VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Tom Test · DC Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 629 Location: Chicago, IL

Much to the detriment of my fragile male ego, I have come to the realization that I am now "middle-aged," having just turned 45. My voice has been changing lately (in a way that I like, actually). So far I have successfully resisted the urge to buy a muscle car, though I did just buy a new mic on a whim (the Kel HM-7U).

But I digress. My issue is that I have an opportunity to narrate a short novel whose main character and "voice" of the story is a 12 year-old boy. The story takes him up to age 21. I'm prettttttty sure I can't sound like a 12-year-old with the original equipment that makes up my voice (larynx, mouth, chest, etc). So the 24 million dollar question is: are there any studio tricks I can use to make me sound younger? EQ? Time compression? FYI, I am using Sound Forge 9.0.

Thanks!

Old Man Tom
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Tom Test
"The Voice You Trust"
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 1:06 pm Post subject:

Making the font bigger so you can read it without your glasses Grandpa.

No tricks I know of that will sound authentic.

With audiobooks, it isn't about "sounding" like the character, it's about acting like the character. So if you can get a feel for the character, then your vocal "age" shouldn't matter.
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paddyo · CM Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 975 Location: New York City

try helium

Paddyo
www.thepatrickoconnor.com
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KaraEdwards · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 1:25 pm Post subject:

No tricks to sounding naturally younger if you don't already (that I know of).

When I have a script that is out of my vocal range- I usually pass it along to one of the many talented ladies here that better fit the bill.

Don't be afraid to say no to work if it ain't gonna work...ya know?

Good luck with whatever you decide!
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Kara Edwards
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todd ellis · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 2:24 pm Post subject:

gonna have to agree with jeff - i listen to a lot of audio books - and what i hear is "affectation" rather than "imitation" - providing the listener with the general feel of the character.
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Bruce · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 2:39 pm Post subject:

I concur. Do it with acting, not voice tricks, analog or digital.

B
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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. .

Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 2:55 pm Post subject:

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sitting at #8, though not as present as I'd like to be. Hello!

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todd ellis · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 3:13 pm Post subject:

yeah! calvin!
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

CarynClark · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 3:30 pm Post subject:

Paddyo and Pinto made me laff!!!!!!!
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Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

BenWils · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 5:56 pm Post subject:

Head register over chest register and EQ roll offs......they can only go so far, my friend.

Acting....as the others said is what will win your audience over. The above may help your cause some though.
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Ben

"To be really good at voiceover, you need to improve your footwork and hip snap."

Craig · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 6:07 pm Post subject: Edith Ann

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocBO0fr1Ui4&NR=1

A master at work...
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Craig Park
www.parkvoiceovers.com

anthonyVO · 14th Avenue Joined: 09 Aug 2005 Posts: 1470 Location: NYC

Listen to Thomas the Train... the character work is not exactly "dead-on" but the storytelling is FANTASTIC! Just keep in mind it's geared toward children, but I find myself hooked when my kids watch it.

-Anthony

Bailey · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 8:18 pm Post subject:

Tom Test · DC Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 629 Location: Chicago, IL

Thanks to all who gave a serious reply! Your comments have helped me relax about the issue of sounding young, so I can focus on the story-telling and the attitude. If I can nail that down - and I think I can - then my voice pitch won't matter so much.
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Best regards,
Tom Test
"The Voice You Trust"
www.tomtest.com

Jowillie · Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 3:50 pm Post subject:

OK, Ok. Now that we settled that "almost middle-aged regression crisis,," let me ask something serious, Tom--What do you think of your new HM-7U?
(Check out this report and respond. Thanks.)
On the age sound thing, we use an Eventide Voice thing-a-mabob. It makes anyone sound any age or sex. We even have a setting labeled "Kara."
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