Some Feedback on quality of my recording
I got this feedback, what can I get assistance with?
Link to Recording Below:
https://soundcloud.com/john-schmotzer/introductions-mono
Array Hi, John! Thank you for submitting your application; we appreciate your time and effort. After a thorough analysis by the Quality Control team, we regret to inform you that the quality of your audio and/or your performance does not meet our standards.
In order to become a VoiceBunny Pro, you must record using professional equipment in an acoustically treated space. The performance must sound natural and conversational and a flat or robotic tone must especially be avoided. We expect all the deliverables to be: well edited, unprocessed, ready-to-use audio files.
Specific problems found in your application: - The deliverable has undesired electrical noise.
-There are undesired plosives in your deliverable.
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Hello, John - we're happy to provide you with feedback. Do keep in mind that our feedback is intended as candid commentary and not criticism per sé. From a professional VO perspective, there are several issues apparent in your recording that would be mission-critical for VoiceBunny. The most worrisome is the fact that computer noise is audible in the background - one can hear fans whining and that impacts the sound quality of your voice. The platform's clients will reject your recording out of hand because of it. Another apparent reason is the prevalence of plosives which either reveals the lack of a popscreen or the use of a poor one. The blast of wind that accompanies your p's and b's can render a recording completely useless - and does in this case. A less apparent problem is your presentation style. Keep in mind that clients need you to sound engaging, conversational and utterly believable. One can actually hear you're reading a script; you're not 'chatting' to the listener. This is where the 'acting' in voice-acting comes in. Once again, clients are very picky about voices that sound either robotic or 'read'. Lastly, if one really gets picky, one might possibly add that your articulation could be better; it sounds like you're mumbling in places. If you can't get the client's message across clearly, they will reject your recording without blinking. Hope that helps - and gives you pointers you can work on improving. All the best!
Hi, John!
I agree with Carel's feedback. Make sure you are recording at a proper distance from the computer, using professional equipment to solve the technical issues. Performance wise, try a more natural and conversational tone. Some parts sound paused and hesitant. Try to achieve a natural and fluent rhythm. You can use some editing to achieve great results.
I hope this feedback helps!
Best,
Juan.
Love the feedback! I really appreciate it!
I did a second submission - this one got rejected as well, if you have some additional feedback I would love it!
https://soundcloud.com/john-schmotzer/application-submission-2
I finally have my professional hardware set up! I've started leveraging some of the resources over at edge studio for some scripts. if you folks could take a listen, it would be greatly appreciated!
https://soundcloud.com/john-schmotzer/movie-gallery-take-1
I added a number of takes - I'm looking for feedback on these - I attempted to transition from rather formal to something more conversational - really appreciate any feedback that can be provided:
https://soundcloud.com/john-schmotzer/sets/1800-collect-dial-it-today
Hi John,
I can hear the improvement on your takes, good job!
There are still some plosives with the letter "P" make sure to use a pop filter you can hear the problem on this take "1800Collect Dial It Today 2" at 00:03 at the end of the word "stop".
On the other takes, such as "1800Collect Dial It Today 7" it seems like the volume of the audio is a little bit soft. If you inserted a compressor or limiter you can bypass the processors and raise the volume through automation or normalization up to -3dBFS.
Keep it up!
Juan,
Could you recommend a better pop filter? I'm using one and I'm not particularly sure what more I should be doing there - I've tried to dial back on the plosives, but it could also be that I'm using a junk filter.
Thanks,
John
Hi John,
A pop filter doesn't have to be fancy or anything you can even make one yourself! the only thing the pop filter needs to do is to reduce the amount of air that hits the microphone when you speak.
Hope this helps
Hey, Jhon!
Good question. I have this metallic Steadman, and it works great! However, there's no golden rule. You can play with the distance, add another filtering layer or even use two different screens. It all depends on the circumstances.
Sometimes, shifting the head so the blast of air doesn´t hit the mic's capsule directly will do the trick!
Try getting a resisting pop-filter, could be a metallic or a double layer one. Now when you start paying attention to plosives in your recordings, you may trying different combinations to find the one that works best for your voice!
Let us know how it goes!
Best,
Juan.