One more sound file review please?
Hi,
Just wondering if you might be able to give this file a listen in a last effort to get my account re-instated. I'd love your feedback on this one please.
Jason
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0i1pbunmkcuagrc/New_Test.wav?dl=0
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Hi Jason!
Sorry. We've been quite busy with many requests :(
So, checking the file, the recording sounds very processed. It sounds a bit boxy and a bit metallic. My guess is this has to do with the space. You mention you're recording with a Neumann TLM 103 but I don't recall very well the preamplifier so the equipment shouldn't be the cause.
However, the space may be too small or have some surfaces that are bouncing in a way the sound being picked up by the mic is a bit metallic. Have you tried recording in a different space or moving things around to see if the sound is different?
Also, I believe there are a lot of processes going on in the recording which is also impacting the overall quality. I really suggest you leave it raw and only process mildly if necessary.
I'm so sorry for the inconveniences here!
Angela, no worries at all. I'm sorry I'm wasting your time with all of these attempts, but I appreciate the attention to detail. I have been tinkering over the last few days since I uploaded that last file, and have come up with the file in this link. If this one doesn't meet the qualifications, then I will bow out gracefully knowing that at the present time I can't create the sound you're looking for. Please give this one a listen, and let me know what you think?
Thank you.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6ksgjtdjh95pyi6/AAANqRyVkXc6CxHQwKlUPyHIa?dl=0
Oh, one more thing. On the file above, there is no compression, and no processing except for a slight amount of gate to get rid of the slight floor noise that I do have. Also, in that same link I have uploaded pictures of my recording environment. If you have any thoughts on that I would be happy to hear them as well. Thank you again for your help.
Hi Jason!
Not to worry! That's what this space is for, and we are always happy to provide feedback.
I really don't know what else to suggest, I think your recording has improved a lot but it's still not there yet. I invite you to try the following, I do believe we can do this! :)
Cover the table with a heavy blanket to minimize the reflections. If you could get your hands on a Kaotica I think that would be great. That should reduce the amount of reflections.
Also, and most importantly, I'm thinking that that mic may not be the best fit for your voice. I think you have a terrific voice, but the recording doesn't help. It's too bright and sibilant. It's not capturing the rich low end of your voice. It's be really cool if you could try different mics and listen how your voice changes.
Also, you might want to check the gate and try using fades instead. You can hear how in the last S's, the volume is louder than the rest, so it sounds like: calculationS, compnentS, performanCE, costS. That sounds unnatural. You wouldn't accentuate that last part in a normal conversation. This sibilance is hard on the ear, and eventually distracts from the performance.
Let's keep trying and let me know what you think!
Best,
Juan
Hi Juan,
Thank you for the ideas. Okay, so I have placed a blanket over the table, and I have recorded the same text three times, each using a different microphone. The first of the three is the Audio Technica AT3060, the second is the MXL 2003, and the third is the TLM103. My ears tell me that the MXL 2003 actually sounds the best, but I trust your ears over mine. Please let me know if we are getting closer.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/25zellcpltjj65y/mic_test.wav?dl=0
Hi Jason!
Thanks for sharing this one!
To me, the best sounding is the TLM103. It sounds the richest and fullest. The MXL is very bright and that can actually be unpleasant to the ear.
What I feel from the take from the TLM, and is my only concerned, is that the files, all of them, sound processed. Are you using a compressor, EQ or any other processing? If you are, can you share the files 100% raw?
Thanks!
Hi Angela,
Thank you again for your continued time. I have uploaded two more files here. You are right, I have been running the files through a plug-in now that I think about it. It's become such habit that I don't even recognize it as an additional step anymore. The plug-in I'm using is called iZotope Nectar. But I'm using very little processing. The plug in is used mostly to give the sound a boost...but I think I can hear what you mean. The file titled TLM103_Raw on this link is just flat raw. Nothing added, and not using the plug-in. The file titled Nectar_Gate is running it through the plug-in, but only using the gate feature slightly to get rid of the floor noise. The floor noise in the raw file really isn't room noise, it's my laptop. The ambient room noise in my whisperroom is already -60db. I guess I've been using the plug-in to cover the laptop hum as well.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qvp8uygn7fishd2/AAA9RhIfeREhEyr5Tx5x3idfa?dl=0
Hi Jason!
Thank you too for the persistence along this meticulous process. I'm thrilled to let you know that we've made it. Welcome back, Jason! It was encouraging to see your interest in getting your sound to a higher level.
Definitively the TLM-103 is the way to go. The MXL is way too bright and sibilant. The Neumann captures beautifully the body of your voice, which I mentioned earlier it was lacking in other recordings. Also, the Nectar plugin is too aggressive. It's over compressing and distorting your voice. That was also probably the cause for the strange sudden raise of volume at the end of the sentences.
The hiss is indeed present so I do highly recommend that you place the computer outside the booth. That will more than likely solve the problem.
Let's keep in touch to see how you're doing! :)
Best,
Juan.
See you back
Hi Juan,
Thank you so much for helping me get back in the game. I see my account has been reinstated. So, just so I'm clear, the file that was titled TLM103_Raw is what you're looking for. Is that correct?
Hi Jason!
Sorry for taking so long to get back to you here.
So, I do like the sound from the Nectar_gate file. However, it's a bit too compressed. I would say you lower the threshold a bit and the output of the plugin a couple of dB and keep it in. The Raw file sounds good, but I do feel the Nectar one helps to make the sound cleaner.
Thank you so much for being so open to our feedback and working with us! I'm really happy we were able to help you make the changes necessary to improve your setup!