Better Studio Treatment- Need Feedback- Would like to be re-considered for VB again
I was rejected from VB because of a Boxy Room and Reverb. I think I found the problem and treated it with insulation. I re-recorded in my new space. Thoughts?
First is rejected file (for comparrison): Sorry now that I listen to the first try it sounds awful...a little embarrassing :(
https://soundcloud.com/user-849354126/original-voice-bunny-audition/s-zwsm6
Second is improved file:
https://soundcloud.com/user-849354126/vb-melissa-harlow-community/s-nuOzJ
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Hey Melissa! Just wanted to let ya know that there is still reverb in the recording, do you mind sharing what your whole setup is? Also the second half of the recording a lot of your phrases sound like their to close together so when you hear it the vocals don't flow naturally. Im not a Voice Bunny staff member but I thought I would give you some feedback until they reach you.
Hi Ryan-
Hey thank you so much for the feedback. I have a well treated small space so it may be the small bit of processing I do. I have acoustic foam, insulation, blankets, carpet and popcorn ceiling. I have a MacPro, Scarlet Focusrite and a AEG 120 with a pop screen. My space is about a 5x5 area closed off from the rest of the house.
I am going to try again with only normalizing and I will try to have a more natural pace at the end. Great feedback. I know all the bunnies are on a retreat. This is such a mystery because I am soooo not a sound engineer. I just haven't developed the ear yet but I will get there.
Based on my comments...any other thoughts? I included my website demo page so you can have a listen if you have time.
Thanks Melissa
Ok Melissa the only two demos I can give feedback on are the ones without music so that would be the announcement and audiobook one. Sounds like minor reverb and ambient noise in the background. What position is the gain knob at with your Scarlet? Also webpage looks nice!
Hi Melissa,
I can only listen to the improved file, but in terms of acoustics it still has some room resonance especially in low frequencies. (which can be considered boxy). This can be fixed with some acoustic treatment and experimenting with mic placement withi the room.
Also, the audio sounds a bit degraded, maybe due to the use of noise reduction. I'd try to avoid using that, instead try finding (and fixing) whatever is causing noise in your setup.
Lastly, there are some clicks, for example when you say 'and expensive'.
Hope that helps,
-Seb
Thank you Sebastian. I will try to get to the root of the noise instead of trying to treat it. Any thoughts about the read? I know you heard a click in 'and expensive' but as far as the tone and delivery?
Melissa
Hi Melissa!
Let me give you my comments in regards to delivery as I believe Seb already addressed all the quality problems.
So let me give you the pros first and then the cons!
Pros:
- I love your voice tone! You have such a mellow, mezzo-soprano voice that is really soothing to the ear. You're not too high pitched, but not too contralto either. To me, it's very comfortable to listen to you talking. Love it!
- You're smiling a lot which I love! I can feel you're trying to be calm yet happy reading the text.
- Your pronunciation is perfect. You definitely pay a lot of attention to ensure everyone listening to you understand every word you're saying.
Cons:
- The delivery sounds a bit stiff like you're forcing the tone changes. Try to be a bit more natural and go with the flow of the text. Imagine you're telling this to a friend or a person you want to recommend this to, and not as if you're trying to sell the product. This will give you more credibility and flow.
- The overall read is a bit rushed in some areas and pauses sometimes feel quite unnatural so it's hard to follow the areas of the text. It's important to find a rhythm that works and keep it consistently throughout the read. The best way to achieve this is to read the text various times to try and, sort of, memorize it. This way, you will understand where are the emphasis points, the natural rhythm of the sentences and identify where there are natural pauses from the text.
By following both the natural and orthographic pauses, you will be able to get a grasp of how the text is intended to be expressed and the rhythm will come naturally! Give it 2 - 3 reads and choose which one sounds the best!
Hope this helps!
Thank you Angela! Yes that helps. I totally get what you are saying about the 2-3 reads.
I can tell you know how to deliver a solid and empathic evaluation. You really take your time with everyone which tells me you must love your job.
You also mentioned Reaper in one of your evaluations so I am going to download the free trial to see if I can tell a difference. I may send in another feedback to see if the experienced ears can hear a difference.
Thanks again Angela,
Melissa
Also, Angela I submitted another file in a different post. It sounds much better but wanted to let you know I have several posts going. From now on should I just submit to my original posts or start new ones?
Hi Melissa!
Thanks for letting me know. Let's keep the communication in one of the posts so we don't get lost! I pasted my feedback on that one so you can keep it into consideration!