The Experiment . . .

ricevoice · Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 33

Also, running the mic too hot into your audio interface/soundcard can produce clipping that won't show up on your recording software's meters, so even though your levels look fine on your computer the audio may be getting distorted before it even gets to the computer.

Clinton Nobles · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008, 14:43 (GMT) Post subject:

Greg Houser · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008, 15:23 (GMT) Post subject:

Chris is correct, and since you're about two hours from Nashville (if memory serves correctly), you're not to far from several places to learn.

Got community theatre in your area? Why aren't you getting involved with that as well? Great way to take your first steps in learning.

I am sure that there are also local vocal and acting coaches around... find them (use the community theatre folks for names, etc.).

As for the metering, I use physical meters, since they're the most accurate but what you've got should be fine. Learning the basic tech is easy (relatively), it's the acting which will be the hard part, so I'd concentrate on that stuff the most. After all, people will be hiring you mostly for your abilities in front of the mic, not behind the control desk.

Still, both skills are important. My own personal opinion is that you need to develop a more critical ear and better acting skills... both come with time, a lot of practice, and training from professionals.

Clinton Nobles · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008, 16:02 (GMT) Post subject:

Chris Clementson · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 216

Clinton -

You're probably OK with the Adobe Audition meters you're using now.

I look forward to hearing another recording from you -- no processing and no dialects.

Better to hear this feedback from a friendly lot like us. The worst thing that could happen is that you send out demos, the prospects don't like what they hear and are too polite or too busy to tell you that they didn't like it and why, and you are left in the dark as to why nobody is getting back to you with offers of gigs.

Clinton Nobles · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008, 16:59 (GMT) Post subject:

Chris --

Yes, I really do appreciate all the help. I am looking for copy right now, but might have to submit some of the Horton hears a who I read the other day trying to work on my inflections. I will post tonight, hopefully. And this time I am going to really concentrate and do my best.

Chris Clementson · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 216

Clinton, I don't mean to insult your intelligence with such a basic question, but are your original recordings wav files and if so, are you sampling at anything other than 48 kHz? If not, try starting with that and then encode to mp3 for uploading here.

Clinton Nobles · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008, 23:04 (GMT) Post subject:

Chris Clementson · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 216

32 bits won't hurt your recording but it seems like overkill. 16 bits would be plenty adequate for voice.

Clinton Nobles · Posted: Fri May 02, 2008, 04:29 (GMT) Post subject:

With out further ado . . . Here is my recordings. Unedited, simply converted to MP3 from wav format. I now stand behind something and wait for the fruit to be thrown hahaha.

Thanks again for all the help.

Chris Clementson · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 216

Now you've got some crispness and sparkle going. Much improved. It is not muddy and muffled as before.

The "propane" spot reveals some p-popping. I see you have a pop filter in your studio but your plosives are still getting through. I'll let my learned colleagues advise you on that.

The "Boston" spot has some weird coloration to it. Was the mic in a different position for this one? Perhaps close to a wall or other reflective surface?

I can't help but wonder what was causing that muddy sound. I wonder if it was the box you built. Refresh my memory -- did you have a specific reverberation problem you were trying to fix with the box?

The iCare spot has some bad edits. They are too tight, meaning there is not sufficient time for a breath.

You're headed in the right direction.

Clinton Nobles · Posted: Fri May 02, 2008, 06:03 (GMT) Post subject:

Chirs --

Thank you very much for the vote of confidence.

(Propane)
---- I think I was too close to the mic and I don't have a great filter so that might be allowing some. I am trying the smile trick for my p's and b's however, it keeps changing the inflection of my words.

(Boston)
---- I moved the mic a littler further away from, but other than that nothing different.

(Muddy)
---- I think this was coming from having my mike so close to the actual sound foam in the box. I am still using the box, just have the mic positioned somewhat outside of it.

(iCare)
---- You are correct on this one. I took out the portions that I had messed up on and guess I took too much out.

Again thanks for the input and it sure is good to hear that you can hear some improvements.

Emmett Andrews · Posted: Fri May 02, 2008, 06:05 (GMT) Post subject:

Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Fri May 02, 2008, 08:48 (GMT) Post subject:

Clinton,

much, much better! And you're in good hands with Chris & Emmett, so you'll be fine. Keep it up daumen rauf

Clinton Nobles · Posted: Fri May 02, 2008, 12:08 (GMT) Post subject:

Emmett --

Thank you Sir. I appreciate the kind words and the help.

Jacob --

I am honestly quite amazed at all the positive responses. Thanks. It makes me feel like there might be some hope for a career in this business. I would want nothing more than to be part of this industry. I just have to be that lil' Engine I suppose . . . "I think I can -- I think I can."