ART Voice Channel - Voiceover Setup Guide

Learn step-by-step how to setup the EQ, compressor, de-esser, and expander/gate for voiceover and vocals on the ART Voice Channel.
This setup guide includes hardware connections, DAW setup, and a complete walk through of how to setup typical voiceover effects for recording, live streaming, and broadcast.
For more information and pricing on the ART Voice Channel:
Amazon: amzn.to/3k4pj6K
ART Website: artproaudio.com/product/voicechannel-tube-channel-strip-with-digital-outs/
Learn how to configure outboard gear as inserts in Studio One: kzbin.info/www/bejne/al7Ek3WjgJuae80
Other videos you may find interesting:
ART Voice Channel vs DBX 286s: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5XElJR_aqaSptU
ART Tube MP/C Preamp and Compressor: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIKZiWZohJJqjNU
Focusrite Control Effect Loop - Record and Stream with a Compressor: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJPWnYeAiplmr6M
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Do This First:
To get the most out of your recording or streaming space, I recommend sound treatment including acoustic absorption panels. This is the single biggest way to improve your audio before investing in other gear. You can make your own, or I highly recommend GIK Acoustics as they manufacture some of the best quality panels available at an excellent value.
Check out GIK Acoustics here: www.gikacoustics.com/ref/131/
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Need help setting up your studio for content creation, music, voiceover, or podcasts?
Book a One-on-One Zoom Appointment with me for assistance, recommendations, with the option to have me create a custom voiceover processing preset for your voice. I help musicians, producers, and content creators! Visit my website for more information: askdrtk.com/coaching/
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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:40 Connecting to a Microphone and Audio Interface
01:28 Creating a Sample Recording with the Preamp only
03:07 Connecting the Voice Channel to an Audio Interface and DAW as a Hardware Insert
04:55 Effect Setup Order and Controls
06:10 Setting the EQ
09:00 Setting the Compressor
10:37 Setting the De-esser
12:45 Setting the Expander / Gate
15:19 Balancing Input and Output Levels - A/B Comparison
#voiceover #audiogear #homestudio
(Some links are affiliate links that may provide a small commission to askdrtk without cost to you or influence of my content or opinions. Thanks for clicking! askdrtk is a member of amazon associates and other affiliate programs.) Disclaimer: askdrtk.com/disclaimer/

[@askdrtk]

If you are looking for an all-in-one solution for recording, streaming, and broadcasting voiceover or vocals, this channel strip is a good value. There are higher-end options as well as a few that come in at a lower cost, but for the combination of features (it even includes digital IO), performance, and price, the Voice Channel is worth looking at. If you are wondering how it compares to a more affordable option, check out my comparison of the Voice Channel with the DBX 286s. Thanks for checking out my tutorial!

[@lepetitnabot]

Just got one of these for voice over work and really appreciate this video. Legendary.

[@askdrtk]

Glad to help out! Enjoy your new VC!

[@jonkthompson]

I bought this a couple of months ago and immediately sold my DBX 286s a day later. I use it for a little bit of light process and the expander gate for vocals going into my DAW. My room is not treated as well as I want and the heavy moving blanket in the closet just isn't enough ... but this baby is a a very nice peace of gear. I love it.

[@askdrtk]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the VC and I’m glad it’s working out well!

[@PowerUpTraining]

This is such a powerful tool, but you bring a clear step-by-step setup process. EXCELLENT and thanks for making this follow-up video.

[@askdrtk]

Glad you enjoyed it! I have always been impressed with the capabilities and value of the VC (and a number of other pieces from ART).

[@GuidoOliveira]

Definitely looking into replacing my DBX 286s for this unit, much better control and processing! thank you for the in-depth video

[@askdrtk]

Glad to help out!

[@jonkthompson]

I bought a DBX 286s back in September of last year. I saw a mint condition ART VC on Reverb for a very good price and jumped at it. Soooo glad I did, I immediately sold my DBX. If the DBX works for you, you will absolutely love the Voice-Channel.

[@nathanbankheadmusic]

Awesome video, very clear, professional and straightforward. thank you! I'm really considering getting this unit.

[@askdrtk]

Thanks, my pleasure to help out!

[@annekedebruyn7797]

I really like having the DBX AFTER the Art Voice channel (as I had the DBX before upgrading to ART.) I use the ART EQ for fixing a few hot areas in the frequencies and the enhancer of the DBX to give some larger than life character. Then use the compressor of the ART to only catch peaks so the DBX can compress the overall dialog a bit more. That way you don't hear the compression working at all.

[@ChuckDixx]

Thanks for this!!! Great explaination on everything. As a hobbist/adiophile noob who uses the equipment for spoken word work, I was easily able to follow along and understand exactly what you were explaining. I tried to find this four years ago when I bought my VoiceChannel - better late than never. Great tutorial though man. Thank you. Definitely subscribing.

[@askdrtk]

Thanks, I'm glad this helped out even if it is a bit late to the party... Cheers!

[@austinbridge]

I would've scooped a bit more of those mids personally. I feel like your mix missed out on some presence or brilliance. Great tutorial on this unit and in a nice vocal signal chain in general. Awesome tip to record a take and essentially reamp that back through. That makes dialing in a sound a lot easier when working solo as the artist and the engineer. Thanks!

[@askdrtk]

Glad you enjoyed my walkthrough on the VC and my tip for working solo. (A lot of us have to work solo some or even all of the time, so I like sharing these kinds of recommendations to help as many as I can). When it comes to tone and character, I listen back on monitors and a few sets of headphones to dial in the final settings, but for a tutorial like this where everyone is listening on something different, my main goal is to go through the steps. As everyone's settings will look quite different depending on their voice and gear, the last thing I want is to show a "standard" setup or picture for everyone to copy as we both know there is no such thing (and mine looks quite different than this as well 😃). Thanks again for sharing.

[@BigPA]

@askdrtk I am having such a hard time on the second step, I recorded the voice with my set up, but every time I try to connect the wires to do the adjustments- mix I’m getting a buzzing noise, I’m using our voice channel with the universal audio Apollo twin x

[@Zazquatch1]

This was very helpful. I see that there is a USB -> Computer connection. Is it possible to use the ART as a direct recording device/interface instead of having an extra audio interface?

[@askdrtk]

Glad to help out! Yes, it has a built-in usb audio interface and can be used for recording directly to your computer (DAW, OBS, etc.)

[@DBonacich]

Thank you for this tutorial. This helped a ton to get my voice dialed in perfectly without having to do it while speaking. One question I do have is whether I should be using the balanced 1/4" output or the XLR output from the ART Voice Channel to my audio interface once my configuration is set. Is there a difference?

[@askdrtk]

Glad to hear my tutorial helped out! The signal is identical coming out of the VC, whether there is a difference between using XLR or 1/4’ depends on your interface. Some interfaces always pass inputs through their own preamps whereas some only do so through XLR. Others have auto-sensing inputs that bypass internal preamps when a line level signal is detected. Some have separate line level and mic inputs and others have a switch. Let me know what interface you have and I will have a more specific answer.

[@pvampman]

Giving the art units some Love…thanks…I have the MPAII digital….I know the VLA is known for being in top high end studios too

[@askdrtk]

Yes, I've found their gear to offer a lot of value...build quality, performance, and durability above the price. Revive has made a number of comments about them being good platforms upgrades as well, although I haven't gone that route. BTW, I like the idea of the M/S switch function and independent variable digital level controls (don't see that often) on the MPAII digital and have always thought it would be interesting to try them out.

[@ODBmusic314]

you said that hardware is in input 4 but the connections you show us in diagram you use is input 3🤔 im confuse where did you insert the input 4 for hardware?

[@askdrtk]

On my setup I am using input 4 for the VC but you can use any input that is available on your interface. The specific input and output used depends on what you have available on your interface. I used line input 3 on the diagram as 3 is generally the first number available where you can use the same numbered input and output (outputs 1/2 are used for monitoring on many interfaces). In many cases you do not have to use the same “numbered” input and output as long as your DAW will accept the channels as inserts (works in most DAWs but ProTools likes matching input/output channel numbers). I hope this helps out!

[@Zazquatch1]

Yet another question.🤔 I have a Apogee Duet 2 with combo jacks. I.o.w. it has no seperate line ins. I listened to another video that said it would be useful mot adding preamp upon preamp som that the sound would not be "too colored". Do I just have to listen to the end resault as I am dialing in the output signal as I am playing back the test recording or is there a way to go about this. Recording chain is as you described: Mic - Voice channel - interface - computer. And then switching it around as you said to dial the recording to a pleasant resault.

[@askdrtk]

You can bypass the preamp on your Duet 2, but it needs to be done in Maestro. Open Maestro, select input, and choose +4 (the VoiceChannel balanced output is +4dBu when the VU meter is at "0"). As long as you both record your audio sample and dial in the effect on the Voice channel with the input set to +4 you should be good to go. Hope this helps out!

[@Zazquatch1]

@@askdrtk Tried the combination SHURE 7B - ARTVC - Apogee Duet 2 and recorded it in Logic X. Got some serious "White Noice" going on. Any Idea? I also recorded on with the Apogee Duet 2 by itself (which I finally got to work finding the right firmware) and it sounded great though. Trying to find some way (EQ, Comp, Expander to make the recording sound even better.

[@askdrtk]

If you find you are getting white noise you can change the way gain is staged between the VC and Duet. As a baseline try setting the VC preamp gain to around 3 o'clock and the output level to around 11 o'clock. Then go into Maestro and change input selection to -10 dBV. This effectively means the VC has to boost the level of the SM7B less to achieve the required recording level. I would also set the expander on the VC to around 3 o'clock. Test the record level in your DAW and adjust the output level on the VC until you are getting a good signal level with peak just above -10 dB. You can then setup compression / eq and fine-tune the expander before finalizing the output level on the VC. This should provide a near silent noise floor with the SM7B. Let me know how it goes.

[@keishaksmith1008]

Excellent tutorial! Can you kindly advise what's the final connections you did at 17:25 after you've dialed in the settings on the voice channel? That is, how did you re-connect the mic to the VC and audio interface for the live recording? Finally, does the audio interface preamp affect live recording/streaming thru the VC? If yes, how do you bypass it and use the VC preamp only when recording or streaming live? Thanks for any feedback provided.

[@askdrtk]

Thanks, I’m glad to help out. For the final test I connected the SM7B directly to the VC mic preamp input, used the effect settings as shown earlier in the video, and then connected the line output from the VC to a line input on my Presonus Quantum audio interface. All line inputs on the Quantum bypass its preamps so the VC line out is going directly to the converters without coloration from the Quantum’s preamps. Not all audio interfaces work this way on all inputs. On Focusrite Scarlett interfaces, the line in from XLR/TRS combo jacks is routed through the internal preamp whereas Scarletts with TRS only line inputs do not have a preamp stage. Some interfaces such as a number of the Audient desktop units allow you to bypass their internal preamps by using the Return on the inserts for each input to connect directly to the converters. There can be good use cases for each approach, but a line input direct to converters removes one variable making consistency easier. I hope this helps out!

[@keishaksmith1008]

@@askdrtk Massive thanks for this detailed reply! Super helpful 👍

[@Zazquatch1]

för 0 sekunder sedan Another question: - Is there a "bypass" for each of the effects? I meen, do you have to have an interface to do your "clean recording" or can you bypass everything on the ART and go "clean" all through the AVC and then switch around the signal to set each effect as you listen back to it? Thanks.

[@askdrtk]

You can bypass the effects for a preamp only “clean recording” in through the AVC, but you cannot monitor out from usb on the computer through the effects so completing the effects setup without an audio interface is an issue.

[@manuelmarino56]

Awesome content, exciting to learn… Thanks..

[@Joseph124269]

can this be used on mastering track in pro tools 2022 ?

[@mattcero1]

WIth the USB port, could you use this with Zoom and Teams type of video conferencing software? I want to sound BOSS during my calls. TY

[@askdrtk]

Yes, the VoiceChannel will show up as a microphone when connected to a computer with USB.

[@237311]

Useful video. How does this device help the vocal sounds when using for live performance like karaoke or in a band? Or is it mainly used for recording music in the studios?

[@askdrtk]

The Voice Channel can be used for live performance. Live concerts being run through a mixer often have EQ and sometimes compression on the mixer itself, but the voice channel has EQ and compression plus adds expansion and deessing to further improve the sound. When only powered speakers are being used, the Voice Channel provides a means of connecting a mic to the speakers while providing processing. Hope this helps out!

[@237311]

@@askdrtk So you'll be able to connect from the Voice Channel audio output directly to the powered speakers bypassing the Analog mixer?

[@askdrtk]

Yes you can either go through a mixer or directly into powered speakers. The Voice Channel has balanced XLR and TRS output as well as SPDIF coax, optical (ADAT or TOS), and AES/EBU outputs so there is a lot of flexibility depending on the system you are connecting to.

[@DanRedd]

Hello - thank you for this. Super helpful. I do rap vocals and curious if this will be good for that. I am new to analog and looking for an affordable channel strip to get. Do you believe this could work for rap vocals? Also, I'm using the SSL 2+. Will that suffice or will I need to upgrade that as well to work best with the ART Voice?

[@askdrtk]

The VC can be used for rap. With variable input impedance and the EQ section you will be able to dial in a wide range of tone that fits most voices. The tube preamp stage builds saturation fairly quickly, so if you are using a dynamic microphone such as an SM7B you may want to pick up a mic booster such as the sE DM1 to give you a bit more flexibility. The compressor and expander sections are very good for rap. Your SSL 2+ is all you need and works well with the VC. Hope this helps out!

[@DanRedd]

@@askdrtk Yes! Abosolutey! I appreciate you responding! I'm looking forward to jumping into it! Thank you, again.

[@jjones7837]

The first time I tried the variable impedence knob I realized I'd been cheated half my life lol. WOW. I don't understand why EVERY preamp doesn't have this. Thanks for reviewing.

[@Masauko1]

Sure wished he had explained the impedence and why he chose to put it all the way up with a Sm7b.

[@jamesmhebert]

⁠@@Masauko1 From other setup tutorials I’ve seen, it’s recommended to start with closest possible setting to match the mic’s impedance in its specs. Then adjust to see if you hear a change that sounds good to you. There’s no negative effect wherever you end up.

[@IKAPA0211]

❤

[@Joey.Darkwoods-Studio]

I was wondering, would this unit be a good tool for recording singing vocals. not just voice over?

[@askdrtk]

Yes, it has the most popular effects for building a vocal chain - EQ, compression, and a de-easer. Like most things, building a vocal chain comes down to choice of preferred tone. Vocalists often like to build a specific set of gear choosing individual preamps and effects, but a channel strip can be a great way to to simplify setup. After all, outboard channel strips are really about providing one channel of what studios always had in large format consoles (they just had a lot more “strips”) and many of the greatest records of all time were recorded on those “strips.” There are certainly more premium choices vs the ART VC, but having gear across all price ranges, the VC provides some great value and performs above its price. In my opinion it is worth checking out. Hope this helps out!

[@Joey.Darkwoods-Studio]

@askdrtk thanks for the info... I was looking into a few ART options. I am also seeing a lot of people doing things differently as far as connections goes.... some use XLR to XLRans some say that's a no no... that you should send it through 1/4 balanced into your interface to either not overload the interface or not to color the tone of the Preamp you are using.....

[@askdrtk]

Running XLR into XLR opens up the possibility of damaging your external gear (such as the VC) by accidentally turning on phantom power on the interface. Aside from that, it depends on impedance and level issues. Some audio interfaces automatically recognize a line level signal and bypass their internal preamp / provide the correct sensitivity and impedance while others route audio through the preamp regardless of whether you use XLR or TRS. As a general rule, I avoid connecting anything other than microphones to the XLR inputs on any device that can provide phantom power (if there is no other option I insert and isolation transformer). Beyond that, I look at the specs to see whether I will get a direct line to the converters or if preamps cannot be bypassed.

[@NikkiShanGameNight]

If im using a condenser mic do i need to turn the phantom power on

[@askdrtk]

Yes, condenser mics require phantom power unless they include a built-in battery option. Dynamics and ribbons generally do not.

[@LeakBanga]

Do the dbx next

[@JaFoste_Studio]

Is this only for voice over? Can it be used for singers?

[@askdrtk]

It absolutely can be used for singers. I did this voiceover guide as I had a number of requests for it, but the processing available on the VC is applicable to recording (or live) vocals. The VC and other channel strips are essentially the same idea as using a separate microphone preamp, EQ, compressor and other gear, it's just all in one box for convenience. I generally use a bit of EQ and compression on the way in to get my vocal recordings closer to the finished product (less work to do later when mixing). Hope this helps out!

[@JaFoste_Studio]

@@askdrtk thanks so much! I just ordered one yesterday, can’t wait to get it!

[@RolandDobbins]

My only complaint about this unit is that all the EQ bands aren’t fully parametric. But it’s a great value for the money.

[@askdrtk]

That would be nice to have. I find many EQ sections on preamps and strips tend to provide parametric in the mid bands only... All that said, I agree, the value on the VC is pretty amazing.

[@Davionious]

It's basically this or an Avalon 737 for 4x the price.

[@askdrtk]

Yes, not a lot of choices in a channel strip with the variety of effects available on these units. Another good option can be to go with a 500 series box and then add a preamp, eq, etc. There are a lot of good options for building a signal chain at a price point between the VC and 737… I will be building one of these in an upcoming video… Cheers!

[@FKA_Skull]

I owned 2 of these units that just sat in a studio rack, kept in pristine condition and both failed on me. I wouldn’t recommend this unit to anyone. There is definitely a quality control issue, or it’s just a poorly designed unit.

[@BigPA]

@askdrtk I am having such a hard time on the second step, I recorded the voice with my set up, but every time I try to connect the wires to do the adjustments- mix I’m getting a buzzing noise, I’m using our voice channel with the universal audio Apollo twin x 3:37