How can I improve?
Hi - I would appreciate any feedback on how I can improve. My submission was rejected with the following message...
"The quality of your submission does not meet our standards at this time.
As a VoiceBunny Pro, you must record using professional equipment in an acoustically treated space, with no room echo or background noise. Your performance needs to sound engaging and conversational. We also expect the recording to be properly edited, unprocessed, and ready-to-use."
I assume the second paragraph is standard (I certainly hope that I didn't fail on all of the mentioned requirements) and the first part is extremely vague. Obviously the operators of the site are not obligated to go into detail but it would be nice to hear some feedback that helps me know where to focus my efforts.
Here is a link to the file I submitted...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ta0dkttmhpqxpn6/VoiceBunnyAuditionChrisAbernathy.wav?dl=0
Thank you!
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Hi Chris!
Thanks for sharing.
So, checking the file, I can say your voice is really nice! I love the warmth of your voice :) However, technically speaking, the audio has some problems. I'll list them here so it's easier to expand.
1. The recording has a critical level of hiss noise. The noise is very consistent so my guess is that it's coming from a piece of equipment you're using. It could also be coming from your surroundings so it's important to review both. Can you let me know how you're recording? If you're using a USB microphone, more likely this is the cause.
2. There are several plosives and mouth noises. More likely this is caused by recording a bit too near to your mic's capsule. If you're not using a pop filter, I suggest you get one. If you are, try to re-adjust the positioning and record a bit farther. A bit more distance will more likely help the pressure the capsule's getting.
These are the 2 main issues I found! Hope this helps :) Let us know you're equipment so we can see if there's something we can suggest on that front.
Angela,
Thank you for the comments.
I'm surprised to hear that you are noticing hiss. My ear is not the best (too many concerts on the front row!) but I have been very careful with my studio and equipment and no one has ever mentioned a hiss to me before. I don't mean that to challenge your analysis. Regardless of whether I end up doing work through Voice Bunny I am hoping that the experience helps me increase the quality of all my projects.
I located my desktop outside of the studio and I block the air conditioning vent when I am recording. My microphone is a Sennheiser MKH 416 plugged into an Aphex Channel processor (adjusted to minimal settings with the help of George Whittam) then to my Scarlett 6i6 interface and recorded on Adobe Audition 2018. My best guess, based on your comment is that any hiss would likely be originating in the Aphex so I have eliminated it from the chain and plugged the mic directly into the Scarlett.
The Sennheiser mic is new to me - I've never worked with a shotgun until I did a combined project at VOAtlanta earlier this year. I loved the sound so I bought one after the conference and use it alongside my Neumann BCM 104. The mic technique for the two is different and I admit to wanting to creep up close sometimes.
Now that I've gotten your feedback I will try auditioning again with the simplified audio chain and a little more space from the microphone (or I may switch to the Neumann - do you have a suggestion there?).
Thanks again for the comments and I hope that I can earn a spot on the VoiceBunny team.
Chris Abernathy
Hi Chris!
I understand your experience and I know that sometimes the hiss can be quite hard to point out. That's what we're here for! To help you notice things that you may not and help you maximize your setup.
I was going to suggest you tried connecting the mic directly to the interface. I believe the Aphex could be adding some hiss there. Usually, these type of channel strips can add some processing that could boost the signal from the interface and boost the hiss. Also, the Scarlett is a great interface, but if you add too much gain, hiss may appear so the channel strip could be doing that.
What about you share a sample with us using both mics with this new connection? This way, we may be able to help you define which one would be the best! Also, when it refers to microphone sound, it usually depends a lot on your own perspective and how you want your voice to sound. I will be glad to give you my perspective and help you make a choice!
Looking forward to that! You have a fantastic voice and I know that with the right equipment combination, you will do great!