There is an all-new source connect coming soon and the changes are awesome. Source Connect. Source Connect is a software application by a company Source Elements, that allows remote audio recording and monitoring of voiceover and ADR sessions. It lets voice actors work with studios and clients over the internet so neither has to be in person to record. I can be in Atlanta voicing a session in my pajamas while connected to a studio in California. And I have done just that, all while eating a healthy snack, which they have never allowed me to do in other recording studios.
There Are Other Studio Connection Software.
Source Connect is the only player in the game, but after the pandemic, it emerged as the leader. Other remote recording software and solutions like Ipdtl, Connection Open, and ISDN. Additionally, there is Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams which don’t perform the exact tasks as Source Connect but allow for some level of collaboration between talent and studios
Robert Marshall
Robert Marshall is one of the founders of Source Elements and he granted me an interview when I heard about the newest version of SC. For the past few years, there hasn’t been a new version of the software, despite the growing demand. Robert says that his team has been working behind the scenes to update it, to meet modern needs.
Why Upgrade To Source Connect 4.0?
Source Connect 4.0 brings parody between Mac users and Windows users like myself. Robert explains that Windows was left behind on version 3.8 while Mac users advanced to 3.9 because of software compatibility issues. Windows and Mac versions were built of different development platforms whereas 4.0 was built on one platform for both. 
Source Connect 4.0 is also faster. I had a chance to see a live demo of it where one talent was in a car on the beach connected to a studio. It was impressive. It also brings a new User Interface which is more modern.
What are the Differences Between Source Connect 3.9 and Source Connect 4.0?
The major difference between the current versions and Source Connect 4.0 is the lack of need for port forwarding. Port forwarding was a way to ensure a secure connection between a person’s home network and the studio. But to be honest, it was a pain in the butt. It required you to go into the settings of your internet service provider and make technical changes. Depending on your ISP, it could be difficult, and in my case with Comcast, nearly impossible. They require you to use the app and even when you do make your way through the maze of instructions to connect, there is no guarantee that they won’t change your settings, which I found out the hard way.
The other difference is that there is no need for an iloc anymore. Iloc is software that ensures that a user is using authentic software. It works with a range of software from video to audio and other creative platforms that are often pirated. The challenges of Port Forwarding and Iloc have both been overcome in Source Connect 4.0.
When Will Source Connect 4.0 Be Available?
Robert says that the newest version should be available in September. It’s now in beta and expected to have the finishing touches done this summer. He says that if you are a 3.8 or 3.9 current user, you will get 4.0 automatically. That should increase the adoption rate upon release exponentially. I personally, as a Windows user and a person who travels a lot, where it’s difficult to port forward, can’t wait.
