Voices.com Answers - Recent questions and answers in Home Recording

How do I get the job for online voice acting ?

Sat, 25 May 2013 04:22:05 +0000

Answered: My laptop died! Can I use my usb mic w/ an ipad?

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:21:00 +0000

Hi David,

Thank you for reaching out to us. Yes, you can most certainly use your iPad with a USB mic to record your auditions. Actually, one of the best features of the Voices.com app is that you can record a custom audition for a job posting right from your device.

To get the best quality recording it is a good idea to attach a compatible microphone and ensure you are in a quite area using your earphones/buds while doing your recording. This will help keep background noise down and prevent your audition from sounding distorted.

Recording Your Voice

1. To start the recording, tap the red record button.

2. Speak into the microphone of your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, which is located on the bottom of your device or, ideally, attach a compatible mic.

3. Read through the Script. Scroll through the script by moving your ﬁnger up and down on the Script.

4. Once you’re done recording, hit the square Stop button.

5. Play your recording back by touching the triangle.

6. Advance the recording by touching and holding the circular marker.

7. If you like what you hear, click “Save” located at the top of the screen.

8. If you’d like re-record the Script, simply hit the Record button again.

If you are using the iPad to record your audition the Recorder also includes a scrub bar to fast-forward and rewind through the recording, time stamp indicators and a level meter.

To edit the recording on your iPad, tap the pencil icon to go into edit mode. Hold your finger down at the start or finish of the waveform to trim the beginning or end of the audio recording.

Save your changes by tapping the check mark.

Here is a helpful article that reviews compatible iPhone/iPad microphones that can be used to record your auditions.

5 iPhone Microphones Reviewed
http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2012/04/iphone_microphones.html

Voices.com iPad App Preview for Voice Talent
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtWTkvB8RW8

Hope this helps,

Voices.com Support Staff
1-888-359-3472
support@voices.com

Answered: what kind of headphones are best for voice overs?

Tue, 07 May 2013 18:34:40 +0000

Since the sound of loudspeakers is affected by the room that they are in (and the effect is doubled when you are monitoring in the same space as the one used to record!), a good set of headphones is essential for you to hear what your recording REALLY sounds like. Of course, the end result will be somewhat subjective, but what you really need is not headphones that sound GOOD to you, but what is an accurate representation of your recording. And it helps if they are comfortable to wear.

A good set of cans will run around $100, more or less. Maybe $200. It is unnecessary to spend more than $400 – sure, you could buy the Ultrasone Signature Pro phones with “genuine Ethiopian sheepskin leather” ear cushions – for $1300. But, what for?

I have been a fan of AKG headphones since 1964, when I was introduced to their Kopfhörer Zwei (K2) units. The K171 Mk II would be a good choice now, with a street price about $149. If cost is really an issue, their K77s are about $50 and are acceptable.

BTW, if you want to wear headphones while you are recording, look for the closed-back type. If they are open-back, sound comes out of the back and this could cause feedback into the microphone, especially if you turn your head. If this is not an issue, the semi-open AKG K141 Mk II would do, at a slightly lower price than the K171.

Some people swear by Sennheiser headphones, and those could also be a good choice. The closed-back HD-280 Pro has a street price of about $100.

There are some people who won’t use anything but the Sony MDR-7506 cans, also in the $100 range – maybe a bit less if you can find a sale. The MDR-V6 may be an option if you can’t afford $100.

I have also used the Fostex T40RP and liked them. I haven’t had much experience with audio-technica to have an opinion, though I have seen some in use. Shure, M-Audio and KRK have recently entered the headphone market and I have not formed an opinion on them. Yamaha and beyerdynamic have been around for awhile and they could also be worth looking at, but I have had no hands-on experience with these.

Your best bet would be to look for the above-mentioned brands. That way you would have some confidence that the quality you need would be there.

Answered: What is the best setup to have to use this site regarding recordings and the way to send files?

Thu, 02 May 2013 17:11:05 +0000

I've been working consistently from my Macbook Pro for two years. Garage Band is a good starter program. I used the Podcast settings and often used the "male narrator noisy" or "female narrator noisy" presets to great advantage. It can output mp3s or AIFF format. I used a very inexpensive program called "switch" to change to any other format requested. I produced dozens of projects on it with no problem. Eventually, you may want to invest in a program like Logic, which has benefits for longer projects with lots of files. I use a Blue Yetti USB mic jacked directly into my MacBook Pro. Your only other issue will be sound control, which depends on your space. If you have hardwood floors, you'll want to put down some carpet and you may want to invest in something like the PortaBooth. Google it and you'll see what I mean. This basic setup can go a long way. When you start making money, you can invest in more bells and whistles!

Answered: editing software

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:44:12 +0000

+1 for Adobe Audition CS6

Answered: Too much 'popping and clicks' during recording!

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:43:00 +0000

Hi...

Since you didn't provide any info on your setup other than your mic/pop screen... these suggestions are a shot in the dark... however you might be able to try the following.

Back off the mic a little... I'm talking inches here so experiment.

If you have any compression on during recording... turn it off. Add the compression to your tracks during editing if possible and if necessary.

If you feel that any of these pops or clicks might be coming from the recording process rather than just mouth noise... try adjusting your latency settings for your sound card... but be sure to jot down what they are now so you can put things back the way they were if new settings don't improve your result.

Good luck.

Answered: I use audacity for recording

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:27:51 +0000

I would recommend finding a home studio expert who can help you troubleshoot your monitor speakers. You're welcome to check out Dan Lenard, The Home Studio Master. Dan Lenard is an expert at home voice over studio troubleshooting. With more than 30 years behind the mic and in commercial studios, along with a long list of happy clients.

Dan Lenard, The Home Studio Master
http://www.homevoiceoverstudio.com/

Hhere is a webinar called, Audacity for PC, that might be helpful as well.

Audacity for PC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XNea3BY12g&list=PL46AB844BFC47919D&index=26

Join Ashley Rose Davidson, Social Media Manager at Voices.com and Steve Britain, Senior Voiceover Coach at Spoilt for Voices on the "Audacity for PC" webinar. In this webinar you'll get the complete tour geared towards beginners wanting to learn how to use the free and popular audio editing software, Audacity.

Answered: my recording sounds 'echoish' when heard through my pc, but ok through my headphones,why?

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:59:40 +0000

In order to get a proper answer to your question... please post again with as much info as possible on your recording setup... i.e. what kind of computer, sound card and what software you're using (audition, audacity, etc) whether you use a mixer and so on....

Answered: Will a IPad work for everything? Or is a laptop the only way to go?

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:57:39 +0000

One of the best features of the Voices.com app is that you can record a custom audition for a job posting right from your iOS device.

To get the best quality recording it is a good idea to attach a compatible microphone and ensure you are in a quite area using your earphones/buds while doing your recording. This will help keep background noise down and prevent your audition from sounding distorted.

Recording Your Voice

1. To start the recording, tap the red record button.

2. Speak into the microphone of your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, which is located on the bottom of your device or, ideally, attach a compatible mic.

3. Read through the Script. Scroll through the script by moving your ﬁnger up and down on the Script.

4. Once you’re done recording, hit the square Stop button.

5. Play your recording back by touching the triangle.

6. Advance the recording by touching and holding the circular marker.

7. If you like what you hear, click “Save” located at the top of the screen.

8. If you’d like re-record the Script, simply hit the Record button again.

If you are using the iPad to record your audition the Recorder also includes a scrub bar to fast-forward and rewind through the recording, time stamp indicators and a level meter.

To edit the recording on your iPad, tap the pencil icon to go into edit mode. Hold your finger down at the start or finish of the waveform to trim the beginning or end of the audio recording.

Hope this helps!

Answered: Acceptable room ambiance?

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 22:32:57 +0000

Before making any changes to "your room" I would suggest you differentiate between room ambiance and noise floor.

With your recording rig fired up... BEFORE you turn on the mic... launch your recording software and either record a track... or "monitor" the audio input. Either way the noise floor should register... mine is about -68 to -70 db. The noise floor is the inherent electronic noise in the signal chain of all recording setups. The theory is that the shorter the signal chain and the higher the quality of preamps, converters. etc the lower the noise floor will be. For example, if you have a high quality mic plugged directly into a computer... the noise floor should be lower than if you have a channel strip, a mixer, and other hardware in the mix.

That said after you see what your noise floor is... then open the mic to your normal record level and record/monitor to see whether the ambient noise in the room increases it. Mine increases from about -70 db to around -62... not bad. And I usually keep the output level of my preamp at the lowest setting and record level about -12bd. That keeps the ambient noise lower... and I bump up the level later.

By the way, I started as you did with my desktop pc in a bedroom and did a lot of room treatment to try to lower the fan noise... but I got frustrated and finally built a small booth. It took a few weeks to build but is not all that difficult if you're handy with tools and have a place to put it.

Hope this helps...

Good luck

Answered: what equipment should I use

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 02:01:44 +0000

Large diaphragm microphone, computer interface, closed back headphones, a computer and recording software (audacity is free).

Have a good environment to record in, it can make or break your sound!

Answered: how do I use Skype as a phone patch with my Garageband?

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:41:22 +0000

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to us. I would recommend checking out this article for tips on using Skype as an alternative to using a phone patch.

A Phone Patch is considerably cheaper than an ISDN line and clients who want to be able to provide real-time direction may request this. In order to conduct a session by phone patch you would either need to purchase a phone patch receiver or use a studio that has the technology.

The quality of a good Phone Patch can not be replaced using online calling services like Skype but it can do the trick.

Tips For Doing a Voice Over Session via Skype
http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2010/04/tips_for_doing_a_voice_over_session_using_skype.html

Hope this helps,

The Support Staff
support@voices.com

Answered: I am connected to the Internet via a cable modem. Does this do away with the need for an ISDN connection?

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:53:19 +0000

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is a special high-quality lines that allow voice recording to be digitally transmitted from one recording facility to another.

A Phone Patch is considerably cheaper than an ISDN line and clients who want to be able to provide real-time direction may request this. The patch simply feeds your live mic voice and any recorded audio you want through an interface (the patch) and directly into your phone line.

Here are some articles on how to get an ISDN Line connection in your home recording studio and also some alternatives you can choose from that are similar to the ISDN service.

How To Get an ISDN Line
http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2009/12/how_to_get_an_isdn_connection.html

What Will it Take for ISDN to Die?
http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2010/10/isdn_winding_down.html

Tips For Doing a Voice Over Session via Skype
http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2010/04/tips_for_doing_a_voice_over_session_using_skype.html

Hope this helps,

The Support Team
1-888-359-3472
support@voices.com

Answered: Is there a noticeable difference with a Grace preamp for VO work?

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:45:00 +0000

I purchased a Grace M101 as it was the recommended preamp to boost the Shure SM7B, which I initially acquired for VO but now use it fro broadcast downtown. The Grace currently serves as my remote pre (a Centrix would be simpler but I already have the Grace) and it serves as a backup in case my main solid state studio preamp fails. On the road, the Grace is nice and light. I will say this - the Grace is billed as ultra-clean and it IS clean, but almost clinical. Probably due to a lack of input, or output transformers. You want to stay away from the colored pres for VO work, but the Grace I found is just a bit too crisp....and anyone working with a Chinese-made condenser that exhibits overly-crisp hi freq to begin with, will really notice it.

My main pre is a John Hardy M-1, which is solid-state but also with transformers in and out, hand-built by the master in Illinois, and it's lovely. About twice the cost of the Grace. but worth it to my ear.

The good thing about the Grace is it is nice and light, does not color the audio at all. LOTS of gain available, up to 75 db and it also has a HP filter and a ribbon mic mode. But there is clean, and then there is hospital-smell antiseptic. I find it the latter, for me.

Answered: What's the best Smartphone for recording?

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 19:38:38 +0000

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to us. I've asked this question to our voiceover community and here is one response that I would like to share with you.

"Even though I'm on Android now, I've got to say the iPhone voice recorder was really top notch. I've recorded a couple music ideas with it with very low to no distortion with the phone in close proximity of a loud source. Really well put together. Now the Android recorder specifically on the S2...pheh...forget about it. BTW, don't forget the Zoom H4N. I used it as a B source for mic input while recording video in a loud convention center and it got the person I was interviewing very very clearly, blocking out the majority of the atmosphere noise. Should mention that I used a secondary mic instead of the stereo mic array at the top, but no worries either way." -Jamaal Okeen Ephriam

I hope this helps,

Ashley Davidson
Social Media Manager | Voices.com

Answered: I am new to the VO bussiness. I would like to know if anyone can tell me where to buy recording devices?

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:53:24 +0000

Audacity works just fine. But you have to know how to use it. I use the noise removal tool, but you have to use it sparingly. You also need a quality microphone and a quiet recording environment.

B&H Photo/Video has some good stuff. You can even find some good microphones at Best Buy. Amazon has a Blue Snowball kit, that would be ideal for a beginner:
(http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Headphones/dp/B003LRTQEA/ref=pd_sim_sbs_pc_6)

One early breakthrough for me was when I was able to completely bypass my computer's soundcard for both recording and monitoring, with a USB mic that has an on-board earphone jack.

Answered: Do I really need a Neumann microphone?

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:52:07 +0000

When it comes to buying a microphone, you want to be sure that whatever you purchase does justice to your voice and brings your talent to the fore.

Considerations When Choosing a Microphone Include:

Usability
The best microphone is the one that you can use with the fewest technical problems. If all other things are equal, choose the simplest setup that you can that will enable you to record as quickly as possible, hence the saying "plug and play."

Frequency Response
Some microphones like the RE20 (the stereotypical radio microphone) are large diaphragm microphones designed to pick up lower frequencies such as a deep male voice, a bass drum or even a bass guitar. The small diaphragm or small capsule microphone is designed to pick up higher frequencies such as the female voice, the brightness of an acoustic guitar or shimmering cymbals. You may have seen these as the overhead microphones on a drum kit or above an orchestra.

Directionality
Decide which type of directional pattern, also known as a microphone's polar pattern, best suits your needs. For voice overs, a more focused directional microphone is likely best. The polar pattern you should be looking for is a cardioid or a hypercardioid. This type of polar pattern will minimize room tone and ambient noise as it's designed to pick up sounds within close proximity of the front of the microphone.

Pop Filter
A pop filter is considered a standard accessory for voice over artists. The pop filter acts as a screen that helps to reduce the impact of the air from your mouth onto the microphone capsule which results in the minimization of sibilance, plosives and other mouth noises.

Shock Mount
A shock mount is a mechanical fastener that holds your microphone in place, suspending them by elastics. I have one of the USB microphone that we use at the office for podcasting. One of the benefits of a shock mount is that the microphone is isolated from stand vibrations. For instance, if there is a low rumbling under foot, the shock mount can absorb it.

Testing
Experiment with a friend's microphone or borrow a handful of microphones from the music store and test them out. If you're looking at a high end microphone, you might consider renting a few mics for a couple hundred dollars overnight to test a few pieces of equipment before investing a couple of thousand dollars on the right microphone for your voice.

Price
The best microphone for your voice won't necessarily be the most expensive one on the market. From one perspective, the best microphone is the one that is affordable and gets the job done which is why many of these criteria could be considered "nice to haves," and not "need to haves."

Having said that, the microphone, along with the preamp are the pieces of technology that are between you and your computer so get the microphone that makes your voice sounds best but also fits in your budget.

I welcome you to check out this webinar "Microphones: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job" for more information.

Microphones: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qicEyamc950

Join Christopher Currier, Product Specialist at Sennheiser & Neumann and Ashley Davidson, Social Media Manager at Voices.com on the "Microphones: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job" webinar. In this webinar, Christopher will help take the mystery out of the technology and talk about the importance of choosing the right microphone for your voice. You will learn what to look for in a microphone and how to make it work for you with studio tips and tricks to help accentuate the positive attributes in your voice.

How To Pick the Right Microphone For Your Voice
http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2011/02/how_to_pick_the_right_microphone.html

Answered: Can you get a high quality sound plugging into a "mic" jack on your computer as opposed to input jacks

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 19:32:40 +0000

I use a Blue Yeti with a USB jacked directly into my MacBook Pro and have recorded dozens of jobs with no problem. Of course, I'm not going for that deep, voice-of-God thing that you can do - you may need a more specific mic to complement your particular voice type.

Answered: Are the music beds for purchase on Voices.com royalty free?

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 21:25:57 +0000

Hello,

Yes, Voices.com offers royalty-free music to download here:
http://www.voices.com/royalty-free-music

Best wishes,

Voices.com Support
support@voices.com

Answered: What are others' turnaround time per page on narration (and what is your average word count)?

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:16:59 +0000

I stopped using per-page and use a per-word rate between .07 and .09 cents/word. Turnaround time varies depending on the type of text. Medical text or complicated industrial terms take longer, of course (I'd push for the higher rate). I base my original quote on the amount of copy stated. This includes one set of pickups based on my read. Pickups based on copy changes are billed at the same per-word rate with a minimum $50 session fee. Quoting fees for pickups helps keep a long project from becoming abusively long. Often clients will take greater care with editing, if they know it will cost them to fix text changes or copy errors. I settled on this method after several very long projects on which I tried different billing strategies (per-page, per-project etc.). Hope you found this helpful.

Answered: How close is VDC getting to releasing the "Android" version of the VDC mobile app?

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 01:16:11 +0000

As for the launch, we're aiming for January 2013.

Just today, I tried out the the audio recording on Android and it worked well. That feature alone is the most difficult part of the development process.

After having previewed the app myself, I can confirm it's mostly done, however we plan on taking the month of December to polish it up by making sure the screens load quickly, the transitions are smooth and that it just feels good to use.

If you haven't seen them yet, you will be able to view the Android app webinars that were recently recorded. The video presentation that will be uploaded to YouTube soon highlighted the key features of the Android app.

Answered: Is there a tablet (not iPad) capable of recording VO via USB microphone?

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:47:05 +0000

Any tablet with Internet Access should be able to access Voices.com and be capable of uploading auditions for projects. The caveat here is that you do need the ability to create audio files on the tablet, convert them to .mp3 format and then store them locally to allow fo uploading.

At this time, we can't recommend any tablet with that functionality except for the iPad and only with the Voices.com app.

We are working on a Android app presently at Voices.com and we are hopeful to have it ready soon, but at this time we do not recommend purchasing a tablet for the purpose of auditioning. Be sure to check in with Voices.com regularly to see if the Android app is available for your usage yet.

We hope this helps!

Voices.com support team.

Answered: Do I need to edit my ebook if there is no direction?

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 21:25:00 +0000

In the future, it's always a good idea to discuss your client's needs before beginning a project. You'll want to include it in the quote, if possible. For example: "Price quoted reflects, raw, unedited audio." If the client wants more editing time from you, you can always negotiate that before accepting the offer. As it stands now, it's a good idea to touch base with the client to be sure of what they expect.

Answered: where can you go to get training on how to edit your recordings?

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 21:39:15 +0000

There are technical forums on this website that can help answer basic questions. Using the help function on your own software and experimenting is the best way to get comfortable. If you just want some supervised editing experience, check into "Radio Information Services" - or Reading for the blind in your area. As a volunteer, you will read news, magazines and books for the blind which are not put out in braille. As part of the process, you will learn how to edit. You'll gain skills as an engineer, as a reader and be doing a great service for your community.

Answered: Best way to de-ess. Mic position, settings and post production techniques.

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 21:34:27 +0000

Hi Michael -

De-essers tend to create a level of compression that isn't always optimal. If you are heavily sibilant, you will want to use a pop-stopper or even a full sleeve over your mic. And pull back from the mic about 12 inches (about the length of two fists together). You can turn up the gain, but back off the mic. I only work close on the mic for quiet, personal reads (think hospitals, and PSAs). In that case, I relax my voice and project very little (less air = less hiss/pop). I am a speech coach and would be happy to listen (no charge) to your voice to see if you need to do some control exercises, or if you can alter what you're hearing technically. You can reach me via message here or via my website: www.deborahsalebutler.com. If you feel the need to work on speech, I can refer you to a coach in your area.

Answered: Is it possible to set up a home studio in a New York City Aparment?

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 20:32:48 +0000

It's technically possible to set up a studio nearly anywhere, however you do need to take into account the budget you are working with an the environment you work in.

If you have a quiet apartment with available space, you could easily set up a home studio. If you live near a major street or subway line it may be more challenging to do so.

Answered: what type of mic should I use with Audacity/laptop?

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 19:10:14 +0000

Hi There!

There is no set recommended microphone for Audacity or laptops. We do recommend you investigate multiple microphones and select one that will be affordable, sounds great with your voice and has a USB connection.

We hope that helps!

Voices.com Support Team.

Answered: Voice Tracking for radio. Equipment?

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 18:44:21 +0000

Hi Michael,

We find that a lot of talent use different equipment to record tracks and you really have to figure out what equipment makes your voice sound best.

Regarding sending files, there are a lot of services out there that work great, but it's hard to beat http//:www.wetransfer.com . The service is free and you can send files up to two gigs in size.

We hope this helps with your question!

Sincerely
Scott

Answered: how do u get started with an at home recording studio? where do you go to buy equipment(portabooth)?

Sat, 18 Aug 2012 02:36:42 +0000

Portabooths can be purchased online from Harlan Hogan (google him and he'll come up). I use a macbook pro, a Blue Yetti USB mic. and Garageband. The program comes with the Mac and they usually sell the mics at the Mac Store. If you are a PC user, there is a whole home-studio thread here that can help you out!

Answered: What have you found is the best preamp to flatter at Neumann TLM103 mic?

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 19:11:44 +0000

If you have a Mac computer, the best and only thing you need is Apogee Duet. (Now it's Apogee Duet2.)

http://apogeedigital.com/products/duet2.php

I use it with my Neumann TLM-103 and it works great. Wonderful product.

Answered: Which microphone do you rely on the most and why?

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 17:06:42 +0000

My primary mic is the Rode NT2-A - by far my favorite. But I have also recently used the AudioTechnica AT2035. But as someone mentioned, the mic is not the whole story. The interface counts too. but perhaps the biggest ingredient after that is the process of recording, editing and finalizing the audio for the client.

Answered: When exporting Audacity file to mp3, resulting audio sounds clipped and mushy. Any advice?

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 16:29:56 +0000

Hi Steve,

Unfortunately, we're not Audacity experts here, and we want you to get the answer you need.

What you may want to do is check on the Audacity help section as they have posted a large group of FAQ's and help for users online.

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/

We hope this helps with your problem!

Scott
Voices.com Support Team

Answered: Does anyone know a fast, efficient, seamless way to punch audiobook edits (on the fly) with Audacity?

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 16:29:02 +0000

Hi Loretta,

Unfortunately, we're not Audacity experts here, and we want you to get the answer you need.

What you may want to do is check on the Audacity help section as they have posted a large group of FAQ's and help for users online.

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/

We hope this helps with your problem!

Scott
Voices.com Support Team

Answered: Which type of mic is better to use, USB or XLR?

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:56:20 +0000

With a USB mic, if you don't like the sound of the mic, you're stuck with it unless you buy another USB mic. My preference is to get a good mic preamp with a built-in or external USB adapter and get an XLR mic. You can use different mics with it and you don't have to be concerned about the quality of the preamp and USB adapter built in to the USB mic. You can also use a lot longer mic cable if you need to record in a closet where there is not room for a computer speakers, etc.

Answered: What's the deal with the EV Re 20 mic?

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:43:20 +0000

The RE-20 is a dynamic mic, and thus doesn't have as much output as a condenser. Typically, it would be about -55dB instead of -45 or so for a condenser. That is why you have to crank up your preamp. You would need a preamp that has enough gain to bring up the lower level of the `20 to a useable level. As you know, radio stations use them without hiss, so the problem would most likely be with your preamp.

I have used RE-20s off and on since about 1980 (I was actually one of the first to use them in radio when most stations were still hung up on Sennheiser MD-421s) and they are OK but don't have as much high-frequency definition as a good condenser. If you are still interested in a dynamic, the Shure SM-7B is popular (though not my first choice) and I would go with a Heil PR-40 or the new ElectroVoice RE-320. I nearly bought one of those.

Answered: RealTraps Portable Vocal Booth - anyone use it?

Mon, 07 May 2012 20:40:45 +0000

Natalie, unpainted concrete block has a high mass and its rough texture makes it a very good sound absorber at high frequencies. Walk around the room with your hands cupped over your ears backwards and talk, shout, whatever, and that will give you a pretty good idea of the sound characteristic of your room. How long does it take for the echos to die out? Clap your hands and listen for the echoes. You may just need some bass traps in the corners to reduce any reflected bass energy.

Meanwhile, seElectronics makes a Reflexion Filter that goes behind the mic to damp out any energy coming from that direction. The street price here in the US is about $300, but you may be able to get it over there for less. They also make a Mini-Reflection Filter that is not quite as elaborate but is even less.

You will still have to damp out rogue sounds from in front of the mic, and that can be handled in any number of ways, from acoustic foam to simply hanging some winter coats from hooks in the wall. Moving blankets can also be used to some effect as well. The deeper the fabric, the lower-frequency sound is absorbed.

I hope this helps. I do have some expertise in acoustics.

Answered: What is the best way to record my voice on my MAC and what mic is best for this hardware?

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 03:02:07 +0000

I am on a Mac also, but it really comes down to one thing:
Your soundcard. This is often an external device which converts the sound of your mic from analogue, to digital, so that the computer software can record it.

Lots of choices out there for soundcards.

If you can compare a few in the same environment, that's ideal.

I'd recommend buying the highest end sound card you can afford.
If you buy quality, it's an investment that you can potentially resell. If you buy a more entry level piece of gear, chances are you'll have to replace it in time, and will get virtually nothing for it.

(voice of my own, frustrating experience)

;0)

Answered: What is the best affordable microphone for voiceovers?

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 02:58:09 +0000

Michella (voice talent/member) is my studio partner.

My name is William.

Ideally, go somewhere that you can audition several microphones on your voice.
When you listen to decide, do it blindfolded, ie; you don't know which mic you're listening to - pick the top 3 - THEN learn which instrument best suits your voice, and begin deciding by price....

Here's my HOT tip.

(I just posted this in response to someone's mic quest, but wanted to make sure it got seen by more...)

I just upgraded my whole system here, and found something exceptional as far as a deal on a great mic.

An amazing new large diaphragm condenser from a relatively new company.
Sterling Audio ST77, FET

The retail on this puppy is about $1,000, and most e-tailers sell them for upwards of $399:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Sterling-Audio-ST77-Large-Diaphragm-Studio-Condenser-Mic-103997235-i1170936.gc

BUT, for some reason, Musicans Friend (a very reputable company) has them on sale for $199!!

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/sterling-audio-st77-large-diaphragm-studio-condenser-mic

I couldn't believe it, so I ordered one.
AMAZING. Built like a tank, great shock mount, wooden case... an and amazingly clear, quiet and accurate instrument!!
(You can read my review at their site).

THEY ONLY HAVE A FEW LEFT - DON'T DELAY IF YOU'RE INTERESTED.
I'm sure their next shipment will be over $400 each.

It's basically one of those more high end mics, priced like the multitude of $200 condensers out there.

Really worth a listen.

If you hate it, you can sell it for about twice that on Ebay - (seriously, check it out).

I've been working in lots of pr recording studios for decades, and I'm sold.

;0)

Answered: New MXL USB.006 mic. It seems to record but will not play back. Help, please

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 01:42:14 +0000

Have never used Audacity... I'm an Adobe Audition user myself... but if you're just starting to use Audacity you may have to set up your audio hardware and the output of your tracks.

In Audition there's a menu item called Audio Hardward Setup... you go there to set the default input and output for your audio interface. It sounds as though you're all set for input since you appear to be seeing recorded tracks.

If this doesn't give you any clues... please post again with info on what type of comuter you're using...operating system... sound card or interface.

I assume you're plugging the mic into a usb port... you may have to also go into you're operating system's audio setup and make sure the settings in there are proper as well.

Good luck

Does a noisegate device help with outside noises like lawn mowers, etc., which interfere with recording?

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 07:39:20 +0000

Main issue is outside yard care noise, as one of the walls in my studio is an external wall. Short of sound-proofing the entire sound booth, can a noisegate add-on do a decent job of reducing the external noises? I realize it will only stop noises in the "dead space" when I am not speaking. I have never had a client complain about it, but I am still very concerned about delivering a clean file and want to address any possible issues that may compromise my ability to do so.

how many minutes for recording 1000 words

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:59:04 +0000

What is the best way to sound-proof my small recording booth?

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 04:43:40 +0000

how do i select a headphone?

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:09:27 +0000

Is an Acer netbook mic good enough for recording an amateur demo/audition?

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:42:26 +0000

So I have an Acer Aspire netbook, and I'm looking to record a demo/audition for an amateur Youtube voiceover series. Does anyone know if the mic is good enough for recording? I do have Audacity and can edit the pitch, but I'd like to know if anyone else has used it for recording. Thanks. :)

Does de-esser software work, and should I be using it, or seeking a reason for the sibilance.

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:23:50 +0000

OK.... have set up home recording studio. Cannot record. One notch above idiot regarding computers. Please help

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 23:55:49 +0000

With no recording equipment; how do I respond to job offers that need a recording sent back to them? Thank you

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:31:33 +0000

What kind of audio recording equipment is necessary for voiceover work?

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 01:32:19 +0000

why do you need isdn versus high speed cable

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 02:57:04 +0000

Has anyone been able to get Pro Tools LE 7.4 with MBox2 Mini to work under Windows 7?

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:15:29 +0000

I've had Pro Tools LE 7.4 with the MBox2 Mini running under Windows XP for a few years, working great. My computer died, and my new one runs Windows 7. It appears Digidesign was bought by Avid, and no longer supports the LE platform. I've been searching for a workaround, but so far no luck. If you have any advice to get it working, please pass it along. Thanks!