ipDTL
A browser-based remote recording tool for voiceover sessions
Overview
ipDTL is a browser-based remote recording solution that allows voice actors and studios to conduct directed sessions over the internet. It uses the WebRTC protocol to deliver high-quality audio with low latency.
Sessions run entirely in the browser with no software installation required for the receiving end. Voice actors set up their account and share a link with the client or studio to begin a session.
How It Works
ipDTL gained popularity as a lighter-weight alternative to Source Connect, especially among voice actors who appreciated its simplicity and browser-based approach. It works well for both directed sessions and quick client connections.
The service costs approximately $20 per month for a standard subscription. No long-term contracts are required, and the pricing is straightforward.
Who Uses It
A solid alternative or complement to Source Connect, especially for clients who prefer a no-install browser experience. Test your setup thoroughly before your first live session to ensure quality.
Pricing & Plans
ipDTL operates on a subscription model with the standard plan costing approximately $20 per month for voice actors who need to host sessions. The subscription provides a personal studio page with a unique URL that you share with clients to initiate connections. There is no free tier for hosting sessions, though connecting to someone else's ipDTL session as a guest requires no account or payment. The pricing is straightforward with no hidden fees, usage limits, or per-session charges beyond the monthly subscription. Compared to Source Connect Standard at approximately $10 per month, ipDTL is more expensive for its base tier, but compared to Source Connect Pro at $40 per month, it represents a budget-friendly alternative for talent who need reliable remote session capability. Annual billing options may be available at a discount, though the monthly commitment provides flexibility to cancel during periods when you are not booking directed sessions.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
The browser-based approach is ipDTL's defining advantage — clients and studios connect by simply clicking a link in their web browser with no software installation, downloads, or configuration required on their end, which dramatically reduces the technical friction that can delay or derail remote sessions. The WebRTC protocol delivers impressively low latency and high audio quality through standard web browsers, making the technology accessible to clients and studios that may not have Source Connect installed or who work with voice actors infrequently. Setting up your own ipDTL studio page is straightforward, and the minimal configuration means even voice actors who are not technically inclined can get up and running quickly. The platform's simplicity makes it an excellent backup option when Source Connect encounters compatibility issues, as having an ipDTL link ready to share can save a session that would otherwise be derailed by technical problems. The subscription includes a personal studio URL that becomes part of your professional toolkit — you can include it on your website, business cards, and casting profiles as a ready-to-use connection option for any client. The browser-based model also works across all operating systems including Windows, Mac, and Linux, providing universal compatibility.
What Could Be Better
ipDTL's reliance on WebRTC technology means audio quality and latency are more dependent on internet connection quality and browser behavior than dedicated software solutions like Source Connect, which can result in inconsistent session experiences depending on network conditions. The platform's development and update cadence has been slower than Source Connect, and some users have expressed uncertainty about the long-term viability and continued support of the service. Browser-based audio routing can introduce complications with certain audio interface configurations, and troubleshooting browser audio settings adds a layer of technical complexity that dedicated software avoids. The lack of advanced features like backup recording, multi-channel support, and sophisticated routing means ipDTL is not suitable for the most demanding professional session requirements. Some studios and engineers are less familiar with ipDTL than Source Connect and may be reluctant to use it for high-stakes sessions, potentially limiting your options if ipDTL is your only remote recording solution. The $20 monthly cost, while reasonable, is higher than Source Connect Standard, which may lead some voice actors to choose the industry standard rather than a lighter-weight alternative.
Our Recommendation
ipDTL is a solid choice for voice actors who want a simple, reliable remote recording solution that minimizes technical complexity for both themselves and their clients. It works best as a complement to Source Connect rather than a complete replacement — having both options available ensures you can connect with any client or studio regardless of their preferred platform or technical setup. Voice actors who work primarily with clients who are not regular studio users — such as corporate clients, small businesses, and content creators — will find ipDTL's no-install browser approach particularly valuable, as these clients are unlikely to have Source Connect and will appreciate the frictionless connection experience. If you are just starting to book directed sessions and want to test the waters before committing to Source Connect, ipDTL provides a lower learning curve and faster setup. For voice actors pursuing the highest tier of professional studio work, Source Connect remains the expected standard, and ipDTL should serve as your backup rather than your primary connection method.
Pro Tips
Test your ipDTL setup with multiple browsers to identify which one delivers the best audio quality and most stable connection on your system, as performance can vary significantly between Chrome, Firefox, and Safari depending on your operating system and audio interface. Include your ipDTL studio link on your website and in your casting profiles alongside your Source Connect availability, as giving clients multiple connection options positions you as a flexible, technically prepared professional. Run a quick test connection before every scheduled session to verify that your browser settings, audio input selection, and gain levels are correct, as browser updates can occasionally reset audio permissions or default device selections. Keep a wired ethernet connection available for directed sessions rather than relying on Wi-Fi, as the browser-based WebRTC protocol is more susceptible to Wi-Fi interference than dedicated software. Practice switching between ipDTL and your backup connection method quickly, as the ability to pivot smoothly when any platform encounters issues is a critical professional skill that clients remember and appreciate.