VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Nelson Jewell · Guest

Something I've noticed while listening to talent demos, especially those working in the national caliber arena, is that the audio has a clarity, kick, and loudness that makes them stand out but not in an irritating way.

My question to the tweaks who post here: What methods of processing/equipment/plug-ins are being used to get that "sound?"

Edo · Guest

Nelson,

There is no easy answer to your question, but in general... whether or not the demo sounds crisp, loud and 'in your face' (whatever that may be) is probably the set of ears the soundguy has that did the final mastering. What tools he uses is of lesser importance IMHO.

Obviously there will be some EQ and definately some compression going on. I can name you a few plug-ins used for that purpose, but I doubt it would clarify things. As always... it's the driver, not the car. And let's not forget... also a matter of taste.

Jowillie · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 6:23 am Post subject:

Someone start the discussion about "Less is More" for audio processing.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

The only processing I do is some light compression (Compander setting in Audition)....for auditions. No EQ or anything else. The rest I leave to the engineers who really understand mastering. As an old radio guy I know just enough to be dangerous.

And yes, JoWi, less is more. When I listen to some of my earlier, way overcompressed work of a few years ago, it almost hurts my ears!

Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

That "sound" is usually a good talent in a good room with a great preamp. The mic doesn't have to be amazing.

I find that a less is more with compression, but more compression can come into play if you're not on top of the mic in the first place and don't have a lot of proximity effect. A good full sounding voice 8"-12" from the microphone (or more) can take a lot of compression in very nice ways. When you eat the mic, not so much.

If I'm wearing the engineer's hat for various reasons (usually e-learning with consultation from the client), I like a tamed down version of AA3's compander (I also have a smoother plugin for that too - it was free, and now it's not! Frown

) and I have a couple of other free VST compression plugins (Slim Slow Slider and Kjaerhus - sp?) that I like to run but not drive too hard. Then if you still want to limit and bring it all up, use a limiter only on the master channel, never on the individual tracks. Even if you just have a mono voice track, limiting works best on the master.

I also find plugins work best at 44/16 resolution unless you've got a very powerful computer...to keep things in a home voice over studio perspective.

Once you notice the compression, it's time to dial it back. Acoustics and preamps will help the fullness and presence of the sound more than any processing can on that end of things. There are too many good mics - some that work better on some voices than others to say that is what makes the difference. Good mics on mediocre preamps are like fine meals served on paper plates.
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Yoda117 · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:25 am Post subject:

Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

Yeah, what Yoda117 said...it is all about the voice.
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Philip Banks · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 11:43 am Post subject:

I turn on my MKI 48 year old Philip Banks 19 years experienciator ......

(Moment of complete lack of humility there) .... Heap on the shame I can take it.

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Can I get one of those from Sweetwater or Mercenary Audio??!!

Frank F · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:05 pm Post subject:

This goes back to several discussions on processing and to reiterate the former; when sending audio out to a Producer for post - use no compression. Send a good clean flat file of audio.

Let the producer choose to make the decisions as to how the audio should be processed. The concept of pre-processing a file before the producer has a chance to hear comes from people who produce for radio. This sound is fine when the final product will be heard only on radio, but has definite limitations when the audio will be used for another form of media.

If the audio leaving your studio is processed, the loudness factor may be too much or too little in comparison to other sections of audio in the final production. Mis-matched audio levels can wreak havoc in post, so be very careful when delivering audio. Less IS more, clean is better.

Toodles

F2
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todd ellis · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 1:39 pm Post subject:

i'm not as smart as many here --- however - i send EVERYTHING completely unprocessed. most of the producers i work with demand it that way. plus ... it's easier for me.
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Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

For fully produced TV/Radio audio - which is 90% of what I do, I use two LIGHT passes ofcompression and EQ. But, it all depends on the type of commercial.
It's like cooking - season to taste.

Outboard compressors and EQs generally sound better and more pleasing to the ear. I use an Aphex Compellor and an Aphex Exciter/Big Bottom for final mixes, mostly auto and furniture retail.

When I do VO only, I'll compress and EQ to make my voice sound it's best,
yet not so colored that the end producer can't adjust for his needs.

"If you hear the compression, it's too much".
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Nelson Jewell · Guest

It's great to hear input from everyone. I'm certainly familiar with the "less is more concept," sending producers flat/unprocessed audio (which I always do), and practice, etc. On occasion I will produce a product in its entirety, like my own demos. I was simply searching for personal processing recipes.

I've heard of engineers that have their own signature sound when producing audio (songs, etc.) Also, I remember an online conversation with Joe Cipriano a while ago...he stated that the best his voice ever sounded was at an
in-studio session. He regretted not asking the engineer what he used for equipment, plug-ins, settings, etc. after the session.

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 4:01 pm Post subject:

I used to compand, now I don't. I got lazy and my files are cleaner for it.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

So is there a way to silence the dead spaces in a read, without compressing the rest of it?

I mainly use compression to silence the background hiss that is there(between words)... sometimes after I amplify the volume. Usually I amplify the original by about 6db.

But if I could clean that up without compressing, that might be better.