods (such as Source-Connect) may need to have mapped network ports for best results, which is also much easier with a wired, static connection.

(One more thought about connecting to the internet – when ISP’s tout their services, they are quoting download speed. You will find that most throttle or restrict the upload speeds for their home services. When you are considering which internet provider to use, make sure you understand both numbers.)

If ISDN is dead, how can I connect with a client?

That’s a great question!

The internet seems to be here to stay. And back in 2005, the clever folks at Source-Elements realized that if they could solve some technical challenges, it was a perfectly good way to transmit broadcast quality audio from your microphone to a distant studio.

They created Source-Connect.

Source Connect: What clients ask for most frequently

Main takeaway: Source-Connect Standard is pretty much the coin of the realm if you are a Voice Actor looking to work at a professional level. More info in this article. I’d been recommending it as a value-added service for several years, but these days I cannot think of a voiceover agency which will consider you for their roster unless you have it. Source-Connect Standard is a paid service offered through Source-Elements.

Source-Connect is an application-based connection method which runs audio over the internet

Source-Connect uses the internet as a backbone for high speed delivery. The original challenge for Source-Connect? The internet doesn’t really care quite so much about delivering linear stuff in real time. It chops it up into packets and then reassembles those at the destination.

Source-Connect needs another instance of Source-Connect at the other end of the line to make sure your audio remains intact. Each Source-Connect program is talking to the other – like the hardware CODECs were – correcting errors and smoothing out time-shift issues. Not a trivial operation, but the end result is that it works the same way. That allows a studio to record a remote talent locally.

Though this option first appeared 2005, Source-Connect struggled to gain a foothold against ISDN. Back then, the main issue was that recording studios and production facilities had invested heavily in ISDN hardware and it generally worked (or more importantly – failed in expected ways).

Source-Connect needed high-speed internet for both parties (which in 2005 or so was not as much of a “thing” for home-based voice actors). It also required rerouting how things got patched into a studio’s audio matrix. Most studios and clients took a “wait and see” approach while the folks at Source Elements (who developed Source-Connect and a bunch of other connection tools) continued refining their audio connection software tool.

These days, most high volume studios seem to prefer Source-Connect, and have likely dropped their ISDN hardware. Voice actors report this is the most commonly requested option appearing on audition opportunities currently.

When the pandemic lockdowns hit in 2020, most agency-level auditions began specifying “Source-Connect” (paid) – meaning the Standard version – as a requirement for submission on a project. Though this has softened somewhat, Source-Connect has become a base level of connection with a recording studio.

UPDATE:
In addition to the 15 day free trial option, Source-Elements now offer a Two Day License for Source-Connect – You still need to get set up with iLok for licensing – an easy task we can do together through a short session. 

Client still using ISDN? Source-Elements ISDNBridge

At this point, few clients still utilize ISDN, but if you encounter one, Source-Elements offers an on-demand ISDN Bridging Service which connects between your Source-Connect (Standard or Pro) link, or from a Source-Connect Now (via a Chrome Browser – see below) connection. As stated on the ISDNBridge page:

“Access the ISDN Network easily and conveniently from Source-Connect and Source-Connect Now from just $16 an hour”

Different service levels allow you to receive the ISDN call, make an outbound call to the ISDN destination studio, or have a dedicated ISDN SPID’s (subscription-level service).

Session-Link Pro for European Clients

Session-Link Pro is another option which seems to be used more in Europe, so it may pop up as an option depending upon where you are finding work. SLP uses a browser-based connection as described below, but has synching capabilities as with ipDTL, so will generally be used to record you at the other end of the line (which they call “Far-End Recording”). From the talent perspective, you can connect easily via a link from the studio/engineer. 

Connection Open provides high quality connection

I was lucky enough to use some beta versions of this system, and it really impressed me. Connection Open has been in quiet, steady development for a while now and uses an uncompressed signal to provide significant clarity during a session. I’ve not ever encountered a dropout with it.  Developer Randy Morrison has created a system to support uncompressed audio between multiple users with extremely low latency. It can be used app to app or has AAX/VST/AU plug-ins to facilitate routing.

Connecting Audio Through Your Web Browser – Using the OPUS Audio Codec

When Google rolled out the Chrome browser, they included a high quality (24 bit) audio pipeline (the OPUS audio codec) under the hood. Clever folks utilized that that to have a non-time-corrected way of communicating with high quality over the internet. That means I can still record you remotely, but sometimes there are glitches and no easy way to remove them other than redo the section. Talent often just record locally and transfer the files after the session.

The common tools for this include Source-Connect Now (which is not the same as Source-Connect, though the same company developed it), BodalgoCall (which has been nicely refined and even has a video option, if that’s useful), or Google Meet. I have to say that BodalgoCall . I’m also a big fan of Cleanfeed, which enables mid-stream recording of both parties even in their free version, which makes it great for podcast interviews. I’ve been using it since very early beta versions, and it’s a simple and solid tool.

There are others as well which keep cropping up using this same method. More recently other browsers have started to support this – notably the new Firefox Quantum – as well as some less-well-known browsers. Also, some of the companies have a standalone version of their tool so you aren’t at the whims of the browser company – who could potentially break the audio functionality with an upgrade.

Since audio quality is quite high on all of these options, it’s becoming more ubiquitous. Things sound clear when you are connected which lets a director respond more effectively to your performance. The downside is that you may have to explain to your client how to use these less well known methods.

Browser-Based Connection and ISDN connecdtivity: ipDTL

ipDTL* uses the 24 bit OPUS audio codec in the Chrome browser, it creates a clean connection with your director or studio. The interface is now nicely refined and it has some interesting features.

There are two basic ways to use ipDTL – either to another instance of ipDTL through a shared page via your Chrome browser (with someone who has a subscription or a Day Pass, or has received a link from you) or using ipDTL to bridge seamlessly with an ISDN codec on the other end of a connection (where you’ll log into ipDTL and use their software to call the ISDN number or be called from the studio’s ISDN line).

If you are sent an ipDTL link, you can simply connect with that to another studio through your Chrome browser. You do not need a subscription to connect in that way.

ipDTL is a subscription-based service with a few levels of options. You can also get a “Day Pass” (currently $20 as of early 2021) which gives a nice suite of features, then provide a client with a free link to connect. 

ipDTL have spent a lot of time refining their interface, so it’s now very user-friendly. I’ve found this to be a good connection option – particularly for clients who are not as tech-savvy.

Connecting through ipDTL is very high quality – it’s on the same level as Source-Connect or ISDN and can locally record a remote source (or feed the whole mix to broadcast).

There are a number of very useful tools for sharing audio with your client, and it does support video during the session.

*If you need to win a bar bet: “ipDTL” stands for “internet protocol Down The Line”

Zoom is a solid choice – and now everyone knows what it is

Before the events of 2020, you still had to explain a lot of the general teleconferencing environments to people. Now, Zoom seems to be a part of everyone’s daily existence…

I actually prefer Zoom over Skype as the audio quality is a bit better when there are multiple people on the line. Plus, sharing a contact link or number is much more direct. You can also provide phone access for your client if they are only able to dial in for the session. Frustrations exist with Zoom, of course – mostly with the audio engine and algorithm that sometimes don’t play well with common recording software and interfaces. You can get some weird glitchy results with no warning. 

For one-to-one connections, Zoom can be used for free. (Multi-party sessions are limited to 40 minutes for non-paid plans). It also seems to have less capricious upgrades – nearly every time I open Skype, it seems to have another version that needs to be downloaded – sometimes breaking functionality and making the connection of your booth audio problematic.)

Microsoft Teams & Webex

Similar to Zoom, these popular conferencing systems do show up depending upon the clients you may be working with. Curiously, I’ve found that the web-based version of Teams gives me more options for multiple microphones than the standalone application.

SKYPE

Note – Skype periodically changes the functionality of its Preferences page and often forces updates – so make sure you have opened it well in advance of any sessions! You will likely have to update and restart before you use it…

These capricious changes of functionality is one of the reasons to be ready to offer other options. As I like to advise – “use redundant systems to guard against failure!”

Skype is the 500 lb gorilla of VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) technology which uses a semi-proprietary means of connecting voice over the internet. With VOIP stuff, you won’t get usable audio for higher quality work. But it’s good enough that someone can “patch” into your studio and hear your performance reasonably clearly.

I will say that the as of 2021, I noticed a general improvement in the audio quality, and it seems to be coming up a bit more frequently now and again. Nothing “wrong” with it, but the application doesn’t tend to support complex audio inputs, so check your system before you connect.

(Just to be clear, I’m talking about using VOIP through your studio computer, rather than using the app on your mobile phone. Yes – you can do this, or just use your phone and a standard 10 digit number – which may be the nerdiest way I’ve ever described a “phone call”. The obvious downside of this method is your client will hear your brilliant performance through the tiny little mic on your device, which will obviously impact the audio. And you’ll likely want to use earbuds so that should they cough or comment as you are recording, that won’t ruin a take.)

There’s a high degree of familiarity with Skype, so you don’t need to explain it to people who might be otherwise tech-phobic. It tends to be common, so having a Skype ID/handle is a good plan for your VO bizs. 

Discord continues gaining momentum

Discord has continued to crop up as a go-to connection option, especially for gaming companies. It serves 24 bit audio to your director and can also establish a realtime video link. You can create a Discord profile (I’m there under @jimedgarvoices – say “howdy!”) for no charge, which will allow you to use this if a client suggests.

As with any of the browser-based methods, you’ll be more than likely be recording at your end and delivering files after the session.

Note – if you use a video connection during the session, make sure your computer is up for the challenge. Unlike Zoom or Google Meet, the video feed is HD and can overwhelm older hardware. Test your system before your session!

How Does A VO Use These Tools?

For ipDTL, you need to access their servers, which handles the heavy lifting of connection and why they charge, but all you need is a Chrome browser or their app to do this. ipDTL offers a Day Pass for their service, so you can easily use it on a one-off basis.

Source Connect needs an app at each end (for which you pay a monthly service fee to keep connected). There is a 15 Day Free Trial available. 

Source-Connect Now, BodalgoCall and Google Hangouts run within a Chrome browser and require some degree of signup prior to using the free services.

Skype and Zoom run within their own apps, and you need to go through some set up steps.

Audio Routing and Setup In Your Studio Is Really a Separate Topic

Because everyone’s needs are a bit different, and each person has discrete challenges in their home voiceover studio, it’s usually worth it to work with someone to optimize audio routing at your end. Everything needs to work reliably during any live session.

Before you commit to a remote recording or directed session, consider the “last mile”.  That’s usually where most problems appear. I strongly recommend using a wired internet connection (that means no Wi-Fi). If you have an older computer or your rural internet is sketchy, you might keep the video turned off to minimize load on your computer and connection.

All of the audio can be routed in and out of your recording program/DAW, and the complexity of that varies with what you want to do. In all cases, the client/studio/director should be hearing the audio from your booth mic. It’s also important to use headphones so that you don’t create echoes or allow director’s comments to get recorded with your audio.

Strong Recommendation: Offer Remote Connection To Your Studio

As more work comes from a wider variety, being able to seamlessly interact with your clients from your project studio will separate the quality of your service and let you be more efficient. While there is nothing like a face-to-face session in a pro level studio, the compressed timeframe and real demands of our business makes remote connection a service you need to offer.

If you would like assistance in setting this up, please feel free to contact me or schedule a session.

I also offer a 3 hour comprehensive workshop covering Source Connect, Source-Connect Now, ipDTL and other connection options through Voice One – you can register for that here.

JimEdgarVoices.com / JustAskJimVO.studio
are Source-Connect Studios

A final word (warning) about SKYPE

Almost every time I start Skype on the computer, it tells me that there has been an update which it would like to install. Since this can take 5-10 minutes, I always budget time the night before a scheduled Skype session to let it do its thing, and make sure that I start it up well in advance of the session start time. Skype still gives you no way to suspend these updates, so it’s a good plan to schedule extra time to let that do its thing…

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