Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2017 4:45:29 GMT -8
So I have been doing online voice acting for awhile now, and while I am getting more used to the art form, there is one issue I occassionally have when comparing myself to other performers, and that is to do with the pitch of ones voice. I tend to have a medium to medium-high pitched voice, but I also want to try to audition for lower voice tones.
Now I am fully well aware that I won't be completely gravelly as that just isn't my voice, but I hear voice actors in the profession who have a similar natural voice range to be take on roles with deeper pitches.
Other than practicing, which I do whenever I can. Is there any tips/tricks/techniques people know of to help have a deeper pitch, or even a higher pitch to those who have this issue but in the opposite end, and making it sound natural and not like rubbish?
Much appreciated!
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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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duffyweber
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I Am A(n): Professional Voice Actor, Semi-Professional Voice Actor, Audio Engineer
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Post by duffyweber on Apr 25, 2017 16:03:36 GMT -8
Brittany Ann Has it right. Although, as someone who does bass characters, I can add a couple things to that. 1. RELAX. Don't tuck your chin in and croak. Deep voices are all about a relaxed throat. Relaxed chest, relaxed EVERYTHING. Start in your midrange and gently sing, hum, speak, or otherwise work your way down lower. It's easier to relax into it, and warmups help to make it easier to transition to lower registers. Once you hit your bottom, don't force anything lower. Just play with what you've got. More will come naturally. Just don't tire yourself out. 2. Airflow. You don't need as much air or force for bass voices. In fact, that's good to remember for very HIGH voices, too. I finally got the super high-pitched ones easier when I learned to relax like I do for bass voices. The difference is, for high voices, you tend to squeeze just a bit AND relax, and for bass, you need to learn to just RELAX. They'll both sound more natural: hulahulamoocow.com/auditionbin/hilow.mp3 (tiny clips from either end of a scales warmup I did a while back) 3. ****DO NOT**** do "vocal fry" (that croaky grating in your throat that some people confuse for a "deep, gravelly voice") hulahulamoocow.com/auditionbin/vocalfry.mp3 <-- as you see in this example here, it's not even deep. It's just hurting your vocal cords. Finally, some people have the range they're born with, and while expansion is possible, it's not always necessary or healthy. Brittany Ann said it, and I, also, CANNOT stress this enough: If it makes your vocal cords feel tired, sore, scratchy or in any way feel different than normal, then you could be damaging them, not warming them up. Take it from someone who had to have a tube stuck up their nose and down their throat to check out their vocal cords once: DON'T mess around and damage anything. TAKE IT EASY. And have fun with your voice. Your range is your range, however big or small and there's a LOT you can do with that. Cheers and have fun! -Duffy |
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