Computer World In Live Audio

Sidebar: A Word About Audio Files…

As noted in the article, we use Wavosaur for basic voiceover and announcement recording, but for client recordings of events (most of them corporates) and multi-tracking, we’ve recently switched to Audacity (it’s free and available at www.audacityteam.org). So far we’ve recorded up to 18 channels and some stereo mixes with it, without problems. Using a plugin that simply drops into the Audacity folder, we can also export the recorded files as MP3s that any client can use.

If the client has provided us with tracks for walk-in and/or walk-out music, we can set up a playlist in Sports Sound Pro. If not, we have a ton of walk-in/out playlists already set up in iTunes (about 10,000 songs total that can be played from iTunes or Sports Sounds Pro). While we’re not DJs, corporate clients expect us to have walk-in/out music as well as to be able to play back tracks on cue.

Our generic “go-to” music in this application is usually instrumental smooth jazz, but we also offer various themes, including “Rat Pack” tracks as I’m from Vegas and work here a bunch. This playlist has standards from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., as well as other crooners like Tony Bennett and Michael Bublé.

We also carry a lot of “royalty free” instrumental music that can be used for backgrounds and walkups (where a person is introduced and music plays while they walk to the stage). Royalty-free tracks have been paid for and can be used over and over without paying additional royalties or license fees. However, be sure to check the contract and terms of the specific royalty-free service you’re working with, as some place limitations on usage.

Normally the client or venue is responsible for paying any licensing fees for recorded or live music, but if we find that a license has not been obtained or the customer intends to broadcast and/or record the event even if a local license has been obtained, we offer to use our collection of royalty-free tracks.

Our track collection also includes royalty-free sound effects that have come in handy over the years both at corporate events and also for theatrical productions. And no audio track folder is complete without a few generic announcements. I have announcements using my own voice, as well as other male and female speakers, stating things like, “Ladies and gentlemen, please find your seats the program will begin soon” and “Please silence your mobile devices.” These have come in handy numerous times over the years.

—Craig Leerman

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