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Post by Brittany Ann Phillips on Jan 17, 2018 19:15:43 GMT -8
Would anyone happen to have any suggestions with how to reduce mouth noise?
Recently I have become more aware of the noise my mouth makes while recording (clicks, squeaks, and kssh noises from the back of the throat). They're very quiet, may only occur once or twice during a take, and only really noticeable during editing in post-production, but I keep finding myself having to re-record again and again. As a result auditions and recording lines takes way too long and I'd be lucky if I can churn out one audition a day.
I've tried various methods including keeping hydrated before and during recording, mic positioning, projecting/opening my mouth more, and even the popular granny smith apples. I also avoid dairy, caffeine, and sugar before recording as well.
Removing the mouth noise manually works sometimes, but it really depends on what is being said (e.g. the space between words or syllables, but not if it's in the middle of a word (words with -ing are particularly bad)). It's driving me nuts trying to figure this out on my own.
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Post by Brittany Ann Phillips on Jan 15, 2018 13:48:39 GMT -8
You have good variety and overall your demo is great. One constructive criticism I have is to pull back on the reverb effect, I feel that is taking away from your performance when it is applied to the majority of the segments.
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Post by Brittany Ann Phillips on Jan 11, 2018 14:20:24 GMT -8
If there are no guidelines I record in mono, 41000 Hz, 24-bit rate in .wav format. If the audition is a long one or requires more than 3 files I convert the audition into .mp3 files at 128kbps (my DAW's default) and in a .zip file if necessary so it's not a massive download. I always save my work in .wav first before converting into mp3, this way I won't risk losing audio quality. With that being said, if you're not sure what the director or client's preference is, ask! It's never a bad thing to ask those types of questions, as more often then not, the director/client will be happy to inform you and it let's them know that you are perceiving their project with professionalism. See example here: voiceacting.boards.net/thread/1728/apprentice-arriving-requires-female-voice (the first two comments below the casting call). (Edit: I do not have agent. Hopefully one day in the near future). - Brittany Ann Phillips
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Post by Brittany Ann Phillips on Dec 10, 2017 15:36:25 GMT -8
I remember hearing some advice from Crispin Freeman regarding DAWS. Your raw recordings will sound exactly the same no matter which DAW you use. The only difference is the extra plug ins and features with how you edit your recordings. If your finished audio sounds great in Audacity, keep using it! If you're unhappy with it, there's nothing wrong with using a different DAW. Everyone has their own personal preference.
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Post by Brittany Ann Phillips on Dec 5, 2017 9:03:37 GMT -8
1) Expand my vocal range and versatility with character types. I'd think it'd be awesome to play the villain or the comedic relief every now and then. I'm currently doing this by imitating voices I hear (anime is particularly great for that).
2) Hunt out for a space where I can leave my recording space set up almost permanently. It takes a good hour to put together and take it down. It gets physically tiring after a while.
3) Audition much more frequently, at least one or two a day, instead letting it all pile up on the one day off of work I get.
4) Land one or two paid projects that will eventually lead to completion.
5) I have lots of other goals, but that's in a different thread. XD
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Post by Brittany Ann Phillips on Oct 21, 2017 9:21:36 GMT -8
This is sort a tech question/room acoustic question. What type of XLR microphone would you recommend when it comes to recording under a tent of blankets?
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Post by Brittany Ann Phillips on Oct 4, 2017 7:36:38 GMT -8
I've got another one to add. I've recently started singing along with the Japaneses lyrics to the songs Masayume Chasing by BoA and Closer by Joe Inoue as a part of my vocal warm up routine. It really helps me develop my articulation better and the songs are fun to sing along to as well. (The Japanese language is a beautiful one. ) ^_^ EDIT: I've added the Rōmaji lyrics to both songs in case anyone else wanted to try it out. ^_^ Masayume Chasing - BoA
Yume wo otte mayoikonda kokoro no mori no oku Kagami yori sunda izumi utsuru yuganda Smile
Koboreta namida wa (Don't Cry) kin demo gin demo nakute Arifureta namida (Fall From My Eyes) megami mo kizukanai
Masayume Chasing Chasing Koero motto jibun shijou saikou no Ima wo Chasing Chasing Sou egaita jibun ni natte moyase mune no hi wo
Na na na na na na na Oh Na na na na na Hey Hey Na na na na na na na Oh Kakenukero Hero
Na na na na na na na Oh Na na na na na Hey Hey Na na na na (Hey) na na na (Oh) Moyase mune no hi wo
Closer - Joe Inoue
Michika ni aru mono Tsune ni ki wo tsuketeinai to Amari ni chikasugite Miushinatte shimaisou
Anata ga saikin taiken shita Shiawase wa ittai nandesu ka? Megumaresugite ite Omoidasenai kamo!
Ima koko ni iru koto Iki wo shite iru koto Tada soredake no koto ga Kiseki dato kidzuku
Michika ni aru mono Tsune ni ki wo tsuketeinai to Amari ni chikasugite Miushinatte shimaisou
You know the closer you get to something The tougher it is to see it And I'll never take it for granted
Oitsudzuketekita yume Akiramezu ni susume yo nante Kirei koto wo ieru hodo Nani mo dekichainai kedo
Hitonigiri no yuuki wo mune ni Ashita wo ikinuku tame ni And I'll never take it for granted
Let's go
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Post by Brittany Ann Phillips on Jul 28, 2017 10:20:26 GMT -8
Thank you Kyotosomo, Benedict, LadyStardust, and Razzle for the sound advice. All of you bring up very valid points and it has given me a lot to think about.
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Post by Brittany Ann Phillips on Jul 27, 2017 10:47:43 GMT -8
Hello Razzle, thank you for the input!
I have done a Google search with my name. Aside from the hundreds of social media accounts of people with the same name, what comes up first is an unsolved homicide where the victim also shares my name. That is also something I don't want to take away from.
I have also been confused a couple of times with another woman who is a professional athlete that lives in the same province as I do. As for IMDB there is already a fair amount of people with names either exactly or very similar to my own.
I totally agree with you that there are a whack of other things causing the dry spell. I was just wondering if in a casting director's mind when they open an email with my audition that when I introduce myself if it seems that I am not serious with the last name that I've chosen and that would be a small part of it (first impressions and all).
- As for the other questions - the dry spell started around the beginning of 2015, the same time I made the decision turn voice acting as a hobby into pursuing it as a profession. Perhaps it's less of a dry spell and more of struggling to get my foot in the door, so to speak.
- I live in a small town smack dab in the middle of the country so I am not really affected by the strike.
- For the amount of auditions, I've definitely become more selective as I've learned what to look out for (too many cases of directors going MIA) and as a result there can either be quite a bit to audition for or nothing at all. That is through communities such as BTVA, CCC, Discord Servers, LemmaSoft, Reddit, VAA, VAC, VAS, and networking.
- As you've said, there are definitely projects of high caliber out there which results in higher competition (which in turn can be stressful, particularly with sites that show how many people have auditioned. I've seen a few that go well over 1000).
- Unfortunately I do not have a website at this time. Something like that along with memberships to places such as Voices.com or Voices123 I simply cannot afford.
- Emails can be tricky sometimes. I've tried various phrasing to sound professional but also friendly. I don't think I've quite mastered that yet. I usually write an email along the lines like this:
"Hello [blank],
My name is Brittany Ann, I'm a Canadian voice actress. I recently came across your casting call on voiceacting.boards.net for your upcoming project [blank]. I found the story line and the variety of characters quite compelling, so I am submitting an audition for your consideration.
[Additional information here if the director has requested it in the casting call post].
Feel free to let me know if you have any questions or feedback about the audition.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I wish all the best for your project. I can tell that you work really hard and with a passion as it shows through your work.
Warm Regards,
Brittany Ann"
Overall I believe I know what I need to do. However, all I can do is take baby steps at this time - starting with looking at my name.
Thank you again for your feedback Razzle, it really is appreciated.
- Brittany Ann
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Post by Brittany Ann Phillips on Jul 26, 2017 10:59:43 GMT -8
Thank you for the feedback everyone!
~ Brittany Ann Phillips
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Post by Brittany Ann Phillips on May 21, 2017 19:38:09 GMT -8
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Post by Brittany Ann Phillips on May 21, 2017 19:01:12 GMT -8
I've been a part of Voice Bunny for a little while before they had set up a questionnaire which claims they only allow 2% of the applicants to join. Voice Bunny has been dubbed 'the fast food' of voice over. Clients will expect an insanely short turnaround time (a couple of hours), often disregarding time zone differences and drop you for another voice actor who can do it faster. While there is no fee and you do get paid to audition, it is only if they find your audition acceptable, and will pay only $1 or $2. The actual pay itself for gigs is quite low for the amount of work needed done. It's really not worth it in my opinion.
Voice123 and Voices.com pays much better ($100 minimum). However, Voices.com takes 20% cut of your earnings while Voice123 does not. Both have a yearly membership fee of $400 (no monthly plan options from what I could find out). As Tom Freeman mentioned, North American gigs are much, much more competitive and you will have to audition like crazy.
While using a P2P can be useful with gaining experience and building your portfolio, it's best to network and market yourself instead. Just my two cents.
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Post by Brittany Ann Phillips on May 1, 2017 18:40:55 GMT -8
I had a very similar problem (as duffyweber mentioned). In this case it was with an odd whisper-like background noise. Long story short we solved the issue by adjusting the position of where I was recording by turning around 180 degrees to face the room. Maybe you could give this a try if you haven't yet and then apply the noise reduction setting. Brittany Ann
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Post by Brittany Ann Phillips on Apr 24, 2017 12:18:24 GMT -8
You have mentioned that you practice but didn't specify how you practice so I apologize in advance if my tips/suggestions are ones you are already using.
1) It's all about using your diaphragm and posture - stand (or sit) completely straight and use your abdomen rather than your chest when you breathe. Having more air also allows you to increase your volume and you won't sound restrained.
2) When you speak, make sure to open your mouth as wide as you comfortably can. This will help you hit those pitches better when your throat is more relaxed and open. It also has the added benefit of adding more clarity to the words you speak.
3) When you listen to voice actors (or anyone in the media) that speaks in a lower pitch, try to imitate them. Granted you may not sound identical to them but doing so allows you to become more comfortable using lower pitches over time.
4) If you are recording from home, what kind of microphone are you using? Different microphones have different frequencies. If yours specializes in a high frequency you may want to seek out a different microphone that allows more range. Sometimes a different microphone makes all the difference.
5) In post production, try using the equalization tool to enhance the lower frequencies of your recording. Keep in mind that this boosts what is already there and won't create new low frequencies for you (at least not naturally).
6) If all of the above is still not getting your voice where you would like it to go an alternative is to adjust the pitch in post production - BUT ONLY SLIGHTLY. After you record your voice, speaking as low as you comfortably can, adjust the pitch between 4% - 7% maximum to sound lower. Doing so will help that pitch sound natural without the warbling effect that adjusting the pitch post-production does. Keep in mind that this is a last resort and should only be used with the permission of the director or whoever is responsible for listening to auditions.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
- If it makes you feel uncomfortable or painful, STOP IMMEDIATELY. Voice acting should not hurt your voice/throat. - Stay hydrated. Practicing and recording can dry your mouth after a while. Drink water at room temperature. - Keep practicing. Like any skill, it takes time to master, including increasing your vocal versatility.
Feel free to ask me if you have any more questions or would more clarity with some of the tips.
- Brittany Ann
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Post by Brittany Ann Phillips on Apr 14, 2017 16:20:59 GMT -8
This is what my current setup looks like. I have an external monitor sitting in front of me with my computer behind a blanket shield - as it makes too much noise.
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