Conflicting information about application recording. Please offer clarification
I submitted a recording for my application. I was told I needed to revise it because it was too processed. I don't understand. Yes, it was processed because your initial instructions were to provide an edited and finished product. I utilized the input I've received from professional sound engineers and producers, but you denied. it. I went ahead a produced another recording without the editing I used previously, but could not submit it because your website was having issues. I have been instructed to come here and ask for feedback before they reopen my application again due to the website problems. Please respond as soon as you can so I can move forward with the process again.
I will state that I don't understand the reasoning for not using noise reduction. While my recording space is treated well, there are external sounds that cannot be controlled for. My second audio file did not use it. please tell me if it meets your qualifications so I can resume the application process or make adjustments to move forward.
First sample using editing that was denied: https://soundcloud.com/brad-evans-574774774/voicebunny-audition
Second sample without processing: https://soundcloud.com/brad-evans-574774774/voicebunny-revision
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Hi Brad, great to hear from you again!
I'd love to agree with you but seems like this spot is not working as expected.
It seems like it is leaving some room tone to be capture by the mic, which is being accentuated by how quiet it gets on the gaps between your phrases.
Where are you recording right now?
Try to use some space as a closet/walk-in closet with some carpet, a lot of clothes hanging around, or thick materials as blankets, comforters, or towels.
Does that sound like the place you're using right now?
I actually built a booth that could be mobile. It seemed like floor noise was high so I inserted silence between statements to quiet it down. I guess it was still noticeable behind the speaking. I'll see if I can improve sound dampening with materials I have. If not, I'll scrap it. I dont want to keep buying supplies for it if it's not going to work
Hi Brad,
Thank you for letting us know. Unfortunately, it's not producing the result we'd like for now.
Please, take your time, we are here to support you in every decision you make, also, don't get discouraged, we know it been a long road but we're getting closer!
Looking forward to your reply
how does this one sound to you? I tried the same space as before, but added some sound dampening material
https://soundcloud.com/brad-evans-574774774/moredampeningedited
Hi Brad,
Thank you for this new submission, this is sounding much better, you took care of the reverberation in a great way. There's only one more thing to work on, tho.
There seems to be a hum on your recording, it is especially noticeable on the gaps between your phrases. Do you think it is possible to take care of that too?
We would suggest figuring out where that hum is coming from, or another quick solution would be to apply a gentle high-pass filter, very carefully of not affecting the low end of your voice.
Let us know what you think
Thanks for the feedback. I think the hum is my hvac system in the building. I was hoping it was quiet enough in the background it wouldn't be an issue. What do you recommend for high-pass filter? and when in the editing process do you recommend I apply it?
Thanks.
Hi Brad, that makes a lot of sense!
I'd suggest you add the filter first thing after recording your voice, but remember, use it gently, we don't want to harm your tone.
Usually, any DAW has some stock EQ and it will allow you to use that filter, do you think you can try with the one on your DAW?
Yes. I will try that. Should I do it before noise reduction then?
It probably won't affect it that much as both processes are independent on your audio, however, it would be great if you could experiment and see what works best for you. You'll hear both recommendations, and valid points on how you should go with one before the other, but at the end, it comes to what sounds best, my sincere recommendation: experiment with both if possible
Here is a sample. I played around with when I applied the high pass filter during editing and what level I used. A lot of my attempts really changed the sound of my voice in a way I didn't like. This one, at least to my ear sounds pretty normal and I don't pick up the hum as much on my equipment. Please let me know what you think.
https://soundcloud.com/brad-evans-574774774/highpassaftereq
Hi Brad, thank you for that new submission, it does help to lower the hum, but it is still noticeable.
I have two thoughts here:
Let me know what you think
I worried the hum would still be there. I haven't messed with high pass filter before. if I applied more, it changed the sound of my voice (maybe not a bad thing). For noise reduction I use a noise reduction feature in my DAW. I lowered it for my editing with voicebunny to make sure it doesn't sound over processed. If the hum can be removed, great. I understand I may just not be able to record with A/C running. It causes issues in most places I have tried recording. For what its worth, here is a raw file:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wedoox2AzrwMWp5Ztuw5y23HgvMvAjbg/view?usp=sharing
Hi Brad,
Thank you for that, I think I just found a way to do it, it would require a bit of tweaking on your DAW, but it is possible!
https://we.tl/t-mEgcek1sQg
Here you'll find your file processed with a Noise Suppressor followed by an EQ.
I attached a picture of the EQ settings as well, all that's left is to find the right settings on your noise reduction plugin and we should arrive at the same result.
Let me know what you think.
So did you not use a high pass filter on that? Just noise suppressor and EQ?
I wish I had the tools and skills that others do to edit. I paid a pro to train me, but the more I get into editing, I think I only was taught the basics of editing raw audio, not the in depth on what does what and how to determine proper settings. I had someone tell me to use one of the EQ settings that comes in the DAW called "low rolloff for speech." It looks like this:
I used to have different noise reduction settings, but was told by someone who has done voicebunny work to change the settings as shown below so I don't get the feedback that my audio is over processed:
Hi Brad, I used a combination of a mild high pass filter, which is the first column on the left on the picture, plus a soft low shelf as well. Which is the second column as well.
That translates better than having a strong high-pass filter as what you sent me on your first picture.
As for the noise reduction, I don't particularly use Audacity, but I found this tutorial for you, seems like it could shed some light on what we need here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnEWfAEONTA
Let me know if that helps
Johnatan,
Thanks for responding. I appreciate the video. That is the process I have used from the beginning. I used to use the stock settings, but another voice over artist told me to change them for voicebunny to avoid being flagged as over processed. I am happy to go back and try those old settings again to see how the audio presents on your end.
Based on the way the graph is set up on the EQ screen shot I sent, how to do you suggest I adjust it? Audacity is the DAW I have been trained in, so I don't know how to use any other one. I know I have the option of playing with the EQ manually like this:
I did find another option where I can adjust things on this screen:
Johnatan,
I hadn't heard back from you about my previous questions so I thought I would at least do something...I followed the same editing procedures that were done with the sample that was approved a while ago, but put the noise reduction settings back to stock.
https://soundcloud.com/brad-evans-574774774/newspotdampstocknr
How does this sound? hum seems gone, but wondering if this sounds "over processed" which is the feedback I got in the beginning that started all our interaction.
I'm also interested in your thoughts on my previous questions.
Thanks,
Brad
Hey, Gents!
This is one lengthy thread, thanks for bringing me on Johnny, and Brad, thanks a million for your dedication and patience!
I have to say there is much improvement from the first sample (the original audition) to this last one, but I'd like to be able to download that file, so if possible, please post a link to any file sharing service of your liking so that I can analyze the audio properly and come up with a couple of easy fixes for the little things still audible in your deliverable.
One thing I'd highly recommend is that you upgrade your DAW. Audacity is not really the best option when it comes to pro recording standards and can certainly get us out of a pinch when needing to do something simple as normalization, but its audio processing leaves much on the table and certainly does not compete with other affordable options like Reaper or Audition. I'd try using Reaper as it has a lengthy trial period and a license for small business/personal use will only set you back around $60 USD. Many other talents whom we've had the chance to help in this forum have taken the advice and have improved their sound considerably while being able to apply custom FX Chains tailored by yours truly for your specific audio needs.
I'd like to work on your raw file and be able to test a couple of EQ profiles and noise gate settings, as I believe they will make your work shine with ease. As soon as you upload a downloadable .wav file, I'll get to it and come back with a detailed assessment along with the right strategies to solve whatever audio quandaries we're yet to solve.
Keep up the great work!
– Héctor Adolfo Ituarte (Bunny Studio QC Agent)
Héctor,
Thank you for your willingness to help. Since you are asking for a different link, I guess the soundcloud link is not sufficient. I'm including two files. The first is one I've been using for editing, but in listening to it again, I think I may have saved it with some noise reduction because the hum isn't there, but no other post production work has been done. The second is a new completely raw file. The hum is present. The place I recorded my first ever audition used here is the best acoustically treated location I have, but the a/c system for the building is just on the outside of the wall and is quite loud. It is over 100 degrees here for several months during the summer, so the unit runs constantly. I was having to record in the middle of the night. I have another location set up (the one used for the recordings included here) that doesn't have the a/c unit nearby, but the hum is from air coming through vents in the room. I hope I can find a way to record here and reduce the background noise while still producing clean audio so I can record during normal hours. I hope a google drive link will work:
Raw wav that may have noise reduction already applied: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ui0tKYfTCTtM9llfVrQky7A037I_9U7p/view?usp=sharing
New raw: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AaGEJnPZH54iW7xEhS4aw16eoBGQ1kUq/view?usp=sharing
I'm curious...what are you still hearing that needs to be fixed in that last clip I submitted prior to this post?
As far as upgrading DAW. I appreciate the feedback. I know there are more complex and useful tools. I went with this one as the first coach I worked with recommended a guy that is very successful in voice over, with national commercials airing during the superbowl and other major jobs and he does all his work with audacity. I paid him to train me on how to use the program so that is what I've been using. I also came across one of your voice talents during this journey of trying to get my audio approved and she said she uses audacity and is the one that had me tweak some of my settings thinking that would make my audio golden...which obviously it hasn't. She said she does quite well financially on your site.
I am willing to do what I need to though to be successful in voice over. If that means starting over with a new DAW, so be it. I worry I don't know how to use Reaper or any other DAW or how to get my settings right and how to use the tools, but I guess I will start learning. I hope that doesn't require this long journey with you guys to start over as I'll be learning new editing processes/tools and have to start tweaking things all over again. I am prepared to download and try Reaper. My question is, should I be downloading the 32-bit or 64-bit version?
Thanks again for all your help. I have stuck it out because I believe once I get things figured out, I will be able to offer your clients a service they are looking for.
while waiting to hear back, I decided it wouldn't hurt to download Reaper and start exploring it. I went with the 64 bit and figured I could download the other one if you end up saying I should use that. In setting it up though, it is asking me to identify some setting and I want to make sure I have it optimized for what you are looking for.
Should I have sample format set at 16, 24, or 32 bit?
what sample rate should I set it at? (currently its 44100)
Buffers are set at 8 x 1024
Should I leave all that how it is?
I know you guys are busy and I appreciate all the help you provide. I am just checking back in today to see if you have any feedback for me. I was trying to get reaper set up for voiceover and watching some tutorials. Seems like there are some settings that should be set and saved including a gate? EQ, and compression. I am wondering if you have any information on how to set those up based on the audio I've provided in the past so I can dial this new DAW in and see if I can get things going.
Thanks.
Hey, Brad!
Thanks a million for the kind words and the desire to improve. Gotta say, mate, as I expected this would be an easy one to fix with the right tools. For reference purposes, I include both samples side to side so you can hear the difference between the two. The processing was fairly straight forward to achieve the results of the first version: amplification, noise gate, EQ, and de-essing using a combination of spectral edits and time edits. Expect a video tutorial really soon as it will be easier to exemplify what I'm succinctly describing here.
Please download the file and listen closely, as I believe it'll give you a lot of comfort to know that your sound is not hard to fix and that you can attain the desired results through very few and simple processes that will be made much easier in Reaper (for which I can provide FX Chain files) so that experimentation goes out the wall.
I'd recommend laying of compression for the time being, but feel free to fool around with the standard plugins included in Reaper, as they are of very high quality and you'll find them very intuitive to use. Try to capture your audio in 48 kHz/24-bit so that the quality remains and the processes work best when we finally bounce to the 44.1K/16b quality required by Bunny Studio. Buffer size will depend greatly on your system capabilities, but for recording, a good starting point is 512 samples. This setting can be tuned later depending on whether you're using live monitoring through your PC, especially when listening back to the recording to which you've applied an FX Chain, but for the number of plugins that usually comprise a VO chain, it's mostly a non-issue.
In the meantime, please do not despair, while I get your instructional ready =)
Cheers!
Just checking in to see if there is any progress in helping me get my FX/chains/settings set up so I can try and get going with some voiceover. I'm just stuck right now and could really use the opportunity to try and get some work.
Hello. I am just reaching out again. I know even once I get my audio dialed in there is no guarantee I'll be chosen for jobs, but not even being able to audition right now is really tough. I'm struggling financially and need opportunities to at least try and produce some income. I'm feeling helpless as I sick here stuck. I have been playing with reaper a little, trying to dial in settings. I haven't figured out how to fade like on audacity yet. I also haven't figured out if I've been able to increase overall volume like normalizing. I don't see an FX for that yet. Here is a sample though. Please tell me what is working in the sample and what is not.
https://soundcloud.com/brad-evans-574774774/vb-test-1
Hey, Brad!
I feel you, mate! Please, let me have that sample in a downloadable file so I can tailor your settings in an easy to apply FX Chain for you. I hear a lot of base buildup, but that can certainly be fixed and tuned.
Cheers!
Do you want the file with no FX? I followed examples provided by professional voice over artists and rolled the base off. Unless I didnt set it right in reaper, i thought it was where it needed to be
just checking back in...do you want the raw file? do you want it in a reaper file or wav?
Hey, Brad!
As raw a file as possible in .wav format (48K/24b) will do just fine!
Thanks, mate!
please let me know if this doesn't work right. In following some tutorials on Reaper I tried to set some FX/a chain as a template so they are already activated when I record. I unchecked them and then rendered the files, so hopefully they are raw.
I don't know if you read through this entire thread. I know it is very long. Quick backstory...I started my voiceover recording in a walk in closet that seemed to produce fairly good sound treatment, but as the temperature rose where I live, my A/C unit that is located on the outside of one of the walls started kicking in a lot more and created an audible loud background noise. I have tried recording in other spaces and created a little booth. That is the last place I have been recording. The A/C unit cannot be heard, but the air blowing through the building can be. I think that can be taken care of with a noise gate. If there is a simple way to take care of the actual A/C unit sound where I recorded originally, that would be awesome as it is an easier space to record in, but if not, I will make due.
I am including 4 files here. Recordings with the hvac on and with it off in both the booth I made and the closet I used to record in. The files with the hvac off are just for you to hear the difference, but the reality is I need to be able to record even when its on because it is on almost 24 hours a day during the hot months here. Please let me know which space works better and what you are able to come up with for EQ and other FX settings/chain.
Thanks.
Booth no HVAC: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wh7z1LVG9H0Y7yDa3sy8OC73Ykxx3f8h/view?usp=sharing
Booth with HVAC: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16XAPgEaBCYw8rrRo6omu29i9falJXOcG/view?usp=sharing
Closet no HVAC: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NmZe_qUiJX9i-me5ivgzXx-xiaDU2ZZg/view?usp=sharing
Closet with HVAC: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LcW1u3tR-8kZN_xezjb1jZ-_-cEQoWKr/view?usp=sharing