In-studio voice tracking is a straightforward process where DJs or announcers can record their voice segments directly into NextKast, allowing seamless integration with the music and playlist.
How to Use In-Studio Voice Tracking:
Starting Voice Tracks:
Click on the point in the playlist where you want to insert a voice track.
Press the Start VT button or use the spacebar to initiate recording.
NextKast plays the last 10 seconds of the preceding track to help you time your voiceover.
Adjusting Voice Tracks:
After recording, you can click on any point in the waveform to adjust where the voice track should end.
This can be done in real-time or after the initial recording. If necessary, you can use an external audio editor by clicking the Externally Edit Voice Track option.
When adjusting, preview the upcoming track to ensure a seamless transition.
Editing and Fine-Tuning:
Fine-tune voice tracks with your external audio editor of choice. The default editor is assigned the first time you click “Externally Edit Voice Track.”
2. Set Up Remote Voicetracking Staff and Permissions with StudioLink
Talent Entry Process:
Navigate to Settings VTHost Screen in nkManager
Press Add New Host
Set User Name and Password
Select Permissions for Users:
Admin – User can download any hour and Voicetrack
Can UpLoad – User can upload assets
PD – User can Insert Tracks and Delete tracks in Playlist
Traffic- User has acces to nextTraffic Customer and Order Entry
Follow automatic steps to save Profile
If Host is not admin and restricted, schedule host hours by pressing the schedule button and assigning hours they can voicetrack
Host can also be removed in this screen to remove access
Host Picture can be assigned here as well
If Auto Airchecks is enabled, we can access aircheck files below host picture
Press ‘Generate ALL Missing VT Preview File’ and let process runCheck Enable Auto Airchecks if that option is desired
3. Remote Voice Tracking with StudioLink
Overview of StudioLink:
StudioLink is a browser-based tool designed for remote voice tracking, allowing DJs and hosts to record and upload voice tracks from any location. This tool provides flexibility for broadcasters who may not always be present in the studio but need to create or adjust content remotely.
It is compatible with any device that can run a web browser, including iOS devices (iPhone, iPad), Android devices (phones, tablets), and desktop browsers (PC and Mac).
StudioLink Features:
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works on any device with a web browser, such as iOS and Android devices, or PC and Mac.
Double-Line View: Displays the track title in large text and the artist name in smaller text for better visibility.
Intro Countdown: Provides a visual countdown timer to indicate the remaining time until the “Intro Until” marker.
Waveform Editing: Allows users to click directly on the waveform to adjust the endpoint of voice tracks for precise control.
Drag and Drop: Supports drag-and-drop functionality for easy rearrangement of tracks within the playlist.
Externally Produced Audio: Allows DJs to drag and drop externally produced audio directly into the red Record button to insert it into the playlist seamlessly.
Sample Buttons: Users can lay down local tracks or music beds directly from their device, integrating background music with voice tracks.
Voice Track Deletion and Re-Recording: Provides options to delete and re-record voice tracks if needed.
Remote Monitoring and Management: Logs all connections and activities for security and troubleshooting.
QR Code Access: Simplifies access to StudioLink by scanning a QR code generated in nkManager.
Dynamic Talent Management: Set up multiple DJs with customizable permissions, ensuring organized workflow and security.
Setting Up StudioLink:
nkManager as the Server: nkManager serves as the server for StudioLink. The application must be open and running at all times to allow remote voice tracking.
Configuring nkManager:
In nkManager, use the VT Host settings to add talent profiles, assigning passwords and permissions (e.g., admin rights).
Create a transport directory on the local computer to store voice tracks and ensure proper setup.
Firewall and Port Forwarding:
Ensure that firewall settings allow traffic through the designated ports, and configure port forwarding on the router to enable external access.
Monitoring and Status:
The StudioLink status can be monitored within nkManager by right-clicking on the StudioLink button, which provides logs, public IP address details, and a QR code for easy access.
Voice Tracking Process with StudioLink:
Starting the Voice Track:
After logging into StudioLink using a web browser, click on the desired position in the playlist where the voice track should be recorded. Use the Start VT button or spacebar to begin.
StudioLink will play the last 10 seconds of the outgoing track, allowing the DJ to talk over the transition to the next track.
Using the Intro Countdown:
StudioLink provides a countdown for the “Intro Until” marker, helping the DJ know when to stop talking to ensure a smooth transition.
Importing and Exporting Voice Tracks:
The DJ can import voice track jobs, record segments, and then export completed jobs back to the nkManager server by selecting Export VT Job and clicking Upload Done VT Jobs.
Editing and Fine-Tuning:
Voice tracks can be edited within the interface by adjusting the waveform or using external editors for more precise edits.
StudioLink Features:
Web-Based Interface: Accessible from any web browser on multiple platforms.
Intro Countdown: Provides a countdown to the “Intro Until” marker for precise timing of voiceovers.
Drag and Drop Functionality: Allows seamless insertion and rearrangement of tracks within the playlist.
Externally Produced Audio: Externally produced audio can be inserted by dragging it into the StudioLink Record button.
Sample Buttons: Add local audio files from the device as music beds.
Real-Time Feedback and Editing: Immediate preview of voice tracks and re-recording options.
Remote Access via QR Code: QR code provided for quick access to the StudioLink web interface.
Voicetrack and Easliy move cue points with out multiTrack editor
Insert Tracks in goLive or in Voicetracking mode with Admin and PD permissions enabled
UpLoad Track into library with PD permissions enabled
3. Automating Voice Tracking and External Triggers
Playlist Macro for Voice Tracking:
To automate voice tracking, insert a playlist macro called breaknote where announcers need to voice track. This marks the points in the playlist for voice tracking, providing clear indicators for announcers to follow.
Using External Triggers:
External triggers can be set up to synchronize with live events, providing seamless transitions and integrations with the NextKast playlist and automation system.
4. goLive Integration for Remote Broadcasting
Overview of goLive:
goLive allows remote DJs to connect and broadcast live via the StudioLink server setup.
Uses virtual audio cables to route audio through the NextKast system while maintaining high audio quality and synchronization.
Setup and Configuration:
Install virtual audio cables and configure routing in NextKast and nkManager to enable live broadcasting.
GoLive in Tablet, Mac or PC Screen
GoLive Running on a Smart Phone, Remote Broadcast from Anywhere
