torrelles
-
Posts
250 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Forums
Events
Gallery
Hub
Blogs
Profiles
Posts posted by torrelles
-
-
The industry standard for a long time has been to use 2 interfaces, although I'm sure this can also be achieved via software routing with something along the lines of Loopback (Mac OS). I have used Zoom too without any extra software and had decent success.
Here's a diagram I did some time ago. You'd need an interface with some aux outputs (for this example I used an apollo twin and a focusrite 2i2 or solo as possible interfaces).
Dotted lines: software configuration/channel routing
Solid lines: hardware wiring (XLR/TRS)
Notice how the conferencing software is configured to use the Focusrite card, while Pro tools uses the Apollo.
Good luck!
-
8
-
-
Man, Andy goes above and beyond with the replies. Not much more I can add after that!
As a rule of thumb, these small devices don't really do too much in regards to sound treatment. You want to tackle:
- Sound isolation (noises from other rooms/your own room)
- Sound treatment (wave reverberation: reverb/echoes from your own room)
Equipment like the one you posted doesn't really help with isolation and helps very little with treatment. I'd suggest either going for a full blown booth or just adding cushions and soft materials (rugs, matresses, etc.) around the microphone. Or get into the closet, it works too!
Either way, the first thing to get sorted before starting with VO recording is the space. You can get great results with a low tier USB microphone and a properly treated space. After that you can move on to bigger things. I've recorded several A+ audiobooks with an AT2020 (a 98€ mic!) on a professional audiobook recording studio, so go figure!
As for my own setup, I started with cushions and pillows around my microphone, like 8-10 years ago. Then upgraded to a DemVox booth 6 years ago (which I had to treat, because the default treatment is very lacking) and right now I'm finishing building my own recording studio. So not really a Home Studio anymore I'm afraid.
How it started (I remember covering with a thick blanket to record 😅)
QuoteHow it continued:
Quote
How it'll finish:
Quote
Quote
As for equipment, right now I'm happy with both a Neumann u87Ai and a Sennheiser MKH416. I used a TLM103, wich I saved to use as well on other rooms in the new studio. I use an Avalon M5 preamp, but will upgrade to an Avalon 737sp on the new space. Using an Apollo Twin 1st gen as an interface, and will also upgrade to an Apollo Twin X for my booth, and a Focusrite Red 8 Line on the big room.
-
5
-
2
-
On 8/22/2022 at 11:25 PM, smashradio said:
I am not entirely sure if it is connected with the Shutterstock transition.
I'm totally off the loop, and sorry if I derail this thread, but what is this "Shutterstock transition" all about?
-
8
-
3
-
-
Love your eloquence and storytelling. I'm both impressed and humbled by it!
Regarding the topic, I believe the VO technique isn't as deep nor complex as the music world, and that simplicity makes it a lot easier to both give and receive advice. If someone drops me a 30 sec read sample and asks for feedback, I'll be able to give thorough analysis and advice in roughly 5 lines. I doubt (in my ignorance) you can do the same with music?
Plus, imagine creating a learning series for the basics: I think VO basics would take way, way less time to teach than music basics.
I'm just assuming, though. The little times I dwelved into the music world I found it so, so damn vast I didn't go any deeper. I personally use 4 plug-ins max to process my voice overs. Producers can have 100s in multiple tracks, 10ths for each instrument. And that's producing, not even composing. My head is spinning already 🤣
Great thread!
-
7
-
1
-
-
This man is single-handedly keeping the Music & Audio vertical alive. My respect, good sir.
-
7
-
2
-
-
At his peak Messi was just a beast, unparalleled. And has been a superior player overall for a very long time. Very weak mindset compared to Ronaldo though, that guy craves victories and has some insane determination.
-
5
-
-
Very, very spicy subject to bring up. It's also a matter of debate in my professional circle, as I move a lot around recording studios in my city.
Let me share some thoughs about a couple of points you've brought up, with no particular order nor line of thought:
1 hour ago, smashradio said:Fear of not being able to charge 1500 bucks for a 20 sec recording.
A VA should be able to charge whatever he deems fair for his service, but minimums do make sense to keep a sustainable business model. I believe the cheapest VAs either don't think they're competent enough to charge more, or are workaholics. The better you are in your craft, the bigger the clients you work with, the more cache you should have. So the more you should charge. And that is not (only) about keeping a minimum or a healthy profession, but about valuing yourself as a professional. And i believe this threads nicely with the next point:
1 hour ago, smashradio said:We can receive an order, record, edit, master and deliver in less than an hour, on projects that used to take a million dollar studio and a freakin' audio engineer or two to edit and record. And we do it from our closets, our 3000 dollar booths and our bedrooms.
As much as that works for 99% of clients and products, trust me: your recording will never sound as good as one recorded in a full fledged pro studio, nor will it be mastered with such as precision as done by a mixer with 30 years of experience working on a full size and properly equipped mixing room. And that "extra" value is what clients that really, really want will pay for (and still do!)
Bottom line is: there is room for both the $1500 national ads and the $100 website corporate videos (and $150, and $200, and $300!), and both make perfect market sense, because there are clients seeking for both. But it is our responsability as VAs to charge appropriately taking into consideration both:
- The project/client/distribution
- The quality you can deliver and where you sit in the artistic ladder (begginner, semi-pro, etc.)
Now, and as a personal note: if someone charges less than I do, I instantly assume they are either less talented than I am (no arrogance intended) and/or aren't in a position (past clients/years of exp. -> cache) that allows them to charge my rates. In any case, I don't really mind it, as my success is my responsability and no one else's. And if someone charges more than I do, my thought process is "Damn, this guy managed to go further up the ladder. I must keep improving!" since I just watched way too much pokémon in my youth and I now only think about: "I want to be the very best, like no one ever was. To voice them is my real test: to record them is my cause."
Good afternoon y'all!
-
15
-
1
-
1
-
2
-
2016 here. Grew so much both artistically and professionally in these years it's insane to think about it. Quite a ride!
-
13
-
-
On 5/31/2022 at 6:17 AM, frank_d said:
It’s phase one of the solution to a wider problem on Fiverr.
The next phase will definitely shake things up a bit. 😉
Oh boy this sounds super interesting. Looking forward to more news!
-
8
-
1
-
-
It really depends on the product and session length. I usually operate as follows:
No headphones when:
- Dubbing of big films
- Small commercials and VOs that require no timed sync on my own studio
Headphones on when:
- Dubbing of TV/platforms shows/small movies (only one can on, the other ear remains free). This does vary depending on the dubbing director and character I'm dubbing. Sometimes headphones become too distracting and I end up not using them.
- Commercials on other studios (to communicate with clients/sound engineer)
- Audiobooks
- Commercials that require timed sync on my own studio
That's pretty much it!
-
16
-
3
-
On 8/18/2021 at 6:39 PM, newsmike said:
What are you finding about UA that bothers you?
Couple of issues mainly:
- They've had very shady communication regarding AMD processor compatibility. They state their products are "Windows compatible" on every front page, but you have to dig deep to find that Ryzen is not oficially supported.
- Their WDM driver has had issues with input signal for aaaages, to the point where it's unusable. 4 or 5 years if I recall correctly. There are numerous threads on their forums discussing it, with dead silence from UA. It has never been acnowledged afaik nor a fix is in the works.
I'm also bothered by the extremely slow M1 compatibility work in comparison with the competition. They still run through Rosetta at this point in time.
-
18
-
2
-
Neumann (TLM 103 & U87Ai) and Sennheiser (MKH416) for microphones.
Avalon (737SP & M5) for preamps.
Universal Audio (Arrow & Apollo Twin) for interfaces. Switching to RME soon though, really unsatisfied with the path UA has taken regarding customer support and updating to new tech.
Rocking a 2012 Mac Mini, switching to M1 (M1X if possible?) soon. Also a 16" 2019 Macbook Pro.
-
23
-
1
-
-
Never had any, but if I had to choose I think I'd stick to a dog. Prefer their character better.
-
4
-
-
Since I mostly only do VO, I usually stick to Pro Tools. When I’ve got to edit videos or larger projects I’ve found myself using Audition instead. I’m just extremely used to the Adobe suite and it fits the workflow better.
-
28
-
-
Lovely new forum space! Thanks for creating it @fvrrmusic 🙂
I’m a 26 y/old voice actor from Spain. Mainly dub movies and TV shows (with the current pandemic, Netflix shows is what we work on the most), and also voice commercials and audiobooks.
Been working with my voice since I was 18, went full time voice acting 3 or 4 years ago. Really enjoying the ride!
See you folks around the forum 😃
-
38
-
-
I’ve settled for a U87 in my studio, although I use an MKH416 for streaming at home. The MKH does have that punchy sound that some people tag as “pre-EQ’d”, and it does give you a nice tight presence boost. Works wonders for that “radio/podcasty” voice when processed.
I just don’t fancy it that much with my voice acting style, sice I usually approach my recordings with a more laid back/natural tone and I’ve found the u87 deliver a very well-rounded, smooth capture.
Also had a TLM103 way back, but it now sounds a tad harsher than the u87 to my ears, so wouldn’t go back to it (even though it’s a great mic!)
Have an Avalon VT737sp waiting to be hooked up to that u87, really looking forward to hearing how it sounds compared to my current Avalon M5! Need to move to a bigger booth first, though. It’s a thicc boi. In due time!
-
23
-
2
-
-
I agree. It’s easier and better to do what you do best. Can you do other accents within Spain?
Haha yes, I can. Spanish with catalan and galician accent, and catalan itself.
-
9
-
1
-
-
Can you do other Spanish accents? Hispanic advertising agencies need people who do neutral Spanish. Like when you watch The Simpsons in Spanish.
I’m aware neutral spanish has a much bigger market share, but I can’t deliver a true native neutral accent, so I just stick to provide what I do best. 🙂
-
12
-
-
Who needs a Castilian Spanish voice over anyway? 🌚
PS. Actually posted this reply in a completely different thread. Oh god!
-
12
-
Best MP3 and WAV exporting quality?
in Music & Audio
Posted
I always deliver a 48kHz, 24 bit .wav file unless specified otherwise (the second option on your list). If the client specifically requests an .mp3 file, I deliver a 320kbps file (first option on the drop-down menu).
.mp3 is a lossy (compressed) file, while .wav is a lossless file (with no compression). .wav files will be significantly larger, but will retain more information and dynamic range for the client to work with.