Audio production

by inserate

Posted: 12 years ago 15 replies

INTERNET MARKETING

Does anyone here have any questions about audio production for videos or podcasts? I have a lot of experience in this, and am happy to share it here. Just hit me up if you have any questions regarding setup, using software, specific plugins, etc. Happy to share anything I know with our community.

#audio #production #recording

pizzatherapy 12 years ago

Ok great:

What do you recommend for a mike set up to record high quality audio.

I am looking for the best bang for my buck.

I use Audacity to edit the audio. But I want to record higher quality audio...

I've got some audio books that need to be recorded...

What's your advice?
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- inserate 12 years ago
  
  You can always buy a USB or Firewire audio interface and a condenser mic, but I recommend you get a Samson USB GoMic. It's only about $50 and it sounds really good. Go on Youtube, and you will find a lot of rave reviews. An audio interface with a mic will clutter up your setup and set you back at least $500, but the GoMic is workable for audiobooks, and its setup is so simple and straightforward.
  
  When you record make sure you record with a high input level that still does not distort. The GoMic is a little sensitive to wind noise / breathing, so I made a little popfilter for mine with an old sock (looks stupid but works great), and that solved the problem. Can't get much more bang for the buck!
  
  Audacity is also great, Reaper is another option (not free, but very cheap).
  
  Hope this helps!
  
  Thanks
  
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pizzatherapy 12 years ago

This does help a lot.

I will check out the Samson USB GoMic.

Now tell me a little bit more how you made the pop filter..please.

I am interested in reducing pops, clicks, breathing and more...

thanks.

Additional Info:

I just checked with Amazon and it is selling for around $40.

If this delivers high quality sound and is really plug and play...this is for me...

thanks again!
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- Brandon Tanner 12 years ago
  
  Regarding pop filters... if you're on a budget, the cheap foam filters will work just fine for your purposes. You can get them at any music gear store for $5-$10. Or, you can use a sock, or any type of soft, thin, porous material you have lying around the house. Just wrap it over the mic, and see how it sounds.
  
  Also, to add to inserate's suggestions... your recording will generally sound more professional and be easier to listen to if you use a compressor/limiter to keep the audio levels even. Most decent audio recording software will have a compressor built-in. If not, there are tons of free VST compressor plug-ins out there (Audacity supports VST).
  
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- rlhurst 12 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by pizzatherapy
  
  Now tell me a little bit more how you made the pop filter..please.
  
  I am interested in reducing pops, clicks, breathing and more...
  
  thanks.
  
  There's a bunch of vids about it...... here's one.
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQTHt--IAAE
  
  Thanks
  
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  I do voice over work... here's a SAMPLE
  
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OutsourceFactor 12 years ago

Guys - breathing noises and other noises will happen with USB mics because they are all condenser mics. If you get a mixer and buy a Dynamic mic you will have far fewer audio problems.
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Kurt 12 years ago

Is it possible to change my voice without sounding mechanical so that people can't tell that my voice is used on other niches?
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- Michael Shook 12 years ago
  
  I am looking for a wp plugin that is an audio player so I can play samples of my audios for the buyers. Do you know of one that is stable and works with a shortcode. The shortcode is a ice to have, I am really looking for one that is stable and that works just by following the instructions. :-)
  
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- stoltingmediagroup 12 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Kurt
  
  Is it possible to change my voice without sounding mechanical so that people can't tell that my voice is used on other niches?
  
  Yes that can be easily done either using any editing software that allows you to change the pitch and other qualities of your voice, or by using additional software that allows the morphing of sound digitally. Usually this is done after your initial recording is complete. We've done it for clients who wanted their voice to sound like God, or the devil, or anything in between. (edit) with a little practice you can manage to have different voices just by "acting". Try it.
  
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inserate 12 years ago

Cool.

Correct, just take the sock, cut off about 3 inches from the toes and put that over the mic. This will rastically reduce noise.

Re: compression / limiting: Make sure you compress no more than a gain reduction of -6 with a long attack, short release and a ratio 4:1. Limiting sounds OK also until about -6db gain reduction. Novices tend to over process often.

All best for your recordings!
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- Brandon Tanner 12 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by inserate
  
  Re: compression / limiting: Make sure you compress no more than a gain reduction of -6 with a long attack, short release and a ratio 4:1.
  
  A 4:1 ratio is generally a good starting point for music, but for voice-only, I've found that you can generally go at least twice that high (8:1), and use a good bit more gain reduction than 6dB, before it will start to sound over-compressed. But it really depends on A) how much dynamic range that you have to work with in the first place, and B) the natural "evenness" of the person being recorded (the more even they project the volume of their voice throughout the recording, they less they will need to be compressed).
  
  If you're using a high-end mic / preamp / AD converter, then you usually won't need to compress very much to get good results. But if you're using a $50 USB mic, then you're going to have to use more compression (relatively speaking) to get decent results.
  
  @ pizzatherapy - just experiment with different compression ratios and gain settings and see what sounds best to you. You'll know you're using too much compression when it starts to sound "lifeless".
  
  My 2 cents, from 15+ years of audio geekery.
  
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Robert Michael 12 years ago

I use a Turtle Beach (they are originally made for gaming, but they also work on PC since it plugs in with a USB port)

As for what model, I have the P11's

Heres a link to them (the P11's) - PS3 Gaming Headset | Ear Force P11 | Turtle Beach

AMAZING sound quality. Check out the video below to see/hear it for yourself.

Sample for warriors for hire service thread -...
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Mrandersen 12 years ago

What software is good to improve my voice? I use Audacity to record, but my voice is not good enough. I am looking at the TV shop voice if possible. haha
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- ochaim 12 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Mrandersen
  
  What software is good to improve my voice? I use Audacity to record, but my voice is not good enough. I am looking at the TV shop voice if possible. haha
  
  LOL, there's no software for that.
  
  delivering in that style usually requires training. the "voice actor" sort. you can watch some fiverr voiceover demo videos and see how they talk, how they deliver words/lines/syllables. mimic it then make it your own.
  
  record it, and critique it. then re-record.
  
  there's no software for that.
  
  good luck!
  
  Thanks
  
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garcarstive 12 years ago

There are many audio production company available for making some good videos. You have to also making some related recording of best music. Audio production used to make recording to good audio and try to record some good music.
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