|
|
Music, Sound, and Audio Technology
V.O. on the Go
By Staff
posted Jul 30, 2009, 13:20 |
|
Click here to get a copy of the September 2008 Edition, so you can read and enjoy all of the excellent articles inside. Check out this article in the September 2008 print edition of StudentFilmmakers magazine, page 40 .
Setups and Solutions for the
Traveling Voice-Over Talent
by Bryant falk
With the continuing progression of
technology in the recording industry,
the 24-hour availability of voice over
talent has almost become the rule rather
than the exception. V.O. talent can be
needed �anywhere� in many ways. From
a narrator in a drama or documentary,
to a corporate industrial or television
host. When I say, �anywhere,� that is
exactly what I mean. One of my V.O.
talents is constantly traveling to third
world countries where setting up a
full studio is very prohibitive if not
impossible. Having V.O. clients caught
in this situation requires research into a
number of portable solutions.
Another big obstacle when
coming up with a portable system
is the technical ability of the talent.
Remember, voice talents have their jobs
because of how they master their craft,
not because of how they push buttons.
So, I�ve gone through a few possible
set-ups a traveling V.O. talent can use
depending on their technical skills and
depending on the situation.
(1) The first is a pro user option.
A laptop loaded with audio
software, a pre-amp/slash
converter to get audio signal into
your computer and a high end
microphone. This coupled with
some remote software would
let you patch into your ISDN at
home, and no one would even
know you are out of the studio!
(2) The second is a derivation of the
first. This one is you recording
directly into the laptop using a
combo USB microphone. Less
equipment to carry but not as
good a quality.
(3) Our third option is with a free
standing recording device.
Some of these devices include
the Yamaha Pockettrak 3G, The
Tascam DR1, or the Zoom H4.
These stand alone recorders
allow you to record on a very
portable platform and then
transfer the files straight into
a computer. Very handy for
emergency pickups.
Two more things to mention is
the room you�re in and the noise in
the room. A space you�re looking to
record in should have as few reflective
surfaces as possible. Soft surfaces or
even uneven surfaces would be more
ideal. (�Uneven� meaning a bookshelf
with books all randomly stacked). The
less reflections the better.
The last issue is room noise. The
quieter the room, the cleaner the
recording! Turn off all A/C and any
other constant noise-making devices
when recording (like the compressor on
a refrigerator). Don�t forget to turn them
back on when your done!
This article may not be reprinted in print or internet publications without express permission of StudentFilmmakers.com.
Bryant Falk has been a producer
and engineer for over 12 years working
with such clients as The Ricki Lake
Show, Coca-Cola, Sports Illustrated,
Valley National Bank, and MTV�s The
Shop. His company Abacus Audio
(www.abacusaudio.com) handles many
aspects of the audio production field
from creative and production to mixing
and final output.
Don't miss another important edition of StudentFilmmakers
magazine which focuses on cutting-edge, pre-production, production,
post production, and distribution technologies and techniques. 1-year,
2-year,
and 3-year
subscriptions available with discounts from the cover price. Back
Issues are also available while copies last. Go to www.studentfilmmakers.com/store
>> |
StudentFilmmakers magazine, the #1 Educational Resource for Film and Video Makers, publishes 12 editions per year. Subscribe today and get this important magazine delivered right to your doorstep every month. Each edition contains high level, educational articles for serious filmmakers and videographers like you - articles including cutting edge, real-world practices, trends, and technology, as well as in-depth inspiring interviews with independent filmmakers and experts.
There is something for everyone in each issue, whether you are a director, cinematographer, camera operator, gaffer, editor, producer, sound engineer, animator, composer, actor, screenwriter, ... With today's technology changes coming faster and faster, we are all students.
StudentFilmmakers magazine would like to hear from you!
Click here to share your comments and feedback about the magazine, monthly editions, your favorite articles, and your favorite topics.
We always welcome and appreciate your Reader Comments. View them here, and send yours to the editors today!
|
|
|