Heather B. VO Artist Audition
Hello!
My name is Heather, and I am a rather new VO artist that's acquired some local work. I just started pursuing VO work consistently, and wanted to audition for this site. My main interests include e-learning, podcasts, etc. I submitted an audition from my newly outfitted closet complete with soundproofing foam and was turned down due to lack of editing and a more professional sound. I thought I cut the computer clicks out, but apparently did not. Would LOVE some professional feedback on how I can improve this audition sound-wise and edit-wise, and have included a link to my sample. https://soundcloud.com/heather-cluff-blanchard/heatherbvbaudition
Looking forward to feedback! @heathercblanchard.com
@gratefulyogimom.com
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Hi Heather!
Thank you for sharing.
I was listening to the audio and it doesn't sound quite professional. It sounds as if you were recording with the microphone from a computer. Are you using a professional microphone + interface combo? If you are, maybe the settings in your DAW are set to record using the computer's microphone instead of your pro mic as the quality doesn't sound professional. Maybe this is why there's also so much hiss and room echo!
Can you let me know what you're using to record?
Thank you!
Thank you so much for listening and for the feedback Angela. I do have professional VO equipment, a Scarlett 2i microphone and Focusrite recording box. I use Audacity to record on my Mac laptop. Maybe my settings weren't right - but Audacity was set to record through the Scarlett mic. I also record in a coat closet, which I just foamed out. I may get a friend who is a professional VO artist to come look at my set up. Hmmm. Any other suggestions?
Hi Heather,
As Angela said above, the sound indeed doesn't sound like it has been recorded through a diaphragm condenser mix, but rather a USB or laptop mic. Although the background sound may have come from the laptop, if it's a mac (like mine) it can sometimes make a lot of noise!
I've not used Audacity, but I'm not a big fan, I would personally opt for either Garageband, if you can figure out how to reduce the sound in it, or a more complicated Digital Audio Workstation like Logic Pro. If you would like to upload this sample as a WAV link, I can have a go at cleaning it up so you know what you should be aiming for (only a sample of 10 seconds as I'm sure the nice Bunny managers wouldn't want me doing your sample for you!)
One thing you might want to try is going into your computer's sound settings and disabling the built-in mic altogether. I always do this if I get a new laptop because sometimes even if I have the program itself set to record from my interface/mic, the computer will try to override it with its default sound settings. Nothing like recording a whole script only to find out it recorded from the built-in camera mic, right?! So I just disable it altogether to where it's not even an option to be selected and that way you can't accidentally record from it without realizing.
Thank you so much for the feedback and advice Vivek and Kira. I appreciate your advice, and Vivek, thank you for offering to clean it up for me. I have a VO editor in Nevada, but think Kira was right that my recording automatically switched to my Mac's internal mic. I will try auditioning with a cleaner take soon, and will definitely reduce the computer background noise by placing it on a soft platform while recording.
Hi Heather!
Please share the recording with us here :) I'd love to check that out for you!
Hi Angela! Here is the link from sound cloud as I am unable to attach an mp3 or .wav file here. https://soundcloud.com/heather-cluff-blanchard/heatherbvbaudition
Hi Heather
Thanks for sharing this. The voice sounds very distant from the mic and it still sounds as if the microphone was not of professional quality. It has a lot of room echo and the voice sounds very, very thin and a bit dull. It sounds as if you were using a computer's microphone.
I would suggest you review your gear and, if possible, change it. You may want to see other microphones that would fit your voice good. I personally use the Blue Spark which gives my voice an awesome sound. We wrote an article that gives you tips on how to choose a microphone for your voice. You can find it here: https://goo.gl/xuo2rg
Hope this helps!
This definitely helps - thank you very much! I was looking at Apogee microphones and may try a different interface too. And will definitely ensure the recordings come through my mic and not my computer. Since I record in a padded closet complete with foam it is probably time to look at my recording equipment in order to move forward.
Thank you all for your advice and support. I will audition for VB again soon!
Hi Heather!
Apogee mics are usually USB mics that have all the processes within them. I don't quite suggest that as Apogee can be quite expensive and the noise floor can be quite high. I would suggest you take a look at Blue, Shure and AKG. I personally LOVE Blue Microphones not only because of the how well they sound, but also because of THAT DESIGN. They're gorgeous looking mics. I always feel like I'm recording in a fancy studio even though I'm inside my closet lol :)
The most important thing, is for you to feel comfortable with the mic and that it gives your voice a nice, clean and balanced sound!
Hope this helps!
Thank you Angela! I will take a look at the Blue and Shure microphones. Hope you have a great week!
Please do and let me know what you find or decide to get! I'm always up for trying new mics and learning more about them :) Good luck and please feel free to reach back if you need more help. Here always for you!