VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[BLinc]

Hey all!

This place has been an invaluable asset to me in getting my VO work taken care of. So, THANK YOU!

I have a "settings" question.

I am using Sony Sound Forge 7, a new XLR microphone, and a "lightsnake" usb/xlr cable.

I am able to do some pretty good VO work (some straight to broadcast), however I have not done anything with ANY of the settings to make it perfect. I know it can sound better, and some clients mention I sound like I am speaking thru a tin can...! While others love it.

Soooo, what settings do you all recommend? Do I use the EQ? Is there a component I am missing? I don't have a huge budget, but don't want to skimp too much (I used to use Audacity for really important jobs... sad huh?)

Thanks so much!

[todd ellis]

it would help if you posted a sample of your audio - there are a lot of smart people around these parts.
_________________
"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

[Edo]

Yeah, why don't you link some audio, we'll give it a listen.
BTW: The room's acoustics are equally important to make things "sound better"... software settings play a minor role. As far as your gear goes...
Soundforge is very nice, what mic are you using? Maybe post a drawing (or picture) of the room as well, so we could define whether mic placement can be improved as well, thus eliminating culprits that can otherwise influence the way you sound...

[Gp]

Thanks Edo it's nice to see someone mention room. I hope this becomes a trend.

[BLinc]

Hey guys!

So, a sample of my recent work (they loved it, but...) is here:

http://billlevasseur.com/Xpert/

I have a large basement (finished) that I use the corner of.

The mic just says WM-308. Got it new on ebay... hmm...

Thanks all!!

[Tom Test]

Bill, it's not a question of settings. It's a question of poor quality gear, first and foremost. Your current setup leaves you with lifeless sound. You cannot compete with a $30 wireless mic. You're going to have to at least spend some money on a "good enough" studio setup, and there will be plenty of advice here on how to spend your money wisely.

At an absolute minimum, I suggest a USB mic such as a Samson C03U. Then you'll have good enough sound so I can hear if you have a recording environment issue. If so, at a minimum, you might get away with a Harlan Hogan Porta-Booth (I think that's what it's called - about $125).

You have a good voice and a good read from what I can tell from the short clip - do you have a demo? (Please, not one recorded with your current setup).

To get a sense of what your competition can do, look in the Chat forum for a mock audition I staged a few weeks back. You should still be able to download the master file and hear what 34 other VO talent can do with their studio setup. I think I can say - and hopefully won't sound too harsh here - that all of them have better sound than you do with your current setup.

Hope this helps!
_________________
Best regards,
Tom Test
"The Voice You Trust"
www.tomtest.com

[BLinc]

Awesome! Thanks so much. I really do appreciate it!

Here is my online demo:

http://billlevasseur.com/VOdemo.mp3

Done at a studio!

Thanks again,
Bill

[BLinc]

My current setup isn't wireless though. It is wired (XLR) to the lightsnake (which was recommended on this board) and then to my very powerful PC and into sound forge. Just wanted to clarify!

[georgethetech]

Your home recording might pass for a phone answering system, but not much else. A USB mic as suggested would be a cheap investment with a HUGE gain in sound quality. Check the web for video tutorials on using Sound Forge's features, you'd be surprised how many free tutorials there are out there.

ADDITIONALLY

Don't ignore the room acoustics. You can get away with pretty bad acoustics with a cheap dynamic mic, but not with a studio condenser mic like the Samson.
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

[BLinc]

Thanks George! Buying a CO30U now...!

[Edo]

Bill, I totally agree with what Tom and George suggested. Still I'd like to comment on your remark about using a corner of your basement. That is a rather bad (if not the worst) spot to place a microphone. Also, corners sometimes behave as uncontrollable low-end amplifiers... if ever there is buildup of bassnotes or the lower frequency spectrum, it's right IN the corner. You don't want to voice there, believe me... UNLESS there is sufficiant acoustic treatment that prevents early reflections from the walls, floor and ceiling.

Good luck on finding that pro microphone, post your audio when you're done hooking things back up. and don't forget to post the pic I suggested, we'll be glad to help you avoid other issues that might possibly ruin your sound. I do like your reads as well! Now nail that quality voice with some quality gear!

[Bill Campbell]

The C03U is a supercardiod mic, a more forgiving condenser.
A good sounding mic for the money.

Go to your local U-Haul and buy two moving blankets at $15 each.
Put them BEHIND you, or in a corner on both walls facing you.
This will help with poor room acoustics.
_________________
www.asapaudio.com

[Jason Bishop]

The moving blanket idea is a great one!
But if your significant other is concerned about the ugly-factor, you can find thick blackout curtains or bed coverlets in more attractive patterns.
If you want to be really ambitious, hammer in grommets along the top and then hang your "sound curtain" from one of those ceiling-mounted curtain tracks used in hospitals. That's what I did. I feel like the Wizard of Oz when I have the curtain pulled behind me!

Here is a link but there are dozens of vendors:
http://www.medicalproductsdirect.com/hanprivscree.html

Good luck,

Jason
_________________
____________________
"Be like water my friend."
-Bruce Lee
Martial Artist & Philosopher

[Gp]

Better yet spend a little money on some 703 or 705 or mineral wool and some material and make yourself some basstraps and broadband absorbers. You will be much happier in the end. All that being said, and I haven't listened yet but the first step should always be to find someone who can coach or mentor you. There is a whole bunch of info out there on acoustics. I would be happy to point you in a couple of directions if you are interested. Just send me a PM.
Edo is right about the corner.
Hope that helps.
PEACE

[Frank F]