|
Post by spearcarrier on Dec 5, 2017 17:18:38 GMT -8
So for something like the third time I've had my audio reviewed for this other place.
The first time I can't remember why it was rejected. Okay. I worked on that and presented a new file and tried again. The second time I was rejected because of plosives. Okay. So I've been working on my mic technique to eliminate this in my recordings. So far so good. I tried again, same file btw. I cut out the parts with plosives and left the rest alone to see what would happen.
So. same file, better auditions in other areas.
Now I'm rejected for volume peaks and... static...?
But it's the same file that didn't have volume peaks and static before? I found that very interesting. And, the rejection is no surprise.
And my audio is way too loud, which is a new one on me. I often get told I'm too quiet. Aren't we supposed to compress to 0 db? Tuts I've found have indicated as such. Where are we supposed to have the volume to then?
Inquiring minds want to know from people that consistently know.
|
|
|
Post by Rebekah Amber Clark on Dec 5, 2017 19:01:59 GMT -8
If you don't mind saying, it might help to know what this other place is you're getting your audio rejected by.
For example, Casting Call Club has multiple moderators so maybe one didn't hear something that another did (static, for example) -- which could come down to a simple difference of headphones, hearing sensitivity, training, or even opinion.
I've seen Voicebunny(?) mentioned REPEATEDLY for having super unreasonable standards on audio quality, way beyond what the clients care for in most cases apparently.
Some sites, like ACX, have specific audio submission guidelines that DO specify normalizing to a different level than 0db.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Stardust ★ on Dec 6, 2017 15:29:35 GMT -8
Is it VoiceBunny? They are INSANE about this stuff. Even people who record in professional booths have been rejected for the most mundane stuff that most clients would never notice. As a result they have a ton of mediocre, flat reads that get through because they reject all the audio from experienced talent until they get fed up. If you want an example of just how arbitrary and inconsistent a lot of their policies are, check their site here: help.bunnyinc.com/hc/en-us/community/topics/200121823--VoiceBunny-Why-was-my-submission-rejected-I fully agree that audio turned in on any site for any client should be clean and professional sounding, but their expectations cross the line into ridiculous especially considering they mostly pay dirt rates and expect turnaround of less than a day.
|
|
|
Post by spearcarrier on Dec 6, 2017 15:41:00 GMT -8
Oh well, I'm not wanting to dis any one place. (As tempting as it is.) I should have been clear that mostly I'm looking for insight. For example, being told my file has static has thrown me for a loop. I've listened to it in multiple different ways and on my end there is no static... unless I plug my headphone into the broken jack of my mic. THEN I get static because the port is bad. (And I haven't figured out how to fix it, to my frustration. I prefer to use that port.)
Volume peaks... I tried look into that and... can't find anything that speaks English. Just geek. :-p
But it's getting told there's static when I have none that had me lifting an eyebrow.
And loudness? Just what dB should I set it to, then, if -4 to 0 aren't the answers? *scratching head, watching fleas jump*
I've never heard of VoiceBunny. I'd be tempted to look at them, but if they're insane maybe I shouldn't try. LOL. Not when I can't get rid of static that I can't find. ;-) I have so much to learn.
When it comes to this place that has me on a quest for learning, the truth is I feel like submitting to them is a wild goose chase. I know they're under no obligation to tell me just what is wrong with the file, but it certainly is more professional to be... consistent... with why you reject someone.... Looks bad when you don't.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Stardust ★ on Dec 6, 2017 15:50:09 GMT -8
Why not post your file to Soundcloud or something so people here can take a listen and see if you have anything to worry about or if it’s just a matter of one particular site being anal? I know Duffy is very experienced with audio and may even be willing to take a listen for you.
|
|
|
Post by spearcarrier on Dec 6, 2017 15:56:34 GMT -8
Why not post your file to Soundcloud or something so people here can take a listen and see if you have anything to worry about or if it’s just a matter of one particular site being anal? I know Duffy is very experienced with audio and may even be willing to take a listen for you. I did think of that. This forum is great for professionalism. But. I happen to agree with the volume peak thing. So my plan is... learn how to deal with that and how to level voices in my program, make a new file, and get opinions. That way no one's time is being wasted.
|
|
|
Post by benedict on Dec 6, 2017 21:43:56 GMT -8
Did they give you a spec for loudness and peaks? If they didn't, trying to nail how loud your files are will be a hit-or-miss affair.
I'd be happy to give it a listen, too, so by all means post something up on Soundcloud.
|
|
|
Post by spearcarrier on Dec 18, 2017 2:47:01 GMT -8
My silence has been brought to you by real life. It's 4:44 AM. I am going to answer this if it killz me.
No, I looked around and if there are specs for loudness and peaks I'm either just not seeing them or am stark raving mad. Probably the latter.
I have listened to auditions by others who have put up very good sounding files, but I can't tell if they're as loud as mine or not. Ah, c'est la vie.
Thank you so much for your offer. I'm hoping to have a new file made by the end of the year. I've spent some time learning how to level and do things in Auditon 3.0, and it's time to try to make something better sounding.
Which puts me to the very hard part. Lines for my characters to actually say.
But one thing about the old file is that some of it isn't me recording for it. They're excerpts from actual roles. I am wondering if that effects things negatively.
|
|
|
Post by Bean on Dec 18, 2017 2:57:24 GMT -8
Joining the crowd in saying to post a bit of your work so that we can hear it for ourselves and try to help. Otherwise, we're all just guessing, and you won't get the answers you're looking for!
|
|
|
Post by spearcarrier on Mar 14, 2018 22:47:38 GMT -8
Life took me away - it does that. I'm trying to retire out of my current job (I'm a self-employed cover artist.) but I delayed it in order to help a friend.
If I can find the audio file that was the reason behind this thread, I am going to create a new thread with some questions. I have dome research and can't really find the answers - bearing in mind that my search engine magic seems to be nonexistent. Even if you and I were to use the same search terms, my responses always seem to lack. Who knows. It's crazy.
|
|
|
Post by benedict on Mar 15, 2018 9:26:54 GMT -8
I hope you can find the sample. Looking forward to poking at it and problem solving.
Cheers!
Tom
|
|
|
Post by spearcarrier on Mar 15, 2018 10:21:34 GMT -8
Thank you! I did start a new thread with a link to the file. Here's hoping. :-)
Edit, I do feel the need to add that this will be the 2nd time I've posted a demo reel to this forum. The first was utterly, wholly ignored. I probably stunk pretty badly. ;-)
|
|