Raw vs. Processed: Navigating Client Expectations in Voice Over Delivery
Release Date: 07/29/2024
AI Noise Reduction: Friend or Foe? Exploring Descript’s Studio Sound
The Pro Audio Suite
This week on The Pro Audio Suite, we dive into the fascinating—and sometimes frustrating—world of AI noise reduction. From Descript’s Studio Sound to Adobe Podcast’s quick-fix tools, we explore how these AI-driven solutions are shaking up audio post-production. What works? What doesn’t? And when do these tools cross the line from helpful to downright hallucinating? Join Robbo, George, Robert, and Andrew as they unpack real-world examples of AI audio gone right—and hilariously wrong. Plus, we talk about best practices for using these tools without sacrificing natural sound. Big...
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And the Winner Is… Pro Audio Suite’s Mix Competition with Austrian Audio!
The Pro Audio Suite
This week on The Pro Audio Suite, it’s time to crown the winner of our epic mix competition in partnership with Austrian Audio! We’re joined by Kurt Richter, the mastermind behind the Hi-X20 headphones, for an in-depth chat about what makes these cans a game-changer. Kurt spills the beans on Austrian Audio’s design philosophy, the evolution from the Hi-X15 to the Hi-X20, and how pro feedback shaped their signature sound. Plus, we break down what set our finalists apart and why the winning mix took the top spot. Was it the perfect timing? The blend? Or that touch of magic that made it...
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Black Friday Bonanza: Gear Deals & Demo Gold!
The Pro Audio Suite
This week, we’ve got a surprise Black Friday Special for you! Forget our usual Tuesday release; today, we’re diving into the juiciest audio deals and some gold-standard advice for voiceover demos. From George sharing insider tips on memberships and exclusive discounts at George The Tech, to Robbo breaking down his Black Friday demo deal, it’s a full table of offers, insights, and laughs. Robert also spills the beans on Source Elements' jaw-dropping discounts. If you’ve ever thought about upgrading your home studio setup or refining your VO game, this is the episode you’ve been...
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Austrian Audio Competition Finalists: Who Made the Cut?
The Pro Audio Suite
In this episode of The Pro Audio Suite, we're diving into the top finalists of the Austrian Audio Mix Competition! With the Hi-X20 headphones up for grabs, we put the spotlight on creativity, production quality, and technical brilliance. Join us as we break down the submissions, highlight standout moments, and get ready to send our top picks to Austrian Audio for the final judgment. Don't forget to check out the latest from our sponsors, TriBooth and Austrian Audio, and grab your exclusive discounts! Topics Covered: Top 10 Finalists for the Mix Competition What Makes a Great Mix: Creativity...
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The Evolution of the TRi Booth: Designing a Portable Voiceover Studio
The Pro Audio Suite
This week on The Pro Audio Suite, we chat about the origins of the TRi Booth, a game-changing portable studio for voiceover pros. George 'The Tech' Whitham breaks down the challenges of creating a booth that balances acoustics, portability, and design. Learn how the TRi Booth came to be, why it uses a triangular design, and the process of optimizing materials for acoustic performance. We also explore the practical implications of using the TRi Booth in hotels and how it handles real-world noise scenarios. Don't miss our discussion on potential rental models and the future of portable recording...
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Exploring Waves Curves Equator – Is AI Changing the EQ Game?
The Pro Audio Suite
In this episode, Robbo, George, AP, and Robert Marshall take a deep dive into Waves' newest AI-driven plugin: Waves Curves Equator. It’s an innovative EQ that analyzes your audio and creates custom EQ curves based on what it “hears.” We break down its features, test it on Andrew Peters' voiceover, and explore how it could change the way we handle EQ. Discussion highlights: How AI EQ works and its real-world applications Robbo’s first impressions using Waves Curves Equator Automating EQ for radio imaging and other applications Will AI-driven plugins take over more of the audio...
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Austrian Audio Hi-X 20s Headphones Review
The Pro Audio Suite
In this audio episode, the team dives deep into the latest offering from Austrian Audio—the Hi-X 20s headphones. Discover how these cans stack up against the Hi-X 15s and 55s and why they might be the perfect choice for voice actors, podcasters, and audio engineers. Hear real-world feedback from Robbo’s wife, Tahnae, and explore the key features that make these headphones a must-have for anyone serious about audio production. Plus, find out how you can enter to win a pair! 🎧 🔗 Giveaway: Enter at 💼 Sponsors: Austrian Audio - Making passion heard Tribooth - Get $200 off with the...
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The Future of Voice Licensing: AI, James Earl Jones, and the Ethics of Voice Replication
The Pro Audio Suite
In this episode of the Pro Audio Suite, the team dives into the ever-evolving landscape of AI and voice licensing, exploring the groundbreaking decision by James Earl Jones to license his voice to Disney. What does this mean for voice actors? And where do we draw the line between legal licensing and exploitation? We also discuss recent lawsuits surrounding AI voice replication, the ethical boundaries of using voices without permission, and what these changes could mean for the future of the industry. The conversation gets heated as Robbo, AP, George "The Tech" Whittam, and Robert Marshall...
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The Ultimate Audio Mix-Off & Austrian Audio Giveaway
The Pro Audio Suite
In this episode of The Pro Audio Suite, we’re excited to announce an exclusive Austrian Audio Giveaway as part of our new Audio Mix Competition! Tune in as Robbo, Andrew Peters, George "The Tech" Whittam, and Robert Marshall share the details on how you can win a brand-new pair of the latest Austrian Audio headphones! 🎧 The challenge? Create your own interpretation of a mix based on the provided stems—no matter your skill level, we want you to have a crack! We're not just looking for pros; we welcome everyone, from casual creators to seasoned engineers, to throw on their headphones and...
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Voiceover Essentials with Jim Edgar (Part 2) – Advanced Techniques and Troubleshooting
The Pro Audio Suite
In Part 2 of our interview with Jim Edgar on The Pro Audio Suite, we dig even deeper into the world of voiceover setups. Jim walks us through the iterative process of improving your recording space, explains why foam might not be the best solution for sound treatment, and provides expert troubleshooting tips for common voiceover issues like mic placement, echo, and hollow sound. We also cover the importance of sound engineers and agents being involved in quality control and how to continually refine your space to stay competitive in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting,...
info_outlineThe Pro Audio Suite - S7 EP29: Processed Session Audio
Welcome back to The Pro Audio Suite! In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of processed session audio and the importance of proper audio handling during recordings. Join Robbo, Robert, George, and AP as they share their experiences and insights on managing audio quality in various recording scenarios.
Episode Highlights:
- Session with a "Processed" Actor: Robert recounts a session with an actor who claimed to have no processing, but the audio told a different story.
- Importance of Proper Gain Staging: Tips on managing preamp and output gain to avoid unnecessary compression and maintain audio integrity.
- Challenges of Compression in Voiceover: The team discusses how heavy compression affects natural sound and the listener's experience.
- Audio Quality in National Commercials: The state of audio production for television commercials and the shift towards lighter processing.
- Mixing Techniques: Debates on mixing into a compressor versus post-mix compression and their impacts on the final audio product.
- Client Expectations and Audio Delivery: Navigating client expectations regarding raw and processed audio and the importance of clear communication.
Key Takeaways:
- Identifying and addressing hidden processing in recorded audio.
- The significance of maintaining proper gain staging during recording sessions.
- The effects of heavy compression on voiceover performances and how to achieve a natural sound.
- Understanding client terminology and ensuring clear communication about audio expectations.
- Practical mixing techniques to enhance audio quality without over-processing.
Join us for an episode filled with expert advice, real-world examples, and lively discussions. Whether you're a seasoned audio professional or just starting out, you'll find valuable insights to improve your recording and mixing techniques.
Resources Mentioned:
- Tips for Managing Audio Compression
- Recommended Gear for Voiceover Recording
- Understanding Client Terminology in Audio Production
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- Check out our sponsor, Tribooth, for the best vocal booth solutions.
A big shout out to our sponsors, Austrian Audio and Tri Booth. Both these companies are providers of QUALITY Audio Gear (we wouldn't partner with them unless they were), so please, if you're in the market for some new kit, do us a solid and check out their products, and be sure to tell em "Robbo, George, Robert, and AP sent you"... As a part of their generous support of our show, Tri Booth is offering $200 off a brand-new booth when you use the code TRIPAP200. So get onto their website now and secure your new booth...
And if you're in the market for a new Mic or killer pair of headphones, check out Austrian Audio. They've got a great range of top-shelf gear..
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“When the going gets weird, the weird turn professional.”
Hunter S Thompson