VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

TBird · Joined: 02 Dec 2015 Posts: 5 Location: Baraboo, Wisconsin

I graduated college with a degree in theatre about five years ago. I have not pursued work in the field since then, but I’m always curious about unique and original ways that I might be able to put my former training in theatre to use. For that reason, VO is something that has always intrigued me.

I have a good friend who works as a videographer. He likes to use me to do VO on some of his side projects from time to time. It’s a great opportunity and he’s always grateful for my contribution, but I rarely feel like I’m able to produce work that I am particularly proud of. I away come away wishing I had the skills needed to deliver a top notch product.

So... I think it might finally be time devote myself more seriously to learning this craft. Here is the elaborate two step plan I have devised to achieve this:
1) Find a cheap used USB mic that I can use to record myself bunch and do a lot of exploration and self discovery. (I’m thinking maybe a AT2020? I’d like to hold out for the “plus” version, because having headphone monitoring seems important, no?)
2) Pursue professional coaching (if this ends up being something I can justify investing more money into).

Is this ridiculous? Mainly, I just wanted to say this out loud on some sort of a public forum as a way to motivate myself to GET GOING!

Thanks for listening!
Tom

WillMWatt · Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2015 9:31 am Post subject:

Hey hey!

Welcome to the board. Sounds like you've certainly got a healthy attitude towards all of this. I can certainly say that coaching is always a brilliant choice, and that starting off with some practice on a cheaper mic can't be a bad idea.

I've never used the AT2020, but monitoring is very useful (you can monitor in most DAWs, but software monitoring usually has a lag), but I have to say that the technical side of things is where a large amount of your learning curve will lie, so it might be worth going for an XLR mic with a cheap interface to start off...?

This board is definitely a great, brilliant, fantastic resource for anyone at any stage in their voiceover journey! It's usually my first port of call if I have a question as, undoubtedly, someone has asked it here already.

Good luck with everything, and welcome to the wonderful world of voiceovers!

vkuehn · Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2015 4:27 pm Post subject:

This group treated my very nicely when I first showed up. Just bring the llama something to eat now and then. And if you figure out the routine about bringing choclate, you can explain that to me!

Check your Private Message box here on the board. I sent you some info.

AT2020.... probably an excellent entry level mic. And when you outgrow it, when you are ready to spring for a "big boy" mic, it can become a reasonable standby in your locker when the crown jewel needs to be sent for service or repair.

Headphone monitor version? Hmmmmmmm? I observe that some folks refuse to open their mouth and start talking until a headset is in place. I use a headset when editing... sometimes... but wear one while recording? Not me. You may find it helpful.

paulstefano · Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2015 6:19 pm Post subject:

Hey there and Welcome!

I'm a relative newbie to the business and this board, so perhaps I can offer some advice. Starting out slowly is good, except for the training. Get on that right away. Accept that the learning curve is steep and keep an open mind and you'll be fine. The technical side can sound intimidating, but there is a wealth of knowledge out there if you look. Also here!

The AT 2020 is good, though I'd highly recommend the XLR type. First they are cheaper, but you will need an interface. Second, you will want to upgrade at some point. If you have the interface separate, you can upgrade just the mic and use the same interface. The AT 2020 USB has the converter built in, which means if you have to replace the thing, you can't use the mic any longer. I use the XLR version myself and it is great, but it's entirely dependent on your voice. I have a baritone slightly rough voice and it suits me well, to bring out the lows without getting too muddy. You'll learn quickly, it's not about the mic brand its how it sound to You. Only way to know unfortunately is to try it out in your space.

Now, as for that space...This is the most crucial part. You need to have a space that is acoustically treated. That may mean an entire room treated well, or a booth, which may also need to be treated. Plugging in any mic, no matter how good it is, and recording in a wide open bare room with no treatment, will still sound like garbage. Conversely, a great space can make a fairly pedestrian mic, sound much better.

Finally, use this board, but be respectful, thoughtful and give back. If you look around you'll find some of the most knowledgeable and successful people in the VO business, word wide are here!

Good luck!
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Lee Gordon · Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2015 9:57 pm Post subject:

Since you did not barge in here saying, "People tell me I have a good voice, so I want to know how to break into voiceover," and you didn't ask us to share our contact lists with you, no, we don't hate your post.

As to your questions, #1, I agree with those who say to get a USB interface (such as a MicPort Pro or Shure U2X) and then just get a standard XLR mic. That way, you can more easily upgrade when you are ready. Both of those interface devices have provisions to plug in headphones but since your ears are likely to be in the same room as your mouth, it is my opinion that you are better off training yourself to hear yourself with those ears, rather than with phones.

#2. Yes. Professional training.
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Mike Harrison · Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 5:02 am Post subject:

+1: No headphones, because your focus should not be on the sound of your voice.

+2: Training, because your focus should be on what you do with your voice.
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Male Voice Over Talent
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Bish · Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 8:16 am Post subject:

There are no stupid questions.
The "wisdom of the crowd" is an oxymoron.
You've done the right thing by coming to somewhere like this rather than the ego-driven pages of FB or Linkedin!

I am usually very careful about telling other people how to spend their money. What may be a relatively small amount to me can, to someone else, be the difference between paying a utility bill or not. As you are considering the 2020+ I have no issues throwing out that you should look at the AKG Perception 220 (available with shock-mount and case for $135) and then get the most cost effective interface you can (x2u, m1v, whatever). There... I just blew your budget... partly because I really do not like the AT2020. I find it sibilant and very unforgiving. I had one (non-usb)... paid $50 for it out of curiosity (for a utility Skype mic) and hated it with a passion I usually reserve for certain P2P sites. The point is that it wasn't right for me... of course, your mileage may vary Smile

Any interface will give you zero/low latency monitoring for when you need it... but be very careful of listening to your own voice when recording. I usually only use cans for talkback on a live session or when I'm editing on the road.

Sensible comments have been made about your environment. It is amazing what you can do with zero or low cost items... quilts and bedding from goodwill, seat cushions from old sofas. What you don't pay in cash, be prepared to pay in effort... but your environment is the most important factor... it can make a u87 sound like a 2020 Smile

Coaching? Yes, absolutely... but be careful of up-sell. Is the person coaching you also trying to sell you demo production services? Beware of demo mills. If you have any questions about a particular coach never be afraid to ask the community... you'll get a straight answer here. Don't ignore the value of regular acting (or improv) classes at your local community college (or whatever). They can be really helpful.

Join in... have fun. No one bites. Well... actually some do, but it's usually OK when they're on their meds.
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Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

kkuhlken · Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 9:58 am Post subject:

Welcome T-Bird,

I can add nothing that these seasoned individuals already have except that I use an AT2020 USB and find it does what I need it to do. I haven't tried any other except the Blue Snowball. Yeah...no. I still don't know what I was thinking.

Now, since you are new, you are on Llama duty - they like fresh watercress - and coffee duty for a week.
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paulstefano · Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 10:10 am Post subject:

Just wanted to chime in again about mic choice. You've seen it already in the thread, but it bears repeating that you must try them out at your space. Borrow some, buy from retailers that let you return, or just buy them from eBay/craigslist and resell the ones that don't work. It's hard to convey just HOW personal a choice this really is.

Bish hates the AT2020. I totally understand it doesn't work for him.. I love it. I learned the hard way though. I have purchased and sold 6 microphones, and borrowed 2 more in my 3 short months in the business. All of them left me coming back to the AT2020. That's just my story though. You may find it's a nightmare for your voice. Put some files in the Critique section here and let the experts tell you.

One other tidbit. Manufacturers tend to have some of the same charcteristics in the same series of mics. For instance, I liked the AT2020 but I wanted something that had a little less self noise so I got the AT3035. Same series of mic from the same manufacturer. It worked. Same overall timbre and sound but with less self noise. That's probably the only time it may, MAY make sense to purchase sight unseen and expect good results.

Good luck!
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Bish · Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 10:28 am Post subject:

Yeah... environment and your voice. My own personal issue with the 2020 is that I think it has a little peak just at my semi-sibilant spot... and I also think that the relatively open basket and smaller capsule diameter cause me to have to stand on one leg with my left elbow out the window to stop popping the damn thing. It's all subjective. This is all (obviously) guesswork and pseudo-science... the simple fact is that it doesn't work for me Smile

I usually hate mentioning them, but if you have no specialized retailers in your area, get down to Guitar Center and try a couple of different mics. It's not a perfect (or even good) way to test a mic... but you should be able to tell if a certain one hates you with an unforgiving passion.

... and ooops! I skimmed over your comment about having a theater degree... scratch my comment about local acting classes Wink

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Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
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TBird · Joined: 02 Dec 2015 Posts: 5 Location: Baraboo, Wisconsin

You guys are great! Thanks for the warm welcome and thoughtful responses.

I really do like the idea of a non-USB mic paired with an interface, but right now, budget will not allow. If I'm honest with myself, this is all just more of a novelty to me at this point. If I were more career-minded about the whole thing (and maybe I will be someday!) I could maybe justify more of an investment in gear ...and I would also bump professional training to the top of my "two step plan".

You guys sure make buying a USB mic sound like a pretty dumb idea, though... Wink

We'll see... I'm in no hurry. I'll just keep shopping around and see what turns up. What is the used market like for this stuff? Or is buying used gear generally ill-advised in this field?

paulstefano · Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 4:14 pm Post subject:

I'm about to sell my XLR AT2020. Was hoping to make some money but I'm willing to help out. Send me a private message

You should be able to get a decent interface and the AT2020 for $150 or less used even if not from me
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heyguido · Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2015 7:03 am Post subject:

Tom....

Craigslist is your friend. There's always some VO or rapper wannabe trying to liquidate his poor career choice. Wink

Just stay out of the personals. Inoccent

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"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"

Lee Gordon · Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2015 12:26 pm Post subject:

sdaeley17 · Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2015 6:47 pm Post subject:

I feel you on starting out on a low budget, I scrimped and saved and spent hours researching USB mics suitable for VO before I purchased a Blue Yeti Pro. I used it for two years, and it paid for itself, but looking back, I really wish I had gone the XLR/Interface route instead. Most good USB mics fall in the 150-250 price range. For that you could get something like the AT2020 or AT875R, Akg 220, or MXL V69 or 990, and any number of 100-150 dollar interfaces, like...

scarlett solo, itrack solo, scarlett 2i2, steinberg ur12, steinberg ur22, shure x2u, shure mvi, or Yamaha AG03

There are so many affordable options available these days, and it better approximates the learning curve you'll inevitably have to go through if this thing sticks. If not, you can always sell them, or start a podcast. Smile

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