VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[zlbenson]

Hello folks, newbie here at the board, and newbie to home recording. Left a radio station recently, but trying to continue doing voice over work. So now I have to get a decent recording set up. So here is where I am at now:

Sterling ST-77 mic - into a Mobile Fast Track Pro - RNC - Adobe Audition.

So far so good, getting decent levels.

The RNC is the new thing for me. And honestly I don't have any audio engineering background. So I am mostly experimenting with the different settings, twiddling the knobs. Mostly I am curious, for those of you who also use a RNC, what settings do you use. I'd like to get an idea what everyone else is using to give myself a starting point for the adjusting.

Thanks! - Zach

[leemccard]

Zach, There are a couple of responses when you search "RNC" here at the BEST site for VO, VO-BB.com! Also, a couple of links, to RNC tips and a link to the manual with suggested settings. Good luck!

http://www.fmraudio.com/FAQ.htm

http://www.fmraudio.com/OtherFiles/RNCQSV0.50.pdf

Lee McCard

[Yoda117]

Most folks using compression while tracking (I don't recommend this, but a lot of folks have used it successfully) usually have it set for soft knee compression. Ratio of 2:1 or 4:1.

also chat with Adam from Mercenary Audio... not to plug one vendor over another, but they've used the RNP as much as probably anybody else, think they had a slight hand in the design as well.

Personally... I track clean (or with light EQ) and apply as requested by client (usually not at all). When I do use it, I just route it out and apply until I hear something I like. Most important tool in your studio is your ears... use 'em!
_________________
Voiceovers by Gregory Houser
Philadelphia based Voice Actor

Blog - A man, a martini, and a lot of microphones

[steveanthony]

I had one for a while. After tweaking, I found hitting the Supernice button gave the best results. It won't sound compressed, but that's the point.

[Edo]

Zach, first of all, welcome to the board! We're all a bit lunatic, but that is a standard VO requirement

From a post-production standpoint, I would want you to add as little compression as possible when tracking. If you fear level problems, then simply reduce recording input. Don't think your audio waveform needs to look flat like a thick 2x4 piece of wood, it's the nice overshoots and sudden peaks that define your voice anyway.

Also be very careful with adding EQ. Which again, is sort of a process when mastering. You can use EQ to artificially make some aspects of your voice stand out from the production music or sound effects or whatever it is you're recording over.

Neither of the processes can be undone, so when a producer wants your voice PLUS all the freedom to make soundwise decisions, you might as well leave all the processing to him as well.

BUT...

If you are doing FULLY PRODUCED stuff, YOU make the decisions. But still, always remember that there's a lot of broadcast processing going on after you've mastered your voice-bit. You might want to take it easy on too heavy compression, for then the station's processing can't cook up its distinctive sound chosen for the statio anymore, and that is something that annoys some of the production guys in charge of hiring you for the job.

When starting to work with new clients, I always ask forst what settings they'd prefer. I used to own a RNC by the way, LOVED it. But still, I always let the unit do only about 2,5-3:1 compression with fast attack. I then moved up a notch (to a very nice couple of preamps) and somebody bought the RNC from me for the new price... an offer I couldn't refuse after using it for 7 months

Good luck anyway, and you're more than welcome to testdrive your audio in the critique section, where we will be tough but always fair! We'd love to help you by commenting on the sound. There's a couple of centuries worth of great experience on this here fine board, and best of it all....

IT'S FREE!!!

We wouldn't however give you a hard time if you throw our beloved board mistress a bone for her unlimited effort to keep this place up and running. You can find her piggybank in the top left corner, but to save you the trouble... just click HERE.


Again, welcome to the board!!

[Yoda117]

I think Edo's hit the nail on the head.

Unless it's specifically needed by client or I'm doing it on my own... no processing of any kind. Let your talent, mic and preamp do the job. Everything else, leave to the engineer.
_________________
Voiceovers by Gregory Houser
Philadelphia based Voice Actor

Blog - A man, a martini, and a lot of microphones

[zlbenson]

Thanks folks! - This is definitely not the first time I've heard to use less and less compression.

I'll upload my old radio prod demo soon, I think I'll dig this board, could use all the help I can get!

- Zach

[Yoda117]

It's a great place to be, that's for sure.

Welcome aboard
_________________
Voiceovers by Gregory Houser
Philadelphia based Voice Actor

Blog - A man, a martini, and a lot of microphones