Request for Audition Feedback - Background Noise
Hello,
Ive recently submitted audio for initial acceptance, and have been rejected twice now due to "background noise".
Unfortunately, the email did not specify what type of background noise was present, so ive spent the last day combing over just about every second of recordings i have, and then had to turn to a few friends of mine to figure the issue out.
I sent a buddy of mine that works for Sony as an AV engineer, some demo takes of mine i recorded this week. Hes told me theres really only some minor "electrical whine" as it can be sometimes called, at high volume, and that a simple cleanup pass in Vegas would do the trick, as thats what he has to do to clean it up.
this is the audio in question:
https://soundcloud.com/redmunds4021/intvoicerec06182019
here it is post cleanup:
https://soundcloud.com/redmunds4021/intvoicerec06182019-cleaned
I would happily do this with all my audio if thats what it takes to make mark, i dont have a problem doing my own post. However, im also under the understanding were not allowed to touch audio at all, raw audio to me, means... well raw, unless static clean up is an exemption.
If this isn't the issue, please tell me what it is so i can happily correct it and make the next one better, and hopefully become a member. (3rd times the charm? maybe?)
I'm not trying to argue audio standards, nor do i want to, they exist for a reason, and clearly this organization has high ones, but I'm also trying to improve to hit them.
Sorry for the long read, im just not the type of person to take defeat and walk away without examining where things went wrong. I vastly prefer improvement toward success vs giving up.
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Hi Ray,
Thanks for sharing. The file indeed has high hiss noise levels compared to what we're after. In these cases, we prefer if the audio isn't processed as noise reduction reduces quality and clarity of high frequencies. We suggest you find the source of this static and address it. It's normally from faulty or unprofessional equipment, usually the recording device. If you share your recording chain with us we might be able to make more accurate suggestions in order to get rid of the hiss from the get-go.
I just have a Floureon usb powered condenser mic w/ a 3.5mm input jack hooked to my laptop outside my closet of a "booth". thats really all there is to it. I take my audio off my laptop to my tower and cut it down in Vegas, because its just easier for me to use. i have 2 other mics, but they don't sound nearly as good as the condenser.
if its literally just a fixable audio issue, then i feel a lot better about the auditions.
Mic issues i can fix, or replace and try again.
Hey Ray
We've noticed that USB mics are not the best option for voiceovers as the quality of the audio tends to be less than ideal. That noise can be definitely reduced by using a microphone with a balanced cable (XLR). Are you using any audio interface by any chance? It can definitely contribute to having a better sound.
If it's possible, you can try a new mic and record a new file to see whether or not the issue is still present.
nope, i do not have an interface on it either.
guess ill have to somehow save some capital and invest in better gear.
since i appealed a third time, if i get sent another audition project before i get my hands on a better setup, am i going to be penalized if i dont send anything in? or just keep sending in audio and appealing over and over until i get a better mic setup?
It would be better if you can modify your setup until you find that sweet spot that works for you, as you'll have 4 chances in total to become a Pro https://help.bunnyinc.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002587679-How-many-chances-do-I-get-at-auditioning-to-become-a-Pro-
Ive looked into the issue with the mic i use, thankfully the USB port doesn't send the signal, only the 3.5mm jack does.
It appears windows was also recording with the booster on by default, and it seems the issue may have been cleared up after much recording and experimentation. Eventually this mic will end up in the bin.. i just don't have the capital for that currently.
Is there any way i can post a link to a blank air recording and you gentlemen can tell me if I'm G2G to take a swing (and hopefully last) swing on this 3rd one?
Absolutely, Ray!
Share the recording with us so we can listen to it
shall do, ill be in my booth tomorrow, and ill post a link to it via sound cloud here, thanks again! :)