VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Bailey]

This is my 1st attempt at audio book/narration. I’ve been told that it comes across a bit like I’m reading. I’ll wear that hat. I’m looking for further suggestions... comments... and critiques from those on this board.
All EQ was straight up center. The only additional processing was eliminating some computer noise and silence reduction.

Lake Superior

Thanks for your time.
_________________
"Bailey"
a.k.a. Jim Sutton
Retired... Every day is Saturday, except Sunday.
VO-BB Member #00044 .gif" alt="W00T" border="0" />
AOVA Graduate 02/2004 ;
"Be a Voice, not an Echo."

[Bruce]

A good first effort Jim. I will say I agree about the "reading it" comment but here are a couple of things to try to change that. Especially in a first person piece like this it should feel like you are revealing your observations and your feelings. If it sounds like it's coming from your own mind and heart instead of being read from a book, it will be much more believable. I'm sure you sound quite different when you're telling a friend about a very pleasing or exciting moment from your past, and that's the feeling you should emulate.

It also sounds a bit like you're reading verse because you are following the punctuation so strictly. I don't say ignore punctuation, but don't be held down by it either. We don't think with hard punctuation or converse that way, so feel free to glide past periods or introduce extra commas or pauses where it makes sense and makes it sound more realistic.

On the technical end you're probably on the upper limit of room noise acceptability. See if you can soften that by hanging blankets on the walls or somewhere in between you and the walls. The idea behind eliminating that bounce is that we want to hear you like you're in our minds, not in some other room.

Again, a good first attempt. Keep it up.

Bruce
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VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

[Bailey]

Thanks Bruce!
Making it believable, enjoyable, and natural... equals’ theater of the mind.

(Note to self... Buy more used blankets.)
_________________
"Bailey"
a.k.a. Jim Sutton
Retired... Every day is Saturday, except Sunday.
VO-BB Member #00044 .gif" alt="W00T" border="0" />
AOVA Graduate 02/2004 ;
"Be a Voice, not an Echo."

[bobsouer]

Jim,

Moving blankets (like the kind you get at U-Haul) are the best blankets to use for this sort of thing. Made a huge difference taming my temporary studio space in Pittsburgh to have a few around in here.
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

[Bailey]

Thanks Bob!
U-Haul blankets.


(U-Haul blankets, 68" x 85", sell for about $8 each.)
_________________
"Bailey"
a.k.a. Jim Sutton
Retired... Every day is Saturday, except Sunday.
VO-BB Member #00044 .gif" alt="W00T" border="0" />
AOVA Graduate 02/2004 ;
"Be a Voice, not an Echo."

[Peter Katt]

[bobsouer]

Peter,

Great find. Thank you for that link!
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express