Looking to improve my quality to pass the application process
Good evening, unfortunately I didn't pass the quality check, so I'm trying to figure out how to improve my audio quality.
My equipment is a Yeti microphone (usb), pop filter with a mic stand that has and acoustical shield. In addition I built a sound booth and surrounded myself with acoustic foam about 2 inches. I am in the basement in a storm cellar so I don't think I have to worry about any outside noise leaking in. The email stated that my equipment was not up to par, my audio sounded box like it was recorded in a small space, and that their was loud background noise.
After listening to the audio I recorded again, I can see what they were saying. Anyone have any advice on how to get my quality up to audio bunny standards?
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Hi JT!
Thank you so much for reaching out here, and for sharing your file with us!
I gave it a listen and I think there are 2 main issues that need to be addressed:
1. Your setup seems to have a high noise floor, which in this case manifests as Hiss sound (We have a great article regarding this here). This might be caused by the USB mic, although it is a nice brand, most USB mics tend to suffer from this hiss issue which is difficult to fix since the problem is that USB mics combine all the electronic components that usually would be out of the mic (Preamp, DAC) into a single piece next to the capsule, which usually leads to electrical interference. In any case, reading that article might help since the hiss could be caused by something else other than the mic, in which case it would be a different scenario altogether.
2. The recording also shows some room echo/boxiness, which is caused by reflections on your recording space. We have had great results helping pros with this issue when they share a couple of pictures of the recording space since it gives us an idea of what might be causing reflections in the room. On the other hand, let me share an awesome video that one of our QC agents found, which shows how to do really nice sound panels at home without breaking the bank! Video here.
Let me know if this info helps you or if you have any other questions about it!
kind regards,
Daniel
Dear Daniel
Thanks for responding back, and quick too! I took a look at the article and am going to try everything on their sans getting a pre amp and new mic as I am low on funds at the moment. Hopefully that will be a last resort.
As for my studio, here are some pictures of it, please take a look to see what could be causing the boxiness. In addition, while the video on sound proofing was helpful, I hope you'll agree that the current set up I have is better then what they suggested. Here are some picture and an explanation of how I made my studio. (Any advice on making it better is welcome.)
As you can see I have layered everything in 2 inch acoustic foam to limit bounce back, behind is carboard and cement block. Three layers of blankets separate me from the door to prevent sound from coming in. This is also in a storm cellar in my basement with a door I also layered in foam to muffle outside noises. The music stand is placed below my mic and I flip my computer into table mode as to lay it flat on it so as not to catch any reflection from the screen which was a major problem in the old space I used. Finally, I put multiple tiny carpets on the floor to prevent reflections from the cement floor.
P.S. Is it possible I'm not close enough to the mic? I'm about 9 to 10 inches away as to avoid mouth noises.
PPS. I checked the light for any sound, no hissing, humming or flickering I could hear.
Hello again JT,
That is a really cool space! Congrats on the work you have put into it!
At the moment, the only surface that might cause reflections for you is the music stand, maybe give it a try by covering it with some thick material? like a towel or a blanket, it will still allow you to place your scripts there but with lower reflections, that might help! (If you want, try that, record a new sample and send it here, I will only focus on the reflections, we can leave the hiss for another time)
Kind regards,
Daniel
Dear Daniel
Thanks! I worked really hard on it!
I covered the music stand with a towel and lowered it a bit to see if that helped any. I also got closer to the mic as to focus my voice and hopefully not have it catch another surface. I recorded two test, one where I was right up next to the mic- about 4 inches away (just marked Test-Audition Script), and the second one was recorded 12 inches away (Marked Test 2- Audition Script). I'll give you the link to the files so you can hear both including my original so you can compare.
Thanks for taking the time to help me out!
Regards
JT Leyba
1.Orginal Recording
https://www.dropbox.com/home/Voice%20Over/Bunny%20Studio%20Auditions?preview=Bunny+Studio+-+Quality+Check+-+Audition.wav
2. First Test
https://www.dropbox.com/s/i7yewy310m9xrpu/Test-Audition%20Script.wav?dl=0
3. Second Test
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mjiaalh0hnrh3jv/Test%202-%20Audition%20Script.wav?dl=0
Hello JT,
Thanks for sharing those files with me! I think that the "First test" file is the best sounding yet! You can hear on the second one more reflections, especially on the second line of the script. Also, I would recommend keeping an eye on mouth noises and plosives, since there are some on those recordings. For plosives, you can try some physical fixes (like having the mic angled instead of right in front) or some FX fixes, like using a high pass at around 130Hz to remove their low-end component!
Kind regards,
Daniel