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...
info_outline 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...
info_outline 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...
info_outline The Evolution of the TRi Booth: Designing a Portable Voiceover StudioThe 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...
info_outline 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...
info_outline Austrian Audio Hi-X 20s Headphones ReviewThe 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...
info_outline The Future of Voice Licensing: AI, James Earl Jones, and the Ethics of Voice ReplicationThe 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...
info_outline The Ultimate Audio Mix-Off & Austrian Audio GiveawayThe 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...
info_outline Voiceover Essentials with Jim Edgar (Part 2) – Advanced Techniques and TroubleshootingThe 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_outline Voiceover Essentials with Jim Edgar (Part 1) – Mastering Your Home Studio SetupThe Pro Audio Suite
In this episode of The Pro Audio Suite, we’re joined by Jim Edgar, a seasoned voiceover expert known for his work with Twisted Wave and his extensive experience in the voiceover community. Jim dives into the essentials of setting up a professional home studio, offering valuable insights into audio gear, microphone techniques, and troubleshooting common sound issues. Whether you're new to voice acting or looking to refine your audio setup, this episode covers everything from the importance of room treatment to key tools like Twisted Wave that can streamline your workflow. Jim also shares...
info_outlineThe Sennheiser 416 has become an industry-standard tool. Being a “shotgun” mic (or in tech terms a super-cardioid) the microphone is really sensitive in a very narrow space, in a line extending straight out from the tip. For this reason, it is often used on film sets where the mic needs to be a little farther away from the actor’s mouth (so it’s not in the frame), and the production team wants to capture the actor’s voice without capturing background noise in the room. These qualities also make it extremely versatile for use in home voiceover studios!
But who first decided a Shotgun would be great for Voice Over, and why is it now an industry standard?
Find out on next week's episode of the Pro Audio Suite.
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..
If you haven't filled out our survey on what you'd like to hear on the show, you can do it here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWT5BTD
Join our Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/proaudiopodcast
And the FB Group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/357898255543203
For everything else (including joining our mailing list for exclusive previews and other goodies), check out our website
“When the going gets weird, the weird turn professional.”
Hunter S Thompson
Summary
In this episode of Pro Audio Suite, we delve into an intriguing story about a paranoid voiceover artist who disliked using the booth, even in a professional setting. His preference to sit in the control area led to an unconventional solution - using a 41 six instead of the customary large diaphragm U87 microphones. This switch, made by one of the floor guys, not only satisfied the artist but also resulted in a unique sound that rapidly became the benchmark for what a voiceover should sound like. Don't miss this intriguing tale about breaking norms and setting new standards in the audio world, only on Pro Audio Suite.
#ProAudioSuite #VoiceoverEvolution #BenchmarkSound
Timestamps
- [00:00:00] Sneak Peek into the Pro Audio Suite
- [00:00:11] Innovative idea from the Brainstorming Floor
- [00:00:22] Emergence of 416 Sound
- [00:00:33] The Character of Voiceover Sound Revealed
Transcript
Speaker A: It's coming up. Coming up next, the Pro Audio Suite sneak peek. The story I heard was not like, I think he was a bit paranoid and he didn't like being in the booth because he thought people were talking about him. Right. And so he wanted to sit out in the control area. That's right. And he couldn't use a normal large diaphragm. Couldn't use a U 87 out there. Yeah. Every damn thing. So one of the guys on on the floor came up with the idea of using the 41 six. That's what I heard. Why don't you use this razor blade to record your voiceover? Yeah, it was probably a 415 or whatever they had at the time. Yeah, probably a T powered 415 at the time. Yeah. So that sound, for whatever reason, better, for worse, it's become the character of what a voiceover sounds like. It's become the word used. Robo, it's a benchmark. Benchmark, yeah. The Pro audio suite. Thanks to Triboos and Austrian audio. Listen now on your favorite podcast provider.