Feedback requested for deactivated acct
Hi there. I'd like to share the following sample to try to get reactivated. Previously I got feedback saying there was "room noise" in my recordings. I believe I've corrected that issue. I'm aware that in this recording there is breathing sound and I pop a couple of P's, but that's not the issue of concern. I'd welcome any constructive feedback.
https://soundcloud.com/ianhutchings/henry-v-act-i-prologue/s-RsawA
One of my favourite passages from Shakespeare.. the prologue from Henry V.
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Hi Ian,
Thanks for sharing. In terms of the read and performance, I really enjoyed it.
For the quality issues, I hear a bit of room echo/reflections in louder parts of the performance. This could be due to some untreated surfaces like floors, walls or ceilings.
As you said there are also some other small details to fix like mouth clicks and plosives but those are easier to deal with through editing and the use of a pop-filter.
We'll be awaiting another further improved sample so we can reactivate your account.
Thank you for feedback. For a second attempt at reactivation, I've recorded the first paragraph from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "A Study in Scarlet," the first Sherlock Holmes story.
https://soundcloud.com/ianhutchings/a-study-in-scarlet/s-WQ0gG
Hi Ian
I'm still picking up some reflections in this latest recording. For instance, take a close listen to 0:02 "took" and you'll see what we mean.
I've also noticed some loud breaths that can be edited in a smoother way (e.g. 0:40)
If you could share a new recording once these issues have been fixed so we're able to assess it, that would be great.
Thanks
Another take.
https://soundcloud.com/ianhutchings/a-study-in-scarlet-2/s-Rbs15
My focus on this was reducing 'room noise' and 'reflection,' as that was the issue I was told was of concern. Delivery and editing was not indicated to be a problem. I have nevertheless edited this sample a bit more closely.
Can my sample above be reviewed? I posted this two days ago.
Sorry for the delay, Ian
I think there are some sound reflections affecting the file. You can notice them by paying close attention to 0;02 - 0:04
May I ask what equipment you're using? Do you have a picture of your recording space by any chance?
I'm using an AT-4040 mic (in a shock mount, with a pop filter) with a Scarlett Solo interface. I edit using Sennheiser HD280 headphones.
The audio interface is still actually brand new. I just got it last week, and I'm still trying to figure out a good gain setting. That might be part of the issue here.
Working on adjusting the gain setting on my audio interface. It seems finicky, or at least very sensitive.
The opening passage of H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds."
https://soundcloud.com/ianhutchings/the-war-of-the-worlds/s-kqRez
Hi Ian,
I notice a bit of background hiss on this one, in terms of gain you shouldn't need to go beyond halfway. Are you using any processing?
I also heard some editing clicks, for example at 1:20 (after "unsympathetic"). These editing clicks can be prevented by using fades in every edit point.
The issue that was raised to me, and the one I've been focused on addressing, was "room noise/echo/reflection." I'm aware of the editing hiccups with that last recording. That's just a symptom of quick editing. This was not a sample for consumption. My focus was on reducing room noise/reflection. The hiss - I don't hear it myself - could be a result of a noise reduction and normalize pass, focusing on reducing room noise/reflection.
Hey Ian
I agree with Sebastian. There's a bit of hiss noise /background noise when you're speaking. Perhaps you might be able to hear it a bit easier by turning up the volume of your headphones a little bit. Listen to the file at 0:18-0:19 where you'll notice that noise clearly.
Maybe it's a matter of reducing a little bit more the gain you're giving to the recording.
Regarding the sound reflections, I cannot personally hear them particularly noticeable anymore.
Very well. I believe this sounds clean. One pass to normalize to -3.0db.
https://soundcloud.com/ianhutchings/wotw2/s-LyCFZ
Hi Ian,
There's still some audible hiss in this recording. At 0:59 it's audible in between sentences as the noise reduction or noise gate didn't pick it up. The trouble is in some places you can hear the noise cutting in and out. I'd suggest reducing gain a bit more to prevent this.
Oscar, do you have a picture of the setup you use to monitor and reject all these files?
Hi Rob
I don't reject the files. I'm just merely expressing my opinion as I've worked as a recording engineer in the past. Sebastian and the rest of the QC team are actually in charge of assessing the files that go through the platform.
I am monitoring the files in the Community with the ATH M50 and Sony MDR 7506 and I use these precisely to pick up any issue that could be obviated when using the Yamaha HS8s
If you happen to have suggestions on ways to improve the recordings you're hearing, we'd love to hear them. This is about making everyone a part of it.
Cheers
As I have said in a previous reply to you in another post, I believe that the criteria for rejecting voice samples is far too restrictive. They appear to be rejected over incredibly minor detail and in all honesty, on things that the bulk of the population, including clients, would be hard pressed to identify. I believe you should shift the onus of rejection onto the client and not yourselves. VB criteria is having a detrimental effect on the VB pros and ultimately it concerns me that some of these pros will give up on VB and that would be sad. I know I am speaking on behalf of the other pros when I say that our concerns should be acknowledged and some adjustments actioned.