When other voice actors would share their audio and warn in advance how bad it sounded, I would expect to hear horrifically bad mouth clicks, or sibilance that might make my skin crawl. Lo and behold, their audio sounded good. This was confusing until I turned things up - way up.
Unlike many creative disciplines where there are specific mandated guidelines, "Industry Standard" doesn't seem to be that well defined within the confines of voiceover training, recording setups, or deliverables. Navigating that truth is a challenge for every voice actor and narrator.
Like UPS power backup setups, long term archival storage is one of those things that most of us don't worry about until those files are desperately needed. Long term data storage is part of the puzzle that can be easy to overlook. Taking time to think through how to archive your work can be a gift to your future self.
We get hassled by updates all the time. "Nag" screens appear when we start our computers or open key apps. Little text bubbles get in our face claiming there's a new version of our software or operating system. It can make us feel like we're exposing ourselves to grave danger if we don't act swiftly and click the "Yes! Update!" button.
Which computer? A better question would be to ask what needs to be connected in your studio. Solving that challenge may be a more useful guide as to which computer model to invest in. With a docking station and high speed connection, It's a simple step to disconnect the single cord and become completely mobile.
Much of what we experience in the home voiceover studio can knock us off course. Technical issues and unforeseen challenges often conspire to send us off in unexpected directions. Having a solid foundation and workflow can help stay the course.
"Simple" is not the same as simplistic. In our home voiceover studios, we have to balance technical and creative tasks. Simple is strong. It gives us the foundation needed for our tasks.
Where do certain voiceover "Truths" originate? Some may be highly recycled. A salient idea shared in an interview by a knowledgeable VO director or voice actor could get repeated enough until it becomes gospel. And it may continue to be valid. The best coaching advice I received still resonates regularly in my work. It's important to acknowledge teachings that continue to hold truth.
Why do we need any of those extra takes? Is there another assumption which might be undercutting our success? What if we limited ourselves to just one take?
© JustAskJimVO.studio / Jim Edgar
For my VO Services: JimEdgarVoices.com
