Seeking clarification for rejection
Hey all, I submitted a bunch of deliverables today that all passed QC. This one didn't. Here are the comments. The dBFS on my end shows -3.03
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.
Your enunciation of hard consonants is causing air to hit the microphone's capsule, which translates as audible 'pops' or plosives. This issue can be resolved with the adjustment of the mic's position, use of pop filter and a proper distance from the mic.
There are no limiters or compressors on this. And I'm using a pop filter. I can't hear any of these air pops/plosives that you are referring to. Please give this a listen and share your thoughts.
Thanks!
Danny
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gTux0f4k90UgTw2OO1U_OYdKjSH02tMw/view?usp=sharing
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Hi Danny, thanks for reaching out.
I'm listening to some of the plosives here:
It's great to know that you're using a pop filter, tho, you could try placing the mic at a slight angle, or taking a step further from the mic to avoid these plosives.
Hope this helps.
Alternative to pop-filters:
I never use one. Instead, the height of the mic is at my eyebrow, with the axis angled down approximately 45 degrees. That way, any plosives exiting my mouth pass below the mic capsule, but the sound source (my mouth) is still directly on-axis for the cardioid directionality of the mic capsule.
An added benefit is that I can see the copy much better w/o that dang pop-filter blocking my vision!
You can also accomplish the same with the mic off to one side, but with the axis of the capsule still pointed directly at the source.
For someone like me (who hates pop-filters) it's a great solution.
Joe B.
Thanks Joe. Do you hear the plosives the bunnies are talking about? I cannot.
I like your mic technique and found my sweet spot for my mic to be right around the bridge of my nose. And yes, it makes for reading the script much easier!
Sometimes even with a pop filter I still have to pull my "p's"!
Hi Danny. The only one I notice is the p on the word "President". Other than that one, I don't hear the other plosives mentioned.
For reference, I am listening on AKG K240 Studio headphones. Not expensive, but seem fairly smooth in response.
Best,
jb
How's it going, gents?
Good to read you, Danny! I'm glad you're turning to the community for help. Our resident Pro and Johnny have been taking good care of you, I see.
I can hear them plosives, although those apart from 'president' could just be worked out with post-production trickery, the best solution for this issue would be for no harsh consonant sounds to make it into the recording at all.
Is the MKH416 still your weapon of choice? If so, would you mind telling us what distance are you keeping from your nasal bridge and how separated the mic is from the surrounding walls? Pictures would be of help too!
I have the same microphone and it can translate some sounds into "plosives" due to its capsule's position within the casing. It's also very simple to set up a cheap pop-filter and to position oneself in such a way that these pops won't be an issue anymore.
Ah, by the way... in the spirit of full disclosure, it was me (I think) who issued that revision. The "compressed" sound might be a consequence of the mic's harmonic distortion and proximity effect. I've noticed you've been reading closer to the mic as of late and this may also have to do with the pseudo-compressed quality of your audio.
On another note (a performance one): I seem to remember this read as a 'Young Adult' gig. I wouldn't act the voice as much if I had your pipes. A natural read with your timbre exploring your high register, not trying to sound as punchy as you can be would fit perfectly in the category, without the need to act as a young character. This, of course, is all subjective. I might like it and think it fits within the category and the client might not, but rejection is just part of this game.
Anyways, I hope this helps out some! I'll be waiting to read further notes and comments on this subject, ready to pitch in whatever solutions I can think of.
Cheers!
- Héctor.
Hey there Hector! Thanks for the detailed response and recommendations. Great advice on the young adult reads. Yes, I'm still using the MK-416. Here's a pic of my get-up.
-Danny
That's great, Danny!
In this case, what I do is try to place the pop-filter as close to the mic's capsule as possible (minding my mouths position/distance) when recording. Remember the 416's capsule is located almost at the base of the mic and with it being a hyper-cardioid microphone, it does have lobes of sensitivity apart from the front, which can sometimes cause a plosive effect from reflections off the back (weird, but I've heard it happen.)
So, what I'd do in addition to the trial and error process of positioning the mic and the pop-filter, is to draft a script with the most plosive words/expressions possible, so that the time invested in research is most effective.
Also, listen back to your recordings and try to understand which kind of plosives in your speech are causing trouble: for many people, it is their enunciation of hard consonants right off the bat and for many others is the enunciation of these consonants when there's a chance for bursts of air following the letter. For example, 'President' may be very airy so to speak, if you purse your lips and push the P forward. This effect can be diminished by pressing the lips together and smiling while enunciating so that one's lips sort of disperse the air instead.
Let me know how that goes! I'll be listening to your recordings and letting you know whenever I detect these pesky sounds.
Cheers!
- Héctor.