Rejection
So I sent in the attachedhttps://soundcloud.com/cat-lookabaugh/getreferd-norm contest audition which VB rejected saying "Your recording is heavily compressed and/or limited. It's affecting the dynamics and quality of the audio. Instead, please raise the volume via automation or normalization to -3dBFS peak."
As It happens, per VB standards I used zero compression, zero limiting and normalized to -3db.
The customer wanted a very casual read, little inflection, and super conversational, so I was just a bit gravelly - the opposite of a smooth, polished narrator.
I'd really like this rejection removed from my stats. The audio quality is the same as every other audition, speedy and job that VB ahas gladly accepted.
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https://soundcloud.com/cat-lookabaugh/getreferd-norm
Hi Cat
Unfortunately, the recording sounds quite distorted and does sound as if you were using processing like a noise reduction, noise gate, or similar. This is kind of noticeable throughout the recording, however, right after you say "securely" there's a breath noise that sounds as if it was digitally processed which is what gives the impression of the file being processed.
Maybe the normalization you're using also includes a similar process? Would you mind letting me know how you edit the breaths and other areas of your recordings?
Also, the distortion could be caused by recording with too much gain on your preamplifier and recording too near to the mic's capsule. I would recommend you to please record a few inches farther and lowering the gain on your preamplifier a bit.
Hi Cat,
Even if the file wasn't compressed it does sound like you are recording too close to the mic, which can cause the same audible effect. This can also cause distortion from the mic's capsule (without actually clipping the input of your recording interface). There are some plosives (like "patient" & "patients") which are also signs of recording too close.
I'd suggest recording a couple of inches farther and double checking there are no processes being applied to the audio.
-Seb
Ok, so the consensus is "too close to mic". Awfully subjective and I'm still not sure I agree, but there you are. Yours is the standard I need to meet when submitting on Voicebunny, so thanks for explaining and advising.
I edit breaths by either deleting them, replacing with them room tone from the same recording, or by using auto heal. In some cases, I leave them in, as long as they're not distracting.
Mind you, by this time in my career, I pretty much automatically go to the same distance from the mic for all recordings (which VB and other clients routinely accept without comment), unless I'm intentionally going for an intimate read (close to mic) or shouting (farther from mic). It's always possible that I was too close this one time, so I'll keep an eye on this in the future!
Thanks for letting us know, Cat.
I suggest avoiding using any auto-heal plugin that you may have. These processes are actually noise gates that filter out breaths and it may also end up filtering your voice as well. It's always better to cut and fade the breaths manually or lowering the volume on the breaths manually as well. This way, you ensure that you're not adding any extra processing that may impact your recording.
In regards to the distance, I understand that we may try to keep the same distance, but this can be quite complex to keep. What I do, is that I manage the distance with my pop filter so I basically locate my pop filter at a good distance and I will just play with my distance from the filter. This makes it easier to move around or get even farther when you manage different volumes without risking plosives or distortion.
Hope these tips also helped!