Why was my audio rejected? Compression and background noise?
Hi all,
I need some advice. I uploaded the following file: https://soundcloud.com/sjorshoukes/voicebunny-sample and it was rejected for the following reason:
"Array Hi- the quality of your submission does not meet our standards at this time.
Here are the issues found in your application:
Overcompression, you can hear it clearly throughout the recording.
As a VoiceBunny Pro, you must record using professional equipment in an acoustically treated space. Your performance needs to sound engaging and conversational. We also expect the recording to be properly edited, unprocessed, and ready-to-use."
Here's the thing: I used NO COMPRESSION whatsoever. I recorded with my Røde NT1-A, and only created silences in between, as requested. What am I doing wrong? I'd like to know because I've been a professional voice actor for 8 years now, and if there's a mistake I'm making in my recordings I'd like to be aware of it.
Another question: how do most people "properly edit" their recordings? Do you create complete silence in between sentences, or fill it with background 'silence' instead? How much do you edit?
Any help would be appreciated, and a second chance to apply as well.
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Hi Sjours
Thank you for sharing this recording. I was checking it and it does sound as if it was compressed. As you mentioned you didn't you this processing, I believe the issue is coming from recording too near to the microphone an using too much gain. This reduces the dynamic range of the recording and also adds several plosives (which are very prominent) and mouth noises. There are also several edits that start very loud which also suggest that you were recording too near to the mic.
I suggest you tone down the gain from your preamp and record farther away from the mic. This will reduce the plosives and also give more space and dynamic range to your recording.
If you want, give that a try and share a new piece with us! We'd be glad to check it out.
Thank you for the feedback Angela, that helps. I've asked a sound designer friend of mine to drop by next week and check out my setup, and I will give it another shot after that.
Thank you for letting me know, Sjors
If you'd like some feedback from our side again, don't hesitate on sharing a new recording after checking your setup with him!