Used a noise gate the first time, got rejected. Second time no filter, rejected for the same reason.
Hi, so recently I've taken interest in becoming a voice actor here on Voicebunny. But I'm a bit puzzled as to why I have now been denied twice for the same reason, even though I did not make the same mistake with my second recording as I did with my first. Here is my first submission to VoiceBunny:
https://soundcloud.com/user-861238246/voicebunny-audition-with-noisegate/s-stCnO
They wanted the recording to sound friendly, and enthusiastic, but natural. However, it was denied for the following reason:
" -Your recording sounds undesirably over-processed, which is impacting the quality of the deliverable. It may be due to a noise reduction plugin, an EQ, or a noise gate, for example. "
I did use a Noise Gate with the above audio in an attempt to muffle out background noise as I was recording in an area with subtle background noise.
Upon being rejected, I understood my mistake, and requested reconsideration. They gave me another chance, and so I recorded my sample in a quieter area this time, one where no noise gate would be necessary.
Here is my second submission to VoiceBunny:
They wanted it to sound "epic, interesting, and a bit mysterious".
No noise gate was applied. In fact the only editing done was a few splices that are not audible, and normalizing the audio to -3db as directed by VoiceBunny. Neither of these things were listed as issues to me by VoiceBunny.
Still though, this audio was rejected by VoiceBunny for the exact same reason as before:
" -Your recording sounds undesirably over-processed, which is impacting the quality of the deliverable. It may be due to a noise reduction plugin, an EQ, or a noise gate, for example. "
This is the same exact reason, and the only reason, I was denied the first time, even though I fixed the issue, or so I thought.
So you see, i'm not exactly sure as to where to go from here, as said issue seems to be fixed yet i'm still being denied for the same reason. I would love to become a part of the team here, but I cannot possibly process a recording any less, when it has not been processed other than the normalization as directed by VoiceBunny.
I understand the high standards set by VoiceBunny. But I do not understand how my second recording where no over-processing was done, is being rejected for the same reason my first recording was. I would love some feedback from you guys, and would appreciate the help, so that I could at least understand why VoiceBunny feels my unprocessed audio is over-processed. Thank you.
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Hi Frank
Thanks for sharing.
I listened to both recordings and I agree that the first one does sound more processed. On the second one, I understand you didn't add any processing, however, the sound is quite muffled and dull. It lacks high frequencies and low frequencies which could give the impression of being filtered by a noise reduction plugin. This could be caused by the microphone's frequency response which is not well balanced for voice-overs as well as the space you're recording in. The recording also has hiss noise which could mean the mic is not designed for professional voice overs.
Can you please let us know how you're recording in terms of equipment?
Hi Frank,
Great energetic read! That tone could work great for character voices/videogames.
There are a couple of technical issues that could be improved. At times the audio sounds a bit distorted. It could be that the mic is distorting itself which wouldn't necessarily trigger a 'clip' light in your recording interface/software. Because it's an energetic read this can happen, especially if you're too close to the mic.
Also, there are some noises in between words, for example after 'back', 'world' and 'here'. These could be edited out.
Aside from that, I don't think the audio is overly processed.
Once you fix these issues you can give it another go.
-Seb
Thank you guys so much for the feedback, it is much appreciated!
Angela, I'm happy to share the recording and appreciate your review. I'm glad you can hear the difference between the two recordings, and I'd love to work on what you're saying about the sound being "muffled and dull".
In terms of equipment, here's the breakdown:
As for the room I record in, it's honestly just a small closet that I've modded up with acoustic absorbent material. It's pretty quiet in there.
When recording with my Rode NTG2 Condenser Shotgun Mic., there is a bass roll off switch on the microphone which I have enabled. I have found that this is useful for me as it aids in reducing any overwhelming bass which I tend to produce because of my voice naturally being deep.
If you have any suggestions for equipment, or what you think would work best my voice and style, I would love to hear it!
Sebastian, Thank you! I'm really glad that you liked the energy in the recording and I appreciate the compliment. Although I enjoy voice overs of all kinds, Character voices/VideoGames are my favorite to voice!
I am glad that the audio does not sound overly processed to you. This perhaps means that there are other issues at hand, which I am more than willing to fix to the best of my ability.
So it seems to me that what you're saying is similar to what Angela had mentioned, being that the Microphone may sound as if it is not designed for professional voice overs. In the past, I've had people prefer the sound of this Mic., but I'm always willing to improve.
If perhaps these are distortions stemming from the microphone itself, are there any processes, in editing or physically, that you would recommend in this scenario? Or equipment you think would work best for my voice and style? Thank you!
Again, I much appreciate the feedback from both of you. This Info. is very helpful and I will do what I can to fix any issues at hand. Your tips and advice mean a lot.
I hope to be a Bunny Pro soon!
Hi Frank!
Thanks for sharing.
I haven't used the H4N, but reading some reviews I see it's more for podcasting and live applications (i.e. recording concerts, or outdoors) for which the noise floor is a bit higher than a studio interface. The hiss noise could be coming from it. You could also try reviewing the gain you're adding in the preamp, but I wouldn't be sure if it would help.
Do you, by any chance, have the opportunity of trying a recording interface? Maybe someone can lend it to you or you can try it at a store near you. These devices are much better for a home studio as they will give you better noise floor and control over your gain and other parameters.
Now, as per the mic, I haven't tried this one, but you may want to see if recording farther or at an angle can help with the overall response and sound!
Thank you for the feedback! I see what you're saying about the H4N, the original reason I got it was for recording short films and such, but perhaps there are better options for voice overs specifically. I could possibly test out a recording interface at some stores near me, and find a better sound for my recordings.
And I will play around with the microphone positioning, to see if I can get a clearer sound.
I really appreciate your help, and just one last thing, are there maybe any products you would recommend, such as microphones, etc., that you feel produce the highest quality voiceovers, or more specifically, would work best with my voice? I know of some industry standard microphones, but I also know that different types of microphones work differently with different types of voiceover work, so i'm interested to get your input.
Again, thanks so much for your help!
Hi Frank
In regards to equipment options, it really comes down to personal preference in regards to what sound you want. I like fuller sounds that don't lose the high frequencies, so I tend to go with large diaphragm, condenser mics. My favorite brands in regards to mics are Blue, AKG, AudioTechnica and Sennheiser because they have a wide range of mics at different price points. I also like Neumann a lot but, well, they're a little too expensive!
When it comes to interfaces, I tend to choose based on the preamp's quality rather than the number of inputs/outputs. As I only record voice overs, 1 really good preamp is enough for me. I recommend MOTU, Apogee, RME and Focusrite for the same reasons of the mics: wide range of choices at different price points and really good quality.
Hope this helps!