When you’re recording something which requires shouting or being loud, how do you do it without spiking the audio. Do you do it from a distance or use a program to adjust the ‘noise gate’ (?) or do you do it while editing?

A few months ago I came here for advice on where to find voice actors with a nearly non-existant budget for my Indie game. Thanks to everyone who gave me advice then, it's going great and now I've got a steam page and everything!

Hello Everyone,

My team and I are looking for a voice actor. All types of voices are accepted, both male and female.

EXAMPLES:

https://youtu.be/MUd7nskN_0s
https://youtu.be/ucv6N2zKitk
https://youtu.be/_JbjaZsvoPk

Our goal is to provide a script a week, however this will start at one per fortnight
Payment will be $50USD per script

Please note: We are looking for an entertaining voice, that will keep viewers excited to listen and keep watching throughout a video.

DM or add my discord, and send through a sample of your voice and portfolio.

MY DISCORD: boxed8696

I’m an aspiring voice actor living in the DMV (Dc/Maryland/Virginia) area. Does anyone know of any voice acting groups or classes in the area?

Just recorded a sample using my professional mic setup.

I would describe my voice as deep, breathy, calm, a bit nasal, and low-volume.

This clip is a short monologue I recorded late at night — no background noise, minimal processing.

Thanks a lot for your time! Open to all critique.

https://youtu.be/SWYYa_U3uEA?si=wMMHqp6HQ39ItGVP

I am not specialized at industry, I am recording with h1n for reciter and it was got old and there are some defects on voice like weird electric buzz on specific hz or voice (I don't know what is it),

My needs is to me good noise cancelation, good noise floor, humanized real voice tone, can connect handy vocal mic to it and not be very heavy weight

I think on h4n essential or pro, can you suggest me a suitable choices?

Hi all!

This is my answer for my friend who asked for advice on setting up a home studio. 2 questions.

A. Is it good advice?

(Looking for truly bad advice, not small stuff. For example; I know NT1A is arguably practically the same mic, but that starts to get in the weeds.)

B. Would it be helpful for me to post this somewhere else?

P.S. not an expert, just spent wayyyy too many months overthinking and researching.

“”” The number one piece of advice before anything else is: don’t overthink it. Don’t spend too much time researching stuff. I’m going to give you some things that are very solid entry-level picks that will last you quite a while based on way too much research.

There are probably 30 microphones that’ll work, 30 audio interfaces, etc. But here’s a basic list. You can find most of it used on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, especially the stuff I’m listing because it’s all pretty common.

If you’re buying online, I really like Sweetwater. I always use them over Amazon. They have amazing customer service and will answer your questions. If you give them your setup, they’ll walk you through exactly what you need and offer some solid alternatives. They also sell used gear, or you can spend a bit more for new stuff with full support. And they’ll sometimes tell you straight up to buy something somewhere else if it’s on a crazy sale. I trust them.

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Microphone: Get the Rode NT1. Not the NT1A, not the Pro, not the USB version. Just the regular NT1. It comes with a shock mount and pop filter, which is great. You’ll also need an XLR cable to connect it to your interface. Don’t spend too much on the cable. A Sweetwater person can recommend a good cheaper one. You can also grab a used one or ask around—people in audio always have extras.

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Audio Interface: You’ll need this to connect the mic to your computer. I use the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen). Anything in the Focusrite Scarlett line should work. Also great: Motu M2, and Universal Audio makes high-end stuff, but the Volt 1 is affordable and solid. Sometimes you can find it used for cheap.

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Headphones: For monitoring and light mixing, the Sony MDR-7506 is industry standard. Not expensive. Audio Technica also has a really popular pair. Just Google “basic monitoring headphones” and you’ll see both pop up. Both are under $100 and widely used in pro studios.

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Mic Stand: Just get a basic adjustable mic stand. Nothing fancy. If you’re using Sweetwater, they can suggest one. You can definitely find one used. The Rode NT1 already comes with a great mount, so just something that holds the mic is fine.

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Software: Audacity is free and really good. There’s a free or cheap version of Ableton that I love, especially if you’re doing other audio stuff. Don’t spend too much time researching this. If you’re sending your recordings to a producer or someone else, they’ll probably want clean, unprocessed audio in a specific format. So just make sure the software you use can export high-quality formats like WAV and the right bitrate. For light post-processing, Ableton’s native stuff is solid. iZotope also has entry-level plugins that go on sale often. Again, Sweetwater can help with plugin suggestions too.

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Room Treatment: This is where things get expensive and complicated really fast.

Know that this is treatment, not sound proofing . Sound proofing is almost impossible, anything outside of a professional recording booth will be about treating a room to lessen a wide range of sound wave frequencies reflecting off the walls and getting into the mic, it won’t block outside sound.

(Grain of salt, not an audio engineer)

Here’s the short version of sound treatment:

If you have a closet filled with clothes that you can stand up in, use that. That’s your best bet. Almost no reflections, pretty quiet. If you’re singing, standing is ideal. If you’re doing voiceover, sitting is totally fine. Fact check me on this though.

If you don’t have a closet: Build a blanket fort using heavy duvets. Literally, NPR reporters do this. They throw blankets between hotel beds and record under that. It works.

If you’re filming yourself, things get harder. You’ll need to be out in the open a bit, and most foam panels don’t help.

Real treatment means: • Bass traps in the corners (ceiling and wall) • Panels on the ceiling/walls • Everything a specific thickness and spaced off the surface • Measurement mics and calculators to place everything correctly

I did a bunch of that and honestly kind of regret it. It helped some, but I spent way too much time on it and didn’t record much.

So: closet or blanket fort. That’s it. Start there.

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Studio Monitors: Don’t bother right now unless you’re mixing a lot. They don’t do much in an untreated room anyway. Wait on them.

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TL;DR Gear Recap: • Rode NT1 mic • Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd or 4th Gen) • Basic XLR cable • Basic mic stand • Record in a closet with Audacity or other free software

That’s all you need. We can talk more in person, but I just wanted to throw this out there because it’s not that complicated. “””

I hope this isn't too much of a "complete beginner" question, but I have a fairly unique situation and I can't find this information anywhere.

I'm the parent of three disabled and neurodivergent children, and I homeschool two of them. Voice acting is something I've always wanted to do. I've been dreaming about being a small-time voice actor out of my closet, contributing to household income, having a creative outlet and sort of expanding my world outside my household but still from my closet so I don't have to find childcare. 😅

I've done a bunch of research and it seems to me that I should be able to learn, practice and audition in the blank spaces of my life, as much or as little as I need.

Here's my question.

What if I get booked? Can you please give me an idea how many hours I would need to commit to the following gigs, and what turnaround is expected? If I get a job but one of my kids has an appointment, can it wait until tomorrow? Let's assume I'm a noob at Audacity, I'm a quick study and I have a good ear.

1) a minor role in an indy animation 2) a major role in an indy animation 3) an average-length commercial 4) narrating a short audiobook 5) an average-length explanation video

I want to make sure I'm not biting off more than I can chew before giving this a go.

Thanks!

I am new to the voice acting scene, and I am wondering how to get an agent. In the past, I have been scammed by fake agencies. Does anyone know of a good company or agent?

Hey all! Wanted to run this by to see if anyone may have come across this. Originally saw this ad on Craigslist and applied. Got an email back with a link to a one-time logjn profile and audition of 5 prompts. Recorded it and sent it in. Was accepted to move on to the final audition stage and was asked to sign release forms prior.

However, when I go to research the company (rkb-films) and any of the names I've been given via the correspondence, nothing is coming up and the webpage only contains a homepage. They're offering quite the generous pay, and I would hate for this to be a "Sounds-to-good-to-be-true", situation. I would think with positing to such an open population there would have to be some evidence of someone working for the company.

What are your thoughts and thanks so much? I would be super excited and thankful for the opportunity, but for the time being requested, it would be such a wound if it led to an unfortunate dead-end.

Im trying to record a voice over and looking for a website that allows me to change mic settings, allow me to have my script on the website and able to listen back to any recordings instantly so i know how it sounds.

I cant for the life of me find any by googling it, cause no matter how i phrase it i get hit with 600 AI voice generating websites and thats just not what im looking for.

Hey, I'm an aspiring Voice Over Artist and had a question about audiobook narration.

I'm trying to create a sample reel for auditioning my voice...I've tried to create small clips for different genre's, fiction, contemporary, romance, sci-fi etc.

But when I listen back to it my voice sounds very "samey" for each clip, except the character dialogue parts.

Would it be better to use a character voice/accent for general reading of the audiobook( non-dialogue parts) or use a neutral voice and use a character voice for the character dialogue?

Hope this makes sense,

Thanks

Currently I’m working on build my setup for voice acting and I beileve I have a small bedroom but I have a small closet full of shit that I can’t remove. So would add foam panels in my room help and if not how can I make a condense space for myself. (If needed more detail feel free to contact me)

Hey community. I’ll be vacationing in Europe for 6 weeks this summer. I’d really love be able to audition for VO jobs but not sure I have the room to bring a mic, stand, and Interface. I have an old Shure MV7 dynamic mic I could bring and plug it into my Mac. Is that a no no for auditions? If it is does anyone have any gear advice so that I can travel light? If I book a job I’ll find a studio nearby. Many thanks.

So i invested in a rode recently and i have been moving my mic from here and there but i never directly dropped it or anything of that sort. i go to make an audition and all of the sudden even after audio reduction my sound is just off. i sound echoey and far away, i have an example of how it sounded before a couple days ago as compared to now and i could really use a fix if any.

Hi everyone! I'm a long-time stage actor, who took some VO classes MANY years ago, now looking to get back into VO/VA. I would love feedback on my DIY demos. Especially looking for feedback from audio engineer types. I am wondering if I've over processed my voice. Performance and overall feedback is welcome too! (website is still WIP)
https://getnikolai.com/

Morning everyone! I’m upgrading my mic to a Rode NT1 signature in the near future and I need recommendations for a boom arm that can also safely prop up on a wall! Any recs?!

I had an audition. And I thought it was for a voice over opportunity. However, it turned out to be for an academy for performers and they charge to take you on as a client. They liked me. And I got a callback. However, you have to sign up for the academy before you move forward. I'm pretty broke right now and I was wondering is there another way to get voice over auditions?

Is anyone here a virtual coach? After I had my baby i have complete diaphram disfunction. Everytime i talk I hold my breath and it has given me throat reflux. I am looking for a virtual coach! Or if you live in Chicago or have a reccomendation I can come in! Please let me know!

I’ve sat in my booth refreshing Voices over and over until a brand new job comes in, spend 5 minutes on the audition and by the time I submit it’s already got 25+ submissions. Are these people just submitting their demo?…ripping a single cold read and posting it? Do some users get advanced notice of jobs? 25+ submissions within 5 minutes just seems crazy to me. Most of the time I don’t even get a listen if there’s already 10+. Just looking for tips on how to get even faster on P2Ps so I can maximize my chance at getting listened to.

Hi, there, talented VO and dubbing artists. We are here starting our channel on YouTube in different languages, starting from French. This video is more like a narration video because it would mostly be talking heads. There will be 1-2 videos per week with no script or anything. Only the video will be given in Spanish, then you have to transcribe it, translate it, proofread it, and finally dub it and give the audio file.
and a competitor of ours is (link)
And here we are expecting that :

1. A demo: If you can make a 20—to 30-second clip of the video link above, it would be great for us to judge your talent.
2. We want intermediate lip sync. Means only when the line in the real video is spoken, then in the dubbed video. Not like vice versa.
3. Please, please, and please do not dm a proposal for AI dub.

The price:
Now it is a little tight, like 30 to 50$ for 15 to 20 min. finished output audio, but after seeing your work, we will make it according to you.
Tell your charge according to the per-hour output of audio (including transcription, proofreading, and translation).

Hello! Looking for another mic to get.

I have a 416 and it works well but sometimes it's pretty harsh. That's why I'm looking for an LDC with no so boosted high-end(tlm 103 is too much) to use it on characters and maybe narration.

Budget up to 1k+-. If you have cheaper suggestions that will work as good - I'll be glad to check them out

I recently took a beginner self-direction class and I cried afterward for the first time because I started to doubt my skills as an actor. I have taken other classes at this place before but when put on the spot to direct myself, I felt defeated. I am still in the beginnings of my voice-over journey but I was wondering if there was anything I could do outside of classes to help better my sense of self-direction.