So I had much hiss noise in the background...
Hi guys!
So I've been shunned by the clients for my studio quality issues, apparently, too much hiss and VBunny had to part with me until I have resolved the issue. That was on my old setup, a CAD Audio AS32 Acousti-Shield 32 with a Thomann T.bone SC450 USB condenser microphone and an entry level pop-shield and shock-mount.
I have upgraded since then, leaving my CAD Audio AS32 Acousti-Shield 32, but switching the T.bone to a Rode vocal pack: a NT1-A microphone with a dedicated shock-mount and an SM6 pop-shield. I connect it through the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen audio interface.
So far I've been using Adobe Creativity Suite, but I will test Ableton and the other programme that comes with the Focusrite interface, the name of which I cannot recall.
Anyway, below you will find the link to my SoundCloud where I posted a test of my voice on the new equipment. Please share your thoughts on the sound, on my voice, delivery and what have you.
Hope you enjoy!
https://soundcloud.com/dominiktwardowski/voicebunny-return-test/s-3zii3
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Hi Dominik!
Thanks for sharing the file!
It sounds really good. There are a lot of pops and some room echo but it's definitely much better than before! I suggest you record a bit farther away from the mic to avoid the pops and maybe add some hanging blankets around you? You could also keep the shield and get in your closet so your clothes act as acoustic treatment for the room echo.
The sound is really clear and nice! If you fix the pops and the echo, we'll be able to restart your account!
Thank you for the feedback, Angela! Interesting, you should say that. I was kind of experimenting with the new pop filter, placing it closer than it seems to be by default. It's no problem moving it further away, I will address it tomorrow.
The room echo is another issue. I am starting to look into other options for accommodation where I could introduce better sound treatment. Right now I actually have my shield and mic stand in a closet with a blanket hung around it. It's not perfect, I know, but it seems to be the best solution available right now. Of course, this is a recording with no effects, not even debreathing. I am using Adobe Audition for the recordings, and on the previous setup, the VO effect made the raw material reaaally dull sounding. It seems to be a bit better with the new equipment, but what do you guys think about it generally? I'd rather not use it, obviously, but I never asked anyone about their opinion on the matter. I will upload a further away pop-filter version and right after that, in the same file, a VO effect version for comparison so, you can give your thoughts on it.
Thanks again, enjoy your day!
Dominik
Hi Dominik!
I certainly don't recommend the use of debreathing. These usually are noise reduction plugins that, when you're not super skilled in editing, it can damage the recording more than what it would under normal circumstances!
It's much better to edit the files manually and add appropriate fades instead of these type of processes :)
I look forward to your new recording!
Oh, by no means am I using any plugins for my recordings. I was experimenting with the VO plugin in Adobe, but it seems to muffle the sound. Anyway, by debreathing, I meant just turning the dial waaaay down to -96 dB between words, which I use normally for my recordings, but since this is a demo of a new equipment and surroundings, I reckon this time I will pass on it. I think I figured out a temporary solution for the echo, with the new, more sensitive mic it really kicks in sometimes, so I fumbled with the mic location and let's see where that takes us :) I'll try to be back with the rec within an hour or so! ;)
Great! Sorry for the confusion here :P that technique sounds to be really useful! I am a fan of actually cutting and fading though. It's a lengthier process but I feel it makes my takes sound much smoother and cleaner. You can try that and I'll try your technique!
yeah, fading seems like a smooth solution to what sometimes sounds like a rough cut to total zero. I will definitely try it out! program hotkeys and whatnot, that will cut down the time ;)
Well, took me longer than an hour, flatmates were not keen on me recording late. But here it is, a second read :)
I hope this will suffice for now, obviously, I will be striving to upgrade when I move.
https://soundcloud.com/dominiktwardowski/voicebunny-return-test-2/s-xoNeT
Hi Dominik!
Thanks for your audio! I really like your voice.
A couple of technical comments. It'd be great if you could reduce the reflections in the room. In general it's something you could get away with by recording really close as you did, but this creates other problems like proximity effect, sibilance, and mouth clicks. There are many loud mouth noises that distract from the performance.
Now, in 0:43, it's very clear that you got farther away from the mic, and that's where you can hear the room. The voice sounds distant and it sounds like an ambience mic.
Try to find that sweet spot where the mouth clicks and sibilance are under control without losing that clarity of your voice to the room ambiance and I think we are ready to go!
Best,
Juan
Hi Juan!
Thanks for the detailed feedback, it was very useful! :D I fiddled with the placement and projection, I hope the mouth clicks and sibilance are inaudible enough this time :)
Looking forward to further feedback!
Regards,
Dominik
https://soundcloud.com/dominiktwardowski/voicebunny-return-test-3/s-i7JiF
Hey guys, did you maybe have a chance to listen to the newest recording?
Hi Dominik!
Sorry for taking some time to respond to you here.
There are still some reflections that are making your voice sounds quite metallic. Maybe this could be coming from the space as it does sound as if there were some high frequency reflections impacting the overall sound of the voice.
I can also pick up some plosives there, but I think this can be reduced by recording a tiny tad farther from the mic. Not too much as it could create some extra reflections, but just a bit.
Hi Dominik!
What processing are you applying to the recording?
I feel it's a bit over compressed, and that's causing certain issues like sibilance and boxiness.
Share us a raw take and a description of the processing you are applying so we can provide you ideas to improve the quality of your audio.
Best,
Juan.
Hey guys!
This time I took long to respond. Happy New Year!
I uploaded the raw recording I made. As far as processing is concerned, normally I only debreath some of my reads and normalize the recording to -3dB. There's really not much more I can do at this point, but I should be moving next month so I will have a new space to accommodate.
Looking forward to your feedback :)
https://soundcloud.com/dominiktwardowski/rawbunny
Hi Dominik!
Happy New Year to you too!
I was trying to open the recording but I get this message This track was not found. Maybe it has been removed . Can you please check if it's maybe private?
Thanks!
Hi Angela,
Yes, the track is private, I try not to violate copyrights. All the previous ones are private too, but it seems that when sharing they need to have a special link suffix. The new link is below :)
https://soundcloud.com/dominiktwardowski/rawbunny/s-u1tWP
Hi Dominik!
Listening to the new audio, I have a couple of thoughts.
Qualitywise, the audio is too bright. It's creating sibilance issues. Have you tried with another mic? There's also a constant noise, like a hit (0:02, 05, 08...) which distracts from the performance. Your voice also sounds distant from the mic.
Regarding performance, I feel the read doesn't sound natural. It feels rushed. Try a more natural and conversational approach. You can breath more frequently, and deliver the script calmly.
I hope this helps!
Best,
Juan.
Hey Juan!
Thanks for the feedback. As I just picked up a day job and I will be moving soon, I will address your post after all the fuss that's ahead of me :)
Cheers!