Feedback, please - "unbox" me!
I'm a recently retired broadcast journalist who's getting back into the voice over and narration business (or at least attempting to). "Back in the day" I I did okay with loads of national clients -- but I always worked in professional studios with highly experienced recording engineers. Now, for the first time I'm on my own at home. My gear's fine, but my recording space is less than ideal. A "real" booth is still a few weeks off, so I'm improvising. Consequently, my Bunny Studios audition submissions are getting repeatedly rejected. You're a tough crowd and it's kinda embarrassing.
First, I was busted for room echo, hiss and lower than optimal levels (the latter caused by my forgetting to normalize the clip). My second submission with a new script was trashed for "boominess" with an invitation to re-record and resubmit within "1 day and 5 hours". Well, I didn't have time in that space to build a studio, so, I re-arranged my acoustical elements a bit and submitted the results.
That, too, has been kicked to the curb for "boxiness" (from "boomy" to "boxy" - geesh!). So, now -- even with a properly treated recording space in the works, I'm going to be shy about trying again. So, please listen to the clip and provide some feedback, pretty please. Apparently, the old dog needs to learn some new tricks.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xNgyghNFpl9SymXWeJtdlBMZakQSQ6We/view
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Hi Craig!
I hope you are doing well
First, great job fixing the room echo! It might be the main reason recordings get rejected, so fixing that issue is a huge plus already.
Now, onto your most recent issues, while checking your recording I noticed you still have some hiss present, and that for sure would be a cause for a new rejection. We have this amazing article about hiss that explains the usual causes and fixes for it, whether it is an internal or external issue:
https://bit.ly/2ZixGeI
On the other hand, your recording could greatly benefit from some soft EQing, I was experimenting a bit with it and a notch at around 150Hz of -3dB could help you get rid of an excess of low frequencies that can cause that dreaded “boominess” and even help you get rid of the feeling of boxiness at the same time!
And finally, a bit of a boost around 8kHz by +3dB can give your voice a bit of brilliance that can help it shine and go the extra mile (This has to be done after you have dealt with the hiss, or the issue will get worse with this kind of EQing).
At the end of the day, I think you should make sure you get rid of the Hiss first, and when you have that one sorted out then having a nice EQ preset tailored for your voice could be the cherry on top.
If you want, you can upload a new sample and we can keep working on your sound!
Daniel Matiz
Hello again, Daniel!
I'm taking steps to resolve remaining technical issues with my recording setup. I've been accused (and rightly so) of echo, hiss. boominess, and boxiness. I have now changed mics from a deep throated bi-directional ribbon to a Shure SM7B cardioid dynamic in hopes of better isolation. That should have taken care of the boominess and -- I hope -- echo, anyway. As for hiss, I can't hear any (and never have). The boxiness may remain and may not be fully cured until I have my full-fledged booth put together on Christmas (it's a gift). At any rate, I'd like a "progress report" please before I make another formal demo submission -- if I'm allowed to. Here's the link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/160X9YxFWhvLQlJFe9Ipi1c71eAQzVCkr/view?usp=sharing
Many thanks, again!
Craig
Hello again Craig!
This is sounding really good! There is still some hints of room echo, but every other issue has dissapeared, and the tone of your voice sounds much better. I believe the booth will definitely be the last piece of the puzzle. To be honest, for a normal project I would approve this quality of recording, although for the audition itself we usually are really strict regarding the previous issues (like room echo).
Again, I think the booth will finally perfect your setup, but this sample sounds really great!
Daniel
Thanks very much, Daniel. I'm feeling encouraged and will be back with a fresh sample after my booth is completed in a couple of weeks. I'm getting excited about the prospect of getting "back in the game". I must admit that it's great fun to learn so many new skills -- like working productively with DAWs and their endless arrays of plug-ins.
I hope to specialize (again) in audio book and documentary narrations as in "the old days". You and your fellow perfectionist colleagues certainly help a great deal in ironing out the technical glitches. You're much appreciated.
Best,
Craig
Hello again, Daniel!
As I mentioned in our last exchange, I have been assembling a decently equipped, acoustically treated vocal booth. Well, it's finished and my first recording in it was the attached "Bunny test" re-take. If you find it acceptable I will politely request an opportunity to re-submit an audition sample to Mr. Bunny.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K41Cd2Fy9oSF1sG-UjJUe-txkOcJTu9h/view?usp=sharing
I hope the holiday season thus far has been has been a happy one for you.
All the best,
Craig