VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Jason Huggins · Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 8:09 am Post subject:

Well as it relates to noise in raw audio , I think that applies, but when you get into production it REALLY depends on your ears, your equipment, your listening environment, your personal level of experience, and whether you know how something is "supposed" to sound. Excessive noise is very audible when compared to any good audio (which is easily found do with a quick search of this board).

Ed Fisher · Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 8:37 am Post subject:

Noise is not the issue.

But what of the "final product" if we find we can't trust our own ears?

Does what sound good to you, sound the same to everyone else? Or...just "good enough." Could it be better if someone with better hearing did the mix?

Maybe.

Maybe...not.

Jason Huggins · Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 9:49 am Post subject:

My response was largely influenced by the use of the phrase in questions in the other thread. In the original thread, "If it sounds good, it is good," was used specifically as it relates to ones noise floor, not their production capabilities. I would definitely agree that "good" is highly subjective. I don't think anyone would say "if it sounds good to you, it is good" (not you in particular) as it relates to all audio production...lots of people stuck at audio production and don't have a clue what they're doing.

I go, mostly, by my clients feedback. If multiple clients (who are often media producers) tell me there is something amiss with my audio, I try to fix it. If my clients are happy and satisfied then my audio sounds good.

Ed Fisher · Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 10:44 am Post subject:

True.

I quoted George a bit out of context. But, it was that often quoted phrase "If it sounds good...then it is good," that got me to thinking.

Besides, with having spent probably 80 plus hours watching George and Dan's weekly video show, I feel like we are old friends. (which of course we are not) But, I am very aware of his credentials. Wink

Bailey · Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 1:40 pm Post subject:

I've been using hearing aids since 1997. The hearing loss is about 15%. I can't wear them with head phones, but I get great audio when listening to the recording on a set of speakers. You didn't say what % of loss you had. If the loss is in the critical range, hearing aids could be a behefit.
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Ed Fisher · Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 2:46 pm Post subject:

I wasn't actually give a percentage. But, was told I was "borderline."

Keeping in mind that this lady would "really" like to sell me a 3 thousand dollar pair of hearing aids. Word recognition was at 100%, but tone wise, whereas at 4K the bottom of normal range would be around 47 HL (db), I come in at 65 and 70. Dropping out of "normal" range starting at around 3.2K.

Note: HL (db) are "hearing level db" , which is based on the standardized average of individuals with normal hearing sensitivity. HL is not equivalent to sound pressure level (SPL).

Hearing aids are not a bad idea. But, it also makes me wonder if I could EQ my room and speakers to compensate. OH wait! I think that might be what I've ALREADY been doing with all of my productions for the last few decades. Laugh

Bob Stevens · Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 4:50 pm Post subject:

I am getting up there in age and do not trust my ears as much as I used to.

To me it is all relative. I have a folder labeled "good cuts". These are what I know to be good quality clean takes from every one of the mics I use, including what hardware, settings etc that were used on that take. In addition, I have collected raw takes from other quality VO artists.

Whenever something doesn't feel/sound right or I have forgotten a setting or... or... I will recalibrate myself with this folder of great takes. Sometimes it may be a missed setting, or my tone, tempo, address or whatever.

My point being that I have created a folder of benchmarks that I strive to mirror/maintain or better.

Even with my aging hearing, if I can audibly match a new track to sound as good as a known great track, I am on my mark.

Bob
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"Dialog is the painting on a canvas of silence"

Jason Huggins · Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 6:58 pm Post subject:

That is a great idea. I have a live sound buddy who EQs every room with a particular rush album. He know the mix, knows how it should sound and adjusts accordingly. Now, I just need to find a known brilliant piece VO. I may be downloading some of yalls demos Smile