audio demo
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13Dn4q6yLv3rif2t6x7P_-0Q31NVgRO4E/view?usp=sharing
I am recording with an MXL 2008 Condensor microphone w/pop filter; Adobe Audition CC software; Alpha interface & Behringer mixer.
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Thank you Linda.
Could you please post your new recordings as comments under this same thread from now on, in order to keep a record of our conversation? Having many posts makes it more difficult to see what has been previously said.
Now, regarding this file you've shared with us, I cannot notice any difference from the ones you've previously shared with us.
Your performance is great, however, the reverberation is still there, so is the background noise.
You've told us about your gear. May I suggest using a different microphone? How about AudioTechnica 2035? Also, can you share a picture of your recording space? So we can provide more detailed feedback.
Let us know.
Best,
Hi Oscar, I've added another sample that I recorded using Audacity instead of Adobe Audition, let me know if it sounds any better. Below are the pictures of my space. I'm using a closet. My microphone is inside a plastic tub lined with foam so it is airtight, since my space is not.
I have sent my samples to friends on VO sites and they don't hear the reverberation or background noise. I' am going to try a new microphone, as you suggested. Any other suggestions??
Thanks for your help, Linda
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17f87QtW2vFEOLsi_jV-h5F7EA26NjbLY/view?usp=sharing
Hi Linda, Just another v/o guy with a few observations. Oscar is your final authority, but here's what I hear:
It's clear from the pictures you've done some acoustic treatment, but I fear it's not enough. There are a LOT of acoustic reflections from hard surfaces (walls, ceiling, floors, wood, etc.) in the recording area., causing a very hollow sound. I think these surfaces will need all need to be treated.
Also looks like your mic position is fairly close to a corner, which could be compounding the problems. If you can move away from that corner somehow, it may get better.
How close are you working the microphone? And are you certain you are speaking on-axis to the microphone? It sounds like you are either too far away, or the pickup side of the mic is facing away from you, or a combination of both.
Rather than spending time and money covering every hard surface in that room, do you have a smaller room which would require less outlay in acoustic treatment materials? Or if you happen to have a clothes closet big enough to place a microphone in, hanging clothing provides great sound absorption.
Just some thoughts for consideration. On the positive side I think you have a great voice and a nice style. If you can solve the acoustic problems, I think you should get some work.
Best regards and keep working on it,
Joe Brown
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HzmwJaM4guaXNchxV9HjGOnfXUNOqGUi/view?usp=sharing
This is a longer voice sample, a short story from a children's story book. Don't feel like you have to listen to the entire thing. I upgraded my recording space, which is actually a clothing closet (minus the clothes) and covered 90% of the wood w/2 inch foam. I took the cover off the microphone cabinet and put a new "Bop Net". I am about 6-8 inches away from my microphone as I record and it is facing directly towards me.
I did receive my application for Voice Bunny, but if my recordings don't improve, how will I be able to pass??
Thanks for all your help, suggestions, time and effort!!
Hi Linda,
Sorry it took so long to respond. Definitely improved, but there are still acoustic reflections off of something...walls, ceiling, floor, maybe computer screen? I just noticed you have the microphone inside a plastic tub with foam. I suspect that could be the culprit for the boxiness. Foam is not the best sound absorptive material, particularly if it's the spongy soft kind. I'd sure get that mic out of there and try a sample without the tub.
The software is not the problem, though I wonder about your signal flow... You mentioned the MXL mic, Lexicon Alpha interface and Behringer mixer. What do you use the mixer for? Monitoring?
Keep at it - you'll figure it out.
Best,
Joe Brown
Hello, Linda.
I'm so sorry about the late response. I've had an accident which has kept me away from work for the past month. Now I'm finally back.
I agree with Joe. There are still some reflections in the recording.
Have you been able to submit your application project since your last question?
Best,
Oscar
Thank you so much, Joe, for your active contribution to our community. You're the best.
Cheers,
Oscar