VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

BenWils

Saw this on another more radio oriented board that a friend directed me to. Thought it would be fun to here to see what people are currently using and how it sounds.

If you care to share:

What mic are you using now...and through what pre or board? Can you provide a link to brief sample of you speaking through your chain? Also, let us know what processing/settings you are using if possible.
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Ben

"To be really good at voiceover, you need to improve your footwork and hip snap."

Jeff McNeal · Guest

So... why not get the ball rolling, Ben? What's in yours? Where's your sound sample? Or do you not fall into the category of "care to share"?

Heh. Sorry. But the question just begged to be asked. I'm sure it was just a simple oversight. Or perhaps one of those "show me yours and I'll show you mine" type deals.

BenWils · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:19 am Post subject:

Great idea, Jeff. 416 into a Red 8....into a Digi002 bypassing the onboard pre-amps. Running a tad of EQ bump at 2-3k with a roll off at 30Hz or so. Using Waves Ren Vox and then a little more on the end with a Massey limiting plug to bring to a better level since I track at lower levels these days. Anyone via ISDN or those who wants dry voice only get just the dry voice out of the Red 8.

Here is me saying just about the same thing and with some script I grabbed to read as well. Exciting stuff....excuse the uninspired, off the cuff delivery:

Ben's Voice Sample

Now post yours if you care to share.
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Ben

"To be really good at voiceover, you need to improve your footwork and hip snap."

Jeff McNeal · Guest

Hey Ben,

I don't mean to be coy, but my audio chain is in a constant state of flux. After all, I still have rack space available.

Besides (and this should probably go without saying), my charter membership in the North American chapter of the Secret Society of Sound Sorcerers precludes me from providing intimate details about my vocal chain, settings, etc., in a public forum. Somebody could get hurt.

But here's a fairly recent example of one variation.

Congrats to you on what sounds like a great setup!

BenWils · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 10:03 am Post subject:

Thanks, Jeff. Mine changes as well and will change in the near future. This is where I am at now and what works best for my voice, since you asked. i think you have shared before what you are using...so the only thing we're missing is the sample of you just talking on it. Don't be afraid, I received special permission from SSOSS for you to release a sample. LOL.

I will say the thread that I saw on the radio forum I mentioned earlier was quite large filled with all kinds of samples of audio chains from imaging people, to affiliate/promo people and some big names too. Maybe they were lying...but interesting none-the-less.
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Ben

"To be really good at voiceover, you need to improve your footwork and hip snap."

BenWils · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 10:06 am Post subject:

Okay, I would not share that chain either, Jeff. Killer stuff. Perhaps I will sound like that in 10 years or so. I am still a young pup though.
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Ben

"To be really good at voiceover, you need to improve your footwork and hip snap."

Jeff McNeal · Guest

In all seriousness, Ben, my tools change to suit the type of read I'm doing. Sometimes I'll reach for a different mic - other times I'll go with a different pre - other times I'll add or decrease compression, etc. There is no "one" setup or setting that I use. For the sake of illustration, here's a very different read of mine that somebody posted on Youtube, that sounds nothing like the example I provided above. Two different styles, two different audio chains. It's complicated. It doesn't have to be, but I'm a little obessed, I guess. For me, the tools become a part of the performance. Y'know, "the right tool for the job" axiom.

Different sound example

Deirdre · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 11:11 am Post subject:

Here's one entry:

ElectroVoice RE20 (hi pass)
into an analog Symetrix 528 (Mic gain at full, output gain at +10, gate set thus:comp threshold +7, exp threshold -25, ratio +2.
de-ess freq at 6K, range at -9. I don't usually use the de-esser, but I've been trying it out recently)
Thru a plain channel on my Mackie 1202 VLZ (no EQ)
Thru my M-box 1 bypassing the pre's.
ProTools on a Mac G4 lappy.

Here's what it sounds like.
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BenWils · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 11:14 am Post subject:

I agree with you, Jeff. Different tools for different jobs. My chain changes for the different types of work I do as well. I probably don't have as many tools as you though. My other pre/channel strip is a V Hobo Tounge

. More to come later down the road.

Very nice clip on the second one. Next time I am out to LA, I will listen for you on the tube.
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Ben

"To be really good at voiceover, you need to improve your footwork and hip snap."

Jeff McNeal · Guest

Sounds great, Deirdre. You sound like you're in the same room with me. Also, looking great in the latest issue of AFTRA magazine. That was a nice surprise.

Deirdre · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 12:05 pm Post subject:

Heh. Thanks! That was a complete surprise, I'll tell ya!
Thanks for the nice feedback about my sound.
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DBCooperVO.com
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Yoda117 · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 12:32 pm Post subject:

steveanthony · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 2:57 pm Post subject:

I experiment with different configurations, but I always seem to come back to a Great River mic pre -> Speck EQ -> Urie LA 4 - DigiDesign 002 Rack -> Intel based PC.

The mics change depending on the project. Long form gets a Shure SM7b with some adjustments to the Great River. I've finally settle on a Charter Oak 528 tube mic (thanks to Edo's glowing review) for everything else.

allensco · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 3:45 pm Post subject:

Okay...I'll play. Here's a sample of my chain.

Lawson L47FET into a Studio Projects VTB-1 Tube Pre w/vintage Mullard 12AX7 tube into a Eurorack mixer into an Echo Mia/Midi PCI card.
Preamp is set up like this....Input gain at 40, Tube Blend at 2 o'clock, Output level at +6. Mic is open all the way, no pads or filters. I do add just a bit of high EQ at 12khz on the mixer.

The first half of the sample is NOT processed...the second half (and you'll be able to tell) is processed. This was recorded yesterday.

Allen's Sample

Craig · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 4:18 pm Post subject:

Nice read Allen.

Anybody ever accuse you of sounding similar to Martin/Charlie Sheen?

cp
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Craig Park
www.parkvoiceovers.com