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It's already difficult enough just to learn the business of the voiceover industry, let alone attempting to keep up with the ever-evolving technological aspects. But, I assure you, it's a must for those of us making a living with our voices.

Hardware is in a perpetual state of flux with companies competing with each other. While these companies certainly have their board of directors firmly embedded in their creative process, some are or already have developed some of the neatest new tools ever. What I mean by this is that, of course, bottom line and profits are the impetus of the suits involved. But, the creative types truly want to assist the voiceover artist or producer in providing the latest, greatest technology in an effort to make our jobs easier and more convenient.

Mobile production is gaining momentum within the voiceover industry. In order for voiceover artists to retain their established clients, they must be available at a moment's notice, ready to produce the voiceover the client needed yesterday. Before mobile production technology, the voiceover artist remained confined to their studio 365 days a year. It's not just the money for the voiceover artist either. It's the prestige and the pride of being able to provide for their clients. Now, the voiceover artist need only pack a few pieces of gear to take that respite from the confines of their studio. Enjoy a getaway in the form of a vacation. Vacation? Yes, vacation. Oh, you'll receive calls while you're relaxing on the beach or hitting the slopes. But, you need only take a short break to deliver the client's needs. You've made some money to pay for that vacation AND you've met your client's needs and retained their business.

One of the latest pieces of gear simply amazes me. This hand-held studio (http://www.zzounds.com/a--885042/item--SNYPCMD1) manufactured by one of the largest audio/visual companies ever, provides everything the voiceover artist needs to produce that all-important voiceover in a self-contained unit that fits in your hand! It's all there. You won't need to pack up several hard-shell cases full of gear for the road. But, it won't come cheap! You'll have to decide for yourself.

Software is also being developed which will eventually replace clunky, expensive hardware. This will be a welcome problem-solver for the stationary studio user. Do you use ISDN in your studio? Sure you do. Remember what you paid just for the codec - let alone the line fees? I happen to know that there's a software solution on the horizon that will replace the need for the extra rack space in your studio and will cost nowhere near what you paid for your Telos or your Comrex! There will still be fees for server maintainence and you'll need a good broadband connection - but, you will welcome this technology when it becomes available. A little birdie told me that should happen within the next couple of months.

So, strap yourselves in, kids! Stay up with the technology. Hell, by the time this article is published it may all be obsolete.