Voicetracking

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Voicetracking

7. Voice Tracking and Remote Voice Tracking

1. In-Studio Voice Tracking

  • Overview:
    • 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. Remote Voice Tracking with MobileVT

  • Overview of MobileVT:
    • MobileVT 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).
  • MobileVT 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 MobileVT 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 MobileVT:
    • nkManager as the Server: nkManager serves as the server for MobileVT. 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 MobileVT status can be monitored within nkManager by right-clicking on the MobileVT button, which provides logs, public IP address details, and a QR code for easy access.
  • Voice Tracking Process with MobileVT:
    • Starting the Voice Track:
      • After logging into MobileVT 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.
      • MobileVT 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:
      • MobileVT 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.
  • MobileVT 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 MobileVT 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 MobileVT web interface.

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 MobileVT 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.