OK, I’m guilty of this. I assume everyone knows what I’m talking about when I say that I have a fully connected home studio with ISDN, Source Connect and Cleanfeed.
So I thought it might be a good idea to unpack this a bit and explain what I’m talking about!
Let’s start with ISDN
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), is essentially the “land line” of connectivity in the Voiceover World. It’s a big fat phone line that integrates speech and data on the same line and allows digital transmission of voice through the copper wires. I have a dedicated ISDN line that runs to my studio (I can see the very quaint wooden pole it runs from out of my office window!). I have a Prima LT box which allows me to dial and receive calls from client’s studios. It clicks into action when a call comes in and when the call “frames” the lights go on and we can start work. The client can hear and direct me down the line in full quality and records the session their end. What I really like about ISDN for voiceover sessions is the solidity of the thing. It just works, it’s a posh phone and I’ve been using it for ages. Back in the 1990s, I used to use an old ISDN box in the Apps room of the BBC local radio station I worked in. However, it’s a very old technology and totally pre-dates any IP solutions for connectivity. It’s days are numbered and BT are phasing it out gradually. In the US, it’s also HUGELY expensive (much more so than in the UK) so voiceover clients in the US have always felt a bit ahead of us in the UK in replacing their ISDNs with something a bit more 21st century.
Source Connect
Source Connect is seen as the highest quality IP connectivity solution in the Voiceover World. Owned by Source Elements, Source Connect is the industry standard that is replacing ISDN. I use Source Connect Standard. The interface is on my Mac, it started as what we call a “plug in” for certain systems and now the internet speeds are better than when it was first around, the quality has improved too. Yes, it does rely on the internet but the connection sound quality is fine. It has an algorithm that catches up so the data capture is of better quality than what you hear. Hmmm. Ouch.
Source Connect NOW
Source Connect NOW is the free version and is not the industry level professional tool that it’s Standard cousin is, but anyone can get an account for free and surely that’s better than not having access to a good quality IP system?
Cleanfeed
Cleanfeed has a free and paid for version, I have the free one. It is popular with some radio commercial producers in the UK who now use it as a replacement for ISDN! It works from the browser in a similar way to Source Connect NOW and is really easy to use. I believe it’s a popular choice with podcast makers who need an easy and cost effective way to connect
Skype, Zoom, Whatsapp and phone.. and whatever else comes next!
The good thing about having a broadcast quality studio is that if you want to direct me over something more consumer tech based, then that works fine too. You don’t need to be in a studio with ISDN, Source Connect etc etc. I am and I will record your Voiceover into my Adobe Audition using microphones like my favourite AKG 414, edit and send you the file via email, dropbox, we transfer – or whatever you like.
I have a range of ways of connecting to my studio and my work for the sole purpose of making your life easier and delivering you the professional voiceover you deserve.
If you do want to give any of these connectivity methods a test ahead of a session – please do ask! Always happy to connect up ahead of time, no need for any anxiety dreams!
I hope that helps demystify the connectivity thing, drop me an email for more info on how we can connect up.
My ISDN Number is +441303273468
My Source Connect ID is clarereevesvo
My Skype is @clareonair