Feedback requested on Flow-Rite rejected audition
Hello, I was rejected on an audition (a local client wanted different mic on thier project, and I didn't switch back for this audition). Attached is a file with 3 takes, one is the original rejected and the other two are mic options that have been VB acceptable before.
I am requesting feed back on the samples to be sure at least one of the three are acceptable to VB. Please provide any critique necessary so I can return to using the right setup!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LpvLO486kITIq136e5ZSulrfV-GB3dZ2/view?usp=sharing
Thank you,
Todd
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Hi Todd,
Yeah, 2 or 3 should do it. Take 2 sounds brighter but could make mouth clicks/noises more evident. Take 3 sounds well-balanced and is the one I would use.
I think the main issue with take 1 was the room echo and it also has a bit more hiss than the other two.
Hope that helps!
-Seb
Great Sebastian, thank you! Yes, that's very helpful...exactly what I was hoping to hear. I kept track of exactly what I did for each and will setup for #3 each time from now on. I think I'm ready for more auditions and no more rejections!
Todd
Hi Todd!
I agree with Seb's comments. I also pick up a lot of hiss on the first recording. I believe this mic is quite hissy so I advice you review if it may have a faulty cable inside.
Take 3 is definitely the best one. I feel it's a bit filtered and quite nasal so I'd suggest you record with your nose outside of the capsule of the mic. This way, your mouth's sound will be picked up much better and will have a more balanced frequency response that is not too nasal.
Are you using any filtering?
Thanks Angela, that's actually a great little tip, about the nose. I've turned it just a touch and believe that's made a subtle but nice difference.
The 2nd cut had no EQ or filtering except to normalize to -3db, the 3rd cut was with some EQ on the low bands.
Here is another sample after your suggestions, first is Flat, no processing, the second is with slight EQ on the mixer board I've used for some local radio production.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ri8rU56xlDp1pncKIXmjFPbdzUHyyvU_/view?usp=sharing
and Thank you
Todd
Hi Todd
The first recording has quite some very bright hiss noise. Due to the EQ on the second one, the hiss is much more present. Maybe you also compressed or added more volume there?
What equipment are you using to record? The hiss sounds as if it was being added by a piece of gear as it's too constant and bright to be coming from your space. Let me know how's your chain!
Ah, I may have found the culprit! I had an external drive plugged in via USB port to use for backing up files. It's an older model that had a disc drive that spins. I don't normally leave it connected and didn't realize the noise it was likely adding to the system. I noticed the noise floor dropped when I ejected it.
My chain is: I have an MXL 770 Mic and a MicMate pro, also an AT2020 mic into a Dell laptop using Linux Mint and the ALSA sound interface with Audacity recording.
Here is a new sample. One with each mic and no filtering or processing other than normalizing to -3db
https://drive.google.com/open?id=14MB9w-ss9QCfylyJ8fTPShFJ4YIL36f2
Let me know what you think, and thank you,
Todd
I like it better from 0:18 onwards, (the change in pitch also helps) as it's much clearer. However, there are some mouth clicks which will need cleaning up. In terms of hiss it's still there, but not nearly as much as in the first sample.
Hi Todd
Like Seb mentioned the hiss is present in both takes. Checking your setup, I see you're using a USB microphone converter instead of an interface for the MXL and that the AT2020 you have is the USB version. This is not ideal as these type of equipment usually has low-quality AD/DA converters which can add a lot of hiss noise to files.
I suggest you review the possibility of getting a single or dual channel interface to use your XLR microphone. This will definitely give you a much better and higher quality sound for sure.
Great insights, thank you both for the feedback. I was starting to realize you might say that about USB, I've been doing some research. I honestly don't hear it, but a VO buddy I have showed me some differences using his studio gear. He's let me borrow a couple of things and made some recommendations. I'm on a tight budget (who isn't?) but will have to do some shopping.
No problem, Todd!
Tight budgets can be a nightmare, really. However, when you make good purchases, they will certainly last a long time. I purchased my MOTU Track 16 over 5 years ago and it works so well! I just had to upgrade my mic because my Blue Spark finally died after 8 years of use. I wrote some tips articles with some gear recommendation that may give you some ideas on what to get. You can read them here:
Mic: https://help.bunnyinc.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/218024227-Tip-2-Choose-a-microphone-that-fits-with-your-voice-tone-
Headphones: https://help.bunnyinc.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/215657087-Tip-1-for-Voice-Actors-Get-yourself-a-good-pair-of-headphones-
Interface: https://help.bunnyinc.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/203362904-Tip-4-Choose-a-good-interface-for-your-needs-
I compiled some really good, affordable equipment that will certainly last some time while you can grow your career! Hope they help you :)